Buying a used BMW X3 E83 - 2003-2010, Buying advice with Common Issues
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- čas přidán 7. 01. 2018
- differentcarreview.com/
Buying a used BMW X3 (E83) - produced from 2003 to 2010
What is the best engine, how good is this car, what are the common problems with these cars? What are the most unreliable engines? Watch the video and you will get answers to all these questions and more!
What to look for when buying a used BMW X3 SUV-SAV advice / guide
used first generation BMW X3 SUV-SAV
used BMW X3 E83 SUV review
BMW X3 2.0i, xDrive 20i, 2.5i, 2.5si, xDrive 25i, 3.0i, xDrive 30i, xDrive 18d, 2.0d, xDrive 20d, 3.0d, xDrive 30d, 3.0sd, xDrive 35d
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Another issue I had which is less common for the M54 engine and my 2004 x3 3.0 (2004-2007 x3 and 3 series) but has made a select few of us very frustrated: the service engine soon light will stay on and the car will give you lean engine codes and other random codes not solved by making sure there are no air leaks in the engine, and the engine will struggle at around 2800-3000 rpms on the highway or around 80mph, only in 3rd gear or above. This was only solved by taking it to a dealer and telling them to update the DME (computer) software to the latest software. The service tech will call you crazy and tell you that's not the problem (happened to all of us on the forum), but if he allows it ($150 for me) it solves the issue and the car runs way better with more power, service light gone. Do not let them "diagnose" it, as I had 3 separate BMW dealers misdiagnose it, they are unaware of the issue apparently, just tell them update the software. Took me YEARS to nail down this problem, now it drives perfectly for the first time ever, hope it helps someone.
I had the same problem. ended up being my oil filter housing gasket and oil tube gasket. the oil leaks cause the vaccumm leak. I did alot of trouble shooting before.
I'M DEALING WITH THE SAME ISSUE, AND HAVE BEEN FOR TWO YEARS NOW. YOU'RE A GODSEND!!!!
Oil leaks caused by oil sludge plugging the EGR valve causing pressure in the crankcase and blowing out the seals. This is caused by BMW's 15,000 mile oil changes. Change your oil every 7K miles or sooner and you will be ok.
Or just fuck off the EGR and swirl flaps entirely
198 000 km (M47)
Replaced swirl flaps - engine was clean, carbon buildup was minimal, swirl flaps were still 100% perfect.
Only issues so far
- replaced damper pulley
- replaced engine mounts and transfer case mount
- replaced worn bushings
Engine was checked (double checked) and is perfect.
Electrical issues are happening (nothing major), which I think is due to me getting the battery compartment under water (left it open during heavy storm by mistake).
Car is smooth, quiet, fuel efficient, big inside, comfortable. xDrive system works great off road, and the car has tackled some 4x4 tracks with relative ease.
Best used car review I have ever heard. Just the right amount of technical detail
I LOVE my 2005 X3, 2.5i. It's got great visibility, spunk and comfort. It's handy and luxurious at the same time. I will drive it until the wheels fall off! BUT, I do have a slow leak; is that the oil pan cover, most likely? I want to try fixing because I just love the satisfaction of doing it myself. (I fixed the sunroof myself after watching a CZcams video; probably saved myself $2,300 or so.) BTW, I'm a 50-something-year-old female, so ladies, don't think you can't do your own repairs!
How did you fix sunroof? Link pls?
@@MarkoZutic Probably this one: czcams.com/video/wXpDcy8C56Y/video.html
There's 3 leaks that are common, (1)Valve cover gasket which is easy diy(2) oil pan gasket(3)oil filter housing gasket. Iirc the oil pan gasket requires disconnecting something that supports the engine therefore you'll have to put something underneath it to brace it. I'm sure there's diy videos.
If you want to learn more about how to fix up cars CarWizard has many great videos where you can learn alot of general information. For a very specific how-to video on a specific repair just search "X repair how to"
BIMMER ZEIT CZcams channel has alot of good info too, and related videos from other good sources will comeuppance if you watch his videos
I would never have bought thee car if it had spunk on it...dirty bastards
Hello, I found your video VERY helpful.
I'm old and extremely old school (my daily driver is a 1972 GMC PU with a Hot Rod Corvette 350 motor).
But, my favorite car (for 10 years) was a 1996 Ford Taurus V8 SHO. So, when I got my 2007 BMW X3 3.0si M Sport (@ 129K mi), a WEEK ago, I knew I had to do some homework.
So far, it runs excellent (with no odd motor noises), drives (straight down the road), stops (with no pulls or pulsing pedal), and in general, is a seriously fun, quick for what it is and really competent handling vehicle.
I thank you for your tips and info for what may be my end game car.
Stay safe and healthy during these trying times.
cheers
Boots Langley
La Mesa, ca
Everything you mentioned is exactly right, correct pricing on parts and exactly right on how many miles till something's start to break
Just bought a show room condition 2006 BMW X3 3.0i. 210,000km, but literally everything has been replaced. Can't wait to cruise around in it. Got all the bells and whistles, except for the rear heated seats, and navigation.
These are incredible videos thank you so much!!
Thanks man I been having problems with my x3 almost all of them you mentioned .
Had my 2006 3.0D model with 120.000km's for about a year now
Swirl flap delete, EGR Delete, Downpipe and a tune and it fucking flies. As long as you stay on top of regular maintenance I have not had anything go wrong.
Thanks for the reveiw I was looking to test drive a X3 2005 se petrol but not anymore ! thanks for the warning.
Good information. Thank you!!!
Great video!
Just bought one - now I know what to check!! thanks.
You help us alot and thanks for it. Please tell something about opel insignia.
I owe a 3.0d 218ps one with panoramic sunroof. Very nice really but the excessive wind noise on the highway is bothering me alot. evrything else is as said in the video. Great content man !
Great review
Yesssssss I’ve been waiting for this
Excellent video...different...
This is a very accurate review as I have owned a 2006 2.5L Manual X3 M Sport for 8 years. The car handles very well and is great to drive. It has excellent European features as well as front and rear foglights, ski bag etc. I have experienced some of the technical issues mentioned, such as transfer case problems, suspension bushes and replacing ignition coils; however, the 4x4 has been very handy. Tire sensors for differing psi work well. It has excellent clearance for a smaller SUV and even has hill descent control which works well - although it sets 20kph which is for steeper hills than I have taken it on. Very handy for a small family.
I own the last version of This Fantastic SUV the 2010 E83 X3 Diesel Version 2.0D and I love it. it's not the most confortable SUV out there but Fuel economy is great and it handles better than any other SUV i drove and i drove pretty much all SUV's. zero issues with it so far. 60,000km on the clock.
I am thinking of buying a X3 2.0d 2005 version with 190,000 kilometers, which is about 13,000 kilometers/year. What do you mean not the most confortable? How it rides, noise? Thnaks
I own a 2009 BMW X3 3.0 XDrive got it in the year 2013 with 62,000 miles Still have it today in 2022 with 156,000miles now. I have had almost all of those problems you mention. water getting in, rear window motor braking, airbag recall, engine oil leak, transfer case, coils, thermostat, coolant leak, all at different times. anyways, the car has never left me on the side of the road. I love the ride and I plan to keep it until I ride the engine to the ground.
great job great review thanks for informations, greetings
thank you for rewiew
great video.
We've got a 2006 (preface lift in the us) with 172k miles, it's been a pretty solid car. It's got the 3.0 gas motor, had the disa valve, mass air flow sensor, Crank case ventilator valve, waterpump and transfer case gear go out. It's never left us stranded or refused to start, always drove into the repair shop under its own power (84 miles away from our house because we live in the middle of nowhere and are picky about the repair shop). The previous owner did a fuel pump and valve cover gasket. Aside from that it's just been maintenance. Our panoramic sunroof is making more wind noise than it used to so I think the seals will need replacing but the sunroof works perfect and I use it almost every time I drive. It doesn't leak either. The cloth part on the sunroof shade often times separates from the structure of the rollup shade and droops, we ripped it off and keep it open. The only way to fix the headliner is to remove the whole sunroof and redo everything which isn't worth the hassle, if you own one and don't want all that light coming in the best thing to do is have the sunroof tinted darker.
The same goes for me with my 2009 BMW X3 3.0 X-Drive had it for 2013-2022 present time has never left me stranded also. I love the car and plan to keep it until the engine falls to the ground got it @ 62,000k miles now it has 156,000k miles.
@@Cast1 Good to hear, ours is still running strong, now at 186k miles, and still hasn't left us stranded, refused to start, or anything.
not good, with the shades gone it gets really noisey, DO NOT EVEN TOUCH THE SUNROOF AT ALL, INCLUDING THE SHADE.
@joesmith9216 The part that falls is the cosmetic cover. Theres a thick cloth insulation support underneath that and it blocks alot of the noise. Ours now has 201k miles and is still going strong.
@@shanet7511 I know, haha, my 2005, I took my whole sunroof apart my self once.
Before I sold my 04 X3 3.0i 3 months ago she had well over 265000 miles and she was still good to go 3 oil changes a year sold her and now I’m in the market for a 2008-10 X3 3.0Si M-sport package my only issue is finding one in black hence my reason for watching this video for a 5th time
Be prepared to spend money on tires. The fronts are different from the back and are not cheap. My M version eats tires. And if they get worn or uneven, damages the transfer case. I unplugged the transfer case and been running it in rear wheel drive. Refuse to pay thousands for a 11 year old vehicle. Then it's always something past 100,000 K. It's a non stop Service Engine Soon lightshow and a unfortunate chain of repairs that are never cheap. I cannot go three months without a light.
Such excellent information, thank you so much!
Thanks great vid, I just bought one
Cortez how you like it ? Might get a 08 x3
Which one is the cheapest for maintenance? E91 330d or X3e83 3.0d? Or if I want cheap to maintain car I should choose one of the petrol engines?
thank you very helpfull
the 2.5l gas engine is a dream on this car
You forgot to mention about the oil pan gasket leaks horrible
very helpful
I have one and this was pretty accurate given the issues I had.
Car review brought to you by Count Vlad Dracula.
fixes the acuator gear last week. easier than i thought
Thank you for this very informative video!👍
Rear springs replaced twice, front shocks, valve cover gasket, actuator plastic gear, water reservior, both windshield pumps (front and rear), U-joint drive train replaced
Tks man!
Do you guys recommend buying a 2008 used BMW X3 2.0 4x4 120 KW that has around 165 000 Km on it, with Automatic gear and front and back parking sensors?
You should buy a 3.0 diesel not the 2.0 diesel.
Pretty much spot on. Actuator- yup, shocks- yup, springs- you betcha, coolant leak- right on. But you missed water pump failure
Honestly most of the cooling system is made from cheap plastic in these, ours has had the waterpump and thermostat so far. Luckily I could hear the waterpump making noise and was able to get it into the shop before it failed. When I brought it in I was like "it's making a weird noise at idle but only after it's warmed up, it doesn't do it when it's cold or when moving" and they looked at me like I was crazy but they're a very good shop and had it diagnosed the next morning shortly after they started working on it (dropped it off right before they closed). Surprisingly I was able to drive it around for almost two weeks with this issue, keeping in mind my daily commute at the time was just over 100 miles round trip, over half of which was going well over 80mph and the other half around 60mph.
Some also come with out cruise control so look out for that
guys i find x3 from 2006 3.0L automatic with 215hp but there is no such a car with exactly 215hp..anyone can explain to me pls?
Not buying one but good to know. I have a 2006 with 50k now after driving it across the United States. The only issue was a windshield washer pump that stopped working last year. Wasn’t cheap but I guess I’ve been lucky so far. I read someone had a six speed manual as I do. So much fun. Keeping it forever!
You sure you don't wanna sell? I'm in Virginia. I'd love a low mileage manual transmission E83
@@shanet7511 Sorry, I’m keeping it.
I love my x3 2008 people who have it will say that it's a very good car and people who dont have this car will say that it's not good
How reliable has yours been?
I had a 2007 68K-80k mile, 2.5 SI, most unreliable car I have ever owned and I have had a lot of rubbish cars. Car had £5k of receipts from the previous owner with drivetrain work and vanos replacement and I only had the service history going back 2 years of previous ownership. In my 2 years of ownership as a second car, I had the following go wrong, split expansion tank, vanos solenoid, oil leak from crankcase, difficult to diagnose issue where the car would stall at a junction when hot identified as oil filler cap seal leaking, starter motor work loose, windscreen wipers not working randomly (lack of position return signal to ECU), lambda sensor, crankcase breather pipe split, tyre wear was awful and finally the crankcase breather valve went, which I think caused the rod bearing to fail, needing a new engine. I have probably missed out a few other issues and there was random noises and vibration from the drivetrain that neither me or the garage could diagnose! For the few months, it didn't have an issue and it was great to drive, for the other 90% of time it was a pain. Most of the faults I had are not specific to the X3 they are common to the E90 and E46, with in depth internet coverage.
David Lees you just got a lemon lol maintain it properly and none of that will happen all cars will be shit with morons as the owner
You are the best
Well my 2009 X3 has a 2.0d with 163 hp. Does anyone know if there were any X3 fitted with this engine?
Is now x3 2006 durable and easy on maintanance
Great review! Now I know what car I will not buy!
I have a 3litre diesel X3 automatic 2007 and every now and then the engine dies,, all lights are on,, ignition on, I found out if I just switch the ignition key slightly off and then on,, it's fine,,, saves me stopping. Anyone else has this????
Don't get the X3 with 19" rims, takes two different tire sizes and if they wear unevenly to the point it damages the transfer case.
Engine light on dealer couldn't solve it for weeks, finally they told me it won't take gas with any ethanol content (news to me), the only available gas in my country without ethanol is at Shell, so I switched and the issue was solved from then on
I am looking at a X3 2.0d 2005 with 190,000 kilometers, what do you say?
Love the E83. Just one question cuz I'm looking for an x3, 4cyl. 2.0 diesel, 150hp,with manual transmission.
Which E83 year model do you recommend the most from 2005- 2010???
Face-lift model after 2007 m sport 177 bhp
Correct. I fixed all those problems at 125ooo km.
I am looking at a 2.0 litre diesel with 150 bhp. Any years I should avoid in particular? The one I am looking at os at 9000€ with 150.000 km but I think I can bargain it a little bit.
Does it have enough space for a 3 adults on a rear seats?
I have an x3 it can't start. Everything is okay buy I am told the pressure is not good enough for it to start. The mechanic suggested I buy a new engine. So I need help
ACURA TL Should be on your list Bro From 2004
Not as rugged as a true offroad SUV but very applicable to my situation. Interior room is great as is seating position and ease of entry/exit. I've just found a 2008 X3 3.0si with 34k miles and the only item not listed in the video that needed checking was the idler belt pulley. Mine was fine but I will watch for failure. Useful review and I like this SAV for what is. If you want full offroad capabilities or more of a car like ride, you should look for other vehicles.
Badda Bingg yea I’ve the 2008 3.0 si with the sports package. How many horsepower do yours have
Mine is listed at 264 hp according to the VIN decoder. No problem at highway speeds here: 80 mph on our Interstate system.
Love the X3. Plenty of cooling system leaks as well as oil leaks. Gremlins in the electrical system. Still, nice❤
best car chanel on youtube .. a lot of useful information great job man ... im thinking about buying x3 3.0i x-drive or WV Passat B6 3.2 4x4 .. whats your opinion what should i get ?
Filip Todorovski get the X3
My mum has the 2018 M sport. The guy did say cheap materials but the 2007-2009 models are better in quality
Get the X3. My 07 X3 has 140k miles and runs like new. Very few issues. Before buying touch the floorboards for dampness because some of them, including mine (that's the only issue, I'm trading for an X5) will get wet after a hard rain.
Laryan Ryan my mum is a fan of x3
Her previous one was an 08 x3 2.0d with 60k miles
My 18 yr old daughter loves driving it. She says she feels safe while driving it after totaling her Nissan in October.
I have the last version out of Austria. It's a rocket machine. First eve of buying it used at 19.5k kms i tested it on a city street and the cop that pulled me over pointed at the engine and asked WHAT's IN THERE? and he let me go when i told him its 260hp :) It impressed the hell out of me when i took some tight curves on a test drive. It's in storage now, will fire it up next week :) got about 33k kms on the odo now. in white with factory running boards and executive package with heated steering wheel. The car feels good in my driveway
What does the transfer actuator do?. and if it is slipping ...what happens ? . I have just noticed a slight dragging when I slowly turn right. it seems to be from the rear left wheel ? any ideas ? Any help welcome . thanks ! .
Niall O'Connor activates your 4X4
It's a small $9 plastic gear that is easily replaceable. Look on Amazon.
It’s such an easy fix.
Thank you for the info...btw, if you have the CZcams links handy for this repair can share them...many thanks
Do Tuareg 2010-2016
so to summarize everything... if something on another car breaks... it will break eventually on this one too... makes sense...
You have a Semi South African accent it’s funny
ez megbízhatóbb mint az E53 X5?
I just got rid of my shitbox x3 and I would just like to add that the transfer case has other ways of failing, like the chain inside it can be in need of replacing, ABS sensors may be misreading and causing it to act up by stuttering and binding.
Don't buy one assuming that the plastic gear is all that is wrong with the transfer case, it might not be and a replacement is expensive.
So this is not a reliable used car?
Wow all of those issues I've experienced with my 2004 bmw x3 lol
Same with my 2005 petrol x3. spot on!
Do you guys recommend?
Why didn't you mention the M57 engine at all? It's the best out of the bunch.
Everybody knows that. Even non BMW people.
Also the front and rear drive shafts for the xdrive system after 160k kilometers. BMW U-joints are non-serviceable so you have to replace the whole shaft. And air vacuum leaks from disa valve, intake boot, CCV System, service engine light will always be on basically
right, if those dont get the light off, then check the oil leaks because the ccv has vaccum all the way down to the friggin oil dipstick gasket. also oil filter housing gasket will f up the vacuum
I love my 3.0d. I'll never sell it.
I'm about to buy a 2004 X3 2.5 engine automatic transmission M-Package with 81,000 miles. Do you guys think is a good buy?
Check the sunroof to see if it is working....and then NEVER use it again. It is a weak spot and about $2000 to replace.
You can still use the front portion as a regular sliding sun roof...but do not roll it all the way back...thats asking for trouble.
Engine running rough on 3.5i... Ignition coil?
Uzi Panti change coil packs and spark plugs 🔌
w124 pleasee👍
It's always something with my 2008 X3, I can't literally go more than 3 months without putting money into it. It's nice inside, fun to drive, but the reliability is horrible and BMW should be ashamed. Ultimate driving machine my ass.
Well, what's always going wrong with it? What kind of problems?
@@atrain132 Yes, for example......I am thinking of buying but man! Is hard to believe that from BMW. Your experience is gold. Thanks
More like you don’t know how to maintain it my ass
My experience:
Bought a X3 2.0d (M47 150 ps) at 50.000 km at the BMW Dealer, at german market prices (not a discounted trashcan).
70.000 km - clutch plate was gone - entire clutch kit replaced80.000 km - turbo failure - replaced turbo100.000 km - transfer case failure - replaced transfer case120.000 km - guess what - timing chain failure
will never ever touch bmw again.
My ears, oh God
trying to figure out the accent. went from india, via poland and scandinavia, all the way to south america lol
Portuguese, I would say.
Actually, I think you're right. Which is kind of embarrassing, considering I've been to Lisbon 4 times within the last 9 years lol....
of course >>>>>> Russian
Slovakia
Buy gasoline engines. Diesels are for high roads.
BMW X3 2010 how much
IGAT A 7 SPEED .ANEOL IS SOU FAST AND GOOD AII WIIDRAEV . IGATIT TOGO 230 MPH . IS FAN . DIROVOL LONG LASEIING .
6:14 That’s not an X3
So, might problems everywhere...!!!!!
N47 is s pig because BMW told owner it could be serviced every 20000 didn't realise it would ruin turbos and chains every 10000 you should be ok
I had an 05 worst suv ever unreliable like no other, it ended up in the junkyard dont buy it seriously, it leaked in the sunroof it was awful.
Drac...oo...la..Does reviews now 🤣🤪🤫
So you say this is about an e83 X3 and then the video is about a e53 X5. What gives?
Image Trump reviewing the German made product :) He surely will want money back for ALL failures on ALL BMWs ever sold in US :)
I own a BMW X3 2.0d x-drive (2007) and there were close to no issues at all with 170.000 km on the clock.
So maybe treatment?! As with everything - don't expect too much if you treat it like shit ...
Or maybe repairshop lying to you to make money ...
I don't know if I am just lucky but I'm sorry - I'm not with you on that ...
We own quite many BMWs in the family and there never have been any issues ... maybe crap american streets?
God.. .. that accent..... (!!)
Just don’t buy
A sincere advice
That was painfull to watch and even more painfull to hear.... So basically its POS car with too many problems and nothing works...
Pronunciation = 0
One of the worst design from BMW
I just got one and I’m pretty happy with it, i don’t understand why some people shit on it so much.
Love ours.
love my 2008 bmw x3 M
Love mine too! Sporty.
I have a 2006 pre-facelift 2.0d and it's got 198 000 km on, and it's magnificent!