BMW X3 4x4 2004‑2010

I have had this car now for 3 years and have had 3 clutch and fly wheel replacements, we only use this for the occasional motorway run but mainly use this around town ferrying the kids about. No clutch riding so we know it wasn't that!

Also, had starting problems when it starts but does not turn over, have had this problem now for about 3 months now, also, what BMW dont mention when you buy this car is that you have to change all 4 tyres at the same time due to the 4 wheel drive system, we found this out by changing the 2 fronts and then a clunk appered at about 10mph when starting off , we contacted BMW dealership and they said that this was due to the tread on the front not being the same on the back which caused the front wheels to turn faster than the back hence creating this noise/problem.

Turned out to be a very expensive job as last clutch was out of warranty repair...DO NOT BUY! very unreliable!

Handles well. Is a godsend during bad weather. Visibility is excellent. Loads of space. Feels sturdy and safe to drive in all weather conditions. Always reliable. Very quick for such a big car. Love it!

I have had this car for 2 years, it was purchased due to first born and sports car being impractical. Now with 2 kids its still appropriate, still beautiul and still an amazing drive.

You will not go wrong in buying this car.

We bought the X3 as a family car having two children under 5. Lots of people say why have a 4x4, its not very green etc, but who wants to be seen in an MPV if you have any interest in cars and this car does 4-5000miles per year so fuel consumption isn't as big a problem, and living in the country the 4-wheel-drive is a real bonus.

Practically the car is great, with a real solid feel and great drive. Its quite hard as its a Sport model but then we prefer that as the children (and my wife) are less likely to feel car sick. There's plenty of room for the child seats, and lots of rear legroom, but not much extra width to the rear if you have an occasional extra passenger in the back. The boots not bad for size, but a bit small for family holidays.

No reliability issues so far. And finally - the snow over the last couple of years hasn't bothered the X3 at all.

This is a great car for city/motorway driving, very comfortable & spacious. Had it for 5 years & have had no problems. Drives very smoothly.

I have found this car to be superb, it drives like a saloon, it is a great ride with excellent comfortable seats, i had the sports suspension deleted for top comfort. It still performs like a sports car and was outstanding in the snow and ice. For this reason i am buying another new one.

Strengths:

10/10 for everyday family life - boot is bigger than that on the original X5 & it swallows everything from the weekly supermarket shop, to kids bikes & picnics. Throw a roof box on the top and you've got enough space for a 2 week family holiday complete with dog, travel cots, toys, bedding etc

Fuel economy is about 28MPG for short trips (sub 5 miles) but more like 44MPG for longer motorway journeys (I get that everyday on a 60 mile round trip to work)

Weaknesses:

Peronally I'd say the fuel economy on short runs should be better for a 2L Diesel, and I've had to change a couple of interior parts because some of the plastics are not of the highest quality and can rub-off which looks tatty. Then theres's the much talked about (in expert car reviews) ride quality:

Ride Quality:

I have owned a 2L Diesel SPORT for almost 5 years and having read the 'expert' reviews have to say I'm constantly surprised that it doesn't rate more highly. Yes the ride is firm, but as a road user (must have been off-road 3 times in 5 years) I'd say that most of the time you'd never be aware of it. Speed bumps and cobbles are about the only times I've noticed any passengers experience any uncomfort. I'd say it probably varies by individual car so test drive before buying & judge for yourself.

An easy to manage and comfortable car to drive. Does not have the extras of a Japanese car but is reliable.

The X3 is a great car. It fits in with all demands, space for the kids and the car seats and all their paraphenalia. The spacious boot holds a dog carrier for 3 large dogs or two to three childrens bikes very easily. It is a joy to drive for short and long journeys and has been utterly reliable. Just sailed through it's MOT and has had no issues up to press. The diesel engine is responsive and very frugal for a 4x4 on longer journeys. Had the 3 series BMW saloon before but this model offers so much more flexibility with the hatchback boot. I prefer the elevated seating position to the lower slung saloon, feeling a bit safer too. It drives like a car not a 4x4 'box' on wheels, as many did on test drives. I rate it. It is good value for money, the only one that beats it is the Volvo XC90 but at double the price...........you can do a lot of motoring for that.

I have had this X3 now for 16 months. My family and I love the space and the high driving position. There is loads of room in the boot for everything we need to move around - bikes; dogs; luggage, etc. These are the positives!

The negatives, the insurance is horendous considering the performance! (I am nearly 40 and my 27year old work mate can insure and M3 for less!)

The fuel costs are equally bad 25mpg (urban) 30mpg on a run. However, the cause of these has been identified. Sludged up turbo; sludged up exhaust gas recirc valve and inlet manifold. Air leak on the inlet to the turbo.

These bmw turbo diesels do not like the commuter run, then need to have a regular blast to clear out all the exhaust filters, etc.

I am able to do a lot of the maintenance myself so this keeps alot of the costs in check.