2009 BMW X3 Review
2009 BMW X3 Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Responsive handling, first-rate steering, superb power delivery, excellent build quality, abundant cargo space for its size.
Cons
- Relatively stiff ride, priced higher than most competitors.
What’s new
The 2009 BMW X3 returns with a new name -- the X3 xDrive30i -- and only minor exterior and interior treatments.
Edmunds says
The 2009 BMW X3 xDrive30i is an ideal choice for someone who wants a small crossover SUV that behaves like a sport sedan.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 BMW X3 xDrive30i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.06 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$265/mo
X3 xDrive30i
vs
$198/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Any BMW wearing a "3" badge has a lot of expectations to meet. As the quintessential entry-level luxury car, the 3 Series defines the category. The 3's SUV equivalent, however, the 2009 BMW X3, makes the family proud. Its sporty handling and steering, powerful engine, added utility and fun-to-drive nature are all BMW hallmarks.
The X3 also fulfills the brand's reputation for modern luxury with a long list of conveniences, exquisite comfort, premium interior materials and near-flawless build quality. Add to that the X3's generous seating space (even for taller adults) and spacious cargo area, and you have an accomplished crossover SUV that's well suited for the chores of daily life as well as twisty roads.
This isn't to say that the X3 is faultless. One by-product of the superb handling is a less-than-luxurious ride quality. For those who prefer something softer, something like a Lexus RX 350 would likely work out better. The added features and prestige of the BMW brand also make the X3 more expensive than similarly sporty entry-level luxury SUVs like the Infiniti EX35 and Acura RDX. There are also a couple new choices to consider this year: the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, both of which follow the same entry-level luxury SUV formula. Overall, however, the 2009 BMW X3 remains one of our favorites, and it's certainly a top pick for anyone hoping for more driving pleasure from an SUV.
Performance & mpg
Powering the BMW X3 xDrive30i is a 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that produces 260 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed through either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. All-wheel drive is standard. In our testing, we managed to accelerate a manual-transmission X3 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. EPA estimated fuel ratings for the automatic transmission are 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 20 mpg in combined driving. The manual transmission comes in at 1 fewer mpg across the board.
Safety
Standard safety equipment for the X3 includes antilock disc brakes, automatic brake drying, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, active front-seat head restraints, stability control and hill descent control. Rear-seat side airbags are available as an option. In crash testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the X3 was awarded the highest rating of "Good" for protection in both frontal offset and side impacts.
Driving
The 2009 BMW X3 xDrive30i excels when it comes to handling. Among small luxury crossover SUVs, the X3 has no equal when it comes to arcing along a curvy road, thanks to the superior steering feel, ideal suspension tuning and eager engine power output. However, if what you're looking for is a family vehicle to haul the clan cross-country in maximum comfort, the X3's sometimes stiff ride quality is a detriment. The X3's straight-6 delivers spirited power over the majority of its rpm range, while the automatic transmission's gearchanges are caffeinated in their eagerness.
Interior
The 2009 X3's interior is attractive and fitted with top-notch materials. The front seats are comfortable and firm, with sufficient support for sporty driving. One annoyance is that the controls for the ventilation, audio and optional navigation can be fussy to operate. You might also be surprised that a rear entertainment system isn't available as a factory option. Rear storage offers up 30 cubic feet of space, and with the 60/40-split rear seats stowed, capacity is upped to a roomy 71 cubes.
2009 BMW X3 models
The 2009 BMW X3 is a small luxury crossover SUV that is offered in one trim level, the xDrive30i. Included as standard features are 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, automatic headlights, heated side mirrors, automatic climate control, leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, eight-way-adjustable power front seats with driver memory settings, full power accessories, keyless entry and a 10-speaker CD/MP3 player with an auxiliary audio jack.
Options are largely grouped into packages. The sport activity package includes 18-inch wheels, running boards, a sport steering wheel and rear privacy glass. The premium package includes leather upholstery, auto-dimming mirrors, ambient lighting and Bluetooth. This package can also be had with upgraded 16-way power front seats. A cold weather package includes heated front and rear seats. Finally, there's the sport package, which comes with a stiffer sport suspension, sport front seats and steering wheel, and body styling accents.
Stand-alone options are also available and include 19-inch alloy wheels with higher-performance tires, a premium audio system, HD radio, a navigation system, a heated steering wheel, adaptive xenon headlights and front and rear parking sensors.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 BMW X3.
5 star(53%)
4 star(15%)
3 star(16%)
2 star(11%)
1 star(5%)
55 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3 out of 5 stars
Sheared Motor Mount Bolts
wrh47, 04/15/2013
2008 BMW X3 3.0si 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2008 BMW X3 with 59,000 miles sheared all 4 motor mount bolts in normal street driving.
BMW said Âtough luckÂ.
A quick internet search indicated this was not an isolated incident, many other relatively low mileage BMW's have had sheared motor mount bolts.
I believe this problem to be a serious safety issue and filed a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety … Administration.
I encourage others that have had similar problems to file NHTSA complaints at the following website:
safercar.gov
Click the ÂREPORT A VEHICLE OR CHILD SEAT DEFECTÂ Tab and submit your complaint.
If there are enough complaints, BMW will, hopefully, be forced to acknowledge this problem.
3.25 out of 5 stars
N52 engine really has problems
1978bmx, 04/03/2010
2008 BMW X3 3.0si 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
I purchased my x3 new, did my research and the x3 came in to be up there with the 3 series in quality. At around 60k the valves started to tap like crazy, (metal on metal sounds- if yours is doing this it is not normal! It needs to be repaired- don't let the dealer service people tell you it's air bubbles in the oil. It will lead to premature engine failure this should be covered under … warranty) the tapping sound was especially loud with cold starts. The engine cylinder head was replaced, but the sound is more of a thumping slamming sound now, it will be in the shop this week again! Even the BMW techs I've talked to, feel the quality of BMW is really slipping.
2.38 out of 5 stars
Never again
ohicks, 10/08/2014
2008 BMW X3 3.0si 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
First and last BMW. Quality is not what you would expect from a high end vehicle. Problems started almost immediately, the warranty covered the repairs not the in convince of the wasted time. After warranty ran out.. 55k miles...replaced window regulator on passenger window, at 60k miles, replaced all 6 sparks plugs. at 65 k, replaced valve cover gasket. at 67K, replaced water pump. … Now at 68k, all 4 engine mount bolts have sheared..vibration broke the water pump. Never again.. Disappointed in BMW's responses.
4.75 out of 5 stars
This can't be an SUV
asiafish, 02/05/2009
2009 BMW X3 xDrive30i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
My wife was tired of her Camry and wanted to sit high in traffic. Looked at the RX350, the E35 and even the new GLK, but nothing matched the driving dynamics of the X3. I don't even like SUVs, but I really enjoyed driving this one. Brakes are even stronger than in my Mercedes, and perhaps the best highway ride of any car we've owned. Only complaint is the stereo controls are small … and look alike, which is a common problem in BMW interiors. We got a very basic X3. Vinyl seats, base stereo, no nav and no option packages. Ours has the automatic, heated front seats and privacy glass; no other options. What is amazing is that even without any of the packages the car looks and feels great.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 BMW X3, so we've included reviews for other years of the X3 since its last redesign.
2009 X3 Highlights
- Combined MPG
- 19 MPG
- Cost to Drive
- $265/month
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- all wheel drive
- Engine Type
- Gas
- Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestGood
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
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More about the 2009 BMW X3
Used 2009 BMW X3 Overview
The Used 2009 BMW X3 is offered in the following submodels: X3 SUV. Available styles include xDrive30i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M). The Used 2009 BMW X3 comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed manual.
What's a good price on a Used 2009 BMW X3?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2009 BMW X3S are available in my area?
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Should I lease or buy a 2009 BMW X3?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out BMW lease specials
Check out BMW X3 lease specials
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