2009 BMW X3 E83

Overview

Engines

3.0L inline-six, 260 hp

On record

5 warnings, 5 recalls

What changed for 2009

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

Compare 2009 with 2008

Colors

No paint color is recorded yet.

Specs

Badges

• xDrive30i: 3.0L inline-six, 260 hp, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds

Engines

• 3.0L inline-six, 260 hp N52 engine page Edmunds, a published reference

  260 hp and 225 lb-ft · 2007–2010

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
• Sport Activity Package (2009–2010) 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.

• Electric water pump failure 2007–2010

  One source so far

  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

  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.

• 2007–2010 Recall 22V119000

  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

• 2007–2010 Recall 20V017000

  The driver's airbag inflator can rupture. Dealers replace the driver's airbag. NHTSA

• 2007–2011 Recall 17V683000

  The heater for the crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit. Dealers replace it. 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

• 2007–2010 Recall 16V071000

  The driver's frontal airbag inflator can rupture. Owners are told not to drive until dealers replace the airbag module or inflator. NHTSA

Owning

What owners and buyers say

• 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)

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