The 2009 BMW X-3 is the smaller of the two BMW SUVs. or SAVs (Sports Activity Vehicles) as BMW chooses to call them. So many of the manufacturers have gone to a similar situation. At BMW it is the X-5 and the X-3, at Acura it is the MDX and the smaller RDX and at VW it is the Torareg and the smaller Tiguan. The X-3 is a nice smaller vehicle for the people that want some room but don’t need the room and the power of the bigger X-5. The X-3 is quite a little less expensive and does beter on fuel unless you get the X-5 Diesel. The X-3 starts at $39,700 a fully loaded one goes for just under $50,000. This is an all wheel drive vehicle. That is not cheap by any means but the X-3 is a lot of vehicle. The 2009 BMW X-3 uses the same smooth running 3.0 liter in line six cylinder that is used in many of their vehicles. Why mess with a good thing I guess. It is a dual overhead cam (DOHC) 260 horsepower 24 valve in line six cylinder with a composite magnesium/aluminum block, Valvetronic, and double VANOS steplessly variable valve timing. It has electronic throttle control and a dual resonance intake system., It comes standard with a six speed manual transmission, but their is a six speed automatic available.Like all BMWs, the 2009 BMW X-3 has all the latest features to make it handle, ride, and stop better. Of course the xDrive all wheel drive system is standard equipment and really comes in handy when we get those winter snowstorms and you just have to get up to the slopes for your skiing fix. Alsstandard are Dynmic Braking Control, Hill Descent Control, Engine speed sensitive power steering, front and rear anti-roll stabilizer bars and 4 wheel ventialated anti-lock brakes with Dynamic Brake Control.The X-3 is a five passenger vehicle but when you fold down the rear seas you have 71 cubic feet of cargo space and with a little plannning, you can get a whole lot of stuff in the X-3. EPA mileage rating is 16/23 for the six speed manual and 17/24 for the six speed automatic. They have improved the automatics so much recently that they actualkly get better mileage than the manual transmissions. That depends a lot on the driver. I still think I could get better mileage with the manual as long as I didn’t hot rod it.The X-3 comes standard with 17″ wheels and tires. I like tha available sports package which has a little sportier handling and it comes with 18″ tires and wheels and 235/50 all season tires. There are several optional packages you can add. I would definitely recommend the cold weather package which includes heated front and rear seats and the retractable headlight washer system. I would want the premium sound system with DIgtal Sound Processor AM/FM stereo MP3/CD audio system with 8 upgraded speakers, upgraded amplificaton, vehicle speed sensitive equalization and auxiliary imput adapters compatible with portable players. It is also pre-wired for satellite radio.The 2009 BMW X-3 comes in ten colors with two colors of leatherette seating and 4 colors of Nevada Leather seats. My p reference would be the Vermillion Red Metallic with the Sand Beige Nevada Leather interior. The Montego Blue with either the Oyster or Black Leather would make a nice looking outfit too.BMWs are not cheap but if you can afford one they are a blast to drive, even the SAVs and they are great cars if you take car of them. Most of the dearlers have great customer service and great service departments to keep your Bimmer is top condition. Take one for a test drive and see for yourself why they are called The Ultimate Driving Machine, Category:Home › Autos • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 2 • You should never use after-market auto parts when maintaining or fixing your car • Should a new car be rust-proofed? • Will the trend toward economy-size car models lead Americans back to buying smaller-sized cars? — part 1 • Five safest cars in North America • How to ensure your teen drives safely after getting a license • Pros and cons of using an hydrogen generator for your car • DIY automotive maintenance: How to change the oil