2004 BMW X3 2.5i

A concise description of the 2004 BMW X3 2.5i and its factory-default equipment:

Engine and drivetrain
- Contrary to a 2.0L specification, the 2004 X3 2.5i was factory-equipped with a naturally aspirated inline-6 DOHC 24-valve engine (BMW’s M54 family), mounted longitudinally and paired with BMW’s full-time xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The engine is tuned for smooth, linear power delivery and a balanced mid-range torque characteristic of BMW straight-six designs.
- Factory transmission for the North American market was typically a 5-speed automatic with manual shift capability (Steptronic), calibrated to work with the xDrive system for traction and stability across varying conditions.

Chassis and suspension
- Independent suspension front and rear: MacPherson-type struts up front with a multi-link rear setup, intended to balance ride comfort and on-road handling.
- Ventilated front disc brakes and solid rear discs as standard hardware, supported by ABS and electronic brake-force distribution.
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), traction control, and engine drag torque control were standard systems to enhance stability and traction.

Safety and restraint systems
- Front dual-stage airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags were standard. Side-curtain/head protection airbags for front and rear seating positions were part of the factory safety package in most markets.
- Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front seats, and standard child-seat anchorage points (ISOFIX/LATCH) for the rear outboard seats.
- Factory immobilizer and alarm system for theft deterrence.

Exterior features
- Conservatively styled SUV body with short overhangs, roof rails for cargo accessories, and integrated fog lamps.
- Power-adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, body-matched bumpers, and factory alloy wheels (commonly 17-inch on base models).
- Halogen headlamp units standard; automatic lighting and rain-sensing wipers were available depending on market and option package.

Interior comfort and convenience
- Driver-focused cockpit with a tilt and telescoping steering column, multifunction steering wheel controls on equipped models, and an illuminated gauge cluster with onboard trip computer.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control as standard, along with power windows, power door locks and remote keyless entry.
- 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks to expand cargo area; practical cargo floor and tie-down points were standard for luggage management.

Upholstery and trim
- Base interior trim typically featured durable cloth seating; leather upholstery and upgraded interior trims (wood or aluminum accents) were offered in higher option packages.
- Power-adjustable front seats were commonly included; heated front seats and memory functions were typically part of optional packages.

Audio and electronics
- Standard AM/FM radio with single-disc CD player and a multi-speaker system; cassette players were still available in some markets. Steering-wheel audio controls were included on many builds.
- Optional factory packages offered upgrades such as premium sound systems and CD changers.

Factory options and common packages
- BMW offered several factory option packages for the X3 — common ones included Premium (comfort and convenience upgrades), Cold Weather (heated seats, heated mirrors), and Sport/Athletic packages (sport suspension, different wheels, interior sport trim). Navigation systems, panoramic sunroofs, and upgraded leather interiors were also factory options.

Overall
- The 2004 X3 2.5i was positioned as a compact luxury crossover with a smooth straight-six engine, full-time AWD, and a feature set that emphasized a balance of comfort, safety, and driving dynamics. Exact standard equipment can vary slightly by market and production date, and many popular items (sunroof, leather, heated seats, upgraded sound or navigation) were commonly supplied as factory options or part of packages.