BMW X3's....Any Good?
Discussion
I've now moved my search from decent quickish sub £10k estates and have started to consider the X3.
I'm thinking about the £5-8k diesel with manual gearbox. There are a few 2.0d knocking about about but I'm just wondering of anyone has lived with one? I'm hoping to get some info on faults and servicing/parts costs.
Are they similar to the e46 3 series in terms of running gear?
I'm thinking about the £5-8k diesel with manual gearbox. There are a few 2.0d knocking about about but I'm just wondering of anyone has lived with one? I'm hoping to get some info on faults and servicing/parts costs.
Are they similar to the e46 3 series in terms of running gear?
This possibly isn't a helpful contribution to this thread but what is the attraction of vehicles like the X3 (and X5 and X6 for that matter)?
As far as I can see they can't go off road as they have no ground clearance, expensive alloy wheels with skinny road tyres and no proper 4x4 drivetrain (with locking diffs etc). Compared to a 3 or 5 series touring it is just heavier, slower, thirstier, uglier, worse handling, less spacious and more expensive? I would be fascinated to know why people actually buy them, what am I missing?
As far as I can see they can't go off road as they have no ground clearance, expensive alloy wheels with skinny road tyres and no proper 4x4 drivetrain (with locking diffs etc). Compared to a 3 or 5 series touring it is just heavier, slower, thirstier, uglier, worse handling, less spacious and more expensive? I would be fascinated to know why people actually buy them, what am I missing?
chris182 said:
This possibly isn't a helpful contribution to this thread but what is the attraction of vehicles like the X3 (and X5 and X6 for that matter)?
As far as I can see they can't go off road as they have no ground clearance, expensive alloy wheels with skinny road tyres and no proper 4x4 drivetrain (with locking diffs etc). Compared to a 3 or 5 series touring it is just heavier, slower, thirstier, uglier, worse handling, less spacious and more expensive? I would be fascinated to know why people actually buy them, what am I missing?
We found the increased height makes getting little kids in to there seats quite a bit easier, it wasn't an X3 though sorry OP!As far as I can see they can't go off road as they have no ground clearance, expensive alloy wheels with skinny road tyres and no proper 4x4 drivetrain (with locking diffs etc). Compared to a 3 or 5 series touring it is just heavier, slower, thirstier, uglier, worse handling, less spacious and more expensive? I would be fascinated to know why people actually buy them, what am I missing?
A couple of friends have had mixed fortunes with them, but they all liked them.
chris182 said:
This possibly isn't a helpful contribution to this thread but what is the attraction of vehicles like the X3 (and X5 and X6 for that matter)?
As far as I can see they can't go off road as they have no ground clearance, expensive alloy wheels with skinny road tyres and no proper 4x4 drivetrain (with locking diffs etc). Compared to a 3 or 5 series touring it is just heavier, slower, thirstier, uglier, worse handling, less spacious and more expensive? I would be fascinated to know why people actually buy them, what am I missing?
Absolutely spot on. Personally I think they're cack. As far as I can see they can't go off road as they have no ground clearance, expensive alloy wheels with skinny road tyres and no proper 4x4 drivetrain (with locking diffs etc). Compared to a 3 or 5 series touring it is just heavier, slower, thirstier, uglier, worse handling, less spacious and more expensive? I would be fascinated to know why people actually buy them, what am I missing?
I've been in an early one, it was nice but no better than a similar spec 3-series. A 5-series is probably more comfortable/spacious.
Actually, one thing that put me off was there was something very very wrong with the car I was in. It felt a bit like the traction control was reacting to massive wheelspin except it would do it at random even when cruising along at 50mph. We didn't fix it and it went back to auction (it had been through at least seven dealers before we got it iirc) so it is still out there somewhere.
Actually, one thing that put me off was there was something very very wrong with the car I was in. It felt a bit like the traction control was reacting to massive wheelspin except it would do it at random even when cruising along at 50mph. We didn't fix it and it went back to auction (it had been through at least seven dealers before we got it iirc) so it is still out there somewhere.
billzeebub said:
One of the few Top Gear summations that I agree with was relating to this car. If you need an off roader then get a proper one, a Defender ideally. If you don't then get a BMW 3/5 Touring(estate) and a set of winter tyres to fit in the winter months.
+1As said avoid the earlier X3's were not great at all the newer one is meant to be much improved but have been in an original and the interior quality seemed average at best to be honest a E90 3 series/E60 5 Series would be a far better place to put your cash as they are s
t off road anyway 
I have only ever driven one for a couple of weeks.
I didnt like the ride, the gearbox was constantly searching (not an issue for the op if he wants a manual) the quality of the plastics wasnt too inspiring, and generally just failed to see what if offered that a touring wouldnt- except more roll in the corners, and (for some reason) huge amounts of wind noise from the mirrors.
It went ok, had great seats- standard BMW sports fare- and looked ok, but past that, i just couldnt see the point.
I would far rather have a touring.
I didnt like the ride, the gearbox was constantly searching (not an issue for the op if he wants a manual) the quality of the plastics wasnt too inspiring, and generally just failed to see what if offered that a touring wouldnt- except more roll in the corners, and (for some reason) huge amounts of wind noise from the mirrors.
It went ok, had great seats- standard BMW sports fare- and looked ok, but past that, i just couldnt see the point.
I would far rather have a touring.
Wife's had her 2007 X3 for 4 years now. It's the 2.0d SE with some sport stuff on it.
We absolutely love it for what it is. It's clinging on to its value well, it's been reliable and as it's the facelift one with better interior it still looks fine really.
We have never tested it on an off road course but its got us through those two horrid winters with lots of grip when all the other 3 and 5 series were skidding about at the side of the road. I think it s looks were ahead of its time and now it looks rather smart and not dated at all.
As other's have mentioned, its go bags of room, easy to lift the children in and out of and fits their stuff in without complaint. It's far bigger inside than a 3 series estate and the added headroom makes it feel more airy than the rep-mobile 5 series. Fully loaded with 2 adults, 2 teenagers and a child with associated paraphernalia, luggage and a roof-box full of stuff it drove no slower that when empty (seemingly)! The 2.0d is more than ample for safe, secure family driving.
We read all the reviews of the early cars and weren't expecting much, but to be completely honest its been great and we are going to keep it for another year or two.
We absolutely love it for what it is. It's clinging on to its value well, it's been reliable and as it's the facelift one with better interior it still looks fine really.
We have never tested it on an off road course but its got us through those two horrid winters with lots of grip when all the other 3 and 5 series were skidding about at the side of the road. I think it s looks were ahead of its time and now it looks rather smart and not dated at all.
As other's have mentioned, its go bags of room, easy to lift the children in and out of and fits their stuff in without complaint. It's far bigger inside than a 3 series estate and the added headroom makes it feel more airy than the rep-mobile 5 series. Fully loaded with 2 adults, 2 teenagers and a child with associated paraphernalia, luggage and a roof-box full of stuff it drove no slower that when empty (seemingly)! The 2.0d is more than ample for safe, secure family driving.
We read all the reviews of the early cars and weren't expecting much, but to be completely honest its been great and we are going to keep it for another year or two.
I spent considerable time in one (not through choice I add!) - and I have to echo the comments above.
There are loads of early ones about because they are IMO, quite frankly, awful. I found the drive was dreadful, the increased ride height no compensation for the poor ride, handling, and grip. Road tyres meant little in the way of off-road capability. The interior was also way behind in terms of perceived and actual quality of what you would expect of a BMW, and indeed behind that of contemporary non-premium brands. The 2.0d was also grim, the 3ltr petrol less so, but still dire.
I'd stick with your current search criteria, as spending that much on an early X3 will likely mean you'll be back in the market hunting within a month or two anyway.
There are loads of early ones about because they are IMO, quite frankly, awful. I found the drive was dreadful, the increased ride height no compensation for the poor ride, handling, and grip. Road tyres meant little in the way of off-road capability. The interior was also way behind in terms of perceived and actual quality of what you would expect of a BMW, and indeed behind that of contemporary non-premium brands. The 2.0d was also grim, the 3ltr petrol less so, but still dire.
I'd stick with your current search criteria, as spending that much on an early X3 will likely mean you'll be back in the market hunting within a month or two anyway.
We've had one for 4 years now. Never missed a beat. The only money spent on it were 2 suspension coils.
About £200 in all. Servicing is between £250 to £400 from main dealer, but its on the computer, ours went 3 years without wanting one. (in fact I did an oil change before just for the hell of it)
Its comfortable, huge boot, good size around town, easy to get the little in and out, got a very smooth engine (2.5 petrol), totally solid and well built. Still feels like new. We got it for a good price and as such have lost about £1000 depreciation over 4 years, prices are still rock solid for em. They handle and corner very well topo for such a tall car.
As others have said, its excellent in the snow & ice. We have taken it to friends farms etc Its managed fine off road. As long as your not trecking through the jungle, you'll be fine.
You'll find people that slag them off have never lived with them. I wasnt too happy with the missus when she wanted one, but I have been convinced otherwise through ownership.
Bad points: Pretty thirsty (about 20-24mpg in the real world), good tyres make a big difference so budget around £220 per boot although these tend to last 25-30k. Mine has the sport suspension which is firm. I (unlike clarkson) dont mind it, but its all personal preference. And thats all really.
Get one you wont regret it.
About £200 in all. Servicing is between £250 to £400 from main dealer, but its on the computer, ours went 3 years without wanting one. (in fact I did an oil change before just for the hell of it)
Its comfortable, huge boot, good size around town, easy to get the little in and out, got a very smooth engine (2.5 petrol), totally solid and well built. Still feels like new. We got it for a good price and as such have lost about £1000 depreciation over 4 years, prices are still rock solid for em. They handle and corner very well topo for such a tall car.
As others have said, its excellent in the snow & ice. We have taken it to friends farms etc Its managed fine off road. As long as your not trecking through the jungle, you'll be fine.
You'll find people that slag them off have never lived with them. I wasnt too happy with the missus when she wanted one, but I have been convinced otherwise through ownership.
Bad points: Pretty thirsty (about 20-24mpg in the real world), good tyres make a big difference so budget around £220 per boot although these tend to last 25-30k. Mine has the sport suspension which is firm. I (unlike clarkson) dont mind it, but its all personal preference. And thats all really.
Get one you wont regret it.
Edited by GhostDriver on Thursday 3rd May 09:05
GhostDriver said:
We've had one for 4 years now. Never missed a beat. The only money spent on it were 2 suspension coils.
About £200 in all. Servicing is between £250 to £400 from main dealer, but its on the computer, ours went 3 years without wanting one. (in fact I did an oil change before just for the hell of it)
Its comfortable, huge boot, good size around town, easy to get the little in and out, got a very smooth engine (2.5 petrol), totally solid and well built. Still feels like new. We got it for a good price and as such have lost about £1000 depreciation over 4 years, prices are still rock solid for em. They handle and corner very well topo for such a tall car.
As others have said, its excellent in the snow & ice. We have taken it to friends farms etc Its managed fine off road. As long as your not trecking through the jungle, you'll be fine.
You'll find people that slag them off have never lived with them. I wasnt too happy with the missus when she wanted one, but I have been convinced otherwise through ownership.
Bad points: Pretty thirsty (about 20-24mpg in the real world), good tyres make a big difference so budget around £220 per boot although these tend to last 25-30k. Mine has the sport suspension which is firm. I (unlike clarkson) dont mind it, but its all personal preference. And thats all really.
Get one you wont regret it.
Cheers, thats what I had hoped to hear. Going to try and go for a diesel I think. About £200 in all. Servicing is between £250 to £400 from main dealer, but its on the computer, ours went 3 years without wanting one. (in fact I did an oil change before just for the hell of it)
Its comfortable, huge boot, good size around town, easy to get the little in and out, got a very smooth engine (2.5 petrol), totally solid and well built. Still feels like new. We got it for a good price and as such have lost about £1000 depreciation over 4 years, prices are still rock solid for em. They handle and corner very well topo for such a tall car.
As others have said, its excellent in the snow & ice. We have taken it to friends farms etc Its managed fine off road. As long as your not trecking through the jungle, you'll be fine.
You'll find people that slag them off have never lived with them. I wasnt too happy with the missus when she wanted one, but I have been convinced otherwise through ownership.
Bad points: Pretty thirsty (about 20-24mpg in the real world), good tyres make a big difference so budget around £220 per boot although these tend to last 25-30k. Mine has the sport suspension which is firm. I (unlike clarkson) dont mind it, but its all personal preference. And thats all really.
Get one you wont regret it.
Edited by GhostDriver on Thursday 3rd May 09:05
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