Pics of Facelifted X3
 

X3 with the new face as of September 2005 as 2006 model. Is there a major difference? :dunno:
http://bilder.autobild.de/bilder/1/69027.jpg http://bilder.autobild.de/bilder/1/69028.jpg

The only thing I'm detecting is a slightly updated front bumper cover :dunno:

They elevated the bumper lining to give it a more rugged look...I think BMW is looking to completely separate the ideals of the X3 from the X5...the X5 is more of a "people mover" where the X3 is meant to be more a traditional SUV...

:confused: Hmmmmmm....I like the 2004/05 look better. One of the main complaints I hear about the X3 is the contrasty black plastic bumpers. Interesting that they would choose to make it more plasticky in front. Or maybe they have an excess of aero kits and need to move them!

Looks like camoflage cladding to me... Maybe they're painting the bumpers? Maybe I'm dead wrong lol.

It kind of looks like change for changes sake. There's very little to distinguish it from the previous look.

I do find it curious how BMW gets on these wierd decisions to paint or not paint bumpers. As I recall, the E36 initially came with unpainted bumpers and that was supposedly to be more environmentally friendly/easier to recycle the plastic. (I had a Jet Black one so the unpainted bumpers blended okay.) They gave in and started painted, at least partially, the later E36's. I am told that is the reason for the X3 having unpainted bumpers too. It's strange because all other BMW's have painted bumpers? :dunno:

facelift already?

Q: the 05 has the old 225hp 3.0 engine
does the 06 have the new 255hp 3.0 engine?

You would think that they'd reduce the amount of ugly plastic bumper, but instead they increased it by bringing it all the way up to the headlights. I came very close to buying a new X3 3.0 (before before I decided on my CPO X5), but the plastic was too much for me to take.

It was asked if the '06 would have the new engine in it, and according to my BMW rep. he says he has seen the information on the '06 and there is no indication of the engine change - not yet anyways. I would venture a guess that in '07 they would have to just to remain consistant.

As for the new front end, I am hoping that it is not going to remain that way and it's just some plastic cladding - otherwise, ewwwwwww. . .