2008 BMW X3 Reviews

Ewan Kennedy reviews the 2004-2015 BMW X3 as a used buy. BMW was one of the early prestige companies to spot the surge in interest in SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles). Realising that most SUV buyers aren't interested in exploring off-road trails but wanted a tall station wagon BMW calls its vehicles SAVs, (Sports

Jock downsized to a 2.5-litre X3 and still enjoys it immensely. He likes the easy of entry with the high driving position, the cornering and driver control, the torque at low speed, the size of the cabin, and the look. So far, he has had no problems with his pride and joy.Dr Neil Cranston has owned his X3 for two years, and says it the best car he has driven or owned in 40 years of motoring. He particularly praises the X3’s quality, safely and comfort.John has done 40,000km in his 2012 20d and prefers its size compared to the X5 and X1. He reports that it runs very well and there have been no problems with it to date. He’s not convinced of the suitability of the run-flat tyres for Australian conditions and carries a spare tyre and repair kit when he goes bush.Tony Manning is disillusioned with his 3.0d. It’s only done 111,000km and there has been a succession of expensive problems with it, including transmission woes, radiator leaks, air-conditioning leaks, windscreen washer pump failures, and a turbocharger failure.NEWWith the runaway success of the X5 it was only a matter of time before BMW unleashed a smaller version. The X3 hit our showrooms in 2004, but failed to excite the masses as BMW hoped it would.Compared to the macho-looking X5 the X3 looked like a skinny kid with its long snout and tall, narrow-gutted shape.Minor cosmetic tweaks in 2008 helped, but it still lacked the strong presence that made the X5 so appealing to so many.Same with the interior, which was initially criticised for being unfriendly and bland, but changes made for 2008 went some way to answering the complaints.But it was under the long bonnet that the most significant changes were made.BMW offered two petrol engines and two diesels. The premium-guzzling petrol engines were both in-line sixes, one of 2.5 litres in capacity, the other a 3.0-litre, and both got extra power in the makeover. The turbo-diesels were a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a 3.0-litre six.As is the norm with BMW sixes, the petrol engines were silky smooth, revved easy and packed plenty of performance, while the diesels were also smooth and responsive, and delivered the fuel economy expected of a self-igniter.All were linked to a six-speed automatic transmission and the drive was full-time four-wheel drive.On the road the chassis was responsive. The handling was as good as you got in any SUV, but the ride was firm, thanks mostly to BMW’s used of run-flat tyres.NOWThe allure of driving a BMW can be very tempting, but the reality can be at odds with the appeal.Owned short term life can be a breeze, but the dream can turn expensive over the long term. A BMW with high kays showing on the odometer should be approached with caution, and with an average of 80,000km - 150,000km 2008 X3s fall into that category. The last of the E83s, from 2011, are a better choice if you can stump up the readies needed to buy one.Apart from a problem with the transfer gearbox in the four-wheel drive system, the major mechanical components are generally robust and reliable. The same can’t be said for the peripheral components, however.The engines, for instance, don't use oil as a rule, but the plastic components used in the engine bay, like the radiator fittings, hose fittings, drive belt pulleys, all give trouble eventually.The gearboxes are also generally reliable, but the X3 does have a problem with a gear in the transfer gearbox; again it’s made from plastic and is known to break. To add insult to injury you can’t buy the individual parts to repair it, as BMW will only supply you an expensive replacement gearbox.There was a recall in 2011 that covered diesel models. Moisture can get into the fuel filter heater electrical contacts and cause a short circuit that can discharge the battery and affect the starting, and possibly cause a fire.Parts and servicing can be expensive, so it’s a good idea to find a BMW specialist mechanic to service your car, that way you can save money without compromising on the quality of the work.Resourceful mechanics will usually be able to source parts overseas, which can significantly reduce the cost of repairs.To make sure previous owners have kept up the required maintenance ask for a service record, and if you’re unsure about the car you are considering have it checked by an experienced mechanic.

It’s not just we Aussies and the Yanks that love their SUVs, Europeans have really been getting into them in recent years; and the big name German marques have quickly cottoned onto the boom in these handy vehicles. BMW began its SUV range with the X5 and has gradually worked its way down in size with new models X3 and finally the X1. The reduction in size was caused by the realisation by car makers that most SUV buyers aren’t interested in exploring the wilds of their respective countries, rather they want a capacious station wagon with a driving position that’s higher than cars’.Note that BMW would like us to call its vehicles SAVs, standing for Sports Activity Vehicle, but no-one seems particularly interested in that acronym so we will stick with SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle).The midsize BMW X3 is the subject of this week’s article as it’s proving very popular in recent times. In Australia around one third of all BMW sales are in SUVs. The biggest seller is the X5, but the X3, introduced here in July 2004, is holding its own in the sales race. Interestingly, the second generation X3, sold from March 2011, is significantly larger than the original and is within a few centimetres of the first-generation X5 in many dimensions.If you’re looking for a family car the gen-two BMW X3 has ample legroom for those in the rear seat and three children will find they have good shoulder room. Boot space is good and the luggage areas are well shaped and easy to load in all X3 models.As there’s almost no demand for a BMW that can go off road, the suspension guys have gone for handling and comfort ahead of traction on unsealed surfaces. Clever electronics, further enhanced on the gen-two X3, do give it more grip in harsh going than you might expect.Four and six-cylinder engines are offered in petrol and diesel format. BMW has long been a specialist in turbocharged engines and both the petrol and diesel units work well. There’s the usual lag before things start to really motor well, but once the engines are past that stage they are beautifully responsive.Though the diesels are the more economical we do have a preference for turbo-petrol engines as they just love to rev way up in the scale, whereas the diesels give up in the high 4000s. Even better are the naturally aspirated straights sixes - one of our all time favourite powerplants. These are offered in 2.5 and 3.0-litre capacity.Six-speed manual gearboxes were offered in the early days, but were never popular and disappeared from the new-car price list during 2008. If you’re keen on DIY gearshifting you may find a few manuals have been privately imported. Be sure a private import meets all areas of Australian regulations.Automatic transmissions began with five forward speeds in 2004, this increased to six in 2006, then eight in the all-new model of 2011. There are manual overrides that give you a fair bit of control as BMW has long been an expert in sporting automatics.BMW is long established in Australia and has a well organised dealer network. The concentration is on major metro areas but there are quite a few in country cities and even large country towns. Spare parts are relatively expensive, but no more so than others in this class of SUV. We seldom here any real complaints about availability. Similarly, insurance costs aren’t low, but you generally seem to get value for money.Do it yourself work on an SUV like this should be left to minor items only. These are complex cars with a multitude of electronic items and should be left to BMW dealers. There are some ex-BMW mechanics in private practise and owners speak very highly of them, however, they may not have access to the very latest information or changes to the X3.WHAT TO LOOK FORThe BMW X3 is generally trouble free, but it makes sense to buy a used one with a full service history. The car will have been in contact by way of the internet with the technical departments in the German head office each time it was serviced at an official dealership.The use of incorrect tyres can cause problems with the transfer case due to incorrect rolling radii. Make a note of the details of tyres then contact BMW for a list of recommended tyres. If you suspect one has been off the beaten track - a rare event - examine the bumper corners, doors sills and undertray for damage - or choose an X3 that hasn’t beaten about the bush.Make sure a petrol engine starts almost instantly, or a diesel within a couple of seconds. Slow starting can indicate real problems. An inspection of the interior, including the luggage area will reveal that a car has been used as a workhorse for carting kids or other heavy-duty stuff.CAR BUYING TIPCars aimed at those who really like to drive may have been thrashed. Blindingly obvious? Yes, but too few buyers take this into account when falling in love with a potential new car. 

There is, straight up, a great driving platform. The softroader's chassis is well-tuned to deliver a safe and secure drive with allowance for a little sporting flair; then there's the subtleness of the BMW's xDrive, an all-wheel drive system combined with stability control that delivers great grip and confidence.And now there is the option of this all-aluminium, four-cylinder engine that delivers a welcome combination of fun and frugalness.Allied to a fine six-speed automatic transmission, the common-rail engine also offers a cheaper entry price, at $62,900, into an X3 diesel.A three litre, six-cylinder diesel in the X3 will set the customer back $75,900 and that's beginning to look a tad over the odds; as fine as that bigger motor may be, this junior two-litre powerplant has quite enough charm for most.It is a mighty little motor, 60kg lighter than its big brother and producing a claimed 125kW at 4000rpm (62.7kW per litre) plus 340Nm of torque at 1750rpm.It, with only the slightest hesitation from a dead throttle, shifts the compact softroader with a surprising amount of verve.And, with some aid from that six-speed gearbox, the 2-litre diesel allows the X3 to be hustled along with more than enough speed over a mountain range to unsettle the most seasoned of passengers.There is precious little body roll or sway, bugger-all tyre protest.The problem is this Sports Activity Vehicle — as BMW would have it — is motoring through the mountains at a fair, still legal, pace and taking turns with a surprising amount of speed.This could upset some passengers while the driver may be looking towards connecting the next series of corners.Here there needs to be some ratio shifts (push forward to change down, back to change up) between third, fourth and perhaps fifth to make the most of the diesel's eagerness. It has a sporting sound and sporting edge; all the while the X3's chassis and 17-inch tyres keep the premium package unruffled.BMW claim a 0-100km/h time of 9.6sec for the wagon. This feels smart enough, certainly smart enough for attacking the flood-ravaged roads of the Border Ranges.Over there on the Kyogle side there was much evidence of walls of water shifting dirt and debris, underscoring river banks and bridge approaches, washing down fences and shifting boulders.Over there the BMW X3 was ideal for safe travel in comfort through the greens and browns of deluge-drowned valleys.With 101 fresh rocks and boulders littering the creek crossings there was little chance of tip-toeing into the paddocks.As good as the BMW's xDrive system may be, as much appreciated as 201cm of ground clearance may be, the X3 is best left to deal with mud-slopped roads and tracks. It continues to drive with confidence whether the surface is dry, wet, smooth or rough; it is also, with hill descent control, handy on steep descents.Besides, sill and sump damage to a full-on four-wheel drive is much easier to take.Yet the X3's engineering does blend excellent back track ability with fine bitumen road manners.And this new two litre motor makes the package that much more appealing.It is very flexible and always encouraging while managing some respectable fuel figures.According to BMW consumption on the EU test cycle is 7l/100km.Here, trawling around Brisbane town for a day saw the on-board computer register 8.5l/100km, climbing mountains and dodging along on flood-damaged roads saw 8.7 litres. And on steady highway and freeway runs that dropped to 6.3 litres.It is an easy machine around the city, quiet and useful on the highway though best to have the transmission in sport mode and drop from sixth to fifth for overtaking.There are no quibbles here with the engineering excellence. Or the amount of safety and comfort features from rain sensors to front, side and head airbags. But while the X3 received a little cosmetic makeover to the four-door body last season it could well be time for an interior rework.As fine as the materials used here are, as tactile as the knobs and buttons are, and as thankful some are that there's no iDrive (BMW's complicated control system for airconditioning to stereo and other bits in between), the X3 is looking a bit jaded in design, a bit drab around the dashboard.It all works, once the buttons and bells are learnt because some of these controls are not as intuitive or as clearly marked as in rivals. But it is all a bit old-school in a machine designed to appeal to a younger audience.And, while appreciating this is a compact SUV — sorry — SAV, the BMW's front cabin feels a tad cramped over a longer drive.Rivals in this area would appear to be a little more clever with finding oddment space.Here BMW could take a look at machines such as Hyundai's Santa Fe or Land Rover's second generation Freelander, much fresher inside and out. (A diesel Freelander at $57,990 is worth a good look if shopping in this area, the difference may be in resale values.)So, the two litre BMW X3 is a great driving machine in all manner of conditions. A great engine with excellent fuel figures. But at this money it's time for a major refresh of the packaging.  BMW X3$62,900ENGINE: Two litre, turbocharged dieselPOWER: 125kW @ 4000rpmTORQUE: 340Nm @ 1750rpmTRANSMISSION: Six-speed automatic with SteptronicDIMENSIONS (MM): 4569 (l), 1853 (w), 1674 (h), 2795 (w'base)KERB WEIGHT: 1750kgTOWING: 1700kg