2006 X3 2.5 or 3l advice

[Chr1sch]

Hi all

So with a little one arriving imminently the mini has to go...

We need a 5dr with a decent boot and these fit our sub 10k budget, are there any known issues with them or the 2.5 engine?

Wife likes them and they look good value?!

Cheers

Chris

[dufctubs]

Best to go for a 2.0d , the petrol ones are thirsty !

[14-7]

Agree with the above. My neighbour went from a Honda CRV to a BMW X3 2.5ltr petrol. It lasted all of 3 months before he got rid of it due to the poor consumption. He ended up with a newer Honda CRV in the end!

I also know another lad who upon starting a family looked around all of the soft-roaders and again ended up with a Honda CRV.

Why does it have to be a BMW?

[Chr1sch]

It doesn't have to be a BMW but the wife ia very brand aware, rightly or wrongly wouldn't have a Honda...

Thirst isn't an issue at all as she does about 6k a year (our Mini only does low 20's) fundamentally we like the cars but wanted to see if there were any pitfalls?!

She also likes freelander's but reliability seems hugely questionable for circa 06 cars

[Chr1sch]

Anyone?

Dad reckons he's heard something about pourus blocks?!

[Luca Brasi]

M54 engines are generally pretty bomb-proof. Some like to use some oil but nothing serious. Although I wouldn't have one in an X3, pretty thirsty.

[Chr1sch]

Great thanks, that's probably why its cheap but as I said not too concerned re: mpg.

Thanks for the reply!

Chris

[Griff Boy]

Hi Chris,

Ive got a 3.0i sport X3, and find it a great all round car. My wife now uses it as a day to day car and is very happy with it. The 3.0i averages about 24-26mpg in her hands, and she doesnt 'pottle' around in it. So from our point of view not too bad MPG wise..

Ive not many bad things about them, apparently the panoramic sunroof is abit troublesome, and expensive to fix, although Ive got one and its fine, lights the car up inside nicely.

Suspension isnt the most forgiving, and can be hard, but it equals this with handling well and being fun to drive without being too 'mumsy'

Mine has the Aero kit and side steps, which are handy as the kids get a bit older (side steps not bodykit!), but by no means essential.

It doesnt feel as big as an X5 on the road, and is fine to park etc which is why my wife loves it and hates my Cayenne!

Hope this helps.

[Chr1sch]

Very helpful, thanks for that, we are really keen but now need to sell the current car...

[rassi]

If you can, get a 3.0 as running costs and fuel economy is very similar to the 2.5, while being much more lowdown torque and suited to the rather heavy X3.

[Chr1sch]

Great thanks, there doesnt seem to be much of a price difference so I will keep that in mind...