Used X3 for sale
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 X3, so we've included reviews for other years of the X3 since its last redesign.
Part 2 of N52 engine really has problems
1978bmx, 04/28/2010
2008 BMW X3 3.0si 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
11 of 11 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)
10 of 10 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
2009 BMW X3 for sale near you
Showing 3 of 14 listings
- xDrive30i 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,895157 mi away
- xDrive30i 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,999158 mi away
- xDrive30i 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,498197 mi away
See all 14 listings
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
Good for first 50,000 miles
JR, 06/20/2017
2008 BMW X3 3.0si 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
BMW should really be embarrassed about the long term reliability these little guys have. Someone said it right, they are BMWs (Big Maintenance Waste). At 90,000 miles, the X drive system with the incredibly cheaply made plastic gear (transfer case actuator - google it) went out, both vanos units went out, shifts hard and lunges on inclines, there was about $4,000 of other stuff that I can't even remember the details of and the thing requires 93 octane. Pros: It does stop great for an SUV. It is heavy and feels substantial. I think it would be good in a wreck. My suggestion: buy most any American made small SUV. While not as nice and lacking the two bar emblem, they are more reliable and present less worries about what problems are going to surface when I crank up today. Any Japanese small SUV is more reliable and better made. These American and Japanese models also use the cheapest rot gut gas you can find and you simply hammer down to get from point a to b. BMWs must be babied and the initial cost is truly only the beginning of the heavy cost you will get to experience with an X3.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love my X3!
ECS, 02/02/2016
2008 BMW X3 3.0si 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I am the second owner of my X3...it is a local car purchased at the BMW dealership and had been serviced there. It now has 95,000 miles on it and I plan to keep for a long time. I have learned that it runs much smoother on 93 octane Shell gasoline. The only issue I have is the tire pressure light is on and numerous people have tried to make it go away with no success...BMW dealership does not recommend spending the money it would cost to clear it. My husband is 6'2" and he does have difficulty getting in the car but finds it roomy enough once he is in!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value