2004 vs 2005 BMW X3

vs

Both years are the same generation, so most of what they offer is shared.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

2004

Nothing that 2005 lacks.

2005

Nothing that 2004 lacks.

Both years

  • Brittle plastic cooling parts 2004–2006 One source so far

    What to check: Look for cracks or swelling on the expansion tank and thermostat housing.

    Euro Premium Parts says the M54's plastic coolant parts become brittle, usually between 80,000 and 100,000 miles, and that sudden coolant loss is a real risk.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Transfer case actuator faults All years One source so far

    What to check: Feel for vibration or binding at low speed, and look for an all-wheel-drive warning.

    Euro Premium Parts says the transfer case's clutch actuator can fail on high-mileage cars, and that fluid changes every 50,000 miles reduce the risk.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Oil leaks All years

    What to check: Look for oil at the oil filter housing and around the alternator.

    CarGurus names oil leaks on high-mileage cars. Euro Premium Parts names the N52's oil filter housing gasket and the M54's crankcase ventilation membrane.

    CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Automatic gearbox problems All years One source so far

    What to check: Feel for slipping, harsh or late shifts on the test drive.

    CarGurus names automatic transmission problems on the first generation.

    CarGurus

  • Airbag and seat sensor recalls All years

    What to check: Make sure the airbag and passenger seat sensor recalls were done.

    NHTSA lists passenger seat sensor mats that can crack and switch off the airbag, and driver's airbag inflators that can rupture on 2007 to 2010 cars.

    NHTSA

Recalls

2004

Nothing that 2005 lacks.

2005

Nothing that 2004 lacks.

Both years

  • 08V384000 2004–2006

    Cracks can form in the front passenger seat's sensor mat, switching off the passenger airbags and lighting the warning lamp. Dealers rework the mat, and BMW extends the warranty on it. NHTSA

What changed between

After 2004, up to and including 2005.

  1. 2005Carpets matched to the upholstery, a slightly softer suspension and factory Bluetooth in the Premium Package. A published reference

What it came with

2004

Nothing that 2005 lacks.

2005

Nothing that 2004 lacks.

Both years

Engines
2.5L inline-six (2004–2005) Edmunds, a published reference, 3.0L inline-six (2004–2006) Edmunds, a published reference
Transmissions
Six-speed manual Edmunds, Six-speed automatic Edmunds, a published reference
Drivetrains
xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference
Trims
Sports Activity Vehicle A published reference
Packages
Sport Package Edmunds, Premium Package Edmunds, Cold Weather Package Edmunds

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

2004

Nothing that 2005 lacks.

2005

Nothing that 2004 lacks.

Both years

  • Sought after: A 3.0i with the M54 six 2004–2006 One source so far

    Euro Premium Parts calls the 2004 to 2006 3.0i the best balance of performance and long-term reliability, and the safer long-term bet for the engine's proven durability. A seller's guide (unofficial)