In-depth reviews

BMW X3 SUV (2004-2010): owner reviews

"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."

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by Richard Ingram

28 Jun 2013

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Carbuyer Rating

3.3 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.5 out of 5

Reviews

Owner Reviews

5 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
2 out of 5
1 out of 5

80%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

Electrics (5 cases)
Electrics, Engine (1 case)
Suspension (3 cases)
Other (2 cases)
Engine (1 case)

Review 1 of 41

Tell us what you think about your car?

BMW - oh dear, oh dear! Bought this car on the strength of the design, engine, and assumed brand qualities of image, reliability and prestige - at least two parts of the theory are OK! Since taking delivery of the car from a franchised dealer back in Jan 2012 we have encountered one expensive issue after another. The car was supplied with full BMW warranty that lasted for the first year and then because we had so many problems, the second year warranty was offered to us at a 75% discount. Still the cost was £250. I think that this covered us for a replacement OSF folding mirror and a new multi-changer for the CD player. In the first year we had a new rear window as the heating element had failed, new battery, new fuel tank pick-up (after we were stranded on the M74 with the computer saying quarter full and 71 miles range!), and water leaks occurred into the front footwell - source unknown (chargeable!). In the last twelve months I had to pay for a new sunroof frame, or cassette as BMW call it - unbelievably this was then fitted with the dirty old parts from the original sunroof and no new parts are visible - the cost? £1725 - apparently including discount! In the last few weeks the passenger side mirror has now also failed but of course BMW do not recognise this as a common fault - the cost? £550 including discount! In terms of comfort, space, driveability and overall usability, the X3 is very good. The 3.0 litre petrol engine - absolutely fabulous! Perhaps I would have been better looking at a Kia or Hyundai with lengthy warranty - it does make you wonder why European manufacturers fail to offer such extended warranty periods if their products are supposedly PRESTIGE...

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Has required 3 turbo replacements, engine strip down and clean/decoke and engine caught firn in time we have had this car

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

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Very relasible for the first 4 years of ownership but some suspension troubles recently

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Yes Green thumbs up

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seems to go like a dream

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Yes Green thumbs up

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.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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No issues in 3 years of driving. Faultless

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Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Good overall

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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Lovely sporty 4x4, corners like a hot hatch, has enough space for my family and dog and feels realy at home at high speed on the german autobahn and in the deep snow of the scottish highlands.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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The car is very good overall, it was let down by poor pre-delivery preparation by the selling dealer.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Great car, fantastic road handling, grip in all weather conditions, low on fuel consumption and built to last.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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Very good, makes an excellent family car with loads of room, very economical to run and totally reliable

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Has had its problems with the rear suspension which was costly - complete replacement! Also, particulate filter had to be changed at around 56,000 plus the turbo at the same time - 3 months in the garage and a big bill to follow!!!

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

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I hate to tempt fate, but it has been superb for 20,000 miles

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

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This car is the best combination of on road driveability and off road capability in its class. However, the amount of off road that i do has resulted in more suspension and transmission repairs than i would have hoped for. I should have chosen a diesel as my mileage is far higher than i expected.

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No Red thumbs down

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Does everything very well. 18000+ between services, and minimal problems over 3.5 years 35mpg over 45k miles. Only downside is cost of diesel wrt petrol - differential has sh 35mpg shifted 180 degrees since the rise in popularity of diesel engined cars.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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Very pleased overall. Economical and roomy, will do 45 - 50 mpg motorway driving and 32mpg on 2-3 mile journeys, but good acceleration when needed. Cleans up well even after it has had cement, rubble plaster board etc in it. Excellent in bad weather, even in several inches of snow.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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Reliable, a comfortable drive and handles well. Tows a caravan with ease. Only downer is the cost of fuel and although it is not the most economic its fuel consumption is about average for the type of vehicle. We prefer driving this car to our other car.

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No Red thumbs down

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Excellent value and practical with superb engine

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Ride quality is firm otherwise an excellent vehicle

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Never broken down en route.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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Turbo blown, but replaced under BMW AUC Warranty

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Yes Green thumbs up

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List of faults is long.... Mainly due to poor preparation by supplying dealer - Cooper BMW of Norwich. Water leaking into passenger compartment - rear washer pipe Seat backs loose Suspension components replaced HRW inoperative - Rear screen replaced Interior filthy - had never been valeted on delivery! CD changer replaced - cartridge was jammed in Cigar lighter/ 12 vdc socket not working One of door speakers not working Panoramic sunroof was not closing computer down(?) - this was draining the battery The car was supplied with all the above faults...and more.... Has on three occasions required BMW emergency assistance 1 - Engine management fault (failure of rubber bellows) 2 - Failure to start - (battery replaced) 3 - Broke down on M74 - No fuel (computer showed available range of 71 miles plus gauge showed 1 mark!)

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

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I find my car a very reliable and practical car. It performs well and is economical for the type of car. It is an excellent size and is perfect for my requirements. This car also tows very well.

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Yes Green thumbs up

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.

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No Red thumbs down

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100% reliable and has got to work through 2 years of chaos in the snow without a problem.Running Cost reasonable taking in consideration of the 4x4 drive chain.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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Brilliant

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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Great to drive, tows very well, looks good plenty of space in the boot unfortunately the shape of the rear seats makes it very uncomfortable if carrying three passengers in the rear, also the rear seats are quite firm and not to good on longer journeys. As we have a young child who requires a seat it means we can only carry one additional passenger in the back making the car no longer viable ( shame as everything else is all i would have wanted from a bmw )

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No Red thumbs down

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Good car tax is to expensive and mpg should be better am currently returning 28mpg on mixed driveing routes

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Yes Green thumbs up

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This car has been the best car that i have ever owned ,it has the power mpg and handling to match for a car this size.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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First bmw, usually have audi. very happy with the car wish i could afford the new one. even my wife enjoys driving around so wish it was a bit more economical, still haven't worked out how to use the bluetooth need a week off for things like that. Hope to never have to dig myself out of my street now with a 4x4 and i can watch my neighbours dig there own cars out....

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Yes Green thumbs up

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.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Would prefer auto

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Great car does what it says on the tin Never lets me down great in the snow never been stuck Fast and economical for the size of the engine

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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