Used 2005 BMW X3 SUV Consumer Reviews
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Fun to drive!
jackdogdc, 02/08/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I moved up from a Subaru Forester, which was a great, reliable little SUV, but no where near as much outright fun as the X3. The X3 goes exactly where I point it, on curves and straightaways. It accelerates smoothly and responsively, with a nice engine roar. The only drawbacks are a rear cargo compartment that could be roomier, and a rather clunky exterior design that you either love or hate. Fuel economy could also be improved. But none of that matters too much to me because of the funI' having behind the wheeel.
Disapointed! BMW X3
sean, 02/10/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nice styling and handling. Poor fuel economy. Extremely cheap looking interior. Driving the X3 makes me feel that I am driving a 'Low End" BMW. (i.e. BMW 318). It does not feel like an introductory level SUV. It feels like a "Poor Mans"Womens Bimmer"!
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Disappointed! BMW X3
sean, 02/10/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nice styling and handling. Poor fuel economy. Extremely cheap looking interior. Driving the X3 makes me feel that I am driving a 'Low End" BMW. (i.e. BMW 318). It does not feel like an introductory level SUV. It feels like a "Poor Man's Bimmer"!
Great SAV...
RR, 02/19/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Handles like a 3 series BMW..Great brakes, steering , etc..Typical BMW feel..Panorama Moon Roof is awesome..Excellent in bad weather, especially wet roads..Went through 15 inches of snow with ease..
Excelent small SUV
BMW X3 Lover, 03/04/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Its a small SUV and easy to maneuver drives & runs like a sports car and function as an SUV. Luxury & style for younger drivers. Its not a box on wheels its an X3
There's a lot to love
LCharry, 03/08/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
There really is a lot to love about the X3. It handles beautifully, looks great and has just enough zip to get me to my boys baseball games on time and in style! I'd say overall I'd give it an A-.
unsurpassed mechanical marvel
Gavino Martinez, 03/09/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
From the moment I sat on this sports UTE. I knew there was something special about this vehicle.
Fun to drive
jliu34740, 03/09/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive. Inspiring handling, braking and acceleration. Great looking interior and exterior. Sure it's a little expensive but well worth it.
Its a BMW
BMWRICKEYS, 03/14/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Traded in a 2003 330xi with 37,500 miles on it, for the 2005 X3 cause I needed more room. But still wanted AWD with X-Drive. Its a good safe SAV, but not a sedan. I would like it to have more power. I hope they put the 255hp Eng.in it soon. If you need a SUV thats Fun to Drive "Its a BMW"
Love the sporty X3
Chris, 03/19/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
An incredible machine, expensive for the interior room, but didn't buy it for cargo space. Have put 7,000 miles on it in 6 months, absolutely no trips to the dealer for any issues whatsoever, unlike two of my friends who bought VW Toureags. Mine is fully loaded, including the sport package which does make it stiff, but that really smoothed out at about the 4,000 mile point. It is a joy to drive, especially here in Germany, and pull compliments out of even the most staid Germans for the great design. Again, it was pricey compared to many US models, but compared to the X-5, with the same interior space, etc, I believe this car was a bargain. Would buy another in a heartbeat.
I Love This BMW!
Dr. Jonathan D. cole, 03/19/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When I was 20 (19 yrs ago) I bought a used 1973 BMW 2002 and I loved that car. Since then I have owned many others but the most fun to drive with the most serious technology behind it is my 2004 BMW X3 3.0i. It takes curves at full throttle like a race car without any roll/worries. I just love to drive it. It is also a very comfortable car with a very nice fit and finish. This is a 3 series that has been given the blessing of X-drive and DSC and again it is a pure joy to drive (this vehicle was not designed to just haul your family around). I again am reminded why BMW has the slogan "The Ultimate Driving Machine". I would recommend an X3 to anyone who enjoys spirited driving!
the bmwx3
bmwx3, 03/19/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Absolutely a wonderful road care, in storms, weather just hugs the road and humes right along. This is an auto atits best.
pauline's bmw
Pauline Cenizal, 03/23/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Exciting car, fun to drive, took it cross-country starting with only 500 miles on it and it performed admirably.
BMW X3
papagoat, 03/23/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really liked the BMW X3 because it was the perfect fit for a city person who somtimes goes out into the country. It is comfortable on the road, had plenty of nice features, and it drives like a BMW should.
Solid fun ride
James Massaro, 04/21/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The X3 is an amazing ride. It is fun to drive and easy to handle. It has a smooth ride like a sedan. The cabin is comfortable and has a lot of neat fratures. We have had other SUV's in this class and they do not compare.
Awesome
ed, 04/22/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had the car less than a year. With my previous car I needed a back support to drive long distances. With the X3 I arrive at my destination fresh and ready to enjoy. It is amazing. The driving experience is as advertised - fun. We purchased the car because of its size, but strangely enough we have used it to move furniture, and other bulky items. so the car performs on many levels. What is the most amazing - people actually think i paid more than the final negotiated selling price. This is value.
Practical SUV and a joy to drive
Jim Burdelski, 04/24/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I shopped around for about a year and finally settled on the BMW X3. I would recommend the panorama sunroof and if you ride bikes, get the trailor hitch. No need for ski rack because skis fit very easily in the back. I'm getting between 20-23 mpg with regular gas. For little less than 35,000, it's a great SUV.
X3 is worthy of the BMW name
Michael C, 04/28/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you are looking for an SUV that is big enough to haul some serious stuff, yet corners and handles well enough to keep a smile on your face, then this is the vehicle for you. The suspension keeps the car from rolling in the corners, and the traction and stability control (both standard) keep everything firmly planted. There is a "sport" suspension package available, but I didn't get it. The 6 speed manual is the slickest I've ever driven in an SUV - it's very well matched to the in- line 6 cylinder. The engine is sweet too, with plenty of low rev torque. I've owned 7 new very nice sporty Japenese SUVs and liked them all. But after driving the BMW X3, I don't think I will ever go back.
Best I've Owned
Nancy Benson, 05/07/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Looked at the 2.5 in the 2004 model. Waited and bought the 3.0 2005 model which included more options and priced better this second model year. This is an SUV that drives like a sedan with plenty of storage/hauling room in the back. I am very happy with the interior quality also. The handling is great... was amazing during the winter months. Would own two of these! Not only does the X3 hug the road, handle great, have great pick-up, but it is sooo much fun to drive. If you are hestitant to buy this, don't be.. it will not disappoint.
fun car
cb, 05/08/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Maybe not the most practical car of all time (especially if you need a lot of cargo space) but has all the features I want. It is really fun to drive while at the same time providing some of the features of an SUV -- all wheel drive and a good view of the road. Handles a lot better than any other SUV I've driven, including the X5. Back seat is big enough to seat adults comfortably, which is not true of all the competition (e.g., Lexus). And I love the huge moonroof.
Our First Bimmer
eg, 05/08/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Our car is new, so my review is based on first impressions. The BMW X3 3.0l, is a great SUV that offers many standard option. I find the vehicle easy to drive and handle, this coming from someone who has always driven small sedans. I love the moonroof (very big) and the car key memory feature. I only have to open the car with my personal key, and the car readjusts the seat and the mirrors to my personal settings. My one con would be that the interior would look better with more wood trim then what is available.
Beemer, but a step down?
Jimmy James, 05/20/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I also own a 745li. This is absolutely nothing like that, of course. If you are looking for a low priced, quality, but not to any extent luxurious suv, get the X3. It is tremendous in the snow and conditions like that. The navigation system is top notch. It is extremely easy to operate, and works to perfection. DO NOT GET LEATHERETTE SEATING, I have leather and that is not comfortable either.
Great SUV!!
marij17, 06/02/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my '04 X3 for about a year and I absolutely love it! Fun car to drive, very reliable, great maintenance program, handles great in snow and rain and nice peppy engine for merging onto highways. It sure beats the VW I sold to get the X3!
The little SUV that does it all.
Dr. Den, 06/06/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great little all around fun drive. It can haul my wife two large dogs and me and still have room for garden plants. With the fold down back seats and an open sun roof my wife can visit most of the garage sales in our area without having to stop to unload.
Super Mid Sized SUV
DavidJ, 07/02/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We traded a Mercedes ML 500 for an X3 3.0 a month ago and couldn't be happier with the change. The X3 handles fantastically and is a blast to drive. It has the tight finish quality that the American made Mercedes lacked and it carries as much cargo as the ML. Ours was delivered with a faulty navigation computer, but this is being fixed and it doesn't affect the operation of the car. Our only wish is that we bought the X3 sooner!
Best Car
John Jinglehammer, 07/02/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Rode very well. Perfect amount of horsepower.
First Impressions are lasting
Bham, 07/02/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Recently traded an 98 Infiniti I30 for the X3. Always driven sedans but the X3 sold me on its practicality, fun to drive factor, and design. Solid feeling, spacious, engine growls!, perfect height for my 5' wife. Expensive but worth it. Very impressed!
My X3
Kenneth Lowrie, 07/16/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car. I love SUV's. My earlier car was a Ford Explorer. This smaller vehicle is far superior for the city driving I do. I don't particularly like the fact that I have to use premium gasoline, but with the good fuel mileage I get it's really not that much more expensive to operate. It handles wonderfully and is fun to drive.
Nice Little Beauty
PaulV, 07/30/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I also have a 2004 330i, so I was expecting my little X3 3.0 to be a smoker too. Well...I know its not a fair comparison since it is encumbered by some extra weight and the drag of an all-wheel-drive system. I was just expecting a little more POP. Nevertheless, this the most fun to drive and nimble SUV I tested. Definitely handles like my sedan and gives me the same sporty feel. And - without a doubt in my opinion - the best looking SUV on the road - well...except for maybe the X5.
I'll keep it
srq, 07/30/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Performance and quality top notch. Ride rough on rough roads.
nice for an suv
heather, 07/31/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded a 3 series for this car and the extra space is great. I miss the handling of my 3 series but I like the compact nature of this SUV. Highly rec not getting the sport package as it is way too stiff. I also feel that this car, even with the 3.0, is not as powerful as it should be. We are a BMW family and it is hard to be fair comparing it to a sedan, but it is great for our growing family. I also like my installed DVD's in the headrests.
Stiff Ride
DJ, 08/01/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
very stiff ride without sport package. I wonder if the tires make a difference. Mine has Michelins.
Besy Performance SAV
Rental EXP, 08/07/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Outstanding Ext./Int. design and with one of the best 3.0 engine in the world
Great, reliable, and fun.
Austin Murphy, 08/22/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is a wonderfully fun car to drive yet still is reasonable in size, fuel economy, and features. The 2.5-liter engine can be a bit underpowered but most of the time gets you around with plenty of power to spare. Fuel economy is great for the type of vehicle and interior design is wonderful. If I could bash on one thing it would be that the interior be a little quieter other than that the car has great visibility and can fit five comfortably it's a great buy. It of course drives like a BMW too so why not buy it.
X-3 RIDES LIKE A TRUCK
BOB SEELOS, 09/15/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I now have 25,000 miles on my Bmw X-3 AWD with the 3.0 engine. The reliability is excellent and i have had no maintenance problems. The ride of the car is the big issue. I have this as a leased vehicle for 36 months and I can hardly wait for the 36th month. I have even tried to trade this car for a different BMW at the dealer but getting out of a lease is too expensive. The car rides like a truck-especially in the rear seat. I feel sorry for those who have to sit back there so I usually take a different car if anyone has to sit back there. The leather seats in the rear are uncomfortable too. The people in the rear are bumped up and down even on smooth roads.
X3
George, 09/20/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The X3 is a very fun to drive SUV. More carlike in its attitude with great traction in rain and snow.
sporty suv
vic leb, 10/03/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded in my Trailblazer for a more fuel efficient car. I love the stiff handling. Almost as if I am in my own personal roller coaster. The leather seats hug the driver and the simple yet classy interior make the driver feel like he is in the cock pit of a sports car. Love my new ride and find the engine to be quite responsive with decent gas milage
first time Beemer fan for life!
Tom Beemer, 11/24/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
G-friend turned me on to bmw! I wanted the utility space, high sitting position and a sport like performance. This car, like the write ups states, is the car to get! Only draw backs: the arm rests - slightly slanted downward my arm never finds comfort. The leg room seems a bit confining - however with all the adjustments it all works out! Gas fuel economy is not too bad if you are patient at 55 mph. I have clocked 29 mpg on the h-way! Usual combined city/ hway: 21 - 24 in a 3L engine with 224 hp - that rocks!
Nothing to get excited about
H. Gleeksman, 12/18/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a noisy, uncomfortable vehicle with nothing to recommend it except for sitting up high. Its power is ordinary; its ride is noisy and rough. It has a strange rattle in the sunroof. After all is said and done it is over-priced, too.
Goodbye Trailblazer, 4ever.
Jack Schofield, 12/20/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A pleasure to drive. Quick, nimble, safe, efficient, comfortable, sounds great, looks great, smells great. Better Me Walk is not so true. BMW For Life. If people do their research, they will know that the X3 has a stiff ride. It is a small performance truck. DUH!!!!!!!!
SUV like a sedan
Greg, 02/12/2006
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Blue Water~~
Betsey, 02/12/2006
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I so love my x3~~had an x5 and felt it was bigger, slower and boxier. This is a fun car for everyone!
Love it ....but..
SONYA, 02/18/2006
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Head turner but only adequate value
Chrisgiraffe, 07/23/2007
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
BMW X3 is the best SUV design on the road as attested to by the many copies springing up these days. The exterior alone sold me. Perfect size, perfect space, more car than truck-like, very open interior, very solid feel and very sporty. If you want to keep some of your youth but want room to haul a growing family, this is your SUV. One suggestion though: get the premium package (leather). The standard (non-premium) package feels like driving in a big styrofoam cup that's always rubbing you the wrong way and the sport package will likely make you sick on long drives. My major complaint is the price, esp. when compared with similar SUVs (Volvo XC90) that offer more.
X3 Worth the Ride
devils021, 11/13/2004
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
The ride and feeling of safety / security is something to be expierienced.
Not good
Crappy Bmw, 01/08/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
Not a good experiance for what I paid for this crappy car. I think A hynduai santa fe has the same cheap looking interior of the the bmw x3. Plus a hynduai has a better warrenty
Not as pleased as I thought I would be
Robert Nierman, 04/09/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
When we bought the BMW X3 (our first) we were very pleased with it. As we drove it and got in and out of it, we were disappointed. They put a stupid ridge that gets in your way when you try to get out of the SUV and you have to lift your feet up or trip. Same as getting in. It's also hard to see out of when you are backing up. Too many blinded spots and the passenger's mirror moves down when you put the SUV in reverse which can cause you not to see that well. It is a stiff ride and god forbid you hit a speed bump too fast. We bought the BMW X3 for the leg room, since I'm 6'4", because I can extend my legs. Would I buy the BMW X3 again, NO.
Not bad for the second year
ask, 01/23/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Really like the car but certain interior materials should be of better quality. Rear visibility is poor so get the park distance control. The premium package is a must. Cold weather package is a must if you live in cold climate. Exterior is well thought out with no painted surfaces on the lower part of the body. Storage space is lacking. If you have an iPod get the connector installed. The bluetooth does not work with the Motorola V710 phone with Verizon Wireless. There are rumors of a software fix.
Great car--except...
05 x3 3.0, 01/29/2006
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great car, except it is tight in the back with three adults. Drives perfectly, and handles more like a sedan then an SUV. This is a bigger and more fun version of the 3-series. Same great handling as the little 3 but with all the fun of an SUV. Haven`t tested it out too much in the snow, but I am looking forward to the challenge. 4 years free maintenance is ALSO great..