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2008 X3: Problem Prone
shnoby, 10/10/2010
2008 BMW X3 3.0si 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
I've owned BMWs for the last 10 years; I love the way they handle. Fortunately, my 2008 X3 is a lease. At 5K a chronic, very loud engine tapping began (akin to the vehicle in the movie 'Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang.') I had it serviced at least 6 times. By 21K, the tapping reduced to a soft finger strumming, it still taps, but I deal with it. The engine strains on small & big hills & fails to shift. The car has, on *multiple* occasions, locked me inside. Neither the unlocking mechanism nor the windows opened. I drove to the dealer, called them on my cell, had them force the window down & climbed out. The interior handles, cup holders, arm rests, etc. are peeling& have been replaced once.
let down
jeff, 07/28/2015
2008 BMW X3 3.0si 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful
I knew what we were getting into with the car when purchased back in 2012, with 58k miles on it. But I was assured that BMWs last forever. Wasn't a full month and the car was in the shop. Spent hundreds on the vanos, which I later learned is German for "don't let your local non certified BMW mechanic work on your cat or you will spend hundreds of dollars repairs the vanos". Gas guzzling vehicle, but just never captured any value from the car. Just a big let down from day one. Oh and a bright orange light in the car was annoying as was the fact I could never pair the Bluetooth despite 3 "know how to do it" guys trying.
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My second X3.
thomas, 11/12/2018
updated 05/21/2021
2008 BMW X3 3.0si 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
Update on maintenance issues: Now with 113k miles I have more information. The transfer case went out on schedule about 100k very expensive about $3000. The radiator fan went out about then...another $800.00. I have been warned the water pumps do fail on these cars and replacing the spark plugs and ignition coils was another $1000k. I still love the car but there are a lot of things that just break about 100k miles. I love these cars. This one is a pretty stock version, premium package, leather seats. The ride is stiff but I prefer that to soft. Acceleration is great. I replaced the brake pads and rotors with slotted, drilled rotors and ceramic pads and now the braking is great, with no dust on the rims. The automatic transmission is a little rough shifting at times which I read was a possibility. It is true. It is a good solid ride though previous owners have had to do some surprising maintenance on it. Caution. On my first factory ordered X3 I found out the hard way that the rain drains on the panoramic roof can clog causing water to kill the bluetooth unit in the rear cargo area. Dealer said the drain maintenance was $400, which is pricey but less than a replacement bluetooth. It is not part of any maintenance package, you must ask and pay them to do it periodically, especially if you park outdoors near trees.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Part 2 of N52 engine really has problems
1978bmx, 04/28/2010
2008 BMW X3 3.0si 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
My review somehow incorrectly stated the miles on my X3. The engine valve issue started at 6K, Not 60K as it states. And the car only has 11K,Not 110K as the reviews states, and yes it has been in the shop 5 times in a year and a half. The followup to my last review: After being in the shop for the 5th time BMW thinks the valve slam/tapping is normal! you should hear this especially during a cold start...it sounds like crap, no kidding it slams and thumps like crazy, and this was AFTER the cylinder head replacement! the sound comes and goes still! BMW WILL NOT DO MUCH FOR YOU AFTER THESE ATTEMPTS TO FIX A DEFECTIVE ENGINE ACCEPT TELL YOU THAT THE SOUND IS NORMAL!! BE WARNED FUTURE BMW BUYERS
Bucking bronco
Atlgax3, 10/04/2010
2008 BMW X3 3.0si 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
Unexpected acceleration when going over bumps or after turning uphill can throw you into car in front of you, complete hesitation on entrance ramp, strange gear changes. Totally unacceptable and un-ultimate driving experience. Turned the 2007 model in as a lemon because it was so dangerous. 2008 is only slightly better than 2007. No help from software patches at dealer service dept. Will
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