BMW X3 long Term Report. 

I’ve have a 2008 X3 sport model. Bought as second owner. It was 3 years old and had 30k miles. I’ve had it 8 years in 2020. It now has 87000 miles. I’ve kept it maintained and garaged. I’ve had to replace head gasket and oil pan gasket. The paint still looks new. My headlights are not yellowed and my interior is in great shape. I’m impressed with this car and love driving it.

Have one with 233k miles!!! Never had an issue with it other than tail light failure

I'm on my second X3. The first was a 2004 X3 3.0 and was side swiped by a car and totaled out, but had just under 300,000 miles. Currently I have a 2005 X3 3.0. It has about 210,000 miles and still running strong! I've always done most of my own repairs- which have only been the "to be expected" maintenance repairs. I bought some Colorbond last year and repainted my seats and trim. Colorbond is a great product and, when applied as directed, has the same finish and feel as the original coatings. The new finish is holding up strong so I totally recommend the product to anyone that wants to refresh/restore their interior. I added a trailer hitch and have pulled a 6 x 12 all aluminum trailer a few times…the X3 pulls the trailer so well that sometimes I forget I'm pulling a trailer! X3's are great, very durable SUV's and always fun to drive.

Wow I’m thinking of picking this up cause it is so cheap used and low mileage, was going to trade in my RAV4 V6 but thanks of your video. Now I’ve to reconsider because the RAV4 was pretty much basic maintenance, no major service even at 180000 miles

I have a '10 e83. Bought it with about 65,k a couple years ago, now has 95,k. I've owned and driven BMW's so I had an idea of what I was getting into... If you have to take your car to a dealership or indy shop for everything, it's going to cost a lot to maintain this car. I do a mix of things, and have a mechanic I trust that comes to my house that knows BMW's. I hired him for the valve gasket and replaced every sensor I could. I did my own oil cooler gaskets, plugs, coils, etc. I took it to a transmission place to get the transmission flushed. (which mine needed, made a big difference) There is a pretty specific list of items to replace on the N52 and I've done them all, plus some... hoping for another 95,k out of this car. I'm hoping it'll last until my oldest is 15 or 16 and he can start working on it. ha. It'll need new shocks/suspension by then.. so we'll do the cost analysis when that time comes (5 years away). Sounds like you're parting ways with yours.. and likely a good idea if you drive your family in it. Not sure I would want to rely on any car with 200,k on it to haul my young family on a big trip. There is a special feel to this vehicle that is just so 'right' and overall satisfying to own. It's the right size, it drives so smooth, is comfortable and slightly sporty. I'm glad to hear someone else out there gets it. I'm not nuts about the looks but it's all about the driving quality for me. I have owned an e46 (325i) and now have an e93 (328i) as well. They each have their own character. I call the X3 the 'adventure buggy'.. it's kind of truck-like, I don't care if it gets dirty, and it cleans up nice. I miss these kinds of cars already. I don't like want or need all the EPA mandated 'features' on modern cars, and especially not the ones added over the past 10 years. So I want to keep this one as long as I can. I so wish BMW could make an all-manual car one day. Crank windows, manual steering, and so on.. but using today's technology with tight tolerances and solid mechanical build quality. I guess I could rebuild a 2002 or e30.. but I'd still prefer something new and good... but I have now digressed... :)

Great job, thanks Mike. Very useful info.

good video. My 2004 X3 with a six speed manual has 155,000 miles with no major issues. My wife will not let me trade it in because BMW no longer offers manual transmissions. She loves the thing and frankly....so do I.

oh my god yours looks so good, I’ve got a base model that i got exactly a year ago, and i really need to replace the leather and most of the buttons

2008 X3 190,000 miles Tires, oil changes, water pump and thermostat, and that dreaded valve cover and gasket One hidden issue is the insulation that cracks and falls off and shorts out the headlight bulbs Other than that Reliable Fun to drive Comfortable Quick Roomy rear and top rack My 4th BMW and would buy another

Just bought an 08 very clean

Great video. Guessing you don't use the garage? All of your paint issues come from the sun my friend. I have an 06 and is garage kept at all times. No paint issues. I'm a little OCD with mine though. The back seat and doors are fully covered when we have the dog in the back. I have only had with windshield washer pump go. Cosmetically I had the rear bumper repainted due to parking garage damage. So glad I noticed it before leaving. They're not liable if you leave and come back complaining. All n all I love mine and will keep it because BMW no longer offers manual transmissions.

when you polish headlights you have to add back some sort of protectant, whether it be UV resistant clear coat or paint protection film, else it will go back to yellow again

Nice review

I’ve got a 3.0si 6 spd in a beautiful blue. Really hope it doesn’t start failing now 😭 it’s got around 138k

Hello from Greece , I have a 2007 X3 2.5si with 167.000 kilometers about 110.000 miles and the car has had a tone of problems. At 1500 kilometers i replaced the engine ! due to a broken 5th cylinder. I have changed the auto gearbox , 3 times the thermostat 3 times the water container for the wipers 3 times the rear motor of the wipers , and recently the engine at first gear makes a metal noise . At 130000 kilometers I changed the actuator (xdrive system broken) for 800 euros The consumption in city is 15 liters per 100 kilometers, I pay 110 euros every 400 kilometers. Iam considering of selling it for a toyota Chr hybrid

I have one with 190 000 miles and still working fine

thinking about buying one of these. 2008 X3 with 166k miles for 5 thousand. seems like a deal too good to be true. thanks for the vid !!

Hard to get rid of a 10 year old car when it works fine and you've made the investments.

A good video. I bought an ex Japanese X3 2007 model(Made Dec 2006)& it's pretty good. It's 2500SI. Have had about it 7yrs and have changed thermostat/waterpump after overheating but thanks God nothing else had been spoilt. Also messed the coolant reservoir for overfilling leaving it breathless & bust. Then had put low profile tyres and alway s engaged fourwheel drive but got advice before I could mess the system. so, generally good now @ 90K Km. God Bless

This was so helpful, im looking to buy a 2008 x3 89,574 miles for around $8,000 ... trying to see if i wanna do it. My husband knows someone who works on bmws so i really wanna go for it

Can you tell me what kinds of intervals replacements you have done on fluids? Transmission, diffs, oil, radiator fluid? Why did it get a warped head?

I’ve an 2010 X3. Except for an air bag recall, its NEVER been inside a dealer. BMW Seattle was the closest to me and 1 month later I’m replacing the engine @ 150K miles (they broke some engine part during recall). If you do not have a competent local mechanic, do not buy one of these. I like my car a lot, but too much plastic under the hood makes for very predictable repairs over time.

I just purchased a 2004 x3 3.0, it’s in pretty nice shape overall, it does have 256,000 miles but has been very well taken care of, the only problem it has is a dirty idle air control valve, other than that no issues, I got it for only 2000, so I don’t think I got a bad deal at all.

my neighbor has one with a 6 speed manual that never gets driven and im tempted to buy it and ditch my rusty old brake line busting suburban.

I also have an 07. It does drive nice but the maintenance is ridiculous. On the bright side, I've learned so much about fixing cars doing all the work myself. Avoid this car at all costs, buy a Lexus

Good video, just want to ask, how many miles u noticed all the engine problems started? U do DIY wen u fix ur car? Cheers..

Have you ever serviced the transmission ?

I'm thinking about buying one with 82,745 miles on it, 2004 what major issues should I be on the lookout for?

Iz one of the Nicest SUV ever Looks Gorges i Just got One Beautiful 3.0L SI i recommend You Can easy Drive with less Consume .

Thanks for the review; I also have an ‘07 x3, black , and it’s also my favorite car I’ve owned and like you have Had my share of service/fixes etc... where can you get the steering wheel appliqués that do wear out? Might have made sense if they went with the chrome inserts as some of the other Bimmers had around ‘07. Again thanks for vid!!

Not smart place to start reading the comments when you want to buy this car as a second hand😂

Hi, My bmw E83 crankcase vent valve went bad with pressure in engine & blow out my valve cover gasket. Do you think it could have damage any other seals

If you still have this car, i would live to fly out and bring that clear coat back to life then ceramic coat it!

I have one of these. Good power, steering response, braking and quiet ride. The drivers seat comfort is my biggest complaint, the seat back power tilt motor sits right under your rear right butt cheek. If you are mechanically inclined, you can save thousands!

For 170k miles, car is pretty good !!

You have made me more depressed. I have the same model and I am just getting into all the problems...just had oil filter gaskets changed, oil in coolant, Poo13 code, crank no start, at 144000 miles. I give up...

The cylinder head . 😆 Your funny.

hi there! I am about to buy a 2007 X3 2.0 gasoline with 110.000 miles from a doctor that had it very well mentained. All services in the bmw official. The price is a little bit up for this old model (10.000 euros) but I think it is very well mentained for a used car and hope will not cost me a fortune to mentain it for the next 100.000 miles ahaid..

Hey mike. Thanks for the share. Would you recommend one for a great price with 95k miles? Dry underneath. Looks good. Getting for my wife potentially.

I see a lot of after market parts for these now. If you do your own work and buy the car for the right price it could end up a win win. Going to look at an 2008 x3 with 160000 on it tomorrow.

Don't know why the Diesel models are not popular in USA. I have a 20d in Australia which gets 9.4L/100KM (25MPG) in city driving, even better on highway.

DUDE, THERE IS A MOUSE IN YOUR CAR!

How long have BMW been making cars and they can't even find glues and plastic coverings that don't deteriorate over time.

i just bought one and some of those prices made me slump in a my seat.....alot

What hasn't he replaced under the bonnet 😅

I have same exact vehicle. 120k when bought.. bout 130k now. I have rough idle, stalling at stops, and high pitched whistling... has that happened to yours? I hear its the pcv valve which is built into valve cover.. is that why u replaced your valve cover?

A bit of advice for those who are thinking of buying a BMW and those who are blaming them for beeing unreliable and money pits etc. There are way too many people owning a BMW that sholdn't! BMW/MB/Audi are so sofisticated as new that most car companies are coming 10-20y. after. There for BMW was never built for less earning people so they are not for them used either. They demand mutch moore service an maintenence than Toyota or GMs for example. BMWs are the best drivers cars there can be. Even 20y old, when working properly. But THAT comes with a price and effort. If serviced and maintained properly from the beginning they are reliable as any car! Mostly. There are alleays exeptions! If the repair an service takes your last money and/or it hurts every time to pay, DON'T own/buy a BMW.

These are awesome trucks I have 2 of them “BUT” BMW didn’t put any real efforts into making it reliable here’s why 1. To much plastic parts that should be aluminum cause it dry rots in a short period of time specially with all the heat these trucks create. 2. Some of the parts locations is just the worst and to expensive. 3. The absolute is the “WATER PUMP/Thermostat” It’s the worst thing they could of did to this truck when it fails you are stuck, period so don’t be on a road trip when that happens or you screwed. The water pumps don’t last that long and you would think they would build a fail safe or warning letting you know of eminent failure So you can get somewhere safe. Also there in a crapy location. So with that you should change your water pump every 40,000 mile I believe their estimated only at 60,000 don’t take a chance. The water pumps are about $400 but you can buy it from FCP euro comes with a life time warranty which BMW doesn’t offer. My Final thoughts I wish there was a aftermarket part replacement for some or all the plastic and a modified water pump system for this truck I really enjoy driving them. Shame on BMW for the lack of effort to create the perfect truck and not acknowledging the issues and fixing them.

If you take care of your car and wax it once a year your paint will not look like that

How many miles again?

sounds like you replaced almost every part in this suv, i was going to buy one, but just the constant repairs over time would not make it feasible. i think it’s a problem, they built up the name, but for all the money they sell it for, they go bad often. i’m sure 10% of their owners never had major repairs, and the rest problem had to do major repairs. which it should be the opposite. the major part to the vehicle should rarely go bad. but in reality they make ‘em to not last as long. if you kee it maintained, it should last 60 years, under normal harsh driving conditions, if you modify maybe 75% that, but still it should not be anything serious or expensive. your basically paying a lot, so you won’t have to pay a lot in repairs, but you end up paying a lot, and in then end paying a lot in repairs. even the new ones are broken in a few years. make ‘em to break.

What engine is in this petrol or diesel.

I’m looking to buy a 2008 at 136k miles... m sport looks good inside out. We need a family car for now. I heard many great things about it but a few bad also... would you recommend this car? Or should I get a different model?

Here’s a tip for the next video…. Spend a bit of time preparing and then follow the script or bullet points. Stick to the topic. For example talking about the gauge cluster is totally irrelevant to this video.

Do you think it is ok to remove fuse #46 to disable the sunroof?

im looking at one of these but after owning my 2007 328i coupe with just 45k miles and all the problems i ran into and the $$$$ it cost for the repairs, while i was still making payments.......thank god i got the 5yr/100,000 mile warranty that covered everything!!! but at 45,000 miles?? it was ridiculous. drove like it was on rails, but no quality car should have problems in a break in period. Watching this and another video previously where the guy listed everything and at the mileage it happened, i think im going to go Toyota or Volvo. The reliability is there and not cheaped out like bimmer has been for 10 yrs, trying to cut cost. buyer beware

I return my 2017 Highlander lease, sept. 2020. I want to purchase a 05 X3 2.5liter( non sport), 175,000miles for $1,500. The owner would replace the thermostat, water pump and radiator fan. The body and interior of the car is Excellent. i would need to purchase 4 new tires, fog lights, and fog light grill. Does this car drive good in the snow? Will the maintenance amount to same as my $325 lease payments?

I did not think Burn My Wallet BMW was not really a good saying, but after watching this video I believe your wallet is pretty much cooked and well done to a crisp.

Did you ever have any problems with your transfer case? Just bought one with 84k

"Endless Money Pit"

I'm thinking of purchasing a 05 X3 2.5, one owner. I will have change the oil, 4 tires, and igntion coil. The car is extremely clean in and out. However, it has 175,000 miles. I'm due to return my Toyota Lease Sept. 2020. Is this car reliable, and good in the snow?

Time and heat kills these cars much more than miles or kilometers. After awhile, the cars just die.

Diesel??

Naaa. Money pits is better to buy it new. OST of money but at least. You know is new. But still to espensive. To buy and repair.

I thought this model was reliable

In a few words you replaced everything

You spent thousands on repairs. A lot of people wouldn't have. It would have ended up parted out. The plastic covers on these engines keep the heat in. You should remove it.

That's a money pit

You forgot to mention how there is a catastrophic engine design with the crankcase shaft. If and when the serpentine belt breaks, then there is a high probability the belt will wrap itself around the shaft and slowly but surely enter the engine as there is no guard or shield. Advise your followers to replace the belt every year. It cost me thousands of dollars to do an engine swap. No other car manufacturer has this catastrophic issue. Negligence on the part of BMW for doing nothing all these years.. SHAME ON THEM! I am never buying BMW again!!!

It seems like if you would’ve learned how to work on the bmw yourself, you would’ve spent a fraction of what you did on repairs. With RU-vid mixed with harbor freight, there is no reason anyone should ever take their vehicle to a shop.

So in other words stay away from this "luxury junk" can't use half the features cause you are afraid it will break, that just tells you the quality of these BMWs. Just buy a Toyota, Lexus,Acura,Honda and etc...

If you had to replace lots of things then why not go for a lexus rx 350 2008 model than a bmw x3.Lexus rx 350 has a very reliable 2gr engine which is among the top 10 best toyota v6 engines ever produced.Why to go for a bmw v6 which is very expensive to maintain and needs a lots of repairs.BMW SUCKS !!!