So I’m looking at cars from rush dealers with one owner, IMHO, there’s a better chance of choosing a car that’s not damaged, correct me if I’m wrong. Although of course everyone looks after their cars differently...
balts Why dorestayl and how is it fundamentally different?
I'm worried about the situation with the automatic transmission, I looked at the topic and was simply shocked that so many people's automatic transmissions are kicking... is it really all x3s that behave this way? I don’t really want to get to 100k...
I also read a lot about the transfer case, as I understand it, this is also one of the weak points... how can I see this before buying? are there any options on how to check?
PS: all the options that suit me in black form))) I don’t want a black car again)))
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What difference does it make to you how many owners a car has had, if what matters is its condition and not the number of owners, yes, of course, the probability that with one owner the car will not be damaged is higher, but this is only a probability
If you drive with a 2.5 with a slipper on the floor, you will fill a liter with 500, you have been warned - then it’s up to you to decide
On Saturday in St. Petersburg I bought for a friend a 3.0 diesel, ’07, dealer, with a mileage of 53t.km. for 1110 thousand rubles.
In very nice condition, beige leather and sand body color. For me this is a great option. We drove from St. Petersburg to Tyumen - now I really want a 3.0 diesel!!!Click to expand...
balin, where do you find them?
I picked up a dealer's one-year-old Restyle from Autodom, Sept. 09, 2.5 l, 218 hp. with mileage 30t.km. with good equipment for 1.4 million rubles. The girl drove it for a year and returned it - too harsh for her butt. I read about oil consumption and was worried. In fact, it turned out that I had to add 1 liter during the interval between oil changes (i.e. 10t.km.). By the way, on my first American X3, I also added 1 liter of oil between changes. True, he still had a normal dipstick. So it depends on your luck. But I personally lean towards a dealer car, because... Diagnostics can be done there, and the dealers themselves are unlikely to sell outright bullshit. And under certain circumstances, a claim can be made against the dealer, but hardly against the distiller. In any case - good luck in your search and purchase!
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Perhaps you came across a 2.5 with new rings, where this problem has already been solved
But about dealers not selling outright bullshit, he smiled - look for stories on the forum yourself or post them? not bullshit from the dealer it will be much more expensive than the market, miracles don’t happen
About the diagnostics at the dealer it made me smile even more, but you’re just lucky
With claims to the dealer after purchasing a used one - well, good luck, as they say
It was successful. But the minimum price of this premium crossover turned out to be very high, and the technical solutions used simply did not allow it to be significantly reduced. And by 2003, the company had prepared a new car, noticeably smaller, less luxurious and much less expensive.
The fresh BMW X 3 Series E 83 inherited the general layout and technical solutions from its older brother. A more compact body and a simpler interior made it possible to reduce curb weight. This means that it became possible to equip the car with less powerful engines: two-liter gasoline and four-cylinder diesel engines appeared on the model. True, the most popular engines for this model were still the classic in-line gasoline “sixes”. With such engines, the dynamics are even better than those of its older brother, and the handling is much more exciting, despite the simpler suspension.
All-wheel drive, with automatically engaged front axle. Rear-wheel drive versions were also sold in the USA, but we can’t find them here. The interior equipment is simpler than that of the X5, but the Bavarian style is felt in every detail, and the ergonomics, as always, are at their best.
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The early restyling of the model in 2006 was mainly associated with updating the line of engines. In addition, they eliminated the most serious complaints, such as the low life of the front driveshaft, and also added new ZF automatic transmissions to the range of units and at the same time slightly improved the interior, the quality of which was criticized from the very beginning.
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In Russia, the first X3, as they say, “didn’t work.” What is to blame for this is unclear: either the controversial design from Chris Bangle, or the rustic design of the interior at a price higher than that of the very progressive “five” E 60. But the X3s were imported more or less en masse only just before the crisis of 2009, and largely because that these fairly recent cars were sold relatively inexpensively - both in Europe and in the USA. At that time, let us remember, in the West things were already going down, and the dollar and euro were still “low”.
Only the second-generation BMW X 3 managed to emerge from the shadows in 2011, although the first-born can hardly be called an outright illiquid item on the secondary market. Let's see how things stand with reliability.
Body and interior
We will not discuss the design - I can only express the opinion that it is too simple. But it should be noted that this had little effect on the quality; if there were any differences in the quality of the paint on the X3 and X5, they were minimal. The choice of colors is large, but traditionally the leaders are black and silver, in which the car does not look the most advantageous.
Corrosion on the body is rarely visible, only in very advanced cases, but nevertheless it is almost always there, you just need to remove the plastic covers and panels, so the inspection must be carried out extremely carefully.
Pictured: BMW X3 3.0i (E83) "2003–06 Particular attention to the lower edges of the doors inside and rear arches, as well as the seams of the engine compartment, cups and seams inside the wheel arches. The back door is the first to be rented, but it usually has nothing to do with the general condition of the body, its design is simply not very good - moisture gets inside, and the paint above the license plate niche is prone to peeling.
The hood peels off even more, but corrosion is less common on it. But wet floor carpets are a clear sign that there will already be very dangerous pockets of rye on the bottom and sills, and this does not add health to the electronics of the car. The cleanliness of the hatch drainage must be carefully monitored.
Decorative elements are much less durable than the body itself. The coating of the roof rails, door handles, painted bumper inserts are peeling off, and the aluminum sill trims are corroding. Cars especially suffer after being driven in Moscow with the “Luzhkov-Sobyanin” cocktail on the roads. Even copies of recent years of production have many minor damages. Plastic elements of the underbody and fender liners also suffer from dirt and dust - pay attention to their presence and condition, the price of these elements can be very high.
A relatively soft windshield wears out on our dusty roads by the fifth year of its life - don’t be surprised if it is replaced. More cunning owners buy used glass from European dealerships - even if it is more troublesome, but when selling a car, “expert assistants” will not look for obvious traces of body repairs. But the proverb says that there are no “unbroken” BMWs, and this, unfortunately, is almost true.
The body, even on cars of recent years of production, can present surprises of a different kind. Door stops are not very durable, but they cost a lot. If the doors are difficult to open, click or squeak, then it is worth having them repaired by a service center without waiting for a complete breakdown. The window lift cables become frayed and torn, causing the mechanisms to jam and the electric motors to burn out. This problem can also be solved without replacing the assembly structure.
Pictured: BMW X3 3.0sd (E83) "2007–10 But breakdowns of the windshield wiper trapezoid are most often solved by installing an inexpensive Chinese one; it simply has better seals (oddly enough!), and also has a longer service life. The original part is afraid of water leaks from the frill, which, by the way, also damage the cabin filter. The reason is that the designers seem to use an alternative chemistry - the trapezoid console is made of aluminum, a steel axle is inserted into it, which rotates in bronze bushings. As you understand, the structure simply has no chance of a long and happy life; electrochemical corrosion in galvanic steam does its dirty work. Either the wiper motor simply stops, or it manages to “pull out” the folding of one of the trapezoid consoles from the tube of its frame. The Chinese save copper, there is no bronze bushing in their trapezoid, and corrosion hardly manifests itself.
Those who got a car from recent years of production with plastic bushings and trapezoid consoles are also not particularly happy - the plastic simply wears out, and the trapezoid begins to play. This, again, requires replacing it with a Chinese one or good plumbing work with the installation of bushings.
The design of the pipeline to the rear door washer is equally “successful”: the tube is laid together with the electrical harness and regularly cracks at kinks in the driver’s feet and behind the rear seat. Of course, the floor carpet gets wet and the electrical leads itself get burned.
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The design of the climate control system is also far from ideal. The service life of the interior fan is no higher than: literally five years - and now the motor is noisy, and then the fan stops. The damper drives often fail: in this case, the gearmotors can be revived, but the dampers themselves also break down. The price of the parts is not too high, from two to four thousand rubles, but the cost of replacement work will be a couple of tens of thousands of rubles, so be careful when purchasing. If the air supply does not work somewhere or its temperature does not change, then it is worth calibrating and checking what is the reason.
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The quality of the interior is lower than what is expected from the BMW brand. Relatively weak door trims, not very high quality workmanship of many panels, weak fastening of inserts - all this can greatly spoil the appearance of the interior. Even on new cars, the trunk plastic openly creaks. And initially, the interior looks “poor,” according to connoisseurs. In addition, with age, the interior begins to “sound”, which for most owners becomes the last straw - many cars received a non-factory “Shumka” for this very reason. In an attempt to maintain acoustic comfort, the car is covered with layers of noise and vibration insulation; many interior elements are flocked or pasted with soft materials to eliminate squeaks.
Electrical and electronics
With regard to various electrical problems, the BMW X 3 is rather an exception to the rule. Surprisingly, he is almost not troublesome in this regard. Malfunctions inevitably happen, but they can be solved easily and not even very expensive. There are few electronic units, and they are simpler than those of older models. Therefore, there are fewer customization options and fewer bugs.
The quality of the wiring is very high, and the age is not yet critical. The battery in the trunk and the long power bus to the starter and front switching unit are made well, occasionally the “input” burns out, but there are repair kits on sale for restoring the plugs of the harnesses, and the switching units and the rear door harness are not too expensive.
If you monitor the tightness of the electrical casings in the engine compartment and the equipment is not too rich (that is, there is not much interior equipment), then there are very few failures. Resource problems with radiator fans are solved by replacing the bearings or fan assemblies; fortunately, the service life of these elements is usually even greater than the service life of the heater fan.
Swelling electrochromatic mirrors are, in general, a typical problem for our climate, and failures of interior electronics are rare. The most common complaint is about the driver's ESP control unit - it is often flooded with water, and the design is not sealed. Electric heating of the steering wheel and seats is not very reliable here, and also often leads to skin damage. Sometimes the sensor for the presence of a passenger in the front seats also fails. The headlights do not have a good seal, but they rarely fail, and there are new glasses on sale, so everything can be restored.
Pictured: BMW X3 xDrive18d (E83) "2009–10 Of the various electronic units, the Servotronic power steering unit is perhaps the leader in terms of the number of failures after the multimedia system. The steering column switch unit simply has a limited resource, usually requiring replacement every four to five years, but its price is very low by the standards of the brand. The service life of the electric motor and servo drive gearbox of the transfer case is also very small, the gears simply grind down there, but all these problems can now be solved simply and inexpensively if you contact the right service.
Suspensions, steering and brakes
In this regard, the X 3 is generally a role model, including for other BMWs. The brakes are not only well-tuned and effective, but also reliable. Consistently high service life of discs and pads, reliable brake lines, strong ABS block. And the price of original brake system components is more than reasonable; you don’t have to bother with selecting analogues.
The steering is also without surprises, the steering rack is simple and reliable, except that the power steering force adjustment system from ZF Servotronic fails - the control unit often fails. At the same time, the valve system is still too young for serious failures, and besides, if it breaks, nothing terrible happens. “Drivers” often don’t even notice that the effort on the steering wheel has become less “thoroughbred”. Rack play occurs only after a mileage of 150-200 thousand kilometers and is easily eliminated; drips are very rare and mainly on cars with very wide tires. Steering ends and rods have a service life of at least 80-100 thousand kilometers, and the price is also relatively low.
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The suspension is more reliable than that of the X5 and passenger models. The levers are mostly steel, the silent blocks are replaced separately, as are the ball joints. The resource greatly depends on the operating style, but when driving mainly around the city, the suspension is extremely reliable. Apart from the anti-roll bar struts, more or less serious work on replacing the lower arms and ball joints can be expected only after hundreds of thousands of kilometers, and the remaining elements are even more reliable. With mileage over 200 thousand km, there are cars with original rear suspension components and no play. Considering the low price of spare parts, you don’t have to pay much attention to the condition of the suspension. It only speaks about the style of maintenance.
Transmission
But the transmission elements on the X3 should be given the closest attention. Pre-restyling cars were distinguished by the frankly low life of the cardan shafts, especially the front one. The design of the shafts was changed, and on cars after 2006 there is a casing that covers the rear crosspiece of the front shaft. As a result, its resource has increased, but it still needs to be checked regularly. The casing, by the way, can also be installed on pre-restyling models. The worn front driveshaft was breaking the already weak housing of the pre-restyling transfer case. After damage to the bearings and shafts, the entire unit is usually sent straight to the trash heap, so if there are twitches, vibrations or even crackling noises during acceleration, then you should carefully check the transfer case play in a service center.
However, it is also possible that the front-wheel drive is not connected at all - I already mentioned the gearbox drive in the electrical section, but what if you didn’t pay attention to it? A significant part of the cars have long been rear-wheel drive, they cannot connect the front axle, fortunately in city traffic this is almost not noticeable. Previously, they replaced the entire servo drive, but now you can simply buy a set of gears and replace them at a service center, which is much cheaper.
If you thought that apart from this nothing can be broken, then you are mistaken. The rear gearbox on cars with three-liter diesel engines and gasoline engines is also at risk. If you miss the oil level in it, it will die quickly, but even without this, it sometimes cuts off the differential pinion gears and damages the bearings. And often repair is no longer possible, only replacement.
Manual transmissions are rare, but they do exist. The boxes themselves are usually an example of reliability and convenience, but do not forget about the service life of the clutch and dual-mass flywheels.
But with automatic machines everything is a little more complicated. Before the 2006 restyling, almost all cars were equipped with five-speed gearboxes produced by GM 5L 40E series. I have already talked about the features of these boxes in reviews of other BMW models. But in short, the design of the box does not like high engine speeds, dirty oil and overheating. The vane pump, gas turbine engine blocking linings, PWM solenoids and plastic washers cannot withstand. If you change the oil often, then the gearbox performs well, the service life is above 250 thousand kilometers until the first bulkhead with replacement of the gas turbine linings and the “Drive” clutch package. But in case of overheating, the repairs are quite large-scale and complex. For those who operate the car carefully and do not like to “drive”, the condition of the automatic transmission is usually very good, even despite its age and mileage. But there are few such people among BMW owners.
Since 2005, the 3.0 diesel engine with a power of 215 horsepower has already been equipped with a new ZF automatic transmission of the 6HP 26 series; the 3.0 diesel engines after restyling and the three-liter 272-horsepower gasoline engine were also equipped with the same gearbox. This box is already noticeably better able to withstand the temperament of drivers, but due to the nature of its operation, it has a short service life of the gas turbine linings, which, even during quiet driving, rarely exceeds 120-150 thousand kilometers, and subsequently the rate of contamination of the box oil increases sharply.
The valve body of the box was first combined with control electronics and received the name “mechatronics”, which has since become synonymous with terrible troubles with the box. Early versions of automatic transmissions suffered from many “childhood diseases”, mainly related to the valve body, its overheating and contamination. The main problems of this automatic transmission are associated with untimely repair of the gas turbine engine, failures of the same “mechatronics” and shaft vibrations due to increased bushing clearances and pressure drop.
With frequent oil changes and a careful driving style, the gearbox has quite a decent service life, but for most drivers it will require repairs already at mileage of 150 thousand kilometers, and if it is delayed, then the extra 40-50 thousand kilometers can be very expensive, and the repair will become “golden” . Boxes of the ZF 6HP 19 series, which were installed on restyled cars with 2.0 engines - diesel and gasoline - in fact, they are no different from the 6HP 26. There are the same problems, the same features in repairs, except that there are fewer “childhood diseases” and the service life of the gas turbine engine is slightly longer.
On 2.5-liter engines and some 3.0 engines after restyling, there is also a “six-speed” from GM 6L 45 series. It has a lot of “childhood diseases”: in particular, until 2008 there was a problem with the oil pump cover, which led to progressive wear of the packages clutches. The initial stage manifested itself in the form of jerks when switching from second to third gear, and if the repair was delayed, jerks appeared when shifting 3-5.
A similar problem occurs with another manufacturing defect - a crack in the S 55 drum. The gas turbine engine here breaks down not only due to wear of the locking linings, its hub may also fail. However, the service life of the linings is also very low during aggressive driving. Like its five-speed ancestor, this gearbox does not like aggressive driving, but in the “vegetable” mode, the design’s safety margin lasts for a long time, and it is still noticeably simpler to repair than six-speed ZF, and cheaper. In addition, the choice of contract units is higher: these boxes were installed en masse overseas on Ford and GM cars, so you can purchase factory-restored units, even with a guarantee.
Motors
All engines have been encountered in reviews of other BMW cars and don’t expect anything new. Before restyling, cars were equipped with either a very unsuccessful “four” of the N 46B 20 series, or a very good “six” of the M 54 series.
The four-cylinder engine is not only weak, but also completely pointlessly overcomplicated: it has a clumsy valvetronic throttleless intake system, a very high operating temperature, a sluggish character and a high probability of leaks, oil burns and failures of VANOS phase shifters. It is strongly not recommended to buy: fuel consumption with this engine is still no lower than that of a three-liter six, and repairs will consume much more. Yes, and you still have to spend money on oil.
Under the hood of BMW X3 3.0i (E83) "2003–06 More powerful engines of the M54 series are presented in two versions, with a volume of 2.5 and 3.0 liters. They are a little simpler, noticeably more powerful and resourceful. These are one of the last “millionaires” from BMW; in most cases they are capable of traveling 300-500 thousand kilometers before major repairs, although they require regular maintenance. It will be necessary to eliminate leaks, work with the crankcase ventilation system, restore rubber seals, as well as replace plastic elements of the intake system, engine housing and oil system.
With slight overheating, motors acquire an oily appetite due to coking of the rings, which can be cured in the initial stages by decoking or replacing the rings. In winter and with cold oil, engines are prone to a drop in compression due to the poor design of hydraulic compensators. When actively driving “in the cold,” the oil pump or its chain may fail, and the oil filter cup is extremely vulnerable and suffers from leaks.
The Siemens control system is also far from problem-free, but overall these are the most successful motors for the X3. Traditionally, the cooling system needs to be carefully monitored: keep radiators clean, fans – serviceable, change the oil often and pour good ester or PAO-based oil, not the “original”. It usually doesn’t make sense to change the cap of the expansion tank, but the part is inexpensive, if the services insist, change it, it won’t get any worse.
All gasoline engines easily damage catalysts when oil consumption starts at 300 grams per thousand kilometers over time, and with a consumption of a liter per thousand, the catalysts die literally within a year.
Diesel engines before restyling are variations of the excellent three-liter M57. It was also installed after restyling, but in slightly modified modifications. This in-line six on the X3 turned out to be the most powerful engine - the top version with two turbines developed 286 hp. s, which is more than any of the gasoline engines. The bulk of diesel engines are 201-218 hp options. s., which are not very different from it.
Pictured: BMW X3 3.0sd (E83) "2007–10 The engines can be considered even more successful than the M54 gasoline series. Stable service life “over 300”, no tendency to overheat and no appetite for oil, very good traction and efficiency. Of course, there are also disadvantages. The same oil leaks, the same problems with the oil pump, the plastic oil filter cup, it is just as sensitive to cooling system failures as the M54. Plus, it does not have the most reliable thermostat, not a very large radiator area, and the reliability of the cooling system fans. It is worth keeping an eye on the crankshaft pulley with the damper, it is prone to delamination, and on the integrity of the exhaust manifold. The latter often cracks, and the fragments damage the turbine, and if you are very unlucky, then the piston group.
If there are traces of oil on the intake manifold or knocking noises are heard in this unit at low loads, then it is worth replacing or simply removing the intake manifold swirl flaps, otherwise they may fall into the intake and get under the valves and into the cylinders, with the almost inevitable failure of the cylinder head.
At the same time, oil losses through valve seals and the ventilation system are noticeably greater - rubber elements quickly age due to high temperatures, they literally need to be changed every three years.
Light tuning can help with replacing the thermostat and, but the noticeably smaller margin of safety of the piston still makes these engines a noticeably riskier purchase.
It is worth abandoning the restyled 2.5 engine altogether - without replacing the piston group, it is, in principle, not capable of normal operation, after 100-120 thousand kilometers it is almost always a candidate for overhaul with an oil consumption of more than a liter per thousand kilometers. Problems with catalysts are getting worse, and a damaged catalyst can finish off the delicate alusil of the cylinders.
The new diesel engines of the N 47 series also pleased us. Here the problems are of a completely different nature - the design of the timing belt failed. The chain has been moved to the flywheel side, requiring the engine to be removed to replace it. But the unit was calculated poorly, and its service life turned out to be indecently low - the chain began to chirp and even skip during runs of up to a hundred to one and a half hundred thousand kilometers, and sometimes did not reach 70. The consequences of a skip are the most severe, including tearing off the valve plates and destroying the engine.
In the photo: BMW N47 engine If you buy a car with such an engine, then check whether the timing belt has been replaced; they cost very inhumanely, more than a hundred thousand rubles. The modified parts of the unit have a service life of consistently more than 150 thousand km, but they were no longer installed on the X3 E83 from the factory - the problem was fixed only in 2011, when the next generation arrived. All hope is for repairs after release. Be careful with cars that have low mileage. If we leave the timing belt out of the equation, the rest of the engine is even slightly more reliable than its predecessor in the M47 - the fuel equipment works more stable and the power is higher.
What to choose?
The small BMW remains first and foremost a BMW when it comes to ergonomics, maintenance features and operating costs. This is not a cheap car at all. But still, the X3 is significantly cheaper to maintain than the X 5 and X 6. This applies to both the price of spare parts and the labor intensity of maintenance. Despite the controversial appearance and not the best interior among Bavarian cars, the X3 E83 series is quite driver-friendly and just as versatile as other crossovers of the brand.
The advantages of the machine are best felt with a successful choice of units. It is unlikely that cars with a manual transmission will be very popular, but pre-restyling cars with five-speed gearboxes and in-line sixes under the hood will delight you for a long time with a calm driving style, the main thing here is not to abuse the dynamics.
Among cars after restyling, cars with 3.0-liter engines, both diesel and petrol, which are combined with a ZF automatic transmission, perform best. Diesel cars with the M57 and M 47 engines could be considered an ideal choice, but diesels have many opponents, and the maintenance of such a unit is a little more expensive, despite a noticeably higher service life than the others.
You need to be very careful with restyled cars with N 47; the high cost of replacing timing chains and a large number of “childhood diseases” create a high risk of additional costs. But the advantages are very good dynamics, a “fresh” year and very low fuel consumption. With a preventatively replaced chain it can be recommended.
Pictured: BMW X3 2.0d (E83) "2007–10 What you should avoid are 2.5 petrol engines after restyling, four-cylinder petrol engines and six-speed transmissions GM I bought a car in October 2013, the car was produced in 2009. Bought new from a dealer, serviced there, driven by a woman, covered 61,000 km, everything was fine, no complaints. It wasn't cheap, but it came with a second set of tires on the rims, a clean interior, an M steering wheel, and a dark blue body color that I liked. Engine 2.5 - 218 hp. 6 automatic transmission, leather. Of course, there were thoughts of buying a 3.0 - but I don’t want to pay tax, not that I’m very greedy, but I don’t drive much and there is somewhere else to spend this money, I was considering a 3.0 diesel engine - very expensive in good condition, but a 2.0 Usually they are too empty - the interior is rags, the air conditioning is, and the price tag is high. After the purchase, I installed a monitor with navigation, DVD, Internet and a rear view camera in its standard place, equipment - 31,000 rubles and installation - 8,000, plus the doors were made professionally noisy, it became much better - it’s quieter inside, and the outside sound when closing is pleasant. I'm happy with the car, I'm not planning to sell it yet. What do you like: 1. The sound of the engine. The inline six from BMW is a calling card, rustles, without screaming at the top, moderately elastic, pulls well, at least no worse than the 2.0 TSI in the Tiguan. It is quieter than the Tiga. Consumption is the same, my average is 11.7 l/100 km, but I live in a small city with virtually no traffic jams. During the period of ownership, I added about 1 liter of oil, which was reported by the electronic dipstick, on the forums they write about higher oil consumption, so far I’m happy with this, I think it’s not much, if it consumes 2 liters in 15 t.km, I can handle it. Strengths: Weak sides: So, a little time has passed since owning this product from the German automobile industry. The suggested impressions have accumulated and after finally almost 4 years of ownership, it seems the euphoria of buying a new Bemeve has passed)) the costs of the poor 90s... The points for characteristics are noted above and I’ll just expand on them a little and add to them. Regarding safety, I can’t say anything other than positive impressions; in the previous review, I also wrote how the car performed in an emergency situation - overall, it was a good result. Strengths: Weak sides: Good day to all.! Object of consideration: BMW X3, 2 liter diesel 177 hp. automatic, leather, single-zone climate control. I purchased the car in Italy with a mileage of 160,000, production date 2009, December 25. Buying a car abroad is a separate story, I’ll tell you the main milestones: Cars are almost never driven from Italy, this is explained by the fact that in Italy there are no license plates, and this takes a long time, the specificity of leisurely Italians. To the common man, the drivers explain the impossibility of driving from Italy by saying that the streets there are narrow, the cars are broken and the Italians do not undergo regular maintenance. Yes, there is some truth in this, so I took the car not from Rome and Milan, where the streets are really narrow, but from the Emilia-Romagna region, where the roads are far from narrow. I looked only at dealers with a service book, went through the insurance company’s database, fortunately in many Italian insurance, visa, and transportation companies I mostly encountered Russians, unfortunately I don’t know Italian). The choice took 2 months from the moment of viewing on mobil.it to the arrival of 2.5 months. Cars in Italy are 10% cheaper than in Germany, and the distance to Russia is the same. In the end, we found the car, asked to send a good resolution photo and the vin code, checked on the website vin.su, looked at the decoding for the equipment and production date (very important for customs). I liked the car, requested a contract, paid the money through the bank (I opened a bank account and the payment was processed according to the invoice sent from the Italians), and paid the customs duty of 235,000 rubles for a 2 liter engine. I went to customs to get the original customs receipt, picked it up by plane in Italy (tourism visa 200 euros). I waited a week until the hired company (there are also Russians there) deregistered the car from the pan-European register, received Lithuanian transits and a customs declaration, costs 500 euros. I flew to Bologna, picked up the car and drove towards Russia. Night in the Czech Republic, Night in Brest, evening at home, costs 500 euros. I arrived at customs a day later and cleared customs for 5,000 rubles. Strengths: Weak sides: Good afternoon, I decided to leave a continuation of the review because I have covered a certain amount of mileage and have some comments. In a previous review, I had certain beliefs about the car, which I have revised today. I’ll start with concerns about reliability; after replacing the gearbox sump under warranty, no more problems emerged. The car showed a reliable and utilitarian character. Strengths: Weak sides: The main requirements when choosing a car are all-wheel drive, power reserves, increased ground clearance, a fairly spacious trunk, relative reliability, an automatic transmission... and also that the car is not very expensive to repair. It was assumed that the wife would also use the car... I will not describe all the options that were eliminated for one reason or another. Ultimately I chose between AcuraPart 4
Review of BMW X3 xDrive20d (BMW X3) 2010
Review of BMW X3 xDrive20d (BMW X3) 2010 Part 3
Review of BMW X3 xDrive30i (BMW X3) 2006
Strengths:
- Power reserve
- Versatility
- Controllability
- Invincibility
Weak sides:
- Noise insulation
- Smooth ride
- Fuel consumption
Thanks to everyone who created it.
The purpose of a review is not to say what is bad and what is good. The task is to give an idea of what the car is optimized for. If this matches your wishes, then it is for you.
Strengths:
- Reliability and accuracy of control reactions
Weak sides:
- Heavy
Review of BMW X3 2.0d (BMW X3) 2007
Finally, I became the proud owner of a car with a blue and white BMW emblem, and although only a month has passed and only 5,000 km of mileage have passed, I decided to describe my fresh impressions of expectations and realities regarding this car.
My first car was an MB SLK 200K, and the fact that my choice fell on the BMW X3 largely depends on the previous car (I’ll write a review about it later). My search criteria were: Reliability, Economy, Cross-country ability, Comfort (Noise insulation + Soft suspension), Spaciousness and Beauty (Exterior + Interior).
It would take a long time to explain exactly how I chose the car, because... some models are clearly illogical, but still a list:
Strengths:
- Reliability
- Economical
- Ride quality
- Appearance
- Noise insulation
Weak sides:
Review of BMW X3 xDrive25i (BMW X3) 2007
I bought it for my wife new in a showroom in February 2008, from an official dealer, Moscow. 2007, Kaliningrad assembly: 2.5 liters, all-wheel drive, gasoline 218 hp, 2nd climate control, heated front seats, all electric windows, everything you need except navigation, sunroof and electric seats. I won’t torment readers about how it was chosen and why, if you are reading this review, it means there is interest in the X3. I'll just say one thing. I was against the red color and the light interior, the light interior is very classy, especially if you carry children, and the red color (not everyone likes it and has its own buyers) is difficult to sell, I personally didn’t feel comfortable in it, especially in a suit, it’s not a FERRARI or M3. The most important thing is that his wife really liked him, and that’s the main thing. Riding in a suit was not often, mainly for service.
Exploitation:
Operation for a year mainly in Moscow and Moscow Region, refueling only at Lukoil, serviced on Sorge Street, I consider the service and staff worthy, no problems.
Strengths:
- Inexpensive to maintain
- Ideal in the city and outside the city in summer and winter
- Great review
- Lighting at night is excellent: low and high beam XENON
- Operation is pleasant and hassle-free
Weak sides:
Review of BMW X3 xDrive20d (BMW X3) 2009 Part 2
I drove it for another year and am still happy with the car.
TO-2 took place at the end of October and again after about 11 thousand km, apparently this is how the algorithm in their computer is configured. This time the maintenance cost was about 18,000 rubles, however, in addition to the standard, the brake fluid was changed. However…
Diesel costs remain the same.
Strengths:
- Everything else except money
Weak sides:
- Never cheap
Review of BMW X3 xDrive30d (BMW X3) 2007
Greetings to all car owners.
I won’t write a review yet, since a competent person understands that this car combines all the best qualities, such as efficiency, dynamics, prestige, maneuverability, capacity, etc.
I decided to write a couple of lines about what would happen if you made a mistake with the choice of gas station, and how much it could cost during repairs, and even praise the dealer (which I didn’t expect).
Strengths:
Weak sides:
- Cost of fuel equipment
The car was purchased spontaneously. I got into an accident on December 18th in my Forester 2.5XT (by the way, in which it performed very well, but that’s another story) and since the culprit was a very high-ranking official, the inspectors themselves helped with completing all the formalities the very next day, insurance was full, I decided to buy the car immediately, since the repair of the fork was postponed until January, etc. I was considering the option of buying something for a year, because I wanted to buy a new Forester, but they only started selling it in the spring and I still had to wait - I had to order the car. On December 20, of the more or less “nimble” crossovers, only the X3 was in stock. They gave a New Year's discount of more than 6 thousand euros for this package! It was a sin not to buy! I bought it for a year and I’m still using it!
In short - honor and praise to German engineers. The X-drive handles just great. Before that I had a 2001 RAV4, 2002 Octavia, 2005 Forester XT, 2006 Impreza WRX.
In 2002, I studied with Moiseenko-Grahov at the School of Extreme Driving (very useful for absolutely everyone! They taught how to drive in a non-extreme manner, and not to get into such situations or get out of them correctly!!!), so I didn’t pay attention to the stability control systems - My Subaru lighters simply didn't have them. At first I turned it off on the X3, but I tried it and don’t turn it off anymore. I have driven VOLVO and RAV in recent years - on the X3 this system works more efficiently and more predictably. The box itself adapts to your driving style. If I put a friend behind the wheel, the behavior becomes different, it works well.
Strengths:
- In short - honor and praise to German engineers. X-drive behaves just great
Weak sides:
- There are also disadvantages
- The windshield blower does not work well in snowy weather, and there is not enough heating for the blades in winter.
- Lack of 2-zone climate
- Once I had to install a backrest - it’s inconvenient to dig around in slushy weather
- The standard radio is so-so...
- The trunk door is missing an e/drive
Review of BMW X3 xDrive20d (BMW X3) 2010 Part 2
To date, the car has covered 12,000 km. I think that we can draw some conclusions from the operation.
In general, almost the entire time I owned the Xzshka, every time I got behind the wheel, there was a feeling of delight. Excellent handling, not every sedan can take a turn without the slightest roll like this car. The austerity of the interior was smoothed out by the technical equipment of this car, namely the presence of various sensors and systems that were not present on the previous car. The BMW all-wheel drive and ground clearance showed themselves in the winter of 2010-2011, taking into account the fact that I never changed the tires and drove on a standard all-season tire, I was simply amazed at the confident behavior of the all-wheel drive vehicle in deep snow and even on ice (no fairy tales, of course , no one has canceled the laws of physics, but the cars never skidded on the ice; the front one used to turn around on the spikes just like that). Having no illusions, I stormed deep mud and snowdrifts - I didn’t let you down even once! The noise insulation makes me happy every time I transfer from my father-in-law’s Skoda Octavia A5 to my car and my wife with shining eyes says: “No, well, you feel how quiet it is in ours, and this is a diesel!”
The diesel engine very pleasantly confirmed my expectations of high-torque performance and efficiency at the same time - very cool, I started going to work by car, I don’t have to refuel twice a week in Moscow traffic jams. I drive in really bad traffic jams in the morning and evening, the consumption is 11 liters per 100 km. Over a cigarette, some diesel experts in the parking lot once said: “Yes, without Webasto, it will sit with you in the winter until spring. The diesel will freeze in the tubes and you will have a rest. Well, of course, there is a way out - buy, they say, liquid it, fill it up at every refueling and maybe it will help, otherwise there’s no other way...” I was shocked, worried, and in the end it even became interesting. I didn’t do anything, I only refueled with Lukoil, sometimes Rosneft and Bipi. The temperature dropped to -28, it seems, outside the city or something like that, it started at half a turn. The car on the highway is a beast: at a speed of 160-170 km/h you press the gas, it confidently, very cheerfully picks up further - CLASS!!! Well, most of all, I repeat once again, excuse me, I was struck by the handling. Let me remind you, by the way, this car has a 200mm ground clearance - this is probably why they love BMW so much - I appreciated it...)) Well, I really like the design, at first I doubted it - it was a stereotype of a woman's car, but now I have no doubt - I really like it!! ))
Strengths:
- Controllability
- Noise insulation
- Style
- Fuel consumption
- Brakes
- Cross-country ability (for a city SUV)
Weak sides:
- Reliability
- Rigidity
- Expensiveness associated with the brand
Review of BMW X3 xDrive20d (BMW X3) 2009
Since the fall of 2009, I have been thinking about changing my car. Before this I had an Opel Meriva 1.6 manual transmission. I’ll say right away that I was very pleased with this machine, the comfort and space in the cabin for a 4-meter machine are simply gorgeous. In general, there was enough dynamics, although at the bottom there is none and you need to turn it vigorously for dynamics. My daughter (6 years old) is still nostalgic for it - “when I grow up and buy myself a Meriva.” If I had money and my wife drove me, I probably would have left him as my second.
But I wanted something bigger, more powerful, higher, more off-road, but not a frame jeep and not very long. In short, I looked at SUVs for the city. During the selection process, the desire to drive a diesel engine and automatic transmission emerged.
I looked at the Suzuki CX-4 (and Sidichi), and the Grant Vitara, and the Seat Altea Freetruck, and the Forester, and the X-Trail (and Koleos), and the Outlander (and the Citroen S-crosser), and the Tigun, and the Volvo XC-7 , and a jeep compass, a Skoda Septi, and a Mazda CX-7 and something else. At first, the Suzuki CX-4 was in the lead, but it dropped out due to its small size - in general, it’s a hell of a change compared to the Meriva. Then the Forester, I looked at it until the end, but the 4-speed automatic transmission seems archaic in modern times. By the way, I looked at the manual at first, but after driving the automatic, I switched to the automatic transmission - with a power reserve, comfortable driving took away the excitement from the dynamics - the years take their toll. Then the x-trail, but something in the back seemed a bit cramped. If it weren't for the BMW X3, I probably would have taken it in the end.
Strengths:
- Excellent dynamics and handling
- Small expenses
- Spacious enough
- Sufficient cross-country ability for this class
- Cheap maintenance for now
Weak sides:
- Window regulators in winter do not always cope with frozen side windows. It's a shame, I didn't notice this on Meriva
- The windshield wiper rods can be fully raised only in the middle position, I was unpleasantly surprised by this design feature, I got used to it, of course, but since I scratched the edge of the hood
- Quite high thresholds from the floor in the cabin - when landing, this “trough” is felt. Although I began to notice the last drawback later, after I watched the 2010 X3 restyling - there is no such thing there, forward landing is more convenient
Review of BMW X3 xDrive30i (BMW X3) 2007
I read reviews about the BMW X3 and decided to write my own: an excellent car, it doesn’t break down, starts in any cold weather, there’s nothing to compare it with in terms of speed and steering, before that there were Audi B4 Qutro, Audi 100 Qutro, Mitsubishi Padjero 2, Mitsubishi L200 cars , BMW 525i, Ford Fusion, Nissan Qashkai, not to mention various Lada and Volga cars.
Before buying a BMW X3, I test drove a Mercedes GLK, then a BMW X3, which is much more dynamic and sharper in handling than the Merin. Many people write that BMW has a stiff suspension, in which case I advise you to buy a Mercedes GLK or sit at home on a soft sofa.
Objectively: gasoline consumption on the highway can be 10.5 liters per 100 km, in winter in the city it’s actually 15-17 liters, when the traffic is slow and everything is covered with snow, the computer gave 29.8 liters per 100 km.
Strengths:
- Very fast and comfortable car
- Doesn't break
Weak sides:
- Of the minuses, I would like to note that with an engine power of 272 hp. we have to pay a transport tax of 150 rubles per 1 hp, a total of 40 thousand 800 rubles for 1 year of operation (thanks to the governor for our happy childhood). I don’t worry about gas consumption and taxes like some people, if you want to ride, you also love to carry a sled
Review of BMW X3 xDrive20d (BMW X3) 2010
Good afternoon.
Despite the low mileage, I decided to leave my subjective review of the X3 2d LE. Because I think that many people are in the same position as me. Namely, the problem of choice.
As you know, with the advent of a new generation model, the cost of the previous version, which, as a rule, remains available for order for some time, falls. Approximately the same thing happens in the secondary car market, with the difference that prices there decrease somewhat more slowly. And if not all fans of the Bavarian brand can afford to buy a new car, then almost everyone was once engaged in searching for a decent copy on the secondary market.
Take, for example, the BMW X3, the third generation of which was officially presented just a week ago, which means that in the near future, the X-third of the second, and, of course, the first generation will become even more accessible. In this article we will consider the option of purchasing a first-generation BMW X3 in the E83 body produced in 2003-2006, the cost of which today is comparable to the price of most budget B-class sedans.
One of the key reasons for the popularity of this compact crossover, built on the BMW 3 Series platform in the E46 body, was its time-tested reliability. And, of course, driving and dynamic qualities that are unavailable for new budget class cars. And indeed, the first-generation X-3, despite its venerable age by automotive standards, is still relevant. It has refined handling, off-road performance and the character of a sports car. In addition, he is a representative of the era of the German automobile industry, when a lot of resources were put into cars, and there was no race to reduce the cost of production.
Current prices for the first generation X-3 start at 450 thousand rubles and can reach up to 700 thousand rubles. On the market, the most offers are BMW X3 with 2.5-liter 192-horsepower gasoline “six”, followed by modifications with 3.0-liter engines. The rarest are the BMW X3 with 3.0-liter diesel engines (204 hp, 410 Nm). The transmission used in the car was an automatic and a six-speed manual, however, finding a car with a manual transmission is very rare.
All motors have proven to be reliable units, so the choice depends on individual preferences. But it should be mentioned that the difference in fuel consumption between 2.5- and 3.0-liter engines is not significant (0.5-1 liter per 100 km), but at the same time they differ markedly in acceleration dynamics. In this case, the choice in favor of a 2.5-liter engine may be determined only by the amount of transport tax.
The crankcase ventilation system will require special attention. After purchasing a car, and subsequently every 80-100 thousand km, it is necessary to change the tubes (4 pieces), the oil dipstick O-ring and the valve. Otherwise, there is a risk of air leakage, due to which the engine will begin to operate intermittently, and if the diaphragm ruptures, even burnout of the pistons of cylinders 4 and 3 is possible, not to mention oil leakage from all cracks due to the increased pressure of crankcase gases. It is better not to skimp on the parts of the engine ventilation system and install the original.
Other typical problem components of the first generation BMW X3 include the radiator, which “dies” after 300 thousand km (original - about 20 thousand rubles, analogue - from 8 thousand rubles), pump (original - about 6 thousand rubles ., analogue - from 3 thousand rubles), “hedgehog” of the heating system regulator (original - about 6 thousand rubles, analogue - from 3 thousand rubles), stove motor (original - about 30 thousand rubles, analogue - from 5 thousand rubles).
The average service life of the first generation X3 automatic transmission with proper operation is 350-400 thousand km. During the operation of this unit, no characteristic “diseases” were identified. The only question for which there is no clear answer is the advisability of replacing ATF, because In theory, the gearbox is maintenance-free, and at high mileage, changing the oil can damage it. From a technical point of view, this is explained by the fact that during operation, as the clutches wear out, tiny dust gets into the oil, which changes the initial viscosity and properties of ATF, making the liquid thicker. If you drain this “slurry” and fill in new oil, the degree of wear of the transmission will immediately make itself known. In practice, after an oil change, many unmaintained gearboxes were sent either to be rebuilt or even scrapped. Therefore, we recommend that you consult with trusted mechanics who can assess the actual condition of the unit.
"Razdatka" E83 lives about 200 thousand km. Its typical problem is wear in the plastic gear (6 thousand rubles), and for the entire assembly you will have to pay 45-50 thousand rubles. If, when diagnosing a car, the error “malfunction of the stability control system or xDrive system” is detected, this is a reason for good bargaining.
Like other BMWs, there are versions on the secondary market for both the European and American markets. In the first case, cars were purchased either through an official dealer or imported from European countries. As is the case with other premium cars of this age, the first thing you should pay attention to when inspecting the car is the condition of its paintwork.
Of course, over such a long period of operation, the car could have been in an accident, so it is important to determine whether it was involved in serious accidents. Using a thickness gauge, you can easily determine the presence of putty and repainted body parts. As a rule, an honest seller himself talks about minor accidents and cosmetic repairs.
Typical problems with the X3 body include peeling of the coating at the places where the roof rails are attached. Almost certainly these points were locally painted, and nothing can be done about it. But the main problem is the panoramic sunroof, which usually “dies” after 300 thousand km. Its assembly cost will be at least 80 thousand rubles, and repairs will cost from 30 thousand rubles. - therefore checking this node is mandatory. The presence of its malfunction is a reason for good bargaining.
After this, you can proceed to computer diagnostics and assessment of the condition of the car’s electrical system. It should be understood that in 90% of cases, cars with twisted mileage are put up for sale, so it is important to read the mileage readings from different blocks of the car - often “twisters” change the mileage readings only in the main blocks.
You can also determine the approximate mileage of a car by indirect signs - scuffs of the interior, steering wheel and pedals, although the first generation X-3 is famous for its very high-quality finishing materials that are resistant to wear. Finding out the history of the first years of life of a car purchased from an official dealer is not difficult, but after the warranty period has expired it is difficult to do. In the case of the BMW X3 for the American market, everything is simpler - the entire “American” history of the car up to the sale to our country can be found in the Carfax database. But again, you can find out about the car’s future judgement only if it is repaired and undergoes maintenance from the officials.
In general, the interior of the BMW X3 E83 resists aging very well, and the body is little susceptible to corrosion. The exception is cars from those regions where the roads are generously sprinkled with salt and chemicals.
The X3 suspension is quite “tenacious” and is considered one of the best, but when driving on our roads you need to be prepared to annually replace shock absorber struts, the choice of which is very large today (from 4 thousand rubles to 8 thousand rubles and more) .
Conclusion:
Finding a first-generation BMW X3 without subsequent investments is extremely unlikely. At the same time, this crossover is free from serious problems, and eliminating identified faults will not require large financial costs, but in the future the car will delight its owner for many more years.
The BMW X3 was created as a cheaper alternative to the flagship SUV BMW X5. In 2006, the car body was slightly updated, and cosmetic changes appeared. In 2010, the X3 of the next generation, the F25 series, took its place on the assembly line.
Body
The shapes and lines of the body are inextricably linked with the style of other BMW models. Despite the years, the car still looks fresh and modern. The only thing you can complain about is the unpainted plastic bumpers, which, after restyling in 2006, finally acquired body color. The BMW X3 is technically closely related to the BMW 3 Series E46. However, the crossover is more spacious and allows a family of four to travel without any problems.
The wheelbase is striking in size - 2800 mm. It would seem that it should be very spacious inside. But it is not so. It's all about the layout: the engine is located longitudinally, so a large wheelbase is a necessary measure. But there is enough space in the cabin.
The paintwork of the body is of very high quality and withstands the effects of time well - there are no problems with either corrosion or varnish. Corrosion on the surface of the body indicates repairs after an accident.
Interior and equipment
The X3 received a clear and concise instrument panel, a soft steering wheel and an ergonomic center console. All buttons and switches are within reach and are easy to use. The interior design largely depends on how rich the first buyer was. And they, as a rule, did not lack funds. Therefore, on the secondary market you can find many cars with beige or orange leather and decorative inserts made of wood and aluminum. In addition, some examples have an optional panoramic sunroof and a sports package.
Creaking and abrasion of plastic in the BMW X3 interior is a known problem. The interior of older cars is likely to be very worn out.
A huge plus of the BMW X3 is its rich equipment. Already as standard, the crossover had on board air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, and was shod with large wheels with alloy wheels. The vast majority of copies are equipped with automatic climate control, leather upholstery, navigation and a high-quality audio system.
Many X3s do not have any kind of spare wheel (mainly European versions). In the usual place for a spare tire, under the raised trunk floor, there is a battery, basic tools and a first aid kit. On some specimens, a “dock” is provided, located outside under the bottom. The trunk is medium in size and has a volume of 480 liters.
Gasoline engines
Those who decide to buy a car with a gasoline engine have nothing to fear. Yes, there are problems with ignition coils, valve lifters and the Valvetronic system, but they are rare. The basic 2-liter unit can disappoint with its dynamic characteristics. Therefore, the best option is a 3.0 liter engine, which guarantees good dynamics and reliability. However, you will have to put up with high fuel consumption. Thrifty people can use the services of services offering installation of equipment for working with liquefied gas. Thanks to distributed fuel injection, the engine adequately accepts this modification.
Diesel engines
The situation with diesel units is not so rosy. Refusals occur quite often. In cars with high mileage, fuel injectors and the dual-mass flywheel fail. Certain problems are caused by soot accumulated in the particulate filter. In addition, there are cases of destruction of the tin exhaust manifold, which would be better replaced with a cast iron one.
The 2-liter M47 turbodiesel develops 150 hp. and is not without its shortcomings. These include flaps in the intake manifold (there is a risk of destruction and getting into the engine), stretching of the timing chain, malfunctions of the injection system and wear of the dual-mass flywheel. Despite this, the engine has earned a good reputation due to its mechanical strength and low cost of repair.
If you decide to purchase a diesel BMW X3, then the best choice would be the 3.0d with 204 hp. It provides good dynamics and is quite economical. Its stronger version is also trustworthy, but possible repairs will be more expensive. It is not recommended to get involved with diesel crossovers from the first years of production: cases of cracking of the unit block have been recorded!
One of the common malfunctions is failure of the crankshaft damper pulley. The original will cost 25,000 rubles, and analogues start at 10,000 rubles. It is worth noting that this engine used piezo injectors, which are much more expensive than electromagnetic ones. Since 2004, almost every X3 3.0d has been equipped with a diesel particulate filter.
The 2-litre N47 diesel has been offered since 2007. The engine is distinguished by an expensive-to-repair injection system with piezo injectors, a problematic electronically controlled turbocharger and, most importantly, a vulnerable timing chain drive located on the gearbox side. Replacing a chain is expensive because it involves removing the motor. There have been cases of wear of the gear on the camshaft and even a break in the timing chain. However, units are also known that have covered 300,000 km without serious problems. The basis of longevity is good service. Remember that buying any diesel is a risk.
Gearboxes
The BMW X3 E83 was offered with both manual and automatic transmissions. The mechanics demonstrated reliability only when paired with 2-liter gasoline and diesel units. Working with more powerful engines that develop high torque, the box could not withstand aggressive driving style. Soon the clutch and dual-mass flywheel inevitably wore out.
Automatic transmissions are more durable, but you need to be careful with General Motors products, which went to the X3 between 2004 and 2006. Typical defects include delays in acceleration when starting from a standstill. Any twitching, prolonged shifting or skipping (slipping) indicates a malfunction of the machine. As a rule, characteristic machine malfunctions begin to appear after 200,000 km.
All-wheel drive system
The BMW X3 in all versions was offered with an improved xDrive all-wheel drive system. The xDrive label itself appeared only in 2008.
The system works by distributing torque across the axles through an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. In normal modes, traction is distributed in a ratio of 40:60 in favor of the rear wheels. Electronic traction control takes care of wheel traction in difficult conditions. It is worth emphasizing that the BMW X3 is not an SUV, but just a crossover. So don't be surprised if it gets stuck in a little mud or snowdrift.
The all-wheel drive system is quite stable. In any case, it is more durable than in the larger X5, but it is very far from the reliability of the Quattro. The weak point remains the transfer case, which sometimes fails after the first 100,000 km. Fortunately, the cost of repairs is relatively low. Often you can get away with just replacing the control module - about $120. A multi-plate clutch may fail due to a faulty servo. And due to the active braking of slipping wheels, the wear rate of the brake pads increases.
Before purchasing, you need to pay attention to oil leaks from the transmission, in particular you should look at the gearbox, axle shafts and differential. During the test drive, there should be no knocking/clicking noises under the driver's seat or the effect of the front wheels locking when turning sharply. There should be no jerking or whining when accelerating, and no chirping when decelerating. The presence of problems will also be indicated by messages on the dashboard that appear while driving.
The oil in the BMW X3 transfer case should be changed every 40,000 km. Ask the seller when he last changed the oil. If he is surprised by the question, then repairs await you soon.
When selecting an X3, you should pay attention to one more point - whether the tires on the axles are the same. The different sizes cause the system to be in constant readiness, as if the car were moving in a slight slide. This accelerates wear and brings the point of failure closer. Only cars with the M package can have tires of different widths on the front and rear axles, but they must have the same diameter.
Chassis
The front and rear suspension of the X3 is quite complex in design, but not expensive to repair. On the front axle, stabilizer links periodically give out, and in the long term, shock absorbers and upper control arms.
Other problems and malfunctions
When inspecting a used BMW X3 E83, it is necessary to check the tightness of the cooling system (pipes and radiator).
Having decided on an X3 with a manual transmission, you need to be prepared to replace the clutch and dual-mass flywheel.
The weak points of the crossover include the short battery life and fairly frequent ruptures of the air conditioning drive belt. Due to oxidation of contacts, electrical problems also arise.
The car body is very well protected from corrosion; small traces of rust can only be found on individual suspension elements.
Original spare parts are expensive, but last much longer than alternative options.
Conclusion
A used BMW X3 E83 is an offer that is worth taking into account if you need a fast car that doesn’t shy away from the asphalt. The crossover copes well with dirt or snowy roads, but it is better to avoid difficult areas. The SUV offers a logical and fast all-wheel drive system, good dynamics, pleasant comfort and comfortable seats for a reasonable price. But, unfortunately, there is also the other side of the coin - relatively high maintenance costs. A wide range of relatively high-quality and cheaper substitutes will help smooth out the burden of financial costs. Choosing a diesel version will allow you to visit gas stations less often, but will force you to seriously fork out for possible repairs. As a result, operating a diesel modification will cost much more than a gasoline modification. Finding a decent copy will take a lot of time. There are too many examples on the secondary market that have been restored after an accident. The main thing is to be patient.
History of BMW X3 e83
2003 - start of sales
2004 - 3.0 d engine received more power (218 hp) and a 6-speed automatic
2005 - four-cylinder petrol engine 2.0 N46
2006 - restyling, the M54 was replaced by the 6-cylinder N52
2007 - turbodiesel N47 2.0 / 177 hp
2008 - appearance of the xDrive label
2009 - xDrive 18d with N47 2.0 turbodiesel / 143 hp
