Used BMW X3 2004 - 2011 review

BMW launched its first 4x4, the X5, to almost universal acclaim in 1999, so when a smaller X3 version was announced it was expected to be as accomplished as its bigger brother. In some respects it was, as it offers the same car-like handling and road holding as the X5. But in other areas it falls short.

While the X3 can boast exceptional driver appeal for a 4x4, it does suffer from an overly firm ride, and if larger wheels and sportier suspension are fitted it can be unacceptable on a family car. As such, we’d advise avoiding Sport and M Sport models, which come with these fitted as standard.

Externally, the X3 is smaller than an X5, but actually offers the same amount of space for passengers, and has a larger boot than its bigger brother. The same goes for the X3’s rivals, for while the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan provide similar passenger accommodation, they can’t match the X3’s boot space.

Where the X3 falls down in comparison to rivals such as the Tiguan is in the quality of the interior. Put simply, the materials don’t really have a premium feel, although ergonomically the X3 is up to BMW’s usual high standard, and a facelift in 2006 did improve quality significantly.

The X3 features a range of petrol and diesel engines that are both powerful and economical, and provide a good match for its excellent handling and road holding.

Prices start at £2500 for a BMW X3, but for this sort of figure, it will be a 2004-2005 2.5i petrol model with over 100,000 miles, or a 2.0d with close to 200,000 miles. It’s better to up your budget, therefore. The 2.0d is by far the most popular engine, and £7000 will buy an SE model with 70,000 miles while £8000 will buy a facelifted example. Last-of-the-line 2.0ds can still be bought from BMW main dealers with a 12-month warranty for £10,000-£12,000, depending on specification.

The larger-engined diesels, the 3.0d and the range-topping 3.0sd, cost upwards of £5000, although for that figure they will be tired and worn out. Up the budget to £7000 and an M Sport 3.0d with 60,000 miles will be available, while the range-topping 30sd with 40,000 miles will cost £10,500.

With several different petrol and diesel engines on offer there is a sizeable range of running costs for an X3, so it pays to do your research before buying. VED ranges from £185 for an xDrive18d to £500 for a 3.0i petrol model, with the best-selling 2.0d costing £270 for an early car (2004-2007) and £210 for a post 2007 example. The 3.0d and 3.0sd (latterly badged as an xDrive35d) both cost £295 a year to tax.

The permanent four-wheel drive of the X3 does blunt its economy somewhat, but the xDrive18d will return over 40mpg and the 2.0d isn’t far behind. However, note that choosing a car with an automatic gearbox will see that figure drop to closer to 35mpg.

Despite their more powerful six-cylinder diesel engines the 3.0d and 3.0sd will both average 30mpg, but the 2.5i and 3.0i petrol models are best avoided unless your annual mileage is low as both struggle to better 20mpg on a regular basis.

In terms of servicing BMW dealers have a fixed-price menu for the X3 2.0-litre diesel with an oil service costing £159, a major Inspection 1 service at £257 and the even more comprehensive Inspection 2 service at £443. For a petrol-engined 3.0i, those figures will be £199, £267 and £537 respectively.

Prior to the BMW X3’s facelift in 2006, six engines were offered: three diesels (2.0d, 3.0d and 3.0sd) and three petrols (2.0i, 2.5i and 3.0i). Several trim levels are available on top of the base model: SE, Sport and M Sport.

All cars come with air conditioning, an alarm, central locking, front and rear electric windows and traction control. SE adds front fog lights, parking sensors and cruise control while Sport models feature sports seats and sport suspension. M Sport models are identified by colour-coded BMW M bumpers and larger alloy wheels.

Unless your budget is restricted, the facelifted X3 is a much better car as interior trim quality was improved and the engines are more economical. Shortly after the facelift, BMW changed its naming policy for the X3, with engine sizes being prefixed by ‘xDrive’. Thus, an X3 2.0d became an xDrive20d and the range-topping 3.0sd became the xDrive35d. The trim structure was also simplified, to SE and M Sport only.

While the 2.0-litre diesel looks to be the most sensible choice offering an excellent blend of performance and economy, we cannot fully recommend it due to the question mark over its reliability, and would instead opt for the 3.0-litre diesel. It is a little more expensive to buy, but you’ll usually get a better specification than the 2.0d and running costs are similar.

Our favourite BMW X3: xDrive30d SE

When it was launched, the BMW X3 was almost in a class of its own, but there are now many rivals to choose from. The Volkswagen Tiguan offers similar space inside, albeit a smaller boot, but has a higher quality interior that’s more durable than the X3’s.

The Land Rover Freelander 2 was significantly better built than the first generation car but like the X3 it can be dogged with interior build quality issues. It rides far more comfortably, though, and its exterior design has aged better than the X3’s.

The Hyundai Santa Fe may not have the premium badge of the BMW, VW or Land Rover but in second-generation form it’s a fine car, well made and reliable, and with the bonus of seven seats and a five-year warranty.

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