I'm looking at an X3 for my wife: 04 X3 3.0i awd 6-spd man... When I go to look it over, is there anything in particular I should specifically look at that may cause problems in the future? Are there any common problems for this model year?

No problems with ours 44k on the clock. Ours is an auto but everything else is the same. The only thing my wife would like different is angle eyes, my car has it and hers does not.

If it has the panoramic roof make sure it isn't making any noises. That's really the only problem we've had with ours. And sometimes the MPG thing goes to 99.9 but I think you can just reset that.

And leather is a huge + in the car, the leatherette is uncomfortable on long trips.

Some have had squeaky door or window seals. It sounds somewhat like a creaking noise as you drive. There is a special cleaner and lubricant that fixes this.

Ask the seller or dealer for full maintenance records. The X3s can be trouble-free, but the 15K (or annual) oil change interval with synthetic oil might be important over the long run.

Finally, ask about whether there was a brake job. The first one often is needed just after the free maintenance period expires. It will be more expensive than you expect (unless you are a BMW or MB owner) as rotors should be replaced along with the pads. This isn't bad--it is just something you should know to expect.

Some have had squeaky door or window seals. It sounds somewhat like a creaking noise as you drive. There is a special cleaner and lubricant that fixes this.

Ask the seller or dealer for full maintenance records. The X3s can be trouble-free, but the 15K (or annual) oil change interval with synthetic oil might be important over the long run.

Finally, ask about whether there was a brake job. The first one often is needed just after the free maintenance period expires. It will be more expensive than you expect (unless you are a BMW or MB owner) as rotors should be replaced along with the pads. This isn't bad--it is just something you should know to expect.

Thanks for the help!

did you buy it?

Some have had squeaky door or window seals. It sounds somewhat like a creaking noise as you drive. There is a special cleaner and lubricant that fixes this.

Ask the seller or dealer for full maintenance records. The X3s can be trouble-free, but the 15K (or annual) oil change interval with synthetic oil might be important over the long run.

Finally, ask about whether there was a brake job. The first one often is needed just after the free maintenance period expires. It will be more expensive than you expect (unless you are a BMW or MB owner) as rotors should be replaced along with the pads. This isn't bad--it is just something you should know to expect.

There is a special lubricant for the creaking noise? What is it? What do you have to do? I have noticed this on mine the last couple months.

There is a special lubricant for the creaking noise? What is it? What do you have to do? I have noticed this on mine the last couple months.

Two-step process:

Clean the seals and door jams with 3M adhesive remover, Prepsol, or equivalent. If you don't know what I'm talking about, go to your local auto paint supply store and ask for what they sell as an alternative to Prepsol that comes in a small can.
Apply Gummi-pfledge or other similar non-silicone lubricant to seals and door frame. BMW dealers no longer stock G-P, but you can find it on the web.

Note the door seals in several dimensions, so you need to do both steps to every surface where a seal presses against metal.

I have a 2004 X3 3.0i for sale, CPO and maint. package until 10/2010, 40,600 miles.

koryg@comcast.net for more info and pictures.

You can also use trailer slide out seal cleaner/conditioner all good things for rubber seals.



Two-step process:
Clean the seals and door jams with 3M adhesive remover, Prepsol, or equivalent. If you don't know what I'm talking about, go to your local auto paint supply store and ask for what they sell as an alternative to Prepsol that comes in a small can.
Apply Gummi-pfledge or other similar non-silicone lubricant to seals and door frame. BMW dealers no longer stock G-P, but you can find it on the web.
Note the door seals in several dimensions, so you need to do both steps to every surface where a seal presses against metal.

There is a special lubricant for the creaking noise? What is it? What do you have to do? I have noticed this on mine the last couple months.
Someone has just posted the following on another board:

The latest fix from BMW replaces the door seals and adds teflon tape to the door sill, which contacts the seals. I had this done just before the warranty expired and the seals have been very quite ever since.

well..I ended up finding a 2002 X5 for a deal that I couldn't pass up.. The wife is happy as well..
b/c I'm still a newb on the forum I'm not allowed to post pics or links, so you'll have to settle for a typed description instead of some pics...
Silver on grey leather, sport package, premium package, navigation and a 6 disc in the rear, I believe it also has the premium sound package as well..? 4.4L V8 and the awd... She definitely gets up and goes for an SUV...