BMW X3 Problems

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. 

Once the X5, BMW's SUV breakthrough model had blazed a trail across our 4WD landscape it was to be expected that the company would follow it up with a more compact model. That was the X3 and it arrived in 2004.The X3 slotted in below the X5 in much the same way the 3-Series fitted into the passenger car range underneath the 5-Series.It looked much the same as its larger cousin, but was smaller, and cost heaps less. While it had the BMW corporate look the tough chunky look that made the X5 attractive was lost, the X3 looked wimpy by comparison.Buyers could choose between two six-cylinder petrol engines and a turbo-diesel. The base petrol engine was a 2.5-litre unit boasting 141kW and 245Nm, the larger one 3.0 litres putting out 170kW and 300Nm. The diesel option was a 3.0-litre turbocharged six that put out 160kW and 480Nm.There was a 6-speed manual gearbox available, but only on the 2.5-litre model; all others had an automatic transmission with the option of manual shifting.Final drive was full-time four-wheel drive with BMW's xDrive system to maintain grip in slippery going.Underneath the suspension was independent all round, the brakes were discs with ABS, the alloy wheels were wrapped in all-round rubber, and the spare was only a space-saver.Inside the X3 had all you could desire with the list of standard features including automatic air-conditioning, cruise, remote central locking, leather trim, multi-function steering wheel, power mirrors and windows and CD sound.IN THE SHOPThe jury is out on BMW durability. The build quality is high, and they certainly look the goods sitting in the showroom, but history suggests that cars with the blue-and-white spinner badge can become expensive as the kays climb. If you choose to get into one it's best to do it when the kays are low and get out again before the bills start to roll in.Look for an independent specialist to have the servicing done, as dealers tend to be very expensive. Same goes for parts. Bought from a dealer parts are expensive, but relief can be found with the independents who are able to source much cheaper parts that still do the job.Servicing is critical so make sure any prospective purchase has had the required maintenance. Look for oil leaks around the engine, and coolant leaks from the radiator.IN A CRASHWith a comprehensive array of active and passive safety features the X3 was given 4 stars out of a possible five by ANCAP.Active features include ABS braking, traction control, electronic stability control and hill descent control, while passive safety is well covered by a combination of dual front airbags, head and side airbags.UNDER THE PUMPNothing special on the petrol front with the 2.5-litre averaging in the mid- to high-11s by BMW's own claim, and the 3.0-litre returning low-12s.On Carsguide's test the 2.5i auto returned an average of 11.8L/100km, bang on the BMW claim.The turbo diesel was the way to go for economy with an average claimed of 8.6L/100km. BMW recommended 98-octane premium unleaded for the petrol models, but have approved E10 ethanol blend for the X3.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $67,900 to $74,600Engine: 2.5-litre six-cylinder petrol, 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol, 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo dieselPower/torque: 141 kW/245 Nm (2.5), 170 kW/300 Nm (3.0), 160 kW/480 Nm (TD)Transmissions: 5-speed auto, 6-speed auto, 6-speed man, 4WDEconomy: 11.2/11.9 L/100 km (2.5 man/auto), 12.1 L/100 km (3.0), 8.6 L/100 km (TD)Body: 5-door wagonVariants: 2.5i, 3.0i, 3.0d (from 2005)Safety: 4-star ANCAPVERDICT Smaller, cheaper version of popular X5 set a new benchmark for compact SUVs.

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.

The traditional prestige players are priced beyond the means of most of us -- but the qualitative difference separating the business class and the topline versions of the rest has diminished to the point of non-existence. All right, you'll look better in the car park comparison stakes if you drive the exxier choices listed here, but you're by no means always driving the better car.WAGONSOne's a classy Volkswagen Group sport wagon with a direct injection turbo petrol engine with the option of a cutting-edge transmission. And so's the Audi.The Czech-made Skoda is essentially a bigger in the body, more discreet, better riding and cheaper VW Golf GTI, the car that more than any other blurs the distinction between the prestige pack and the rest.The handling-enhancing electronic diff of the new GTI is on its way to the RS, so while the twin clutch DSG adds $2300, the generous standard kit (including tasty 18s) and skinny options list means there's not a lot more to spend. Rare is the Audi of which that can be said.The output of the front-wheel-drive Avant's turbo four is similar (132kW/320Nm plays Skoda's 147kW/280Nm), limited for its continuously variable transmission. Quattro and the full-fat engine sets you back another $13,000 -- and the premium is already just a bit silly.SEDANSOne's a perfectly balanced, rear-wheel-drive, inline petrol six with great steering and a six-speed ZF automatic. And so's the BMW.All right, we're comparing a big tarted-up Aussie taxi with a thoroughbred mid-size Bavarian sport sedan here, but what of it? Priced $33K south, this Falcon is probably the best-value car in the country on a metal for money basis and that price difference buys a lot of basic unleaded petrol for that 4.0-litre atmo six with its whacking 195kW/391Nm. If there's a quickish car that rides as well as the Falcon, it's known not unto us.As to the Bimmer, well, you'd go there if you could, even if the peerless handling comes at the price of run-flat tyres and an options list to make your eyes bleed.DIESELSOne's a European-built front-wheel-drive with a sophisticated turbodiesel engine and bank-vault build quality. And so's the Volvo. Now the first prestige Euro to be owned by a Chinese company, Volvo did rather well out of its association with Ford (certainly better than Saab did out of GM). But the years of proximity invite comparison.Long the choice of UK sales reps and families, the Mondeo's marriage of the diesel with an auto and capable dynamics give it a comfortable niche position at this level of the market. The Titanium edition gives the long Ford the trim and kit to compare with the premium brigade.Despite its more potent five-cylinder engine and Swedish aura of invulnerability, we just can't see the extra spend in the stolid Volvo.SUVSOne's the best-driving compact SUV and... uh, that's the BMW, actually. We've often said that if BMW made front-wheel-drive family cars they'd handle like Mazdas, so the two brands' respective four-wheel-drives should logically be even closer.Not quite, but not to the extent that the X3 is nigh-on $20K better. The X3's only real advantage in Australia's restricted conditions is its standard six-speed auto. Stop us if you're tired of hearing this, Mazda doesn't yet have a slusher for its diesel.While the Mazda's engine is slightly bigger and more potent than the BMW diesel, it has to haul a nearly two-tonne kerb weight. The X3 is 250kg lighter but, within, it's also the most dated Bimmer.How much is that badge worth, again?