BUY OR BUST? 2006 BMW X3 High Miles Review! 

Whats your favorite luxury brand and why?

Literally one of the funniest comments in a video I think I’ve ever heard, it was said so casually and I think a lot of people overlooked it. “Turn signal stalk still works like new, I don’t think it’s ever been used” 😂

I must be crazy!!!! I just bought one for 2,000 dollars with 200,000 miles. Took it for a test drive and felt like I was driving a new car so I bought it. Hope it gives me at least 2 years if use. 2008 x3

This was a great review. Straight to the point, easy to understand, subtle yet funny comedic moments and sound advice. Think I'll subscribe

Thanks for the review👍

I've got a 2006 X3 and lovin' it. 187K, regulator and slight oil use. Many dash lights on for no reason, I put tape over, couldn't get fixed. Open my roof- there is a demo on how on RU-vid, it's tricky. Mine has a 6 speed manual and lots of power in all gears. FUN car to drive!

I just picked up a 2005 version. Thanks for the review! I have to say, I've been out looking at cars in the $10k range to replace a very nice 2006 Mazda 3 hatch that gave its life for me in a 60-90mph head on (it did awesome... I'm alive and recovering from a broken ankle and two compression fractured vertebrae). At this time used car prices are stupid high. I've looked at MANY similar year SUVs and hatchbacks (Subaru, Hyundai, Honda, Toyota) priced at $6500-10,000 with similar miles and nothing compared to the quality or the looks/drive of the X3. With 187k miles on it, the exterior and interior are near flawless, the engine is smooth, it shifts (auto) like butter, has plenty of power and everything (except the sun roof!) works. My wife has a 2002 Z3, so I'm somewhat familiar with them and can do most of my own work (especially after my back heals fully). Parts are mostly readily available and usually not overly expensive online (I like Rockauto myself) vs other makes (mine does not have the stupidly expensive electric water pump). The driving experience and it's looks are way better than say a 2005 Forrester or Impreza Outback and everything about the car gives confidence... BMWs (at least of this era) have awesome brakes that give the best most linear braking of any car I've very driven. Honestly, after listening to your review I was surprised to hear you say "bust" because the car you're describing with that many miles is terrific. Now, if I had to take it to a shop to do maintenance or other typical wear stuff (brakes, struts, oil, water pump, rad, etc) then yes, but for someone like me I'd much rather have this than a Subaru et al, and people are going to pay shop labor rates just the same (though some things would be a lot given the difficulty in access... I'd not want to do a head gasket on this car!). I can buy a lot of parts for the $1500-$5000 I didnt pay for another 135k-170k mile other brand that looks and drives like it's age. Ya, premium fuel is more expensive and it will get poor economy, but i dont put on huge miles per year. My plan: Change fluids, stay on top of maintenance, treat the motor with Motorkote and see what happens. Today is 3/2/23... I'll try to update it here if that's ok, or maybe just do my own video and pick up where you left off. Thanks again for the thorough review!

Thanks for the video mate👍 helpful

Love this 'Buy or Bust' videos, would love to see many more! Subbed.

I subscribed originally because I bought a 5.7 300c. Now I find myself here because I'm about to go look at a 2006 X3 30sd as well!

I had a 14 BMW X6 and bought a 06 X3 with 297,000KM for the winter. I’ve ended up falling in love with it and sold my X6 to save some money for now. My X3 has the M sport package, black headliner, every option, and I only paid $2500CAD! Super happy with it

“Everything works good. It’s a bust.”

Perfect review, thank you.

great video and good call at the end :-)

mine is at 250k miles,i can agree with most of this. Starter fail, oil leak, transfer case, suspension issue, and panoramic roof. Car is still very reliable

Thank you, I was thinking in buy one this week.

Got a 2008 with 160k. Needed transfer case actuator, and both cam sensors as well as some exhaust work. I never use the sunroof for common issue. Great car.

Good video man and agreed with you to not recommend these SUV’s. German vehicles tend to be more reliable and break less in Germany but here in the US it’s a different story. Thanks for the video.

Love the x3! I have a 2008 with 103,200 and I plan on keeping it until it fully dies. Funny you mentioned the BMW logo because I would like my front replaced because it's starting to wear.

Cadillac...was one of my first we put a 472 big block in a 81 Sedan Deville took out the 4.6.8 crap and put a 4 brl carb and a turbo 400 transmission...I was 18 it was a cool white Caddy....I like the BMW its a great car nice looking Spencer! Looking forward towards what you do on it bud!

This one of the underated bmw models ,have had mine for two years 151k kms and drives like new feels it will last forever,very well made small suv

Thanks so much for such an awesome review!

Everything you have mentioned I have replaced and more on my 2005 BMW X3 2.5i 😂 It wants to die an honorable death, and I keep reviving it. Just got new tires, and power steering reservoir, a steering joint replaced, and an oil change. 191,000 miles. Panoramic roof is a disaster also. Lmao

Thanks mate 👍

i just got one for 1500 with 145000 miles she runs smooth no idiot lights, im happy with it

Hello, I just found your good video I’ve got a BMW it’s okay it’s very nice but I was going to buy exactly what you’re talking about they’re perhaps a bit newer the garage will be phoning me about picking the car up later on but I don’t think I’m gonna bother going to buy it, not after what you said, but they always look so good though. These cars great video, Eddie UK😢

I fixed my transfer case actuator by turning the gear 180 degrees, as the worm gear that turns the plastic actuator gear only wears out half of it

These days actually I focus to buy bmw x3 or x5 2004-5-6-7.. But also I'm worried about too expensive to keep it from this time of car age ... So, I collect some more information like this helpful video. Thanks

Thank you very much man. Good explanations and great tips🙌

Car that will never die

I own a 2008 x3 with 145000 on the clock. The full leather interior is still like new, been garage kept and other than famous oil leaks and one window regulator, front struts, it has been completely reliable otherwise

Thank you so much!

Totally disagree! I have the exact same year and model. It has 151,000 miles on it. I think that’s a little low for a 14-year-old car. We have owned it for 12 years and it has had its share of some of the common problems that you mentioned but it’s still a really good X3 and the panoramic sunroof works great, I use it all the time!

good review im considering buying my neighbors 6 speed manual X3 its been sitting for a while. but it runs

I have an 08 3.0si with 170k. I've had it since 50k and can back up everything he said in the video. I've replaced the starter, multiple seals, fuel pump, mass air flow sensor, radiator pump reservoir, windshield washer fluid pump, ignition coils, and my whole transfer case (which was a result of not replacing the actuator soon enough). Fun times. Aside from the oil leaks and the transfer case (which could've been avoided) it's holding up well. The engines are really well built and they'll run a long time.

I’m looking to buy my first bmw x3 or x5 2006-2013 range thanks for the video

Hello, Is it safe to put a wool blanket over your engine in your battery in cold weather?

I had just my financed one with my local buy here, pay here. I had many options but chose this vehicle. It has 200,580 miles on it and she runs beautifully. (Got it at 199,900) no check engine light on, and I couldn’t be more happier with the purchase! My 06 BMW X3 runs & drives better than my 2010 Kia Optima LX with 130,000 miles. The BMW X3 is very comfortable as well to drive, I feel super safe, and the sun moon is amazing! Great car & very reliable!

Rear diff clunks ? Bearings is a guess . Replace the oil . Is it limited slip ?

I have a white 2010 2.5si drives so well and does not break ,wish it had a manual gear

Thank You for the nice representation ... Was going to buy it, but not now.... Thank you for saving me, wasting money on this Machine ...

The oil leak could be a oil housing seal it’s hard to get to with a big wrench it wouldn’t be a problem

BTW, do you still have It? Any additional issues?

do you have idea where to get one of that door trim decor? mine cracked and i need to replaced, nowhere to be found. Thank you

Decided to roll the dice and purchase a used 2006 with 120K miles for $4,500. It’s never seen snow and was clearly kept in solid shape over the years. I will never even consider opening the sunroof haha. Thanks for the thorough review

Looks like you live in a very nice area !

gotta love people buying $2k used cars & actually complaining about maintaining them the majority of these repairs are not engine or drivetrain related, seals, plastic gears, thermostats/water pump, all relatively basic stuff really if one can only afford a 2-3k car its best to learn some basic wrench skills, with dealer level apps available to clear codes for not much money there's no valid excuse to pass on a decently maintained one of these they have great drivetrains with good well made interiors and paint

I would say you have a bad rear ABS sensor/ tone ring, That will cause the rear diff knocking. The rear springs break in the back every 80k-100k(rust belt areas), most people don't even know that their broken. Check your springs.

i only had bmw so far... most common issues i had is following if u drive like a normal person and not abuse them like u are a offroad driver or F1 driver: suspensions go bad fast... shocks ... direction bars, and make sure u align ur wheels or ur tires will get eaten like mofo ... other than that... honestly... i got no issues in 15 years... of owning e46, e83 and e40 they are stable cars... reallly abuse resistant... just dont hit every pothole u find and expect it to work after 1 year... also make sure u make ur oil changes on time and dont rev it at max everytime ... just cause u can... doesnt mean u need to.. honestly i had different brands of vehicles... and none was as good as BMW.... i had audi, mercedes, renault... ford... but none dealership new... 2nd hand... and they have almost the same issues... but overall are all good cars... i just prefer bmw cause the acustic insulation is better on older cars... and stability is actually pretty nice compared to the rest. on ford ul have wheelbearings issues all the time 9/10 on mercedes i had no issues in 5 years of owning one... renault same as ford wheelbearings and stuff on wheels that goes bad if u hit a few potholes.

I got a 2008 E83 m sport n it’s so reliable I only Maintenance it when it brakes.. I got it at 148k and I put almost 10k miles on it with only one oil change when I 1st got it, it’s a Christmas tree but it still runs strong n is my Daily driver. my fan broke at 1 point in time and is home stitched up with a tiny little Toyota Corolla fan which is about half the size Of the factory 1 and held on with duck tape n rubber straps but it work. The car looks beautiful with a hint of rust anywhere but 1 thing I can Vouch for my pana sunroof did give out lucky it for me it closed when I ask it to ( just close n u don’t even ever have to open up again ). it’s been time for a new Actuator motor but I’ll probably wait another 5k miles when I had the money I ,mean it’s been like that since I got the car and took the car on a 5 state road trip n back n it still drive thru all it gears Minus the lace of power from 0-20mph it get the job done, about 2-3 weeks Iago my battery died n wouldn’t come on no matter how long I left my friends car connected trying to boost me back to life but no luck so I just when to autozone got it charger FOR FREE they said it’s not holding charge but it’s been kicking the car on since then.. Since owning the car I change 1 tire rod.. all Fluids changed once (1).. a 97 used corolla fan mod.. a blown 15 fuse and a blown back tire that’s it. what can I say times is hard some1 go fund me, lol

One near my with 60k miles going for 12k (2006 3.0i auto). Is this a good deal considering it’s age?

Most of these e83 with m54 engines I’ve seen somehow sound better than same engine in the e53 x5 and e39 530.

Is it ok to remove fuse #46 to disable the sunroof?

Just bought an 07 x3 with 130k for 5k off of a small car lot. It drives like a dream, but I know it’s going to eat at least 2k for repairs and what-not before the years out.

Just bought a pristine, one owner, dealer only maintained since new with 114k. I'm hoping for the best ..a lot of trouble points already replaced.. v

its lovely

Most of things work great, so, bust -not recommended?? Is it like favoritising inner market or, no idea honesly. If the x3 is maintained, so it's highly recommended, i recently bought one, no issues!

What about a 06’ x3 that has less than 100,000 miles on it? It just been sitting there for years. Is it still a bust?

My bmw has 240k and i have more faith in it then my chevy or nissan sonce 50k or 60k. Badazz all i can say about it. Not getting rid of it.

Thanks, I used e46 before, constant problems with the radiator, gearbox. What would you recommend to a woman who often sleeps in the car and makes long distances? So about 2,000 £ :)

I like them so well, I own 2. My '05 has 95,000 miles, and my '06 has 206,000. Last cars I will ever purchase.

Tks man

Buy one tmrw I'm excited I have a few older bmw 3 series models but not this one. Everyone what's top 5 problems on yours.

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

The license plate blur job, though...

Same minor problems and regular maintenance as my 325ci which all cars have minor problems and regular maintenance but the m54 and n52 are durable engines

The thing that annoys me about BMWs is not that they have major mechanical faults, but that basic things like fading badges, interior peeling, loose panels, blocked roof gutters. These are all things that a manufacturer should have solved from making cars since 1928. I think they have built in redundancy and that is just sad to run a company that way.

What did you say bad?

I am planning to buy a used suv ,can you advise if the 2011 bmw x3 35i is a good suv in terms of the engine and the transmission? Hopefully for your reply.

At 130k miles on my moms car the rear driveshaft, front driveshaft, and transmission are semi going out, found this out right after the front left cv shaft grenades itself going 35 miles an hour. Amazing car to drive but its a mid 2000s bmw

I have a car x3 2007 year 2.0d 177ks with 156k km. Its a great car

My bro for the lights just use a lemon and baking soda and you done

Put your key on a toothbrush charger that will fix it done it with my 2002 bmw

what do you think would be a more reliable alternative?

I found a 2004 x3 with 87,000 miles for $4500 i offer the guy $3000 but he takes $3500 deal or pass?

Every car has problems , it's just with german cars the problems are costly. An example: an oil change on a BMW is $100 - $150 at a shop. It's great car to drive but they are a heavy maintenance car , like any car if you don't keep up with routine maintenance you're going to have issues.

Just about to buy one Saturday never mind thanks.

I just bought a 2004X3 with 100,000 miles on it. Very impressed with the smoothness of the engine, smoothness of the transmission shifting. I love the way it handles but the interior components are cheaply made, brittle, and very disappointing

U change the valve cover gasket, the coils and the spark plugs for $200 labor and same for parts every 100 k

Did the US models have softer springs? I cannot imagine that US customers bought a car with the harsh/horrible ride quality of the European ones. (Nobody could answer this question in a German forum where I already asked.)

Welp I already made a 500$ deposit they servicing it now i I go get it Wednesday it was only small things they had to fix do

For a brand that is synonymous with repairs, why are BMW'S so popular?

I have a 2008 which I've owned for 2 years. I've replaced the starter, all 6 ignition coils, and the water pump. I like it around town but am scared to take it on long trips......which is why I bought it. It's a dilemma.

Tengo uno igual,y ha resucitado ser muy buen.carro.

I got a 2004 x3 with 115,000

Should have shown the trunk size/space

I open my sun roof all the time lol

Funny I have 06 x3 same as this one with 163 thousand miles and 90 percent of the truck is still oem

I have a great idea, keep the BMW and give me the blazer.🤔

Ia a buy buy

Great little suv. Not much to go wrong

Little ding ! Lmao that’s a dong lolllllll

This guy is trying to blur all of his licence plates but anyone can figure it out just by pausing the video.

Bust? 😬

Every car has problems, no such thing as a perfect car...I haven't seen one yet, and I've owned most of them..,

Nope, BUY, I still worship these and the more and more we go into disgusting computer tech GARBAGE the more I want to stay in my 2005 X3, the '04 to 6 still have my favorite engine ever, the in line 6 is unstoppable.

2:40 run like a Toyota with 214k miles. Get a 2007, it has more hp and get better mpg. 9:00 It's funny when people buy BMW and bitch about how much it cost to repair. It's a BMW, they were made for rich people. If you are a broke-azz, buy a Trailblazer. You are still going to spend money. It's going to go into the fuel tank.

If it's a BMW and cheap, you already know it's a bust

So. You raved about it for 9 minutes and then said its a bust. lol wanted us to argue in the comments huh? everyone knows bmw parts and labor is gonna cost money. we wanted a review on the car's driving, handle, and condition after many years. it looks and still drives in good shape. this car is definitely worth a purchase. this video is laughable

All motorized BMW’s have an engine design flaw where if and when the serpentine belt breaks, then there is a high probability the belt will wrap around the crankshaft and eventually tighten itself pass the crankcase seal into the oil pan. If you don’t know what to do, then the motor will seize within a few months. It cost me $6500.00 for an engine swap for 2008 X3! Change the damn belt at every oil change! Only BMW has this ridiculous engine design flaw!!!