2008 vs 2009 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.

2008

Nothing that 2009 lacks.

2009

Nothing that 2008 lacks.

Both years

  • 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

Recalls

2008

Nothing that 2009 lacks.

2009

Nothing that 2008 lacks.

Both years

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

What changed between

After 2008, up to and including 2009.

  1. 2009Renamed the xDrive30i, with minor changes inside and out. Edmunds

What it came with

2008

Nothing that 2009 lacks.

2009

Packages
Sport Activity Package (2009–2010) Edmunds

Both years

Engines
3.0L inline-six, 260 hp (2007–2010) 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

2008

Nothing that 2009 lacks.

2009

Nothing that 2008 lacks.

Both years

  • 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)