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BMW X Models 2010 Problems

Are you having problems with your 2010 BMW X Models? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest 2010 BMW X Models issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the 2010 BMW X Models in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

BMW, Mazda, FCA, Citroen and Peugeot models recalled
Manufacturers including BMW, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), Peugeot and Citroen have issued recalls via the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
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Mazda, BMW affected again by Takata recalls
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced another round of safety recalls, with models from Mazda, Holden, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar affected.
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Used BMW X3 review: 2004-2015

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 Activity Vehicle). Having said that the X3 with BMW's xDrive system has good traction on muddy and icy surfaces.

As there's almost no demand for a BMW X model that can go off road, the suspension engineers have gone for handling and comfort ahead of traction on unsealed surfaces. However, clever electronics, further enhanced on the gen-two and gen-three BMW X3s, give it more grip in harsh going than you might expect.

Having said all that, the handling and overall feel in normal driving is what attracts people to BMW X3. While not quite in the 3 Series class it's pretty impressive.

The BMW X3, was introduced in Australia in July 2004 and sold well from the start. It received a mild facelift, improved interiors and significant mechanical upgrades, particularly in the turbo-diesel engines, in November 2006. These are probably the oldest ones to aim for if your budget can come up some more folding stuff.

Boot space is good and the luggage areas are well shaped and easy to load in all X3 models.

The second generation X3, sold from March 2011, is significantly larger than the model it replaced. Indeed it's within a few centimetres of the first-generation X5. Gen-two has good legroom for those in the rear seat and three children have good shoulder room.

The latest X3, an upgrade of the 2011 version, was introduced in July 2014. It's biggest feature in today's connected world is the use of the highly sophisticated BMW Connected Drive system.

Boot space is good and the luggage areas are well shaped and easy to load in all X3 models.

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 turbo lag, but on the whole it's less with each new model. Once the turbocharger is up to speed the engines are beautifully responsive, making them feel 'very BMW' and much loved by keen drivers.

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.

Automatic transmissions had five speeds in 2004, six in 2006, then eight in the all-new 2011. There are manual overrides that give you a fair bit of control, but increasingly we find that the transmissions' computer tech people have come up with units that almost seem to read our minds.

BMW is long established in Australia and has a well organised dealer network. As you would expect they are chiefly in the major metropolitan areas but there is an increasing number in country cities and large country towns.

Spare parts are relatively expensive, but no more so than others in this class of SUV. We seldom hear any real complaints about availability.

The BMW X3 is generally trouble free, but it makes sense to buy a used one with a full service history.

Home handyperson work should be left to minor items only. These are complex cars with a multitude of electronic items and should be serviced by BMW dealers. However, there are some ex-BMW mechanics in private practise and owners speak highly of them, however, they may not have access to the very latest information on changes to the X3.

Insurance costs aren't low, but it's worth shopping around. As always, we caution you to make sure you're doing an accurate comparison. And warn that a longterm relationship with one company can be very handy if a doubtful claim incident arises.

The BMW X3 is generally trouble free, but it makes sense to buy a used one with a full service history.

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.

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X3 exploding window

If you haven’t had any direct contact with BMW to this point you now should make contact with the company’s head office and talk directly to the customer assistance people. Unfortunately you assume that it was inclusions in the glass that caused the window to “self explode”, but there’s no hard evidence to say that is what caused it. Same with the cable, which you believe was caused by something done by the mechanics when they worked on your car. Again it’s not possible to saw for sure that it was the mechanic’s work that did it. You need to clear your head and sit down with the dealer in the first instance and also BMW to seek a resolution for your troubles. The offer of 10 percent of the cost of parts and labour is a pretty miserable one; I would go for at least 50 percent.

Used BMW X5 review: 2000-2015

BMW X5 has been a big seller since it launch in November 2000. Though it does have more off-road ability than you might expect, particularly in its first generation, most X5 buyers are looking for a sporting wagon not an ‘real' 4WD. Well aware of this, BMW calls later models SAVs (Sports Activity Vehicles) rather than an SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles).

The BMW X5 first reached Australia in November 2000. It immediately impressed by having on-road handling that is very good for a two-tonne wagon. It's certainly no 5 Series in the way it feels, after all it is a big vehicle with a relatively high centre of gravity.

Comfort is good, almost to car-type station wagon standards, but if the driver does become enthusiastic in attacking corners the passengers may not appreciate the relatively large amount of body roll.

Petrol engines come either in the traditional BMW straight-six layout, or as high-performance V8s. The bent eights are popular – not a surprise as typical BMW drivers do like to pedal along with aplomb. The sixes are pretty good and arguably provide enough grunt for many.

BMW was one of the early adopters of turbo-diesel engines in Australia and have they have been on the market here since 2003. These early ones had a capacity of 3.0 litres and also have an in-line six-cylinder arrangement.

All-new X5 model from March 2007 was significantly bigger than the first-generation. It even offered the option of a third-row seat for the littlies. As is normal, the back seat is better suited to kids, though adults can use it without too much squeezing.

Luggage space grew with the longer gen-three X5 of 2007 but a lot of it disappears if you have the extra row of seats in place.

The third generation BMW X5 was imported from November 2013. A thoroughly modern vehicle it had an integrated smartphone or a built-in SIM card, to access BMW's ConnectedDrive with access to web-based services for travel and multimedia.

It comes with an even more powerful V8 petrol engine, a six-cylinder turbo-diesel unit and joined the throng of European vehicles by introducing highly efficient four-cylinder turbocharged engines.

All third series X5s have the efficiency of an eight-speed automatic. Moving even further away from its SUV roots, it is offered with two-wheel drive (the rear wheels) as well as all-wheel drive.

Insurance costs are about average for an SUV in the upmarket European class, though a fair bit higher for other 'lower' SUVs.

Servicing should be left to the experts, though you can tackle some of the minor jobs yourself. The BMW dealer network is large and efficient, dealers are more in the metropolitan areas than in the bush, though some of the larger country cities are expanding into this field.

We have heard of no real complaints about spare parts availability and only the occasional comment about high prices, but if you're moving up from an Asian SUV you be aware that parts will be more expensive for a BMW.

Have a good look over the interior, particularly in the back seats for signs of rough treatment by bored kids.

Be sure that the engine starts easily; even the turbo-diesels are modern fast-start units. The engine should idle smoothly from the moment it fires up.

It's important that a non-turbo engine pulls strongly without any initial hesitation and doesn't blow smoke from the exhaust when the throttle is floored.

Diesels will have some turbo lag when accelerating, but this is improving with each new-design powerplant. If you feel lag is bad have a professional check it out.

The automatic transmission should work almost imperceptibly. Run through the sequential functions for speed and accuracy.

Try engaging all the 4WD modes to make sure they operate.

Cues as to off-road use - a rarity - include scratches on the body sides caused by squeezing past bushes and trees and scrapes on the under bumper areas, perhaps even underbody damage. Be wary…

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Harsh ride from low-profile tyres

Consider the campaign officially launched, although all of the CarsGuide team have been complaining about harsh riding from low-profile tyres for a long time.

Range Rover Sport or BMW X5?

Range Rover does not have a great reputation for reliability or resale but the Sport is a great drive. So the X5 is the safe choice but the Range Rover is likely to give you more enjoyment.

Used BMW X1 review: 2010-2012

That was the BMW X1 that arrived in showrooms in 2010 and brought with it the on-road driving experience that is part of the BMW DNA. Like its bigger brethren the smallest BMW SUV boasted performance and handling few of its rivals came close to offering.

The X1 was built around a compact four-door wagon on a modified 3-Series platform with a range of models including rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions, and petrol and diesel engines.

The baby of the range was the sDrive18i, which was a rear-wheel drive model with a 2.0-litre petrol engine and either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. With 100kW on tap the performance wasn’t blistering, but it was sufficient for most needs with 

For more performance and better economy you could step up to the sDrive20d, which was also rear-wheel drive model, but had a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine with 130kW and much more torque than the petrol-engined model.

It was here that the all-wheel drive came into play. The model was the xDrive20d, which had the same 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, but with the grip advantage of all-wheel drive.

As with all BMWs there was even more if you wanted it. In the case of the X1 it was the xDrive23d, which was an all-wheel drive model with a twin-turbocharged version of the 2.0-litre diesel engine that got you 150kW and 400Nm.

It wouldn't be a BMW if there wasn’t a straight-six engine lurking somewhere in the range, hence the xDrive25i all-wheel drive wagon with the 3.0-litre six. Typical of the German carmaker the straight-six was smooth and powerful, and delight to drive.

There’s a massive temptation to buy a BMW. The promise of performance, handling and refinement, no matter the model, is hard to resist, but buying into the BMW club should only be done with your eyes wide open and your homework done.

You would expect X1 models in the 2010 to 2012 range to have done on average up to 130,000km. At that mileage you shouldn’t expect major problems, but you should be prepared for what could happen in the next couple of years, in which the odometers will likely climb to 170,000km or so.

While BMW engines are generally bulletproof and as a rule don’t use oil between services, the use of plastic fittings is to be deplored.

In the harsh environment of the engine bay the plastic goes brittle and the parts fail, and we’re talking about key components like cooling system fittings. When they fail, and they do, expect to see the red warning light to come on to warn you that your engine is overheating.

If you are determined to buy a used X1 with 150,000km on the clock consider having all of the plastic fittings in the cooling system replaced. That way you are more likely to have a trouble-free run.

Other potential trouble spots are the radiator with its plastic parts, the water pump, and belt drive pulleys.

In the case of the all-wheel drive X1 variants the transfer case is a known problem area. A high-pitched whine is a tell-tale sign of trouble.

X1s are unlikely to be used off-road even though they drive through all four wheels, but it’s wise to check for signs of possible use off the main drag. Look for scratches on the body, bashed underbody components etc.

Also check for a service record to make sure all recommended services have been carried out.

The X1 was the subject of a couple of recalls, one for a faulty brake vacuum booster, and another for a poor wiring connector.

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Used BMW X3 review: 2008-2011

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.

NEW

With 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.

NOW

The 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.

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Used BMW X3 review: 2004-2012

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 FOR

The 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 TIP

Cars 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.

 

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Complete guide to BMW X Models 2010
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