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Used 2005 BMW X3 SUV Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
149 reviews
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5 out of 5 stars

15+ years going strong

TonyM, 11/30/2015
updated 06/04/2020
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
50 of 51 people found this review helpful

We purchase this 2005 3.0 X3 brand new. Besides its normal wear and tear and routine maintenance it has be by far the best and most reliable car we have had. We really got our monies worth, being with the military this car has been up and down the German Autobahn and cruising the Interstates in the southeast. Update: June 2020still running like a champ with 226000 miles

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

120,000 miles later

jerry, 12/16/2009
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
43 of 44 people found this review helpful

Consider this a VERY long term road test. Everybody loves their new car, but after 120,000 miles ours keeps getting better. It had some minor problems which developed under warranty and which were resolved while we drove new BMWs when ours was in service. Great in the snow, great long distance cruiser. Mpg annualizes at 21.7. All electrical stuff still performing well, gps probably ought to be updated but we don't use it all that much. Only possible drawback is it eats tires getting maybe 35k to a set.

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5 out of 5 stars

LOONG ROAD TEST! 181K

cablack69@mac.com, 09/05/2015
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
56 of 58 people found this review helpful

I have to say, I really love this vehicle. I have read many reviews about the poor quality, repair frequency and lack of comfort. I think if buyers are looking for the softer ride of a true luxury vehicle, buy a Range Rover. This little machine is still kicking butt at 181k! I have had the normal repair costs; tires, brakes, etc. The shocks and struts where changed at 175k. They were the originals! I think I have more than gotten my moneys worth. The only real complaint I have is the panoramic roof. It stopped working about 10k miles ago. I have a fix for it, just haven't done it yet. And the paint/stain on the interior. The thing is, I just drove a 2008 X5 and that problem still exists. I still gotta give my little 3.0, 6-spd manual, 181k mile Bimmer 9 outta 10. Handles like no other in rain/snow, darn good fuel economy for an all wheel drive (averages 23mpg) and with all those miles and the black obsidian paint, it's still a head turner.

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

62K miles and going strong

Dustin, 01/26/2010
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
23 of 23 people found this review helpful

Just had the BMW dealer do a full inspection of it and found nothing wrong at 62k miles! All I have done is change oil and buy new tires. The 6 speed manual allows me to have great performance but also allows to get the same or better gas mileage as any 2010 American or Japanese competitor SUV with 6cyl awd. Only difference is the required premium fuel, which is only like and extra $2 per fill up so who cares. Pretty sporty too, topped it out at 140mph before. Awd makes it handle corners and snow excellently.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Made Me A Believer

gravelroad, 03/14/2012
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
30 of 32 people found this review helpful

So, always wanted a BMW...finally bought one off a 3-year lease that was certified. My salesperson said that once I owned a BMW that'd it'd be the only car I'd ever own again..he was SO correct!! The handling is great for an SUV; just like a sports sedan. And, yes, the ride is bumpy. I've read that it's been improved after 2006. But I don't mind..because it handles so great in snow & rain. I've had gas mileage 35 mpg on highway. Of course, with A/C on and driving in city, any car can be as bad as 10 mpg, no exception to date. Even with gas prices predicted at $5.00/gallon, I'd rather be in something safe than a roller skate getting 40 mpg. Think about it!! Planning on keeping this.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Great Car

PR, 09/16/2007
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful

The 2.5 has been surprisingly zippy to drive. It is the best car on snow that I have ever owned. Very rough ride and poor fuel economy are my two key complaints. I've never had any significant problems and I have about 45,000 miles on it now. It had several nuisance problems while under warranty like rattles and problems with warning lights but nothing significant. BMW seems a little loose on their quality control, especially for the price. Overall, however, the car is excellent. I have noticed it is a head turner too. People still stop and look at it in parking lots and it is two years old.

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4 out of 5 stars

Good Daily Driver

Wayne Rice, 03/26/2016
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
19 of 21 people found this review helpful

This is a great all season driver's vehicle. It has good power and great safety. It's excellent even in moderately bad conditions. Overall quality has been excellfent. However, Maintenance can become quite expensive as it ages.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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4.25 out of 5 stars

New to BMWs

Gator297, 03/30/2009
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

First time BMW owner, and so far impressed. Responsive steering, excellent braking, front seats very comfortable. Could have used more sound proofing for interior. Road noise and wind flowing across top noticeable. Tight fitting vehicle, no rattles. Titanium int. seems durable. Easy to handle. A head turner. Cargo area seems small with rear seats up.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Fun, reliable and good gas milage

Joe, 11/09/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Traded a Lexus RX300 for the BMW. The BMW is far more nimble and fun to drive. My gas mileage has been great, 18 to 20 in town and 25 to 26 on the highway. The BMW is not as quiet or luxurious as the Lexus but has more room behind the rear seat and the seats are more comfortable (still pretty hard though). My only complaint is that the interior is dfficult to keep clean. The dash and synthetic seats look tough but show every spec of dust. Advice: don't get the black interior.

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2 out of 5 stars

Worse Vehicle Ever!

Carey Goin, 11/07/2015
updated 11/14/2017
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
23 of 29 people found this review helpful

Rides rough, lots and lots of repairs. I have had the moon roof repaired 2 times over 9k, new brakes, lots of electronic problems, water pump, radiator, heck the whole car has had problems. I only have 100k miles on the car. It has cost me a fortune.

Safety
2 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
2 out of 5 stars
Interior
1 out of 5 stars
Comfort
1 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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