Used 2005 BMW X3 SUV Consumer Reviews
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15+ years going strong
TonyM, 11/30/2015
updated 06/04/2020
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
51 of 52 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
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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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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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Fun, reliable and good gas milage
Joe, 11/09/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
7 of 7 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.
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.
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.
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Fun to drive
Rayneman, 03/22/2006
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.
First BMW ever!
andycindy8288, 06/15/2011
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
13 of 17 people found this review helpful
After my wife and I have bought the 2005 BMW X3 3.0i. We had no idea how different BMW's where compared to us having a toyota corolla and growing up with ford cars and hondas. At 82K miles we have yet to have any issues with our X3 3.0 aside from guzzling gas at an unexpected rate. But thats a given since we love to put it to the mettle with our 3.0i V6 on the high ways everyday we go to work, and we are on the highways a lot. We where surprised how a midsize SUV like the the BMW X3 3.0i can pack so much and have so many little surprises that you wont find out until you push it to the limit. It has ample enough room and yes the ride is rough, but this is a sports based midsize SUV.
Good car little maintenance required
lee k, 08/07/2016
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
Good car. Which required very little maintenance other than brakes which are very expensive to change.
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Not happy
Not Happy, 11/04/2008
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
This is my second bimmer, I realize it is not the luxury model of my 528I but the sunroof rattles, the fuses to my 12v outlets keep blowing,Interior black on black is peeling, none of these things are covered and I must pay for diagnostic to discover problems and then they aren't covered by warranty. I'm thinking about trading. Love the look, hate the quality.
The best SUV for the money
Peyman, 12/20/2006
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
We have owned our 2.5L X3 for over a year now and we could not be happier. This is an excellent crossover SUV.
Stiff ride
snowgoddess, 01/02/2009
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
It is unbelievably bumpy and you will feel every seam and pebble in the road. The handling is great, though and braking is the best I've ever experienced. Peppy and plenty of power but at an expense (91 octane fuel) The leatherette seats are just awful, ugly and uncomfortable. Cold in the winter and probably hot in the summer. Get the leather. The wood and aluminum trim provide the only other classy touches to the interior. It's a head turner around town. Black sapphire is gorgeous in the sunlight.
Extremely poor reliability
gf1234, 05/22/2012
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
23 of 34 people found this review helpful
This car has terrible reliability in 3 yrs I have spent nearly $10,000 in repairs. - two A/C compressor hoses - sunroof leak - air mass meter - all for O2 sensors - complete radiator replacement Do not buy this car.
Incredible SAV
vacabundo, 12/09/2008
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have had this x3 for 4 months and MAN, it's great. We own a 2003 325Cic, and the x3 handles and moves better. Stability and handling are just amazing, let alone the braking capabilities. The 5-speed auto tranny is just right and shifts smoothly, the sport program feels eager to go, downshifting and holding gears in the right moments and situations. The tiptronic manual program is great when you want to really drive. I would rather have a 6 speed manual, you lose invaluable torque with the automatic, but not a big deal. Cornering is just like a 3-series. The aggressive look is perfect, it tells BMW all around, love the style.
Not happy
Not Happy , 01/05/2009
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
6 of 9 people found this review helpful
I had a 528i before this (loved it). I thought I wanted an suv and bought this x3 with both the sport and premium pkg. Not nearly the quality, Interior is cheap looking and black on black peels off. Head lights didn't stay aligned, and having them aligned was not covered by warranty. Keys remote doesn't always work and I have to lock it with key. I have taken the keys back to BMW four times to have them reset. What a pain. Fuse went out on auxiliary outlet and BMW says not covered by warranty (this fuse cost less than $1.00). The car looks ok on the exterior, but the sunroof rattles like it is broken, BMW says it is normal operation. Overall, this is a car.
New for 2005
Owmerof2005X3, 08/03/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Although it has not been publicized, the 2005 X3 got a completely new suspension making it a much smoother reider than the 2004. Mine has the standard suspension and it is hard enough. The choice of tires is also important and the OEM Michelins ride far better and soother than the OEM Bridgestones which were rated as less than safe in the wet by Tirerack. Note that the cars are delivered with less than perfect alignment and when checked at an independant source, it was found so out of alignmemnt that it took the dealer hours to realign under warranty. Other than that the car has performed flawlessly and the assembly quality is better than on the X5, very much Austria built! Great car.
Buy it!!
tudm5, 06/13/2008
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We replaced my wife's 2000 528i with this beauty. I could not say enough good things about X3. If you are worried about gas mileage, or expecting soft Buick like ride then BMW is not for you. BMW is The Ultimate Driving Machine not a sofa.
4 months experience with BMW X3
Paul S. Sandhaus, 11/08/2004
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
I was not thrilled with all the gadgetry I had to learn until one day I spotted the low tire pressure icon on the display. Sure enough, I had picked up a nail and the pressure in one tire was down about three pounds. The slow leak was not enough to keep me from driving to a repair place without changing the tire first. Without the display I might not have known until too late to save the tire. The vehicle is peppy and handles like a sports car even with the smaller 6- cylinder engine.
Awful
Anderson Violette, 12/27/2020
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have this car for about 22,000 Kms and the transfer case has blow not once but twice now. The car is complete junk.
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Lovin' it
Lovin' it, 02/08/2010
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Love this car! Nothing to wrong with it..they couldve really made it more fancy in the inside for a BMW..its lacking. Stereo isn't great, again for a BMW.
Good
sethbolz, 10/03/2010
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
All around great car for design, reliability and comfort. Interior lacks a bit in luxury (for a BMW). Power to weight ratio also lacks a bit.
Love my little SUV!
Karina, 02/10/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just love this little SUV! Everyone who sees my X3 asks why I don't have an X5, very snobbishly. The fun part is when I get to reply that I do. Well, it's my husband's car. I had to drive his X5 while we shopped around for my car and I have to say I did not enjoy driving the X5 it was very hard to drive. It was a work out to try and turn this tank of an SUV the X5. My husband loves his X5 & all it's manly power. The X3 is very nimble and very easy to drive. It is the ladies' BMW SUV. And my two small children love that the sunroof opens all the way back over their car seats. The X5 is bigger but the sun roof won't do that. Only con is small interior space. Mommy's cool car!
Safe, fun, good looking
ed, 02/13/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
With this car I have yet to have a backache. I have the basic X3. People think that the car cost 10k more than what i paid for it - even without leather seats. Turning corners is a rush especially feeling very secure with the vehicle. Can't rave enough about the steering. My 2.5i is enough.
WOW
Eric Morteson, 07/09/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
this car handles wonderfully. We had a huge snow storm, and we all felt safe in our X3.the interior of the car is very nice. We have owned Saabs,Hondas,Audis,and Mercedes, and we have never had a car this good.We will commit our car business now to BMW. Also the dealership was very nice to us, and gave us a great price on the car
Pure fun and excitement
S. Young, 01/29/2006
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
A family of four, we live at 9000 feet in the Colorado Rockies. This vehicle has plenty of power, top end speed, and cornering ability. Very sure footed on ice and snow. The hill descent control works great on steep and winding snow packed roads. The cargo area, while small, holds a surprising amount of stuff. The xenon lights are great for illuminating elk and deer along the road and peeking around corners further than normal lights. It makes the 70 mile round trip to work everyday through a winding canyon a pleasure. I would highly recommend this car for the mountains. The body of an SUV and the soul of a sports car.
Shôck Treatment needed
Roerl Orozco, 02/28/2019
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The window regulator on the back seats passenger side always broke down. Oil leaks from the gaskets was a frequent issues. It will not accelerate or respond quickly because of the drive by wire system. the muffler resonator had some problems too. I’m amazed on how I was able to keep the car for more than 11 years.
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X3 3.0
Bob, 10/07/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Had a 325 sedan years ago which was perfect but, with family needs, I needed a bigger car (Navigator which I still have and use). But I had to get back to the BMW 3 series. The X3 seems like a perfect marriage of many worlds - its large but its compact, its fun but its safe, its fast but gets decent mileage, its a single passenger vehicle that is also for a family, its well made but not outrageously priced. The car feels like I'm glued to a track. The engine sounds are great. I love it.
X3 hums
Steve Coleman, 02/28/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The best looking SUV around. Tough interior that can take some abuse. Gas mileage a bit disappointing but with its very good performance, not surprising. Superior warrrenty makes maintenance easy. Sound system is excellent. Unlike older BMWs, there are ample drink holders and good interior storage.
Wunderbar
gbkirsch, 03/08/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Solid German build quality, superbly beautiful paint quality, reliable transportation, BMW expert service, decent fuel mileage, incredible sunroof opening which is the largest I have ever had, very comfortable and heated seats with (in my case the necessary) lumbar support, a wonderful stereo with rich low tones and crystal clear high tones, rich light wood accents and my wifes favorite feature, a heated steering wheel. This winter, we had to go to northern Ohio to pick up our son from college and despite sub zero temperatures, massive snow and seemingly impassable roads, the X3 handled it all like a genuine off road 4 wheeler in spite of all its sophisticated amenities!
X3 almost the Ultimate
Rusel, 02/24/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Before my X3 (3.0) I've had Audis and Volvos. The ride of the X3 is firmer and definitely more responsive--and as advertised, fun to drive. It seems to perform every bit as well as my wife's 325. The interior may not be quite as refined as an Audi but it is designed well and has a fairly decent audio system. The all-wheel drive works great. I found it to be much more comfortable in size compared to the X-5 and other of the larger SUVs. So far a real winner.
great little suv
celticone, 03/23/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
First suv I have ever own. I was not a fan of suvs, but I love this vehicle. I like the size. It's easy to drive the best handling and turning radius I have ever had in a suv or truck. It drives like a small car, rides a little stiff but not unbearable, the same as any sports car. I love the interior layout simple, elegant, straight forward, good radio, and great seats. Gas milage is better than I thought I am averaging about 18 after the break in period, mostly city driving too. Reliability has been reat so far I can't imagine driving anything else
Fun to drive
TG, 04/09/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is extremely fun to drive. Even with the 2.5l, the vehicle accelerates nicely. Handling is all BMW. While the interior is sparse, it is functional.
Not the most reliable
chloe, 11/28/2006
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
BMW X3 3.0
Ahmet Colakoglu, 05/03/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have 1000 miles on the vehicle. Not a single problem til now. The sun roof is gorgeous and unique. Except the black bumper, the exterior design is the best in the segment, if not among all SUVs. I find people checking my car all the time. The performance is great for an SUV. Very confident drive in foul weather, rain sensing wipers and adaptive xenon lights help a lot. I do not have the sport package and I find the suspension sporty and comfortable. The transmission has excellent responses with the sport mode, however downshifts are late with the regular mode. And it is not expensive, I get 18-19 mpg, not bad.
Amazing X3
Alex Ciocilteu, 02/02/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased the X3 as a familly vehicle. We regularly transport our 2 (young) children in it. The reason we chose it is that we do not need a third row yet and we wanted as much as possible to get a vehicle that handles like a car without getting a station wagon. As you can imagine we also wanted at all costs to avoid the dreaded van. The X3 is just large enough not to feel cramped and yet remin nimble for city driving. The build quality is excellent; however the texture of the dash is questionable and the door handles could stand to look less like they were made in China. Handling is simply amazing: the truck handles like a (sports) sedan. We have found it comfortable (no sports package).
Great Crossover
rich r, 05/04/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great performance from BMW as usual. Handles just like a 3-series. Fantastic brakes and road feel.
Good Car
Bubba, 05/13/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive great car for running around, easy access to trunk to throw things in like a 5th door.
A nice all-in-one package
Robin B, 05/17/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
She wanted the height and the all-wheel drive of an SUV and I wanted the fun and spirited drive of a convertible sports sedan. The BMW X3 exceeds all of those desires. The driving qualities are second only to that of the BMW and Audi sports sedans, far better than any of the other SUVs we tried. Plus, it has the added versatility of a deceivingly large cargo space and an excellent all-wheel drive system. To top it all off, the panoramic sunroof makes it feel like a convertible. You'd be hard pressed to find a more versitile vehicle. Having seen the 2004 and 2005 models, the issue of interior build quality appears to have been dealt with. The X3 provides good value.
Fun in the Sun
Old&Restless, 05/15/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very good experience. Excellent handling and a safe drive in snow & ice. I have about 5000 miles on the car and had no problems whatsoever. This machine is finely engineered and does not remind me that I am in an SUV, except through its amazing x-drive and a high seating position. In addition, with the high residual value and low leasing rates, this car is a steal, especially compared to similarly priced cars.
Driving for fun
Paul Brooks, 02/12/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
BMW got the X3 just right, this car is just the most fun to drive! This compact SUV is just right the size, unlike some of those oversized monsters that hog the road, including it's oversized big brother the X5. The drive is quiet and very comfortable, and the peformance is thrilling, this baby drives! The X3 is a true BMW, the styling is a little conservative but the reeks of BMW confidence that does not need to impress, no vulgarity with this car, it does its job with style and delivers results that BMW drivers expect.
Bimmer
Joel, 05/17/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car, owned 5 months now, typical bimmer quirks-power locks have acted up, passenger side rear view stopped working when putting car in reverse. And, of course, I could care less since this is the best performing car for it's size i have ever driven. I love it. Of course I want more power, but this puppy is ample for sure.
There are better values out there
clydesdalecm, 12/27/2007
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This X3 is a sharp car and drives like a 3 series sedan...this is a blast to drive. Outside of that, it gets less attractive. It isn't very big for an SUV (ie Doesn't carry a lot of stuff or people). The fuel economy for a V6 is horrible (maybe 17-18MPG?) Four passengers in this thing feels like too many. The trunk is tiny (can't fit 1 set of golf clubs across). And the interior features aren't stellar for a $40K vehicle.
Happy but Sore
KEG, 05/26/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had this car for three months, and so far absolutely no complaints other than a very harsh ride with the sport package. Believe them when they say it is harsh!! This is not a problem at all on regular roads, but uneven pavement/ dirt roads/ speed bumps, etc are brutal. Good handling makes it worth the sacrifice, maybe. Navigation system is a fun feature, although inputting the destination is a little time-consuming. Some passengers have commented that it is difficult to get in and out, although I have had no problem. Very fun commuter vehicle overall, looks great, and has a nice cargo space as a bonus!
BMW X3
vintagecarguy, 02/13/2005
2005 BMW X3 3.0i AWD 4dr SUV (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 7th BMW and currently my "winter BMW." I drive a Z4 3.0 most of the year (with Dunlop winter tires for the winter: just in case I'm caught out without the X3). The X3 drives like the last 3 series sedan I owned (325i) and totally unlike any SUV. The stock Pirelli all season tires are somewhat of a compromise in the snow and on ice, but the X drive makes up for it. The trade-off is the dry weather handling, which is "standard 3 series." I would not consider the 18" wheels, because of all the reports I've read and the fact that there are too many pot holes in Mass waiting to bend big rims. If you want a great combo, go for the Z4 and X3, which will exceed any one car's performance.
X3 BMW Beyond Expectations
H. Jones, 06/01/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just turned 19000 miles. My gas mileage in light to moderate traffic is consistently between 20 and 21 mpg. On the road the mileage is consistently between 26 to 27.5 mpg. The handling is great; few cars handle this well! I think the 2.5 is enough power and transmission shifts nicely. I live in mountainous country and the 2.5 is just fine on steep grades at altitudes from 4000 to 9000 feet. It is great in the snow, on wet roads and even muddy conditions. The X-drive works almost instantaneously. You can spend more but I don't think you could buy anything better. No I don't like the clutch and break pedals so close together.
Pretty good - a few faults
Miami BMW Girl, 06/12/2005
2005 BMW X3 2.5i AWD 4dr SUV (2.5L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great drive and awesome performance! Had some problems with CD player and some interior finishes. Don't lock yourself out - no way to open the doors without a key or being towed to dealership for reprogramming. I had to break my own rear window to get into my car when I locked myself out.