Ownership experience E83 X3 2.0d

[MrC986]

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

[MrC986]

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

[MrC986]

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

[MrC986]

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.