Is the BMW X3 engine imported or domestically produced?
3 Answers
BMW X3 has both domestically produced and imported versions. Below are the specific introductions of these two versions: Displacement and performance: The imported BMW X3 has a 3.0 displacement, high-end performance, and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds, but the cost-performance ratio is not high. Transmission: Both the imported and domestically produced BMW X3 use ZF's 8-speed automatic transmission, with front four-wheel drive and full-time four-wheel drive. Both use a multi-plate clutch-type central differential lock, and there is not much difference in the chassis. Wheelbase: The domestically produced BMW X3 has a wheelbase increased to 2864 mm, providing more spacious interior space.
I've been driving a BMW X3 for three years now, and this is quite an interesting topic. Whether the engine is domestically produced or imported depends on the specific year. Early models, like those before 2018, mostly came with engines imported from Germany or Austria. However, BMW Brilliance now has its own engine plant in Shenyang, and the newer X3 models use the B48 engine assembled domestically. There's an interesting phenomenon: in my car enthusiast group, those who bought their cars after 2020 can see the 'BMW Brilliance Powertrain' label when they open the engine hood. After localization, the technical standards strictly follow BMW's global system, with no difference in horsepower or fuel consumption compared to the imported versions. So don't get too hung up on the origin—nowadays, eight out of ten X3s on the road have domestically produced engines.
A couple of days ago, I accompanied a friend to pick up the new X3 and specifically asked the 4S store salesperson about this. The salesperson said that all BMW X3 models currently on sale are assembled as complete vehicles at the BMW Brilliance factory in Shenyang, and of course, the engines are also domestically produced. In fact, since 2020, they have fully switched to using domestically produced B-series engines. Previously, some older models did use imported engines. The salesperson even took the initiative to show us a production line video, confirming that the entire engine assembly line is indeed in Shenyang. Interestingly, though, the transmission is still imported, made by Germany's ZF. With domestic engines reducing costs, the terminal price can now be tens of thousands cheaper, but all the essential technologies, like the twin-scroll turbo, are retained. If you're buying a used older X3, you should pay attention to the origin label in the engine compartment.
