Both come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic Steptronic is optional for the 2.5i ($1,275) and 3.0i (no charge).

The X3 2.5i ($30,300) is nicely trimmed with standard features, including the usual power-assisted/memory functions; a four-way adjustable steering wheel; six-way manually adjustable front seats; a competent, 10-speaker audio system; faux leather (vinyl) upholstery; and micro-filtered climate control system. The 2005 X3 2.5i also comes standard with a dash-top storage compartment and MP3 capability for the audio system.

Options can add considerably to the bottom line. The 2.5i Premium Package ($3,700) adds automatic climate control, power front seats with memory, a dual-panel, two-way power moonroof, cruise control, foglights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic headlight control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Maple Sycamore Dark interior trim, storage nets in the front passenger's footwell and the front seats' backrests, upgraded interior lighting, a storage net, attachment rails and a reversible, slip-proof mat for the cargo area, and BMW Assist. All these features are standard on the 3.0i.

The Cold Weather Package ($750) adds heated front seats, headlight washers and ski bag to either model.

The Sport Package ($1,500) for both models includes a sports suspension, 18-inch wheels, 235/50HR18 all-season radials, Shadowline (black) exterior trim, sport front seats and a sport steering wheel. Each model gets unique wheels.

The 2005 X3 3.0i ($36,300) comes standard with the dual-panel Panorama moonroof, MP3-formatted audio, rain-sensing windshield wipers; cruise control; a leather-wrapped steering wheel hosting cruise and audio controls; automatic climate control; six-way power-adjustable front seats; an on-board computer, tilt-down right-hand outside mirror, fog lights, front and rear reading lights, front footwell lights, visor vanity mirror lighting and front center arm rest and storage compartment.

The 3.0 Premium package ($1,800) includes everything on the 2.5i Premium list plus leather upholstery, four-way power lumbar support for both front seats, auto-dimming mirror and BMW Assist.

Options are numerous and include Servotronic steering ($250), cruise control and leather-wrapped steering wheel with multi-function controls, Xenon adaptive headlights with auto-leveling, front foglights, Park Distance Control, unique 18-inch wheels and high performance tires, and much more.

Safety features include two-stage frontal airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and curtain airbags for front and rear seat head protection, all standard. Adaptive brake lights signal the urgency with which the driver has pressed the brake pedal. Optional: rear door-mounted side-impact airbags ($385). The X3 comes with good seat belts. Wear them. They're your first line of defense in an accident.