Ownership experience E83 X3 2.0d
Discussion
I'm in research mode as I consider moving on from my now leggy (159k) Saab 9-3 TID estate & a 06/07 vintage X3 2.0d is floating my boat, especially the M Sport version. I'd looked at the Freelander 2 TD4 HSEs although I prefer the look of the X3 with the M Sport kit & whilst it isn't as accomplished off road, it's not my intention to put a tow bar on it & tow a horse trailer (MrsC can get herself a suitable company car to do that if she pleases 
)
I've read up on the DPF and also the tyre wear/replacement issues & would be interested to hear real life experiences - I'm planning on buying a circa 100k miler and running it for between 50-70k miles, depending on how I get on with it & will drop the oil at half recommended distance to the suggested intervals.
Cheers
)I've read up on the DPF and also the tyre wear/replacement issues & would be interested to hear real life experiences - I'm planning on buying a circa 100k miler and running it for between 50-70k miles, depending on how I get on with it & will drop the oil at half recommended distance to the suggested intervals.
Cheers
helix402 said:
If you must buy a 4 cyl. buy an M47, not N47. Or buy a 6 cyl.
Thanks....I did look at an 08 2.0d and decided it wasn't for me - I'm glad I did now based on the engine issues being reported for that age of car! I'd love a 6 cylinder 3.0d although my usage wouldn't suit it! If necessary I'll have my car remapped for improved driveability rather than getting the 3.0d The 2.0d is a peice of s
t in that car imho, far too underpowered, in the F25 it is a gem, especially when remapped, but the E83 is heavy old unit and the 2.0d just feels terrible.
I bought a 3.0i, and even that struggles somewhat.
As a petrol advocate, I hate to say this, but it has to be the 30d or 35d in the X3, it is the only engine that truly manages to make the car feel special.
The 2.0d also drinks fuel, mate had one for 18 months recently and it was showing 26-33mpg, averaged 29mpg over the 18 months.
My 3.0i averaged 26mpg.
He swapped for a 3.0d and that is averaging 31mpg.
Can't see a single reason to consider the 2.0d, not as reliable, more thirsty, not enough power. I suppose they are probably cheaper? But not even sure if that is the case?
Just buy a slightly older 3.0d or 3.0sd.
t in that car imho, far too underpowered, in the F25 it is a gem, especially when remapped, but the E83 is heavy old unit and the 2.0d just feels terrible. I bought a 3.0i, and even that struggles somewhat.
As a petrol advocate, I hate to say this, but it has to be the 30d or 35d in the X3, it is the only engine that truly manages to make the car feel special.
The 2.0d also drinks fuel, mate had one for 18 months recently and it was showing 26-33mpg, averaged 29mpg over the 18 months.
My 3.0i averaged 26mpg.
He swapped for a 3.0d and that is averaging 31mpg.
Can't see a single reason to consider the 2.0d, not as reliable, more thirsty, not enough power. I suppose they are probably cheaper? But not even sure if that is the case?
Just buy a slightly older 3.0d or 3.0sd.
Probably that the use it would receive (school runs etc) don't justify a 3.0d.
2.0d's are sort of alright but you can buy a much better Nissan/Hyundai/Kia 4x4 for the money. Pre facelift X3's are just ghastly anyway - it has to be a facelift version. The 2.5i and 3.0i petrol autos drive nicely but you need to be careful to avoid getting fked over on road tax.
2.0d's are sort of alright but you can buy a much better Nissan/Hyundai/Kia 4x4 for the money. Pre facelift X3's are just ghastly anyway - it has to be a facelift version. The 2.5i and 3.0i petrol autos drive nicely but you need to be careful to avoid getting f
ked over on road tax.We never wanted a 4x4, but we moved out to the wilds of Cumbria and needed one as we need the ground clearance and soft roader ability together with transport for 3 spaniels.
As a starter my better half likes her 2002 330 auto which she has had for 8 years, so after looking at loads of ropey soft roaders, we saw a cheap 2004 x3 3.0 petrol auto, with 100k on the clock on Autotrader and went to have a look just to rule it out.
It drove really nicely, had a nice spec (Zenons, heated electric seats, nice leather, etc) and was very clean. 7 months in and we are really pleased with it.
It has had a couple of minor issues:
Speed stopped working: ABS sensor £30.
Front windows stopped working: New fuse required.
We picked up a set of BMW wheels with winter tyres that had only done 2k miles for £300 + BMW Dog rack for £50 on the Bay.
Positives:
Wifey loves it (as do I).
It is nice to drive and handles fine with no rattles or squeaks.
No bodywork or mechanical issues.
Uses no oil.
Refined.
Surprisingly capable off road (probably more down to the tyres than anything else). Pic is on the original wheels
Feels like it is solid and nicely built.
Cruises nicely at 75 on the motorway.
It is quite compact, so easy to park.
Sounds nice.
Negatives:
Roof bars need a little TLC.
Uses a lot of petrol, probably averages about 22 mpg compared to the 330 which was closer to 28.
Overall, we both really like it.
As a starter my better half likes her 2002 330 auto which she has had for 8 years, so after looking at loads of ropey soft roaders, we saw a cheap 2004 x3 3.0 petrol auto, with 100k on the clock on Autotrader and went to have a look just to rule it out.
It drove really nicely, had a nice spec (Zenons, heated electric seats, nice leather, etc) and was very clean. 7 months in and we are really pleased with it.
It has had a couple of minor issues:
Speed stopped working: ABS sensor £30.
Front windows stopped working: New fuse required.
We picked up a set of BMW wheels with winter tyres that had only done 2k miles for £300 + BMW Dog rack for £50 on the Bay.
Positives:
Wifey loves it (as do I).
It is nice to drive and handles fine with no rattles or squeaks.
No bodywork or mechanical issues.
Uses no oil.
Refined.
Surprisingly capable off road (probably more down to the tyres than anything else). Pic is on the original wheels
Feels like it is solid and nicely built.
Cruises nicely at 75 on the motorway.
It is quite compact, so easy to park.
Sounds nice.
Negatives:
Roof bars need a little TLC.
Uses a lot of petrol, probably averages about 22 mpg compared to the 330 which was closer to 28.
Overall, we both really like it.
gf15 said:
We never wanted a 4x4, but we moved out to the wilds of Cumbria and needed one as we need the ground clearance and soft roader ability together with transport for 3 spaniels.
As a starter my better half likes her 2002 330 auto which she has had for 8 years, so after looking at loads of ropey soft roaders, we saw a cheap 2004 x3 3.0 petrol auto, with 100k on the clock on Autotrader and went to have a look just to rule it out.
It drove really nicely, had a nice spec (Zenons, heated electric seats, nice leather, etc) and was very clean. 7 months in and we are really pleased with it.
It has had a couple of minor issues:
Speed stopped working: ABS sensor £30.
Front windows stopped working: New fuse required.
We picked up a set of BMW wheels with winter tyres that had only done 2k miles for £300 + BMW Dog rack for £50 on the Bay.
Positives:
Wifey loves it (as do I).
It is nice to drive and handles fine with no rattles or squeaks.
No bodywork or mechanical issues.
Uses no oil.
Refined.
Surprisingly capable off road (probably more down to the tyres than anything else). Pic is on the original wheels
Feels like it is solid and nicely built.
Cruises nicely at 75 on the motorway.
It is quite compact, so easy to park.
Sounds nice.
Negatives:
Roof bars need a little TLC.
Uses a lot of petrol, probably averages about 22 mpg compared to the 330 which was closer to 28.
Overall, we both really like it.
That looks nice. My dad had an early 3.0 auto and it was a nice place to be and a nice drive. I was always a little bit gutted that he didn't tell me when he sold it as I would probably have bought it myself. Now I have an e46 touring but I still like the X3s. They do suffer from BMW cooling system woes though.As a starter my better half likes her 2002 330 auto which she has had for 8 years, so after looking at loads of ropey soft roaders, we saw a cheap 2004 x3 3.0 petrol auto, with 100k on the clock on Autotrader and went to have a look just to rule it out.
It drove really nicely, had a nice spec (Zenons, heated electric seats, nice leather, etc) and was very clean. 7 months in and we are really pleased with it.
It has had a couple of minor issues:
Speed stopped working: ABS sensor £30.
Front windows stopped working: New fuse required.
We picked up a set of BMW wheels with winter tyres that had only done 2k miles for £300 + BMW Dog rack for £50 on the Bay.
Positives:
Wifey loves it (as do I).
It is nice to drive and handles fine with no rattles or squeaks.
No bodywork or mechanical issues.
Uses no oil.
Refined.
Surprisingly capable off road (probably more down to the tyres than anything else). Pic is on the original wheels
Feels like it is solid and nicely built.
Cruises nicely at 75 on the motorway.
It is quite compact, so easy to park.
Sounds nice.
Negatives:
Roof bars need a little TLC.
Uses a lot of petrol, probably averages about 22 mpg compared to the 330 which was closer to 28.
Overall, we both really like it.
Thanks for the replies - I'm now the owner of a early '06 2.0d manual M-Sport as of yesterday. I appreciated the comments about the 2.0 vs 3.0d engine although I don't need the larger engine and hence wanted the slightly more economical engine which will probably be re-mapped for economy at some point.
The first job is to get a new pair of BMW rated rear tyres fitted (now ordered) as they're getting to the stage they need replacing and to prevent any transmission issues and at the same time I'll probably get the alloys refurbished as they have the usual signs of corrosion in places on the backs of the spokes, and the hubs/calipers need a paint too.
I'm also now scouring the web for a used (read 'cost effective') proper dog guard and divider to keep the 'muts' happy when they start travelling in it.
In usual PH fashion, I'll post up a picture shortly although it's got factory Bluetooth, PDC front/rear, full heated black leather, a BMW fitted Ipod link in the glove box and carpet mats and a set of rubber mats.
Thanks for your replies
The first job is to get a new pair of BMW rated rear tyres fitted (now ordered) as they're getting to the stage they need replacing and to prevent any transmission issues and at the same time I'll probably get the alloys refurbished as they have the usual signs of corrosion in places on the backs of the spokes, and the hubs/calipers need a paint too.
I'm also now scouring the web for a used (read 'cost effective') proper dog guard and divider to keep the 'muts' happy when they start travelling in it.
In usual PH fashion, I'll post up a picture shortly although it's got factory Bluetooth, PDC front/rear, full heated black leather, a BMW fitted Ipod link in the glove box and carpet mats and a set of rubber mats.
Thanks for your replies
Helicopter123 said:
I ran an early X3 2.0d M Sport of around a year and it was truly hateful.
Shocking ride, no power, horrific gearing.
The only car I have truly ever despised.
I'm told a six cylinder/auto box would have been better although the ride would still be shocking.
The remap I'm considering will attend to the slight lack of 'go' compared to my 150bhp Saab TID with an increase to circa 190 bhp and a torque increase of about 20% & I'll be watching the EGR for sooting up & will do a preventative clean in the next week, as well as changing all the filters on the car etc. Sadly run flat tyres are the modern scourge for ride quality although my Saab was pretty firm on ride quality.Shocking ride, no power, horrific gearing.
The only car I have truly ever despised.
I'm told a six cylinder/auto box would have been better although the ride would still be shocking.
The Travall dog guards are pretty much unbeatable - and if you keep your eye on ebay and gumtree and so on you'll pick one up within a few weeks for pennies.
Example: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-X3-2004-2010-Travall...
P8AAOSwuxFYztyo
Example: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-X3-2004-2010-Travall...
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