What to look for when buying a BMW X3 E83 03-2010 A detailed Step by Step Purchasing Guide 

I bought a one owner 2005 X3 with 3l motor 2 months ago. It just turned 80,000 miles a week ago. Paid $300 for it(my wife's friend). The day I bought it, it wouldn't start. The woman is retired so it sits all the time and is a battery killer. Got it home checked for engine codes and had 2. Replaced all the coil packs(new BOSCH) and spark plugs(NGK) and it runs great now, less than $200US for parts. Rear passenger window regulator was broke so I bought the part off ebay for 6 bucks. Found German made vinyl floor mats on ebay $76.. and rear cargo $17. Buffed out the headlights, paint and replaced front and rear BMW emblems. Also replaced the DISA valve with the American made aluminum/titanium version just for reliability $73 and transfer case gear reinforced carbon fiber(?) $5.89. So I have way less than $1,000 and it runs great and is probably the quietest vehicle I've ever owned and it gets 25-27mpg on the highway. oh, and it's my first BMW.

Nathan know that your work here is not in vain, ..especially on the e83 details. It's a great gift ~ you take the time to investigate then provide a practical resolve that is comprehensive for DIY's..." Thanks and be well"~

Extremely helpful. Most appreciated.

Great video, very informative!

I just bought a 2005 BMW X3 3.0i for $2,500 on Facebook marketplace. I took it to three different mechanics before buying to have it checked out as what they were asking was a bit, well, concerning lol. It had nothing wrong with it. All the brake pads all the way around were 80% and up, rotors were good, no knocks/mechanically wrong with it. The tires had good tread, there is some electrical work needed but not a big issue. Some of the lights don’t work and one of the power controls for the seat. It’ll move up and back. Sun roof works and have been using it since I got it, that was a week ago. The mechanics said nothing was wrong with it and that it was a steal. They had thought I said it had 250,000 miles and he was like no a good deal. He said I could buy a new used Kia or Honda downtown for like $1,800. But I corrected him and told him that it had only 150,000, which it did, and he then said it was a steal and I was dumb if I didn’t buy it. That was assuming I wanted the car. It’s been an amazing car. Comfortable, pretty good on gas, handles well, etc, etc (I could go on lol). My first bmw and I love it. Turning in it makes me feel like I’m actually part of the car. I know it’s weird and I can’t explain what I mean but, yeah lol. If your skeptical or hesitant, go and test drive. It’s free to do and what’s the worst that can happen? You find out you don’t like it and on to the next model or company.

another nice vid nathan

Another spot on vid!

Great video Nathan, Thanks!

Thanks a lot for posting this info really help

As a BMW fanatic myself, my first car 20 years ago was a E30 318i that made my BMW love so I wasn't a X fan SUV type guy at first. Now in 2020, I just brought recently during lockdown, an E83 2004 3.0L fully optioned well maintained & only driven 169 000km including colour coded bumpers in blue water metallic paint for under USD $4K mostly in very good condition inside & out which turned out to be a rare X3 gem find in Australia for a fully equipped E83 priced at over USD $70K back in 2004. I previously owned a black 2005 3.0i M sport model for 5 years but engine problems with coolant leaks over time due to poor quality engine maintaining from the last owner, made me want to move on buying a new ride. But after all the grief spending $$$ over 5 years servicing my first E83, it still made me happy & joyful owning an desired SUV. I'm hopeful that I'll spend less $$$ servicing & maintaining my new E83 X3 as a great practical BMW all rounder whatever your lifestyle.

Great video. I learn a lot from your videos and I don't even have a new BMW. I have an E34. Keep up the good work!

Thanks for this review. Just picked up my 2008 X3. I bought it from a doctor, no expense spared. The transfer case was replaced by the Bosch upgrade. Every issue you mentioned had been addressed. I’d say the ride is firm yet sporty. Not the same build quality as my e28 bit for $9k Canadian in showroom condition with FULL BMW history, I’m a happy camper. thanks again.

Had our since 2010. Been an awesome “workhorse”. Never quits, no issues. My hubby takes excellent care of “her”. 193k miles and going strong.

Thanks soo much for sharing

That x3 is in really good shape for the mialage

I just bought one as my second vehicle. Personally, i believe they’re more than worth the money. I paid $4,000 for my ‘04 X3 3.0L and all it needed was some new coils. It shows signs of continuous use for its 145k miles but it runs like new. Perfect vehicle in my opinion. I’d go as far as saying it’s the best car for under $5k. They’re somewhat reliable, for a BMW at least. They’re pretty quick cars, definitely have a lot of passing power and they’re comfortable. Just overall a perfect car. Sorry about my rambling but i love it. 😂

Good overview.....a bit slower/steady movement of the camera would improve the viewing experience, thanks/Bill

I've been dailying a 2004 X3 3.0i for last year and a half, haven't had many issues yet and seeing the A pillar peeling I realize mine is in amazing shape. I bought mine with 114k miles and it now has 148k miles and I try to keep it well maintained but was laid off a month or two which seemed to be when the most issues popped up, go figure... anyways, I did have the sunroof arms break on me, I do have the peeling in the center console, I do have a popping in the front which I figured to be control arms and I have had CCV issues and recently a small coolant leak. my other car is a 98 M3, I don't see you talk about the older Bimmers much.

My 2010 x3 revs up and down for about 10 seconds at cold start. After 10 seconds it’s smooth as can be.

if you people are interested I just sold my 2005 BMW X3 3.0i. I have a bunch of parts left which i'am selling. I've owned my from 2005-2019. bough it with 1000 miles sold it to my brother with 99,000 mile. one of the most reliable bmw that I've ever own.

I have a X3 2010 E83 Xdrive automatic 2.0 diesel , best car ever !! Nothing of the problems named here!!! 260.000km now . We live in the forest in Sweden extreme cold and bumpy roads...

I have a '07 w 98K ml...none of any of your problems. Love driving it...especially on rainy days & going to ranches!

Picked up 2 of these buddy. Need to find another E39

Happy to say I haven't had these issues. Even though it was listed as a CPO it was a dealer car, not owned outside the bmw dealer. My 06 X3 (6 speed manual) has 44k on it and I've only had to replace the windshield washer pump and the battery. Just kept up with preventative maintenance.Hoping to keep anything else from happening but I know something will go eventually. Love it and don't see replacing it just yet. I've learned in the past just because you want to upgrade doesn't mean that's what you get. Yes, most have a ton a technology but the more that can go wrong the more money goes out of your wallet.

I actually have two x3s right now, one made it to 198k miles then swapped the engine down to 105k, and the other seems to be running good at 109k, love these cars

I got one of those, I think I've changed almost all of that stuff still a work in progress😂

very well put. can you elaborate on windshield motor, when turning on the sprayer, you can not hear the motor running and no fluid sprays out. i have 04 x3 3.0 and would like to know what can be wrong with it. thank you nathan. love your videos

Mine is nice for an 07, but its loud. Had an attitude if you fix one thing, its another. I just want it to sound good. Yes, I need to replace front arms,hands, fingers all that stuff. I have a good mechanic but geesh

you are the one

I've had a good run with my 06. It's a weekend vehicle. Bought it as a dealer car with 5700 miles and now with only 45k. It's a rare manual transmission. Not the smoothest shifting vehicle I've had but love the way it drives. Will keep it since they don't import manual transmissions any longer. The only issue I've had was the window washer pump go. Wasn't cheap to fix because you've got the front headlight washers too. Before buying it, the BMW dealer showed me all of the repairs done and the sunroof was the only major thing done. I usually don't open it, just the tilt function in the fall when I don't need a/c. Oh yes, the rubbery finish on the dash around the top compartment opener is like the Volkswagen (beetle) is very easily damaged. I don't open that compartment but have noticed divets. I have no peeling in the poorly positioned center cupholder but since I have a tan interior it gets dirty quickly. All n all it's a great SUV and wouldn't worry taking it on a road trip and any given moment.

What video camera do use? Always impressed with quality. Keep up the great content.

figured this would be the best place to post this since it is your most recent video. You think you can do a DIY of the m54 to m56 wiring harness? You did a video like 8 months ago. If you could do a DIY it would be great. Im in the process of doing it, but stuck on what to do with the wiring. Thanks!

Hi, my e83 3.0d transmission transmission starts having problems after I've driven it for 20min or after it gets warm. Would changing the transmission (with flush) fix the problem?

ABS MODULE

Sounds like close to all of these issues could be avoided just buying a 3.0d variant.

I drove a Honda civic for 10 years with the check engine light on. Most older cars have that light on but it’s bs

what do you think about the 30d? (M57D30TÜ) anything specific I should pay attention to? thanks!

Need some help fixing her up again please please please

The n54 came out after the n52. Dah.

Get an X3 with the N52B30 and never use the sunroof.

Mine just sit in driveway water keeps leakin in somehow and battery keeps dying I’ll rather drive the camero .....

Just bought a like new ‘07 X3 with 94k. Wish us luck!

Good deal don’t use the sunroof or the windows classic BMW

First thing that went on me was the sun roof.. Living in florida the rails were very brittle and plasticy so when its hot out the plastic expands and cracks..3k to repair..

My experience: Bought a 2007 X3 2.0d (M47 150 ps) at 50.000 km at the BMW Dealer, at german market prices (not a discounted trashcan). 70.000 km - clutch plate was gone - entire clutch kit replaced 80.000 km - turbo failure - replaced turbo 100.000 km - transfer case failure - replaced transfer case 120.000 km - guess what - timing chain failure will never touch bmw again.

this doesnt make me want to go buy one of these ,, and makes me question my sanity fighting my E46 all the time to keep it running

my recommendation is get something else. i have an 07 x3 3.0 si, at around 76k i've changed the entire transfer case, valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, serpentine belt/pully, transmission fluid and filter, starter, front lower control arms, front shocks. after that i've changed the crankshaft sensor expansion tank twice, water leak into car from door seal, rubber gaskets above headlights. i've changed everything myself except the starter. its not if, but when.

Hey Nathan. Have you experienced any issues with the ac working on the left side and the right it's like hot air?

I have to say goodbye to my bmw x3 as the vehicle overheating completely cramped off all my money….

Every car has problems BMW just has few more.

All cars have issues

Would one of these with 100k to 200k miles be okay ?

Those cars are a nightmare, I haven't seen anything positive about them on RU-vid.

So much problems to look for... oh lord...

Plz do not try to do that rubberized coating yourself. It's not as simple as he tried to make it sound

They are horrible. It's never ending with repairs, lights and issues and it's not cheap. They look nice and are fun to drive, but, money pits.

Looks like a lot problems. Do you still recomend buying it now (end of 2019) ?

i saw a 75km for for 10k$, but fk it these things are vanity money pits

Please can you give me a reply I have the same x3

Wow... I have an e46 I may be getting rid of soon. It's been a good car. Was thinking about getting one of these. But honestly sounds like a POS. Too many problems. Smh.

Are these money pits

Look for a licensed psychotherapist and financial advisor to help you with decision making.

Don’t buy it if you won’t to have any $ for your self

It’s piece of junk compared to a toyota or Honda vehicle built the same era 😐 ….

Buy a Lexus. Far more reliable and people don't hate you.

I have a better 2013 BMW x3 This one is hideous

Bmw x3 sucks, don’t buy it 🤮