2005 BMW X3 Consumer Reviews

Not so reliable

Written by: chloe on 12/04/2006

Vehicle

2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Not very reliable and service technicians can't seem to fix the vehicle without a bulletin or assistance from BMW engineers. Major quality issues, including replacement of belt tensioner and pulley (twice) and parking brake, mold/mildew problems in A/C at 8000 miles, transmission reprogrammed, numerous rattles, hatch had to be realigned, airbag mat replaced, botched "free" oil change so oil leaked everywhere. Vehicle only has 12,000 miles and has been in the shop 40+ days in 10 months. It had to be towed three weeks ago because it wouldn't start, and still don't have it back. The only explanation the dealership has is that it may have been bad gas.

Favorite Features

Controlled steering, good size, drives well in the snow.

Suggested Improvements

Better quality control. These issues need to be fixed - you may expect these types of problems with an older used car, not a brand-new $41,000 vehicle.

4 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Not the most reliable

Written by: chloe on 11/27/2006

Vehicle

2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Want to love my vehicle, but it was towed 8 days ago because it wouldn't start and service dept is still trying to figure out what's wrong with it. Has spent 30+ days in the shop since I leased it at the end of Aug 05, and has less than 12,000 miles. Multiple repairs, including replacement of belt tensioner and pulley (twice), parking brake repair, mold in A/C system at 8000 miles, transmission reprogrammed, key FOBs keep failing, hatch out of alignment, various rattles, sunroof malfunctioning, dash keeps going black while driving, airbag mat replaced. Too much of a headache for the hefty price tag.

Favorite Features

Controlled steering, good size, nice looking, handles well in snow.

Suggested Improvements

Better build quality. Make it easier for dealership to diagnose and fix issues without having to consult the manufacturer first.

7 out 9 people found this review helpful

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Love Love Love Love It....

Written by: bmwgirl on 06/16/2006

Vehicle

2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I looked at the X3 on the advice of a friend who had one. I will never buy another car again. This is a fun, reliable car that is a blast to drive. It handles like any other BMW I have had the pleasure of driving. It is truly the Ultimate Driving Machine... the X3 is meant to be driven. I love the blue tooth option, hands free cell phone with my son in the car. It's great. An excellent choice for moms on the go.

Favorite Features

The size of the moon roof is great with kids. The stereo sounds great and the blue tooth technology is highly recommended. Very roomy backseat for its size. My son knows when I am coming from the sound of the motor - how cool.

Suggested Improvements

Can't think of anything else this car could need.

9 out 10 people found this review helpful

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Disappointed

Written by: alex on 04/21/2006

Vehicle

2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

The car is not built very well - it has developed all sorts squeaks, creaks and rattles. The ride is very firm, even a slightest road irregularity gives you a hard jolt. The cargo capacity is surprisingly low, although the car does not look too small. I would not buy this car again and would not recommend it to anyone else.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Build quality, ride comfort, fuel economy.

2 out 6 people found this review helpful

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X 3

Written by: Bob t on 04/19/2006

Vehicle

2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Nice SAV ride could be a little softer, great handling, good traction interior dash could use some improvement (looks) gas mileage ok. This is a performance SUV.

Favorite Features

great handling

Suggested Improvements

ride is too stiff

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Fun to drive

Written by: Rayneman on 03/21/2006

Vehicle

2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Great car to drive a little bumpy but not bad. Fuel economy isnt as good as I hoped but better then others. Overall like the car funt to drive will probably buy another BMW.

Favorite Features

Performance

Suggested Improvements

smoother ride

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Fun to drive, room to spare

Written by: jaaX3 on 02/25/2006

Vehicle

2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Buy the X3 if you are looking for utility and fun! I haul my dog and my wife's shopping bags almost daily. It is also my daily driver to work. I can get there in style and have fun with it. It has AMAZING handling. This SAV has good punch to it, too. The only bad thing I would say is the gas mileage.

Favorite Features

NAV, styling, sportiness, handling, heated seats, auto headlights, roominess in the rear

Suggested Improvements

gas mileage!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love it ....but..

Written by: SONYA on 02/18/2006

Vehicle

2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Great to drive, well built, but way to complicated gadget wise. If one were to learn to operate everything this vehicle has without repeated references to the manual, one would be qualified to pilot a 747. Setting radio stations required over an hour of poring over the manual. Give me an AC system where I can set the vents and fan speed and not have the computer change it every minute. My husband was seriously considering buying one for himself, but has now changed his mind.

Favorite Features

Ride, power, handling. Those are the important things. The rest is bells and whistles

Suggested Improvements

Simplify, simplify, simplify. Or at least provide the ability to manually set all functions.

4 out 7 people found this review helpful

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Blue Water~~

Written by: Betsey on 02/12/2006

Vehicle

2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I so love my x3~~had an x5 and felt it was bigger, slower and boxier. This is a fun car for everyone!

Favorite Features

Color~~driveability, SAFETY, and fun to drive

Suggested Improvements

Better gas mileage

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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SUV like a sedan

Written by: Greg on 02/11/2006

Vehicle

2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

If somebody doesn't need a roomy SUV X3 is a great choice. Very good performance and handling. Nice exterior design. Fantastic x-drive system makes it really safe on every road. Driving feels like being behind a sedan wheel.

Favorite Features

X-drive 4-wheel drive system, DSC, road performance.

Suggested Improvements

Factory alarm as standard would be helpful (like on X5). Standard sound system is only okay.

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