2006 vs 2007 BMW X3

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.

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)

Electric water pump failure 2007–2010 One source so far

What to check: Ask whether the electric water pump has been replaced, and watch the temperature gauge.

Euro Premium Parts says the N52's pump fails without warning, usually between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, and calls it the most important preventive replacement on post-2006 cars.

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

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

16V071000 2007–2010
The driver's frontal airbag inflator can rupture. Owners are told not to drive until dealers replace the airbag module or inflator. NHTSA
17V683000 2007–2011
The heater for the crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit. Dealers replace it. NHTSA
20V017000 2007–2010
The driver's airbag inflator can rupture. Dealers replace the driver's airbag. NHTSA
22V119000 2007–2010
The heater for the crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit. Dealers fit a wiring harness with a fuse. This replaces and expands 17V683000 and 19V273000. NHTSA

17V605000 2006–2010
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

After 2006, up to and including 2007.

2007A facelift brings new styling and interior, and the 3.0si replaces the 3.0i with a 260 hp six. Stability control gains brake drying and start-off assist. 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

Nothing that 2006 lacks.

Nothing that 2006 lacks.

Reputation: what owners and the press report

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)

Avoid: A facelifted 2007 to 2010 car without records 2007–2010 Less sought after

CarGurus says the facelifted 2007 to 2010 cars have the worst reputation of any X3, though Euro Premium Parts calls them the most refined E83 and says to avoid high-mileage cars with no service history in any year. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)