Hey guys, thinking about adding to the stable. My wife likes the X3, and I was wondering if you guys could offer up some issues related to the model or point me to some of the threads I should look at.

We are basically looking for a 2007 or later with under 20k miles. Beyond that, the missus just wants power seats and heated seats. Pretty simple!

Thanks for your ideas!

2008 (I believe) had issues with the tranny. There is a stickied thread at bimmerfest.

Hey guys, thinking about adding to the stable. My wife likes the X3, and I was wondering if you guys could offer up some issues related to the model or point me to some of the threads I should look at.

We are basically looking for a 2007 or later with under 20k miles. Beyond that, the missus just wants power seats and heated seats. Pretty simple!

Thanks for your ideas!

Some 2007 automatics have the tranns. issue. Get the the 6-speed manual, is sweet, or get a 2006 or a 2008.
If a 2007 auto. crosses your way, take it for a loooooong drive (a weekend or so) under all kind of situations, including city stop and go traffic. Check the records for transmission software updates, if it has been re flashed several times, more than likely is one of the "infected ones"
other than that, these things are a blast to drive, manual or auto. If going for an 06 get the 3.0i (225 hp), the extra power is a plus compared to the 2.5i (184 hp) 07+ you have even more power with the N52 motor.(260 hp)

I have 06 X3 with 33K and will be going back at 36K due to the end of lease.
I am debating a CPO 3 or 5 series or IS350.

pros
- Drive like a 3-series
- Good road grip
- Very good in snow,
- Not a single problem so far
- Enough space
- Stop on a dime, never seen an SUV breaks like that, similiar to G35 Coupe.

Cons
- Noisy tires make sure to get some decent All season tires, too much noise in the cabin due to these Turanza tires.
- Dont like the seats too much, too stiff
- Rims get too much break dust and some time hard to clean

Hey guys, thinking about adding to the stable. My wife likes the X3, and I was wondering if you guys could offer up some issues related to the model or point me to some of the threads I should look at.

We are basically looking for a 2007 or later with under 20k miles. Beyond that, the missus just wants power seats and heated seats. Pretty simple!

Thanks for your ideas!

Looking for a X3 for the wife as well. BMW made some small improvements to the 08 in terms of safety, therefore the 08 received the highest possible safety rating. I have been looking and it is more difficult to find an 08 vs an 07, plus more expensive, but since 2010 models will be coming this summer, I rather go with the 08. I found 07's with close to 20k miles for about $22k, not CPO of course. If you get a 07, I would get a CPO.

Run run away now!!!! lol

Overall my 2007 x3 was great. Had a couple issue but, should they be address by the fist 20k if there going to happen. I had the transmission reprogrammed at the dealer. Just have to ask them to do it (or tell them the car is having an issue between 1st and 2nd gear). Besides that i had a ticking from the lifters that the dealer also fixed.

One thing i will say is the 2007 was the last year they had the comfortable headrest :)

Thanks for pointing out the issues with the tranny. I am about half way through the bimmfest thread. It is like war and peace.

It is pretty scary...

Does this story have a good ending?

Another question: We asked why there were so many 2007 X3s on the lot and he said there was a 2-yr lease that rolled off. Is that true, or is that a cover-up on buy-backs?

Thanks for pointing out the issues with the tranny. I am about half way through the bimmfest thread. It is like war and peace.

It is pretty scary...

Does this story have a good ending?

Another question: We asked why there were so many 2007 X3s on the lot and he said there was a 2-yr lease that rolled off. Is that true, or is that a cover-up on buy-backs?

07, 2 year lease up, now its 09. yea that doesnt make any sense at all. gotta be buy backs, maybe beacuse the x3s arent any good? get an x5 instead.

be sure to get an X3 with the sports package. otherwise you'll have the uglyass black plastic unpainted bumpers. Sports packages comes with painted smooth aero bumpers.

My wife has an 06 3.0L with sport pkg 45k miles. Bought last year at 28k miles.
1. It does handle well for an SAV. Better than my X5 non sport.
2. Fuel mileage is ok.
3. No major issues, but we did have the X-drive unit replaced under warranty. The tech said it was very weird and quite uncommon.
4. No other issues
5. Sport package can be quite firm over bumps. I have an e36 m3 track car and it sometimes feels almost that stiff.
6. It looks good with the sport pkg with optional M aero kit.

07, 2 year lease up, now its 09. yea that doesnt make any sense at all. gotta be buy backs, maybe beacuse the x3s arent any good? get an x5 instead.

Hey man, yeah the math makes sense. I have no idea what terms were offered two years ago, though. 2 year leases aren't super common. I am trying to make a big purchase. So I don't know that I need to be the cool guy and not ask a few questions.

You work for BMW? If so, I think you would have an incentive to tell me everything is hunky dorey. A little snotty there too.

BTW - Thanks so far to everyone offering advice. I know a lot more than I did when I started my research!