E83 BMW X3 2004–2010 E83

Overview

Engines

2.5L inline-six, 3.0L inline-six, 3.0L inline-six, 260 hp

On record

6 warnings, 8 recalls

Sold as 2.5i (2004–2005), 3.0i (2004–2006), 3.0si (2007–2008), xDrive30i (2009–2010)

The story

The X3 was designed by BMW with Magna Steyr of Graz, Austria, which built every first-generation car under contract. It premiered at Frankfurt in September 2003 and was the first BMW to use the xDrive name for its all-wheel drive. A published reference, a seller's guide (unofficial)

It was meant to pair a compact car's agility with the feel of the X5. Critics praised its handling but faulted its harsh ride, plain interior, lack of off-road ability and high price. CarGurus, a published reference

A facelift in September 2006 brought new lights, grille, bumpers and interior, and for 2007 the US car took the N52 six from the 3 Series as the 3.0si. Edmunds, a published reference

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

• 2.5i (2004–2005): 2.5L inline-six, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference
• 3.0i (2004–2006): 3.0L inline-six, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference
• 3.0si (2007–2008): 3.0L inline-six, 260 hp, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference
• xDrive30i (2009–2010): 3.0L inline-six, 260 hp, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds

Engines

• 2.5L inline-six M54 engine page Edmunds, a published reference

  2004–2005

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

  225 hp and 214 lb-ft · 2004–2006

• 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

• 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

Years and what changed

1. 2004

   The new X3 arrives as the 2.5i and 3.0i. Edmunds, a published reference

2. 2005

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

3. 2006

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

4. 2007
   Refresh

   A 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

5. 2008

   No change recorded

6. 2009

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

7. 2010

   The moonroof is no longer standard, and HD Radio is added. Edmunds

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)

• 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.

• 2010–2011 Recall 23V707000

  The aluminum bolts holding the VANOS housing can loosen over time and break. Dealers replace them. 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

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)

• 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