XSeries-forum

Hi all,

I'm looking at purchasing a new (to me) car soon, and I've been considering the X3.
I've always admired the X3, but have never owned a BMW so have no experience with them. I'm looking at a daily commute of about 40 miles (20 each way) of mostly slow moving  >:D motorway.

I'm going to have a budget of around £10k. From what I can tell, that should get me an E83 with medium mileage (65-80K), whilst remaining pretty well spec'ed.

Since looking, all the reviews seem to point to the newer F25 model fixing any issues with the E83. How true is that? I'm wondering if it's worth me pushing the budget up to £15k and getting a higher mileage newer model?

First thing is I'm trying to arrange a few test drives of the E83 to see what I think, but just wondered what peoples thought or experiences were?

Cheers!

I am on my second X3 E83 and cannot recommend them highly enough.
They drive brilliantly, hold as much stuff as you would need for a family holiday.

I am on my second one because my old one was stolen last year, if not I would still have it.

What engine are you looking for?

My first was a facelift ('56) 2.0d se 150bhp and my current is an '07 3.0sd Msport 286bhp.

Go for a low mileage example with 1/2 owners and you won't regret it..

The biggest thing to note when viewing is the tyres. If they are not all one brand with a star '*' on them get a discount of around £5-800 depending on 17/18 or 19 tyres.

Thanks for the reply jagr, that's reassuring. Engine wise, I'm not sure. Probably the 2.0d. Isn't the tax a lot more on the 3.0?
Size wise that's good. It will mainly be used by myself for daily work travel, but is nice to know the family will benefit when I let them in it!

I had read about the tyres needing to be a certain type/make. I'll make sure that's on my list. Anything else to watch out for?

Also, how do you find the ride? All the reviews say it's rock hard. Just wondering what comfort is like?


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[quote="shorn"]
Thanks for the reply jagr, that's reassuring. Engine wise, I'm not sure. Probably the 2.0d. Isn't the tax a lot more on the 3.0?
Size wise that's good. It will mainly be used by myself for daily work travel, but is nice to know the family will benefit when I let them in it!

I had read about the tyres needing to be a certain type/make. I'll make sure that's on my list. Anything else to watch out for?

Also, how do you find the ride? All the reviews say it's rock hard. Just wondering what comfort is like?


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[/quote]

Tax wise depends on the year.
My '56 2.0d was £265
My '07 3.0sd is £490
But an '08 3.0 is about £290

Ride wise, mine has the 19" with Msport suspension and I don't find the ride uncomfortable.
It isn't as smooth as a 5series or Merc, Lexus etc but not at all bad.

If you read the reviews they criticise most of the smaller suv's like the X3 and Q5.


Things to look for/check:

1,Tyres need to be '*' rated
2,When test driving it check the hidden computer for real temps. To do this hold down the trip reset button till it says 'test' then cycle through to 19 and select off, it will then go back to 'test' cycle to 7. You want to see around 90c when up to temperature. Under 80 you need to budget £100 (for thermostats) if you can change them yourself or around £250 for a specialist.
I did mine last week and it is very DIYable.
3,Check rear springs as they will have been changed or will need to be. Again not too expensive.
4,You don't have to but I would recommend getting the diff/transfer case and gearbox oil changed on anything over 75k miles. BMW say sealed for life but oils do degrade. I had mine done 2 weeks ago and a specialist charged me £444 for all.
5,TAX is a minefield with BMW's
Mine is a 2007 '07 and is £490 a year yet when looking at a 2007 '57 is was £290
I bought mine because it was a 1 owner car with 52k and the '57 was a 4owner car with just under 60k.
6,Swirl flaps - I did them on my 2.0d and was not difficult so expected to do them on my 3.0sd but after checking on RealOEM it appears mine does not have them. Again very DIYable and if you do it yourself budget £25 or specialist £200.
7,BMW in there wisdom decided to run the washer pipe through the car. My old '56 came apart and soaked the rear carpet behind drivers seat.
I was told this happens when the owner used just water in washer bottle and it freezes and with all water it finds the weakest point. It is a pain because you have to remove the drivers seat and lift the carpet to dry it and reconnect the hose.

That may sound like a lot of problems but all cars have them. The X3 is a very underrated car in my opinion.

That's super! Thanks. I've done a fair amount of servicing of my current car, so if it's not to difficult and I can find guides then the swirl flaps and thermostats should be do-able. I've seen the transfer case oil change recommended a lot so I'll add that to the budget. I'd ideally like to keep by £500-£1000 after buying in order to get all the essentials done.
The X3 is chain driven isn't it? No need for cam belt change then?

I'll make sure I keep the tax diffs in mind. It's not a deal breaker but the saving would be nice.

What's the 3.0 engine like considered against the 2.0? Are they comparable reliability wise or is one more desirable than the other?


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Yes the X3 is chain driven.

The 3.0l is pretty bullet proof and the 2.0l is very good if driven.
The biggest problem with a 2l is that some people buy them too eek out as much mpg as possible and never give it a thrash so they can get carbon'd up.

My advice is when doing the swirl flaps give the EGR and inlet manifold a good clean.

I have the 3.0d M Sport but mine is an 06. Lovely car to drive and agree that these are massively underrated and offer great VFM.

When I bought mine it had snapped rear springs. They can be v expensive to replace but I found the only supplier in the world who makes aftermarket rear springs for the M Sport model. BMW's and springs are a minefield too.

Different springs depending on what was fitted at factory i.e. Air con, dvd player, sat nav etc. From bmw they are 180 each plus fitting. Got mine for £90 for the pair and fit them myself in a couple of hours.

I have a manual but if its an auto you want then check for shuttering (not stuttering) on heavy acceleration (do it going up hill in 3rd) its a very common problem and can be easily remedied by way of fuel adaption.

Totally agree on the star rated tyres. If they are not star rated, check how long they've been on for. reason is they can knacker your xdrive as the wheels don't roll evenly.

Check the heater (hvac) fan control, try it at all levels and listen for a distinctive whistle. If it is, ask for money off as it will be the bearings on the blower motor.

Tow bar - if it has one, ask to see it detached... This happens on all cars, as they seize.

Apart from these its just the general brakes and clutch stuff that you want checking but they are v robust cars.


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I have owned a few BMW's in my time, anything from a cheapo 318i right up to the present car. The X3 (F25) is a great all rounder, and if you can afford one, i would certainly consider it as the shape has become more cohesive.
It's certainly the best car i have owned and feels every bit as grown up as the X5 range.
i just took a quick look on autotrader and a 2011 F25 x2.0d can be yours for between £14-15K

Thanks for the input everyone. Much appreciated. Always good to go prepared with a list of what to look out for.
Pinewood - I'd love to hold out for the F25 but they are unfortunately a stretch too far for my budget.

Bubbaspaarx - i've seen the rear springs going around the 50-70k mark as being common. Will keep an eye out.

I'm off to test drive a 2006 2.0d M Sport tomorrow. its got 55K on it, states that it has Dunlop's all round, and had the swirl flaps done at a local BMW specialist. MOT till Feb 17 with no advisories.

The only off putting thing is that its three owners and has had a new turbo.

To be honest, it;s just to see what I think of it at the moment, take it for a spin and se what I think of it. My desire for an X3 so far has come purely through photos/reviews. Might all change when I get behind the wheel of one, (although I hope not!)

Ride is a bit harsh on msport. Search for SE. Best x3 e83 is 2.5i/3.0i se auto, worse 2.0d n47 2008-2010 msport manual.

New turbo is a good thing & the swirl flaps were probably removed to prevent another turbo failure.

Do drive a few if able, the facelifts had suspension improvements & as indicated the MSports ride firm (more so on prefacelifts).

I am not an X3 hater btw......whether F25 or E83.

Thanks for the tips. Will see what the ride is like tomorrow. Will be interesting, I'm certainly wanting to try a few variations out. I'm not in any immediate rush, so I'm in no hurry to part with my cash until I've found the right motor.


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Are the facelifts 2006 onwards?


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09/2006

[quote="shorn"]
Are the facelifts 2006 onwards?


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[/quote]

How to identify facelift and pre-facelift from exterior:

Early Msport



Early SE



Facelift SE (my old car)



Facelift Msport (my current X3)