Used X3 for sale
2...
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
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.
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
First generation X3, true BMW
Douglas Swift, 06/25/2017
2009 BMW X3 xDrive30i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
First generation X3, a true BMW. Probably too firm for most American drivers but I'm very sure footed easy to park compact SUV. Great for changing road conditions. Never loses traction with the great X drive
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Good for first 50,000 miles
JR, 06/20/2017
2008 BMW X3 3.0si 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
10 of 11 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
Would Recommend 2008 BMW X3
micbk90, 05/25/2015
2008 BMW X3 3.0si 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
I bought this SUV a year ago and I'm extremely pleased. Needs just regular maintenance as far as oil changes, etc. No problems whatsoever. Drives great and I feel very safe in this vehicle, especially in snow. Very sturdy and I live in Pittsburgh so we get a fair amount of bad weather. I've had 3 Audi's and a Volvo; this is my first BMW. I really do love the X3. I can't drive a big SUV. I'm 5'0" and this is the perfect size. Not too small, but not too big. Note: I have the 3.0xi automatic, not the 6-speed manual but it did not provide that option.
Second X3 better than the first
Eric, 02/28/2010
2008 BMW X3 3.0si 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
14 of 17 people found this review helpful
We leased a 2005 X3 and loved it so much, we leased a new 2008 when the first lease was up. I wanted to post this review because many people post because they have an axe to grind. Both X3's we owed were excellent. The 2008 has been completely perfect, no flaws or repairs in 22,000 miles. The new 3.0si engine that was put into X3 beginning in 2007 flat out rips with 260 HP. Handling is great, yes it is a little stiff but you are rewarded with a SUV with 50:50 weight distribution and very sporty handling. If you want a cushy floaty ride, numb steering, and 30 MPG, look elsewhere.
Mary Ann - Warwick
Mary Ann, 07/02/2010
2009 BMW X3 xDrive30i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
I had a 525i sedan and traded it in for the X3 which is as classy and luxurious yet more practical for my life style. Either vehicle is fabulous!
One great small SAV
BMW4Life, 11/08/2007
2008 BMW X3 3.0si 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
Got my 08 X3 two weeks ago, have all options except servotronic steering, sports performance package is a must, the 19" wheels look so much better than the rest. Alpine white exterior is the best color choice by far. Automatic headlights is cool. It drives like my 540, but with enough cargo to haul our weekend gears. We have two kids and my wife can still sit in the middle between the two car-seats for a two hour drive. It is almost the same size as my 01 X5, only quicker and more fuel efficient.
2...