Used 2004 BMW X3 SUV Consumer Reviews
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Interesting package
My X3 2.5 got all options but premium sound, 10-way seats and heated steering. After reading reviews, I was afraid of the build problems, but my car got almost none. Reflex LCD Nav unit and sunroof are great. Interior material quality is fine (same as Z4). Engine is ok for everyday drive, would feel better w/manual. So 3.0 is not really needed, unless you think you can race an SUV. I mostly miss alarm, premium sound and lumbar support. Also do not expect much in electronics dept, as Austria is far behind Japan for things like MP3 and bluetooth. Also, typical to BMW, most necessities (i.e. all-weather mats) are not standard.
some criticisms/some praise
2.5L slightly underpowered. A/C problems. Ride very harsh. However, still fun to drive.
- 3.0i 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,900194 mi away
- 2.5i 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,850281 mi away
- 3.0i 4dr SUVMSRP: $2,450314 mi away
First BMW ... a bit pricy, but solid
After driving an A4 for several years, was in the market for a vehicle with more space, but still fun to drive. The X3 has filled both needs, but thus far it feels like it was $10K too expensive (mid $40Ks) -- after adding reasonable equipment to the 3.0 package. In hindsight, wonder why I did not buy an X5? Ultimately, extra cost up-front vs. vehicles in its class will need to gauged vs. long-term reliability.
Best of Both Worlds
The X3 is the best of both worlds, small and nimble and drives like a car, yet big enough to be practical and has one great all-wheel drive system. It is, by far, the best driving SUV I've ever driven. Couldn't be happier with my purchase.
Bring on the winter!
Coming off a Z3, I expected to be disappointed with the SUV experience. I was wrong. The X3 is fun to drive and handles incredibly. The interior is luxurious (more so than the Z3) and the features and options are just pure BMW. No words can describe the panoramic moon roof! This truly is the ultimate driving machine. Bring on the winter!
Great Handeling
The 2.5L engine seems to be a little under powered for the wieght of this car. The handeling is by far the best out of any SUV on the market. This car seems to be way over priced for what it is. If it wasn't for such a great lease, the car wouldn't be worth it if I had purchased it. What your buying from the X3 is BMW's great handeling engineering.
The New X-3
We have been driving this new automobile for a month now and it is a superb SAV! The only negative comment I can make is the GPS Map is located on top of the dash board and in bright sunlight it is not very visable. If this could be located lower on the dash board it would be much better. Other than that it is a fun car to drive and is an 'eye opener' to look at! BMW should be proud of this auto.
Nice vehicle, but not worth the +$40k
I just love the way the X3 handles and its compact young look. It is fairly spacious inside and provides a sporty, if sometimes somewhat rough ride.
Fun to drive - but some problems
I own the X3 2.5 for 4 years now. Fun to drive and a smart looking crossover. However Airbag mat (now a official recall) broke 5 times, windows seals have been replaced 3 times and car still CREAKS on every turn and pothole. Steering rack start creaking, too, and was completely replaced. I do find those problems not acceptable for BMW and will stay away until the get their quality back. BMW paid for their mistakes: I have bought their extended warranty for about 3000 extra to extend to 100k/6 years and they will fix no matter what without question ask. Do not get the car without warranty or prepaid service - it´s a money pit !
Love my new X3 - 3.0
I just picked up my X3 from Sonnen BMW. The car is perfect. Its mystic blue, 3.0 automatic with navigation, xenon, park distance control, premium and sport packages, premium sound. Handles better than any other SUV Ive tried and very similar to my 2001 330i. Really looking forward to taking it in the Tahoe snow this winter.
Right on the money
Traditional BMW quality and performance delivered as promised.This vehicle is pure pleasure we love the performance,wow what brakes and handling.The five speed automatic is smooth as silk and what fun in manual mode.Engine performs very well and fuel economy of 18/26 helps also.
Got rid of it!
I think I was just so excited to be able to say that I OWNED a "BMW" that I got too caught up in the name. I was so disappointed to find out that only weeks after I purchased the vehicle, it started rattling like a cage! It felt like it was falling apart. I expected alot more from a "BMW." I traded that sucker and am now the owner of a Lexus and I couldnt be happier!
BMW's Super SUV
I owened a BMW 325 ci before I got my X3. I never thought I would be getting into a SUV, at least not for a while. Although, this car is incredible. It does everything you ask it to do, and then some!! The handling on the car is superb! I would even say better than my previous sportpackage coupe. Also, another plus is it's enormous moonroof. A must have!!! The car is so great that my mom and sister had to get one.
what is that light that keeps turning on
it is a fun car to drive. this is my first BMW. I had a vw jetta before, it sure rides more like an SUV than a car. the 2.5 has sufficient power without having to spend the extra 6k dollars for the 3.0.
Very Disappointing!
Test drove and compared MDX, ML 350, X3 and RX330, had high hopes for the X3, but is very disappointed. X3 is overrated, and disappointing in everyway except it is a BMW, has a good engine and is fun to drive. But the ride, forget about it. We are not racing everyday, we need a SUV attentive to our everyday needs, plus the options will eat you alive, about $46,000 for mine. So leave the option box unchecked! For close to $50,000, one could find much better cars. The style is OK, but the inside is cold and cheap looking.
Not so good
So little car for so much money. Still think I got the wrong car.
ONLY THE BEST
What do I like most?-Where to begin! How about 4 years free BMW service, 8 air bags, all wheel control, an 8 speaker teriffic stereo/cd/etc. standard, turns like a cat, shifts one can't possibly feel, outrageous engine that's a delight just to listen to, quality abounds even in very hidden areas, a BMW team that will support you no matter what, and a GPS/emergency radio transmitter standard. I could go on but- just drive one. They'll have to pry you out of it!
Awesome Ride
Love this SAV. Handling is outrageous! This BMW begs to be driven hard. Sure this SAV might ride a little firmer but at least it doesnt wallow and feel as you though you are in a boat like most SUV's. If you are going to fork over 40+K at least get the leather seats vs vinyl- and of course get it in manual!
X-3 BMW has done it again
The 3.0 / 6 cyclinder engine is the same one used in my two door sports 330ci Coupe - which means the X-3 has some go power. Quite impressed with the handling of the X3, drives more like a car than SUV, but with all the safety that a SUV brings. It snowed the other day and the X-Drive was great, I had no problems in highway or uphill climbs. Felt very sure footed. Interior seems pretty boring, but well designed and built.
Amazing and fun to drive
This has by far the best build quality of any car I have owned. I traded in my 325I for the X3, and can say that the handling is almost as good. Of all the SUVs I have tested the X3 stands alone on it's performance and handling. The X- Drive is a pleasure on snow or slippery conditions. Seats are very comfortable, and driving position is where it should be. The interior bike rack is a great feature for my Wife and I. I just can't say enough good things about this SUV.
Went from X5 4.4 to X3 3.0 sport
and have no regrets. This is a great vehicle for the right person. No, it is not cushy. No, it does not have as much wood in its interior as does the X5. But it is not meant to be either. It's a whole lot more fun to drive -- I have a smile on my face everytime. Is it the right vehicle for everyone? No -- but it's perfect for me.
great new bmw
Great car---fun to drive, solid, strdy, handles remarkably well for a vehicle this size.
Just what I've been looking for.
Quicker and less expensive to drive than my 4Runner. It holds the road and handles better than my Miata. I bought the 6 speed and am very happy with the performance, in every respect. I have put 2400 miles on it in all types of driving and conditions (no snow yet), and have yet to be disappointed. I am averaging 20 mpg at an average speed of 34 mph. The cargo capacity is more than enough for the luggage of 4 adults (including 2 women) for a week, and passenger room is much more than I have been used to in other cars. Premium package is worth the cost.
owner
excellent car with lots of pickup and drives great.
Fun car
Great Car, fun drive but a little stiff. 3.0 is the engine to go with if you want to have some reserves, the 2.5 we have is great with a stick. Great design and wonderful for a family with lots of storage and trunk space.
Great Value for the Price
The X3 is one of the best luxury SUV-type vehicals I've ever driven. Great handling along with the performance you'd expect from BMW.
Excellent car BMW X3
Great to drive. Very stable and safe. Lives up to "ultimate driving machine" reputation.
Nothing like a BMW
This Bmw is perfect for the person who wants a car but feels safer in an SUV.It is so much fun to drive and also gives you a good feeling of being solid and safe.
best suv yet
X5 meets 330xi best piece of machinery ever built by bmw
BMW X3 2.5
Great car. BMW quality buid, ride and looks
2004 X3
It has the feel of a BMW and the special features of a SUV.
Love it!
Would never believe I would have an SUV. The little car is amazing in town and wonderfully handy after having driven sedans for business all my life. Handling is brisk, pickup almost frisky, and the features are world class. I have loved cars all my life and this one is a surprise. The size is one of the best features-small enough to be nimble, but carries people and cargo like a bigger vehicle. Glad I didn't get the smaller engine. And people notice it everywhere. My boss has a 5 series and she prefers mine in town.
tony's x3
typical BMW quality and reliability
great ride
2.5 auto,sports pkg,sunroof, xe,prem sound,winter pkg, prem. pkg. The sport pkg makes the car look agressive. stiffer suspension equals firmer ride. The car is awsome. takes curves at 60mph and sits flat. Car is nimble,adequate passenger & cargo space. x3 is a perfect blend. Adaptive Xe lights turn with the car. Milage is rated at 17/23 actual is 17.2/19.9 Lexus rx330 drove sloppy and not as fun to drive. 4 wheel drive handles great in rain. BMW hitch pkg is very nice. Incompatabilities in blutooth,sat radio,and BMW assist at this time. My 2004 prius had homelink,6disk changer,and my bluetooth connection worked. Germans could learn from asia.
BMW
Wow! What a great BMW!
The X3 Better Than Expected
The handling, fuel economy, build quality, transmission, 2.5 liter engine are terrific. This is a great machine! The negative review items are not evident in my X3.
An Excellent Machine
Will wait to see how this handles in the northern Michigan winter, but so far this is just a wonderful car that is fun to drive. The automatic is very smooth and quiet and the car handles beautifully. The gas mileage is really good--better than I expected. One issue: the sun roof drain tubes were defective and am waiting for the dealership to get replacement parts.
Great Drive and Fun
Quite fun to drive, nimble and responsive handling, confident acceleration, powerful braking. One feels safe and in control of their driving environment.
What happened to the "MDX"
I had my heart set in the Acura MDX until I drove the BMW X3 3.0. The car is so much fun to drive and stands apart from the other automobiles on the road. With a powerful engine and great cornering ability it's hard for people to keep up with you. So far so good. I can't wait to drive on a long road trip!!
My BMW
Great car....not too high off the ground, passengers fit comfortably in back seat, back doors open wide enough for my big dog to get in comfortably. The "extras" make the car worthwhile.
great
The Best aotumobile I have ever purchased
Nice Car
had a few very minor problems, such as airbag light problem, door locking system problem....but totally it's fun to driving. Totally feeling ultimate dring machine!
BMW X-3, 2.5
the X3 is a dream to drive. More like a sports car than a "truck." Plenty of power, 6-gears and lots of features. The full time 4-wheel drive gives a real feeling of holding the road in all conditions. I live (and drive) in Germany and the X3 is great on all roads, autobahn or winding back paths. My 5th BMW but first SAV. It won't be my last.
NO more vans!
I trully love driving this vehicle. It is so comfortable. There is plenty of room for all our groceries, sport equipment, etc for my active family of 5. I have 2 daughters that now drive and have their own car so it is usually just my son and his friends that I drive around. After 3 vans, this is heaven.
Nice, but .............
I originally started looking at the Cadillac SRX, but didn't like their bundled options and price. I love the styling and performance of the BMW, but there is a lot of room for improvement. The ride is a bit stiff. Acceleration and handling are great making this vehicle fun to drive. This is my first SUV and I couldn't believe the poor gas mileage, on premium fuel! Next, the front door seals protrude into the doorways, making them susceptible to damage during entry/ exit. And the cargo area is poorly lit by a light on the tailgate. If you slam the tailgate too hard, the bulb pops out of its socket! I wish they would pay more attention to the details. Nice, but not worth the $43k price tag.
Hudson Valley
Great Car along with BMW's Great Service
Disappointed?
Ordered metalic Breakwater Blue paint: Paint came through with blemishes on roof: No resolution yet. Interior molding on sunroof keeps hanging down: Doesn't seem to serve any purpose so I removed it.(Velcro strip 20" long) Engine belt tensioner squeals on startup and noise coming from variable valve timing assembly area of engine. (2.5) Not sure if dissatisfaction should be directed at dealer who sold the vehicle or BMW.... Ride is choppy but not intrusive. If you want a smother ride, buy the RX330.
BMW X3 2.5
Back Door gives no Warning Light if not Secured. Beware! Alarm Functions are not programed. Veichle Options, should be standard. Other than that the SAV is OK. Not up to PAR for what 3 series comparison.
It's fun...
I have had the car for 5 days.. and beside being nervous about leaving it within range of other car doors, It's nothing but fun. Rides very well... handles amazingly, has adequate power-- - comfortable, relatively spacious, and has that new BMW smel--- what more could I want?
Best Performance Small Size SUV
The engine is much smoother than I expected. Good acceleration even with automatic & exceptionally good road holding. Roomy with it's size.