2006 BMW X3 E83

Overview

Engines

3.0L inline-six

On record

5 warnings, 2 recalls

What changed for 2006

• The 2.5i is dropped in the US, leaving the 3.0i. Edmunds, a published reference

Compare 2006 with 2005

Colors

• Titanium Silver Metallic2006
• Alpine White2006
• Highland Green Metallic2006
• Silver Gray Metallic2006
• Flamenco Red Metallic2006

Interiors

• BeigePremium leather, 2006
• TerracottaPremium leather, 2006
• BlackPremium leather, 2006
• BlackLeatherette, 2006
• BeigeLeatherette, 2006
• GrayPremium leather, 2006

Sources: Edmunds

Specs

Badges

• 3.0i: 3.0L inline-six, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference

Engines

• 3.0L inline-six M54 engine page Edmunds, a published reference

  225 hp and 214 lb-ft · 2004–2006

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

Figures for the whole E83

• Built: By Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, under contract to BMW A published reference, a seller's guide (unofficial)
• Platform: The E46 3 Series, whose rear suspension it shares with the 330xi A published reference, a seller's guide (unofficial)
• Milestone: The 500,000th X3 was built in Graz on 18 June 2008 A published reference
• Award: The 3.0i was Canadian Car of the Year's best sport utility vehicle for 2005 A published reference

Watch out

Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.

• Brittle plastic cooling parts 2004–2006

  One source so far

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.

• 2006–2010 Recall 17V605000

  The front passenger seat's occupant detection mat can fatigue and crack, so the passenger airbag may not deploy as it should. Dealers replace the mat. NHTSA

• 2004–2006 Recall 08V384000

  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

Owning

What owners and buyers say

• 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)

Maintenance

• Engine oil and filter All years

  Replace every 5,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says every 5,000 to 7,500 miles on older engines, not the 15,000-mile reminder A seller's guide (unofficial)

  Ask the seller: Ask for oil change records.

• Transfer case and differential fluid All years

  Replace every 50,000 miles, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

  If it was skipped: Euro Premium Parts says it is often skipped, and that fresh fluid protects the xDrive clutch pack.

• Coolant All years

  Replace every 45,000 miles or 3 years, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Spark plugs All years

  Replace every 30,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says every 30,000 to 45,000 miles A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Brake fluid All years

  Replace every 2 years, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

Warranty when new