Used 2004 BMW X3 SUV Consumer Reviews
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Favorite Vehicle that I Have Owned
Taylor, 02/14/2017
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
42 of 44 people found this review helpful
I had to buy an AWD SUV for constant trips over the Santiam Pass. I went to multiple dealerships, and this vehicle fit my budget, and was AWD SUV. I bought the vehicle for $9,500 with 120,000 miles. Unfortunately during the entire process, my phone was broken, so I couldn't really research much. Afterward I found out the vehicle at the time was worth a little over $6k, but I have had no buyer's remorse. It gets about 19-23 MPG, which is to be expected on a 2004 SUV. As of Feb 2017, and in Springfield Oregon, it costs me about $45 to fill up my entire gas(premium) tank. The gas tank is 17.7 gallons. The steering is very "tight" feeling, as opposed to other cars I've driven. This took me about an hour to adjust to how tight the steering really is, and now I will prefer tight steering going forward. This car is very comfortable, and easy to ride in. It is really spacious, and NOT cramped at all. Men over 6' have plenty of head space/leg space in the front. In the back, they have the same amount of head space, and plenty of leg space depending on who they are sitting behind. I have almost NO blind spots. The visibility in the vehicle is incredible. I have had 1 incident with this car in Dec 16: the original 2004 starter(the starter was labeled 2004 BMW) went out. So far, no other issues, and I wouldn't really say that a 12 year old starter going out was an issue, it was time! My boyfriend and father were able to diagnose that it was the starter, and they were able to remove the old starter and install the new one for the cost of the starter at $150, from O'Reilly's. I do know, however, that it was difficult for them to do the work, and it took them several hours, as the starter is located in a hard-to-reach spot. I use 5W-30 full synthetic and have the oil/oil filter regularly changed. I use premium gas, as the manual states to do so. My particular model doesn't have a nav system, it only has the "business stereo" which is pretty basic, but not too shabby. There are steering wheel controls: radio/cd and cruise control. Excellent heated front seats. A full sunroof, that extends to the back seat. The back trunk isn't too large, but works well for me, and if I need to haul something that takes up more room, I just put the back row seats down. The battery is very accessible. The battery is located in the trunk area under the floor board, and there are charging posts by the battery in the trunk and under the front hood, so you can be jumped (if necessary) by front or back. Also, the back cargo door can not be opened without the battery in or if it is completely dead. If you have to open the back door, you must climb in the back, lift the back floorboard. In the door there is a small rectangle opening in the middle. Stick a screw driver in the hole and slide it over, then the back door will pop open. My seats are leather, and have no cracking as of Feb 17. There are a few spots(high-use areas) where the leather dye has warn, but not much, and not noticeable at first glance. This car does have an auto-headlight feature, and sensor windshield wipers. The auto headlights work 100% of the time. I haven't quite figured out the windshield wiper sensors, nor have I put time or effort into that.
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Not your father's Oldsmobile...
Carrie, 05/19/2016
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
37 of 39 people found this review helpful
Love the BMW. Although the car starts out as pricey, $35,000 at the time, I don't think I have spent more than $5000 in the time I have owned it, 12 years! Not a very high price to pay to drive such a responsive automobile. The quality is there and all my standard options are just starting to become standard on new cars today. You feel real good driving such a beautiful car. I think there is an elegance that is unique to a BMW owner when driving this vehicle. This is a SOLID vehicle that took a hit from a 20 ton drilling truck and suffered $5000 in body damage. The car has been checked and given a thumbs up as to any major, structural damage. This was three years ago. Seems Sarasota Drilling Company does not believe in maintaining their equipment as I do. Their BRAKES went out and the driver warned his supervisor...Go figure. They also do not put drivers with a CDL behind the wheels. It is truly a driving machine. Do NOT skimp on tires. The better the tire, the better the handling. Sound system is outstanding. Visibility is excellent unlike other SUVs I have driven. NO Blindspots! It is just a Nice Car and my 3rd BMW. I have also owned the 2000 X3 and a 1988 740i. These cars are excellent investments as based on the resale value that they hold. Assembled in Austria and the Engine is from Germany. Lots of PEP in this little car! My favorite things about this BMW is the HUGE sun roof and the XENON headlamps that turn with the vehicle.
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Best Sport Utility Vehicle Ever Made
MH, 07/10/2010
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
35 of 37 people found this review helpful
The old (2004) BMW X3 has the best road feel of any car I have ever driven, that includes, BMW 528, 525i, 540i, 740 iL, GMC Yukon, Jeeps, Cadillac CTS. The X3 is a great car. One feels the tightness of the four wheel drive under all conditions. Do not believe those who criticize the steering and handling of this car, they are off base. The gas mileage is outstanding for continuous four wheel drive.
Fun little SUV
kaileak, 10/24/2012
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful
This is my second BMW, i also own a 2008 BMW 128i. When i first drove the X3, being that it is now 8 years old, i expected it to not be very tight. I expexted a little bit of slop in the suspension, leaks, breaking that wasnt as good as it once was. Boy was i surprised, this X3 handles like my 128i and still has a nice stiff ride.
Twice bitten by BMW, never again.
Mason Bott, 12/17/2018
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
My first car ever was a bmw and I left that one on the side of a highway back in college. I swore I’d never own another... 20 years later I needed a quick winter suv and picked up a 2004 manual shift X3 with just over 100k that had a decent amount of repair records to go along. I’m mechanically inclined so I planned on working to make her a perfect daily driver to work. I did all the preventative maintenance I could think of and read about on bmw forums. I fell in love with her manual trans, nav, heated leather seats, and smooth ride. She was never very quick (2.5l) but that didn’t bother me. The issues started popping up a few thousand miles in and they were often. Stupid things like rear suspension springs, random check engine lights on and off while driving, trans codes for differential even after servicing and replacement, window regulator failures, engine oil breather issues, emissions problems, crazy amounts of squeaks and rattles from possibly the cheapest slapped together build, the problems never ceased! I tried my hardest to stay on top of all of these things and did well for awhile but It got so bad that I’d joke to my wife, “what’s gonna break on her today?” I finally dumped the X3 for a loss after the snow season ended and got back into a Mercedes.
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Bimmer Family
Bimmer Family, 07/29/2009
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
My husband bought this car for me for X-mas. I have been driving it for a couple years now and we are very pleased. We have made several long trips in it, in sun, rain and snow and had no problems. We have the six speed manual and the only thing I don't like is that it's so slow in 1st gear, but once into 2nd, it's very zippy and handles great. Even though the gas mileage could be better, we average 22-23 mpg's which I think is great for a 4-wheel drive vehicle. The navigation system is great! It always projects correct travel times.
Fun but only with a warranty folks
BMW X3 3.0, 02/20/2010
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
Bought ours used with 84k CPO from a private dealer for $17.5K, we just love the handling & performance. Its like a 3 series but then again an X5, no worries about weather conditions-very safe for the family. Drives/looks like new even with near 100k mileage. Panoramic roof is awesome until the panels didn't close- dealer replaced roof cassette under warranty ($3900 repair) Windshield chips easily ($900 repair) Heated steering wheel & seats are a must. Rain sensing wipers are cool. Please understand the need for a warranty, BMW's are great cars and very reliable (if cared for) but have a maintenance fund/credit card set aside if you purchase w/o warranty
Great in the snow
Snow girl, 01/25/2010
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
We live in area of heavy snowfall and call this car "snow leopard". Its handling in the ice and snow is the best. It is much better in the deep snow than my Toyota Landcruiser.
Not a good ownership experience
tshurts, 08/28/2014
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
31 of 39 people found this review helpful
I have had my X3 for 10 years and will never purchase another BMW. It started out with having a faulty rim. I then have had 10 window regulators replaced, starting within the first year of ownership. I have also replaced the transfer case and rear differential costing over $6,000. Now the transfer case motor has failed. I have only put 100,000 miles on my car in the 10 years I have owned it. You failed BMW. I will not be a repeat customer.
The 2.5 Manual Has Enough Power
H. Jones, 12/30/2005
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
The 25 liter 6 speed manual trans. offers gear ratio's which are correct for the nenine. I get 20 mpg around town and 27-28 mpg on the road. I have heard complaints about the power. I live in the Rocky Mountains and have not trouble with power as well as no trouble with passing. Perhaps, drivers don't like the managing the power with a manual transmission. It takes deep snow well and will do a good job in mud (we have both). I replaced the original tires at 20,00 miles with Kelly Navigators; good tires! The only problem I have had is the seat cover on the drivers side cracking. It handles so well I think many sedans would be poor by comparison.
2004 BMW X3 3.0
kti1, 02/27/2014
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
17 of 21 people found this review helpful
This car is amazing! The awd makes it simply impossible to loose control in the rain, the steering is a blast. The 3.0 has plenty of power and gets great gas mileage for an AWD SAV. 6 cd changer, panoramic roof, heated seats, leather, steering controls, navigation, the incredible amount of air bags that are standard! Everyone complaining about the expense is moronic, you're driving a bmw, not a toyota or honda. So far all i had to do was a couple of hoses, tires ect. You do pay more than a rav4 or crv, but then again theres a reason you bought this car! Currently at 134k miles and still drives like new! Driving this baby into the ground
Hard to Hold...
Terry Nobles, 12/31/2015
updated 01/05/2018
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
The steering has a very heavy feeling, not sure if this is common to this vehicle type. The interior has faded, which is to be expected in an older vehicle, but evidently BMW uses different types of material that may have all been the same color when it rolled off the line, but now some elements are totally different colors. Also, the seats are a bit hard and unsupportive - I expected more in this class of vehicle. Those things being said, I am happy overall with the vehicle, but I haven't had it that long. Update: I have now had this vehicle for just over a year. In that time I have had to have the fuel pump replaced, the water pump replaced and now my mechanic says it needs $1150 worth of repairs to solve the loud vibrating noise when driving above 20 mph. Evidently it is the drive shaft u-joints, and since it is 4-wheel drive, this will be a complicated fix. I will have over $13,000 invested in a vehicle that is now worth about half that amount. I am extremely disappointed in this vehicle and will get rid of it as soon as I can. Two year update: Have had very few people interested in this vehicle when I have listed it for sale. Now it needs a new battery and the dealer wants $700 to do it. Found one at a battery shop for $205, but the owner says that installation in a BMW is tricky. I am probably not doing myself any favors in the sales department by writing an honest assessment of this vehicle, however, when it is running well, it is a great vehicle with a solid ride and great handling. With all the safety features, I would put my child behind the wheel any day.
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Recently found decent dealership Folsom BMW extrem
motherofonyx, 01/21/2014
updated 07/24/2017
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
11 of 14 people found this review helpful
purchased for daughter, needed complete brakes just at 50,000 was not offered extended warranty would have helped, had back latch motor replaced twice, 3rd time was not under warranty, door locks sometimes they do not work? not sure if one needs too push really hard or if it has a ghost, upholstery is cheap, drivers side has tear, this car has not been abused so feel the upholstery is cheap very little storage, very basic is an automatic get very good gas mileage, breaks replaced again at 75,000 go figure, all spark plugs replaced at 80,000 is very expensive to maintain thank god it is dependable doesn't have issues however just basic maintenance too costly now retired income
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Everything is going wrong at 60k plus
Michelle, 07/22/2010
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
15 of 20 people found this review helpful
I have had the X3 for nearly two years. I am now having all sorts of issue about to have to replace the compressor at 67k already had to replace front brakes need rear brakes now. Have problems with the locking system. Also rear lighter cover wont stay closed. Overall I have enjoyed driving the SUV still with a sports car feel. Wish I would have bought the extended warranty,
Closest SUV/Sports Car out there
vsroman, 12/28/2005
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
After 25,000 miles and almost two years this SAV is a very reliable vehicle. It really took a full year for me to really appreciate it. It is a sporty summer fun vehicle with the big sunroof and rips through the ice/snow with ease in the winter. If you don't want two vehicles this is a great compromise. It drives almost as sporty as a 3- series and is awesome in the snow. Add the extra utility and it is truly a winner. And pretty decent gas mileage too. I routinely get 21 mpg and drive fairly hard on the gas pedal.
A great vehicle- now at 184,000 miles
ABT, 02/11/2016
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
While our X3 hasn't been completely trouble-free over the 11 years and 184,000 miles we have owned it, it has remained a joy to drive. It has adequate cargo space and the interior and exterior have held up very well. Our son took it to college when my wife bought her 2009 328i, but after a year she took the X3 back and gave our son the 3er. We fully expect to keep it until it hits 200,000 miles- at which point we will probably replace it with a CPO X1.
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I'd recommend it
Tall Tex, 07/24/2006
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
It's been over 2 years I've been hauling around in this baby SUV, and I'd say it's been a great car. The styling is excellent, the quality is there, and the XDrive feature has great in heavy rain and at the beach. It's small enough to park but the interior is surpisingly roomy (I'm 6'5" and fit just fine). It's the first car I've ever owned that the seats go back farther than I need them to.
Not a bad small SUV
cchao01, 07/28/2013
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used in 2007 from a used car lot with around 40,000 miles for about 30k currently it has over 94,000. This car has been a dream. It's been in three crashes two head on collisions and a hit and run. All three times the car preformed well (these were medium speed crashes so around 30 Mph). the only parts that needed to be replaced was an oil filter and a right front cracked wheel. This car has NO options on it and has a very cheap vinyl upholstery and for the price it is disappointing but over time it's a good thing because less stuff to go wrong it drives fantastically and still looks good at 10 years but it is overpriced and CAN'T GO OFF ROAD. Would recommend this car
2004 BMW X3 Pros & Cons
jbutch, 01/23/2007
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Pros: this is an awesome SUV with a manual transmission making it fun to drive - zippy! It's very hard to find american SUVs that are at least 6 cylinder with a stick shift & this one has a 6 speed! Love that! Great size for women who think most SUVs are too big and hard to handle. It's slightly larger than a Toyota RAV4, but well appointed with panoramic sun roof & nice detailing throughout.
great road handler
autofan, 01/17/2006
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is a great car, it accelerates quickly enough and it follows your intentions effortlessly and its overall dimensions are excellent, it is neither too small nor too big for driving around town or on the freeways. The roof skylight is just awesome because it lets lots of sun in. It is a pleasure to drive.
Excellent Drive
MAP, 12/10/2006
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
It is smooth riding and handles great. We had a 20 inch snowfall last week. This car had no problems. I saw many other SUVs stuck on the side of the road. Get the heated seats.
Not what I was expecting from an SUV!
Tavana, 06/02/2009
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I was a bit unsure if I should ever own an SUV, but after driving the X3 I was convinced that you can own an SUV and still feel like driving a sports car. I was impressed by the quickness and sportiness of the X3. Road handling feels like driving a 3 series with a kick! I highly recommend this car for those who want to have the fun of driving a BMW and have some luggage to carry with them. Watch out for gas expense! Premium fuel only??!!
E(X3)ITEMENT!!
Mike, 10/20/2005
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is a great vehicle. Build quality is superb and interior finishes are appropriate to the way the its used. Cargo space is fine for most trips to the home center or warehouse store. Long trips of 1,000 miles are comfortable and seating doesn't fatigue. The most noticeable feature is the X- drive. When in sand or loose gravel this vehicle is superb. We had a drag race with a Benz G-Wagen while in Mexico and left our 90 thousand dollar friend far behind.... Great vehicle.
Beat Expectations
markap, 06/03/2006
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
After reading the review of others which said the suspension and ride of this model year was not up to BMW standards - I was suprised. The car is about as smooth as can be. It is a pleasure to drive. I see no flaws.
Airbags Failed to Deploy in Rollover
Jen36, 09/04/2008
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
6 of 9 people found this review helpful
Although very happy with my BMW Certified Used X3 the first year I have had it, when the time came for this vehicle to come through with safety features, it failed me. I just had an accident with my 2004 X3 yesterday in which there was a side impact followed by the vehicle rolling over to the left on the driver's side 3 times. None of my airbags ever deployed in the rollover. My head impacted the vehicle frame 3 times, when in fact in a rollover, my drivers side airbags should have deployed. I just had BMW replace my airbags 9 months ago due to a faulty indication light. The dealership is showing no interest in my complaint.
Punishing ride.
tomaszek, 10/30/2013
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
8 of 13 people found this review helpful
I had this car for 6 years. It was solid car with not too many problems. They are 3 times more to fix than on american car though. Key is 173 $ for example. Brakes $756. I bought it on advice from magazine as "best car in its class". Not. Is the most expensive car in its class. You can have Lexus RX for the money which is better and bigger car. Or 2 Honda CRVs which any of them will be worth more at trade in in 10 years. This car is shame for BMW. The ride is punishing harsh. The manual transmission is totally not math to engine. Panorama sunroof lets in so much noise. The leather seats have ugly inserts. The car is noisy and full of rattles. I felt like driving the cheap car.
Great car with little flaw
Great car w/little f, 10/13/2010
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
is it just my x? backseat gets wet whenever it rains. 3.0 seems right idea. 6 cd changer would've been nice. overall, tight ride.
The Truth about the E83
BMW Fan Forever, 05/22/2005
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is in response to the many people including Edmunds who claim that the interior is "cheap" and the ride is rough. Subjective tripe! If you bought this vehicle and have regrets, I have no sympathy for you. You didn't do your homework. Let me help. THIS IS NOT, NOR WAS IT INTENDED TO BE, AN ELEVATED 330xi! It is a completely unique vehicle by BMW. You will not find a soft, glossy interior. Instead, you are greeted by a rugged dash and a somewhat different look and feel than any other BMW, though there are similarities. It Seems to be very well built. The car follows the road. Rough road=Rough ride! Control is amazing. In short, I can't imagine a car more practical, capable or exciting!
Aaah!.. Now I Get It!
Scott Douglas, 05/21/2005
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've owned Toyotas and Hondas for years for the reliability and resale value. Forget it! What good is a reliable car that you don't enjoy driving? The BMW is what you want. It's the closest thing to perfect I've ever seen or owned. The handling is AMAZING! The engineering is first class, and I've owned everything from Ford to Fiat. Ride is not rough, it simply follows the road. It does exactly what you tell it to. I HIGHLY recommend the X3 for the active person or small family. The CPO program is perfect; saved $10,000 over new and still have 3 years factory warranty- plus 2 years CPO warranty! AMAZING! WHY would anyone buy anything other than a BMW? Something to ponder.
perfect combination
Pat, 08/10/2005
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've owned Porsche, several SUVs,, Chevys, Jeep, Subaru. Looked at the Beamer cause I loved my BMW K100 motorcycle. Since it is a little pricey, (not overpriced) looked at company cars with less than 9k miles. Also drove Mercedes, Lexus, Audi Toyota etc. Wanted performance AND 4X versatility. Got both in spades. Handles better than some sports cars. Heated leather seats and all the bells and whistles you could hope for.
Upholstery Seats
RDLUI, 08/27/2009
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought this vehicle for my wife when it first came out in 2004. Drives well and is very responsive... just like most BMW's... Have had a good experience overall and not much to complain about. However, the upholstery (not leather but vinyl fabric?) on the front driver's seat started cracking during the 3rd year of ownership and the fabric was replaced under warranty during the 4th and final year of warranty. My complaint is that barely a year later, the same cracking is appearing on the same seat. My wife weighs about 105 lbs and there's only 52,000kms (30,000 miles) on the car!
Love my X3
DrJon65, 03/27/2006
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have owned my BMW X3 3.0I for over a year and continue to love to drive it as I did when I first drove it off the lot. It is a "SAV" but performs like a sports sedan. The technology behind the ride quality, performance and safety is truly outstanding. I am very particular with my cars and I have found nothing wrong with the X3. In fact I keep finding out new things to love about it. The service I get at my BMW service center is the best I have ever gotten from any dealership. BMW knows how to design and build cars that are fun to own. This is truly one of them.
2004 BMW X3
mjloeper, 12/27/2006
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Very fun. Drives wonderfully in the snow and wet. Quiet ride and power.
Best buy
Jarno, 12/16/2006
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
3.0i with sport package and manual 6-speed. Great car to drive in mountain spins, highway and also in city. Sport pack suspension makes car very fast to drive. Winter driving with studded Nokian HKPL4 is fun and safe. 28 mpg/55 mph, 25 mpg/72 mph highway, and 21 in city, thanks to the manual. Trunk eats 3 person weekend luggages, big emmaljunga & Graco city strollers + hunting staff, everything under cargo space cover same time - I have tried same with volvo xc70 with poor success:-)).
VERY HAPPY
CAROL, 03/18/2006
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Love the car, very comfortable to drive and exciting. The sunroof is one of the best features. It's like having a convertible especially for the people in the back. Not as big as my previous SUV, but not as small as others. I would get another one in a heartbeat!!
BMW X3
Riederer, 07/19/2006
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Nice SUV (SAV). If I were shopping for a vehical today I would buy it again. This is the first vehicle I have owned that I can say that about.
CA's X3
caskeez, 05/10/2006
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car is our daily driver. It's a pleasure to drive and ride in, very quiet, smooth riding, plenty of power, outstanding brakes. The handling is superb, for a "sport ute." I really like the styling both inside and outside. It is a perfect size for our needs. I ski 40 days a year and participate in recreation that requires significant gear another 100 days a year. I think 3 people with gear is the limit for this car. Next ski season, I'll have a roof rack for skis as I don't like skis inside the car. 3 pair is the limit for the "interior ski bag." The car pulls our folding trailer, 1,800 lbs, plus camping gear comfortably. Mileage drops to 18.6 from around 21 when towing the trailer.
X3 could be better
RussoX3, 11/28/2005
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
With 18k miles, this car rattles from a few areas, and there is a water leak soaking the back seat floor. Car handles great and is fun to drive - the 6 speed helps! Overall car is comfortable and handles like a BMW. Quality of materials is a problem.
Small BMW SUV a Winner
NES, 06/20/2007
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have owned SUVs for 20 years - Jeep, Mercedes, Honda, etc. This is the best balance between a fun, powerful passing machine and a car to haul things in. Love it. Seats a little hard, but very supportive. No maintenance problems at all. Great warranty.
BMW X3 overview
Ed Rohnk, 11/19/2007
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
It is very responsive to the movement of the controls. Acceleration is good. Holds the road well. It is a surpringly nimble car for its size. The breaking is excellent. The interior is spacious. Dash board and instrument readouts are easy to see. I like the orange lighting at night. The exterior sun roof design is beautiful. I enjoy just looking at it.
04 X3
gk, 06/27/2006
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great handling, fun to drive. Excellent on curve-y PCH. Fuel economy is not the greatest but enjoy driving it so much that I don't mind filling up.
BMW X3
Jackie, 11/07/2006
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I was very pleased with the reliability of this first model year vehicle. It has a lower profile for an SUV allowing for better turns and sports car handling. I have had no mechanical problems and the included service contract is a plus. The only problem is the lip or running board. It is sometimes difficult to get in and out of the vehicle. I would like it to be thinner. Overall I am very satified with the X3.
Fun SUV
Gary Gardner, 05/26/2006
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased my X3 the first day I saw it on the lot. I have owned SUVs for eight year and love the elevated feeling they provide but I wanted a 'classy high quality' vehicle. I've found the X3 to be all I've asked of it. My only 'complaint' is the overly stiff ride. I know this is not uncommon with BMWs. Overall it's great and fun to drive.
no regrets
bluecoyote, 12/30/2005
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
i've been driving it for 1 and 1/2, and like it so much will likely buy it when lease is up. had an initial problem right after delivery - rattling windows. Dealer took care of it, no problems since. I have the faux leather interior which is awesome for my big dogs. Wish the trunk was little roomier and wish they had offered satellite radio at the time of purchase, but otherwise, it's great. Good gas mileage too. Would recommend this to anyone thinking of a crossover vehicle.
One of the Best
Ob, 02/20/2009
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is a wonderful vehicle. Had good experience with Highlander and Lexus RX300. X3 is different animal, performance and handling is awesome no comparison. I've put 60k miles on it with no issues at all. Drove X3 from Virginia to Jersey in heavy rain and absolutely loved the handling and performance. Drove Highlander and Lexus in heavy rain from DC to Jersey. X3 made highlander and Lexus look like a puppy. I'll keep X3 till it dies. I put my life on my cars and get my car maintained by authorized dealerships.Its maintenance cost over all per annum is almost same as Highlander and Lexus. In fact I ended up paying more for the Highlander and Lexus cause I put more miles.
Superb Vehicle: Complaints unfounded
glenberk, 01/29/2004
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Fantastic car to drive. Critics say the interior not up to BMW standards. But I find it very similar to the Z4 sportscar, and no one says the Z4 ain't good enough!
X3 and I have one
quaddies, 04/28/2004
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
X3: tall seat and handling. Why not M3 or Lexus? Or, as C&D mocks, leave the "sports car on stilts" and buy a wagon. Hey I want to sit a higher and enjoy sport handling. Some people get off on creamy leather, glossy veneers, bum warmers and don't want to feel anything -like say the road. Its not the leather, veneer and truck feel of the X5 or Lexus that I want. I am from the BMW old school and not the fat cat who wants their BMW to be an ideal Lincoln. The wagon is great, but don't dismiss the X3 because it is not European. Europhiles state wagons are big sellers in Europe and the X3 is a nod to the US market. Wise up. UK presold their allotment for 2004.
Good but not great.
poeschel1, 01/24/2009
2004 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Purchased this car to replace a Tahoe for fuel economy. Gets great fuel economy, 2.5l is adequate but wish I had gone with the 3.0l. Excellent stability in poor driving conditions. Fit and finish is severely lacking. Ash tray lid won't stay closed. Paint chipping on roof rack. Often have issues with door locking system. Radio seems to delete all preset stations every couple days. I also have 330i and experience none of these issues. BMW really missed the mark with this car. Feels like a Kia.
Franks car
FRANK WERTH, 08/09/2006
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
an absolute pleasure to drive and the navigation system will get you anywhere you want to go. Plenty of power in the engine and response is immediate when needed to make a quick pass.
love, love, love my X3
eileen, 05/22/2004
2004 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
The X3 is the perfect car for me...a mom with 2 children. It is roomy enough for my highschooler and his friends. My 3rd grader can spill and the leatherette wipes clean with a little water. There is room in the trunk for boogie boards, luggage or anything a family of 4 needs to load. Not too big, not too small and attracts a lot of lookers!