Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

BMW X3 SUV (2004-2010)

"BMW’s X3 is aimed at families who want the practicality and security of an off-roader in a comfortable, compact, easy-to-drive package."

Carbuyer Rating

3.3 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.5 out of 5

Read owner reviews

Pros

  • Prestigious BMW badge
  • Efficient and smooth diesel engines
  • Spacious boot

Cons

  • More expensive than the competition
  • Firm ride
  • Starting to look dated

With its dramatic looks and spacious cabin, the X3 is a desirable alternative to the likes of the Land Rover Freelander 2. The BMW badge on the bonnet, spacious boot and interior, plus crisp handling make it a worthy choice for anyone who puts driving enjoyment at the very top of the agenda. Engines are a real highlight, as the diesel-only line-up is clean and efficient. Only firm suspension and average interior build quality mark the car's appeal down, but overall, it's still an attractive package.

Advertisement - Article continues below

This generation of BMW X3 was replaced in 2013 with a new model which we've reviewed in full.

MPG, running costs & CO2

The xDrive18d diesel is the cheapest to run

This is where the X3 comes into its own, as it's very cheap to run for a 4x4. The excellent diesel engines are highly economical. The entry-level xDrive18d diesel is the cheapest to run and the best value, as it returns an average of 45.6mpg and has emissions of 165g/km so it costs £155 a year in Road Tax. The more powerful diesels are costlier to buy and run.

Engines, drive & performance

Diesels are well suited to towing

None of the engines offered in the X3 line up are short on power, so you won't be left wanting for extra performance as you pull away from the traffic lights. There's a choice of four turbocharged diesel engines - the 143bhp 2.0-litre xDrive18d, 177bhp 2.0-litre xDrive20d, 218bhp 3.0-litre xDrive30d and the top-of-the-range 3.0-litre twin-turbo xDrive35sd with 282bhp. All of these units have low-down urge that makes them ideally suited to carrying heavy loads.

Interior & comfort

Avoid choosing sport suspension... It's very firm

The downside to the BMW's good handling and ability on and off-road is its firm ride. A stiffer sports suspension package is available, but we'd steer clear of that, because the X3’s suspension already feels stiff enough. It's good to drive on winding roads, but that really comes at the expense of the bone-shaking ride.

Practicality & boot space

Big boot is impressive for car's size

There’s loads of room for driver and passengers in the X3. It almost makes its big brother - the seven-seat X5 - seem a bit short on space. The boot is big, too - there's 480 litres of space with the rear seats upright, which is impressive for a car of this size. It's very easy to load, too, thanks to the one-piece tailgate and smooth load lip. There are plenty of storage spaces and cup-holders in the front of the cabin, as well as a large glovebox.

Reliability & safety

Overall it is extremely well built

We have come to expect top quality from BMW, and in the main, the X3 doesn’t disappoint. Overall it is extremely well built – but there are areas of concern. The dashboard is covered in top quality soft-touch plastics, but some of the trim used on the doors, steering wheel and centre console are less impressive. Overall, however BMW has a strong reputation for toughness, so you can buy with confidence. The car-like handling offers security, although the X3 only scored four stars in its Euro NCAP crash test.

Price, value for money & options

The X3 is expensive to buy

With a starting price of over £28,000, it's difficult to describe the X3 as value for money. Not only that, but the BMW's biggest rival, the Land Rover Freelander 2, starts at £21,875 - and it's a more modern and accomplished car. The BMW badge on the bonnet works in the X3’s favour, though, as it adds a level of desirability for buyers, so it’s likely to cling on to its value well as a result.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

BMW X3 review – a good-to-drive premium mid-sized SUV (2018-2024)
BMW X3 SUV
In-depth reviews
17 Jul 2024

BMW X3 review – a good-to-drive premium mid-sized SUV (2018-2024)

Have You Considered

Vauxhall Grandland review – better than before and available as an EV
Vauxhall Grandland front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
9 Oct 2024

Vauxhall Grandland review – better than before and available as an EV

Lexus RZ SUV review
Lexus RX 300e front quarter
In-depth reviews
1 Oct 2024

Lexus RZ SUV review

Most Popular

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
1 Oct 2024

New Skoda Elroq revealed! Family EV gets 355-mile range, costs from £31,500

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less
Skoda Elroq front quarter
News
4 Oct 2024

Like the new Skoda Elroq? Our alternative picks cost over £10k less

The best-selling cars in the UK 2024
Best-selling cars in the UK 2024
Best cars
4 Oct 2024

The best-selling cars in the UK 2024

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024