Canadian 2006 X3
 

This just in to me via phone from BMW.

The X3 2.5 will continue on unchanged in 2006, in Canada, with the exception of revised panels and bumper painted to match the body. The engine will be the same 184 hp unit as 2005.

That's pretty much the news I was expecting to hear. They weren't about to drop their biggest seller, despite what is happening in the U.S. Smart (lucky) decision in light of the recent increases in fuel prices.

BMW Canada Update Website
 

The website for BMW Canada was just updated today. The changes to the X3 are the following.

Specs:
Both the 2.5 and 3.0 models continue with the same specs as 2005.

Pricing:
Consistent with 2005 pricing.

Body Trim:
The exterior of the 2006 2.5 is unchanged from 2005.

On the 2006 3.0, trim has changed to body matched front and rear bumpers. The plastic rocker panel and fender trim is unchanged from 2005.

2006 X3 2.5
http://mars.walagata.com/w/bpcalgary/2006_25.jpg


2006 X3 3.0
http://mars.walagata.com/w/bpcalgary/2006_30.jpg

I hate it.. our 04 3.0s now look like 06 2.5s? WHat the hell did I pay for?

Time for a bumper swap! :thumbup:

But in '04 when you bought, and '05 as well, the 2.5 and 3.0 looked identical. You didn't have that concern then?

No because there was no distinguishing.. now there is. Bugs me how frequent BMW are doing facelifts now.. 2 years...

I don't like the whole idea of facelifting. Makes you feel worthless as soon as they snap on new headlights and clear signals in a facelift.

What are all those initial 7-Series supposed to do now? The facelifted 7 looks SIGNIFICANTLY different, as does the X3. It's like it's a new model.

I can only imagine the coming differences when BMW facelifts the eyebrowed 5-Series.

No other company does such drastic things. Hell Mercedes installed clear-lense headlights (same shape) and revised taillights (same shape) on their C and S classes as a facelift. Today's C-Classes have much bigger engines, but if you have one of the first-gen C-Classes, you still look like the stuff sold today, not a new car. Also with Audi, they just give a revised grille pattern and special S-Line limited editions as facelifts. Maybe a new engine, but the car looks the same.

Why the hell does BMW have to do this. They also did this silly facelift with the X5s. It's subjective, but I actually don't like the 2004+ look. The headlights have cool new features, but are oversized, and the kidney grilles became magnified by 200%. It's one of those rare cases when I'm happy I have a pre-facelift car.