I have a 2006 3.0i Msport with a manual gearbox and no sunroof, has the factory subwoofer, I bought it as a back up car, I daily drive a Land Rover Discovery 4 on the farm and my wife drives my old Touareg 4.2 V8 tdi R line. I can honestly say the old X3 is the most fun to drive, 180,000 miles and no squeaks or rattles. I had two X3s before but both autos, I knew they were good cars but the manual gearbox makes it feel like a completely different car. I feel the same as you about them, I wanted something that was fun to drive but I needed something practical with four wheel drive that I could chuck the dogs in the back and cope with Swedish winters if the D4 is down waiting for parts, also as a weekend car that is clean, my D4 gets disgusting and smells of wet dogs! I looked at Audi Quattros, Foresters etc but this one popped up and I snapped it up, one owner car. You just can´t find anything better for the money, the original X5 looks really dated but I think the X3, especially in Msport, has actually got better looking with age, it still gets some admiring glances, it´s in a really nice blue colour, I forget the name but it´s stunning. Great car and I love driving it on a B road.
I have 2006 manual as well. It’s not fast but fun to drive. I’d love to upgrade but no one makes luxury manual suvs in North America any longer. I’ve had no major issues. It just turned 65k so I’m keeping it.
I run KW Competition V2, i live in a very rural area in Norway with a lot of reiste roads with bad tarmac, these coil overs are great, and they are adjustable.
Just bought a X3 2.5si (with working sunroof) and I like driving it! What a difference with my former Ssangyong Rexton 2.3. So much better control - it almost drives like a sports car (even with the automatic transmission I chosed for). I really hope I will enjoy it for at least 4-5 years (has now 230K kms)
This car is amazing, I was in shock about how well it handles at the corners like a sport car , I had a land cruiser diesel and it was a boat at handling and I changed 3 engines due to the pistons cracking, and my friend had an 3.0 e83 x3 full extra and it was incredible it handles so well and even off road managed to do very well with good tyres , I have sold my Toyota and my friend still has the x3 without any major problem , it has 500k km , and it had a lot of technology for the time and even for now
Still have my 2006 3.0i with a 6 speed manual. It gives a ton of trouble oil pan leaks broken driveshaft worn carrier bearing broken rear coil springs and broken evaporator. When she's in great shape she runs amazing I've done 10 hours straight on a road trip easily
Great review ! Gonna take it camping - 3 months ago Bought a near pristine 2004 X3 2.5 w 178k - for 3k here in Texas - I’ll make a camping episode on it soon - Cheers ⭐️
Another well thought out, informative and entertaining review. Been tempted by the X3 a few times in the past, particularly the 3.0d...might pop straight over to FB marketplace now and see what's about! 😂 Keep up the good work 👍
I chose a 3.0D X3 for her after my wife was T-boned by a 4x4 in her E36 touring. I understand the general public desire to sit higher and see more so crossovers are bound to be popular for (non-enthusiast driver's in particular); no regrets as it's been an amazing car for 6 years and 50k; the biggest problem is what to replace it with that's ULEV compliant. N20/N47 has major DIY camchain challenges - so what next?
Can you recommend good garage specialising in an increasing power and torque here in UK? Also I've noticed your sat nav doesn't lift up. Did you manage to sort it out?
I agree with most of the intro except you're far safer on snow with 2wd and winter or all season tyres than with 4wd and summer tyres. 4wd has twice the traction to get going but no more when you come to steer or stop...
Yep. That’s why I ran the car on the winter tyres when we had snow. Unfortunately, I’ve had a series of punctures which means they had to be taken off in the past week. Fortunately there is no more snow forecast where I live, so not a problem.
It is true. They improved the ride on the LCI cars, but the M-Sport suspension is still very harsh. The best bet for ride quality would be a later SE with some smaller wheels.
Do you have any tips what to look for I’m going to look at a 2005 x3 2.0d msport to buy tonight it has 160k on the clock it’s pretty cheap thought it’s worth asking any in put would be appreciated
Try to buy one without the panoramic roof. Check to see if the timing chain has been done. Make sure the tyres are matching, as they’re quite sensitive to mismatched ones, especially if it’s a staggered set up.
@@carsandcustard A SAV, sport activity vehicle, as they said it is. It's also just a massive sports car too, something you can haul groceries and ass in.
The interior being plastic is for ease of cleaning, mud, dirt. This IS supposed to be an outdoorsy car. Leather and soft touch material aren't the best option when your car gets dirty It's just nonsensical to me when people complain that a pickup truck or another vehicle for such activities have plastic interior
Almost 10 years later and still in love with this lil tank.
I have a 2006 3.0i Msport with a manual gearbox and no sunroof, has the factory subwoofer, I bought it as a back up car, I daily drive a Land Rover Discovery 4 on the farm and my wife drives my old Touareg 4.2 V8 tdi R line. I can honestly say the old X3 is the most fun to drive, 180,000 miles and no squeaks or rattles. I had two X3s before but both autos, I knew they were good cars but the manual gearbox makes it feel like a completely different car. I feel the same as you about them, I wanted something that was fun to drive but I needed something practical with four wheel drive that I could chuck the dogs in the back and cope with Swedish winters if the D4 is down waiting for parts, also as a weekend car that is clean, my D4 gets disgusting and smells of wet dogs! I looked at Audi Quattros, Foresters etc but this one popped up and I snapped it up, one owner car. You just can´t find anything better for the money, the original X5 looks really dated but I think the X3, especially in Msport, has actually got better looking with age, it still gets some admiring glances, it´s in a really nice blue colour, I forget the name but it´s stunning. Great car and I love driving it on a B road.
I have 2006 manual as well. It’s not fast but fun to drive. I’d love to upgrade but no one makes luxury manual suvs in North America any longer. I’ve had no major issues. It just turned 65k so I’m keeping it.
@@davidhalley9795 good choice, there are supercharger kits available for them.....
Great review, I just purchased 2007 BMW X3 3.0. Previously I owned 2000 BMW 328i and 2003 BMW X5. Currently I own 2004 BMW 530i and 2013 BMW M535i.
Solution for the harsh ride: Koni Special Active dampers, H&R sway bars. Mine rides and handles like a dream!
I might have to look into that!
I run KW Competition V2, i live in a very rural area in Norway with a lot of reiste roads with bad tarmac, these coil overs are great, and they are adjustable.
Give me a link to buy
Just bought my first BMW, 2004 X3 3.0i. It has 88K on it and is in beautiful condition. Sunroof works also.
Just bought a X3 2.5si (with working sunroof) and I like driving it! What a difference with my former Ssangyong Rexton 2.3. So much better control - it almost drives like a sports car (even with the automatic transmission I chosed for). I really hope I will enjoy it for at least 4-5 years (has now 230K kms)
This car is amazing, I was in shock about how well it handles at the corners like a sport car , I had a land cruiser diesel and it was a boat at handling and I changed 3 engines due to the pistons cracking, and my friend had an 3.0 e83 x3 full extra and it was incredible it handles so well and even off road managed to do very well with good tyres , I have sold my Toyota and my friend still has the x3 without any major problem , it has 500k km , and it had a lot of technology for the time and even for now
Still own our E83 2004 X3 2.5i. Manual transmission. Having more issues now with age and mileage, but still one of my favorite vehicles I own
Still have my 2006 3.0i with a 6 speed manual. It gives a ton of trouble oil pan leaks broken driveshaft worn carrier bearing broken rear coil springs and broken evaporator. When she's in great shape she runs amazing I've done 10 hours straight on a road trip easily
I have the 3.0 SD model. Absolutely love it. I cant lie.
£675 road tax ouch! Looking to buy one myself, yes I know i can't work it out either 😂😭
Never viewed it as x3, i viewed it as the e46 allroad
I think the same. In Msport it´s the perfect mix of E46 and allroad type capability
Great review ! Gonna take it camping - 3 months ago Bought a near pristine 2004 X3 2.5 w 178k - for 3k here in Texas - I’ll make a camping episode on it soon - Cheers ⭐️
I think the first x3 are the best , even the Shape of them
I love my E83!
Mines an 07 2 litre diesel , and I love it.
Another well thought out, informative and entertaining review. Been tempted by the X3 a few times in the past, particularly the 3.0d...might pop straight over to FB marketplace now and see what's about! 😂
Keep up the good work 👍
Thank you very much ! I’m not responsible for any financial mistakes 😉👍🏻
And did You ?
@@G4RY1159 nope 😂 ended up with a Volvo XC90 instead…obviously!
That 3.0d just pulls like a train and so smooth, great compact SAV😇
I chose a 3.0D X3 for her after my wife was T-boned by a 4x4 in her E36 touring. I understand the general public desire to sit higher and see more so crossovers are bound to be popular for (non-enthusiast driver's in particular); no regrets as it's been an amazing car for 6 years and 50k; the biggest problem is what to replace it with that's ULEV compliant. N20/N47 has major DIY camchain challenges - so what next?
House Move haha. In all seriousness, petrol power ?
Thanks for sharing
great review . I am thinking of x3 2007-2010 1st gen. which engines would you recommend and which to avoid ?
Get the 2.5 or 3 litre M54.
i would buy the version with n47, wondering if it stands good with the issue of timing belt. n47 lowers the consumption
What did you break on the beach
Love the vibe of that review, thanks 🙏🔥🌈
Can you recommend good garage specialising in an increasing power and torque here in UK?
Also I've noticed your sat nav doesn't lift up. Did you manage to sort it out?
What about diff clunck on full lock ?
Great video once again
I agree with most of the intro except you're far safer on snow with 2wd and winter or all season tyres than with 4wd and summer tyres. 4wd has twice the traction to get going but no more when you come to steer or stop...
Yep. That’s why I ran the car on the winter tyres when we had snow. Unfortunately, I’ve had a series of punctures which means they had to be taken off in the past week. Fortunately there is no more snow forecast where I live, so not a problem.
Are the harsh ride claims really true? I never test drove this but larger BMWs tend to be smooth.
It is true. They improved the ride on the LCI cars, but the M-Sport suspension is still very harsh. The best bet for ride quality would be a later SE with some smaller wheels.
@@carsandcustard Oh okay; What about the newer ones? Like 2016 and newer? Ever test driven those?
Oy, what 3.0sd complications you're talking about, mate?
man im really looking for an 11 plate with the auto any suggestions, is the manual box good then
did you end up tuning it?
Good car
How does the D Sport ( 2006 ) sit with all these new emissions ? I'm a touch confused with it all, thanks in advance for any help / advice.
Mine is a 2007 and costs £395 per year. Auto’s are more I believe.
@@carsandcustard Thanks
Do you have any tips what to look for I’m going to look at a 2005 x3 2.0d msport to buy tonight it has 160k on the clock it’s pretty cheap thought it’s worth asking any in put would be appreciated
Try to buy one without the panoramic roof. Check to see if the timing chain has been done. Make sure the tyres are matching, as they’re quite sensitive to mismatched ones, especially if it’s a staggered set up.
@@carsandcustard cheers mate it doesn’t have the sunroof and timing chain was done in 2022
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🚘
Off road ?
I’m not sure the M-Sport suspension set up and 19’ wheels would enjoy that...
Had one of these fronm new, really disliked it and changed it after a few months.
I'm considering buying one, can I ask why you disliked it?
BMW have stiff ride and some people dislike that.@@lisadobyns4268
It is a great car, but only design isn’t in my taste
Those are m-sport 18" . . .not 19" wheels
Good job I’m not a brain surgeon haha
How is 34-38 mpg good? That’s awful 😂
Pretty good for a 3.0d back then.
its not a crossover!!!!!!!!!!
What is it?
@@carsandcustard A SAV, sport activity vehicle, as they said it is. It's also just a massive sports car too, something you can haul groceries and ass in.
It was the first fully re cyclable car
All bmw Cars Have sun roof
I’ve owned 11 bmws and only 1 has had a sunroof?
@@bradleyhanson2038 impossible
No
Definitely not impossible. Mine doesn´t have a sunroof@@MoCityT3xAZBaby
@@advantagemarine7305 check the emblem to make sure it’s a real bmw
Hey bro …. My ATP leakes …. Where to go to buddy
I actually think it's based on the e90 model not the E46
Well it isn´t, it´s based on the E46.
E46 based. Drives no different and working on them it's just like a E46 . They were still around when BMW started building SUVs
@@hellswindstaff91thank you for clearing that up, I wasnt sure.
Based on the E46. Markedly superior dynamically to the E90.
The interior being plastic is for ease of cleaning, mud, dirt. This IS supposed to be an outdoorsy car. Leather and soft touch material aren't the best option when your car gets dirty
It's just nonsensical to me when people complain that a pickup truck or another vehicle for such activities have plastic interior