The Original BMW X3 - And Why You're All Wrong

[@muhammad84Sang]

Almost 10 years later and still in love with this lil tank.

[@mra4107]

Solution for the harsh ride: Koni Special Active dampers, H&R sway bars. Mine rides and handles like a dream!

[@carsandcustard]

I might have to look into that!

[@ole-martinlundefaret5876]

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.

[@youssefelkayyal2724]

Give me a link to buy

[@TraderAbe1]

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.

[@axispowerdiesel]

I have the exact same spec m-sport 3.0si ‘07 with 220k I bought for $500. It’s my absolute favorite daily, so nice for everything. I swapped in E53 16-way comfort seats and a heated steering wheel it is wonderful and all my other BMWs get mileage kept off

[@gerarddaniels3590]

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)

[@Chpspsa]

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

[@advantagemarine7305]

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.

[@davidhalley9795]

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.

[@advantagemarine7305]

@@davidhalley9795 good choice, there are supercharger kits available for them.....

[@munkydotorg]

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

[@hellswindstaff91]

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

[@John-jp9bx]

Just bought my first BMW, 2004 X3 3.0i. It has 88K on it and is in beautiful condition. Sunroof works also.

[@markbrindley6582]

Mines an 07 2 litre diesel , and I love it.

[@northerner710]

I have the 3.0 SD model. Absolutely love it. I cant lie.

[@p1fly]

£675 road tax ouch! Looking to buy one myself, yes I know i can't work it out either 😂😭

[@woodrow_mayes]

Never viewed it as x3, i viewed it as the e46 allroad

[@advantagemarine7305]

I think the same. In Msport it´s the perfect mix of E46 and allroad type capability

[@connorgatchell9186]

I love my E83!

[@RoamwithJeep]

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 ⭐️

[@liitleman5020]

I think the first x3 are the best , even the Shape of them

[@Lifebikescars]

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 👍

[@carsandcustard]

Thank you very much ! I’m not responsible for any financial mistakes 😉👍🏻

[@G4RY1159]

And did You ?

[@Lifebikescars]

@@G4RY1159 nope 😂 ended up with a Volvo XC90 instead…obviously!

[@mkane6258]

Just brought an 07 X3. The sunroof works but i don’t think i will be using it. The ride is good. Only thing I have a problem with is the damn vacuum leak somewhere (i think it’s the oil filler cap) jsince i just changed my valve cover and the gasket. But over all good car

[@eddy45686]

What’s tax on auto? What years do you recommend. Was thinking of ditching X5 E70 and going for x3 m57 auto around 4k. Needs to have all luxury spec.

[@12emmott]

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?

[@carsandcustard]

House Move haha. In all seriousness, petrol power ?

[@CoolKillkennyCat]

What did you break on the beach

[@HeadshooterGTAS]

i would buy the version with n47, wondering if it stands good with the issue of timing belt. n47 lowers the consumption

[@steliofrasco3455]

That 3.0d just pulls like a train and so smooth, great compact SAV😇

[@luisfreeman1526]

Great video once again

[@blertaer4692]

Love the vibe of that review, thanks 🙏🔥🌈

[@rocheuro]

great review . I am thinking of x3 2007-2010 1st gen. which engines would you recommend and which to avoid ?

[@alfonsowadeyua5293]

Get the 2.5 or 3 litre M54.

[@thesightings222]

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?

[@AraP24]

Are the harsh ride claims really true? I never test drove this but larger BMWs tend to be smooth.

[@carsandcustard]

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.

[@AraP24]

@@carsandcustard Oh okay; What about the newer ones? Like 2016 and newer? Ever test driven those?

[@mmone1178]

Thanks for sharing

[@malcolmsaysomethinggreatka2017]

Oy, what 3.0sd complications you're talking about, mate?

[@lpfin4601]

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...

[@carsandcustard]

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.

[@conrod5691]

What about diff clunck on full lock ?

[@Bcwilderness]

man im really looking for an 11 plate with the auto any suggestions, is the manual box good then

[@G4RY1159]

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.

[@carsandcustard]

Mine is a 2007 and costs £395 per year. Auto’s are more I believe.

[@G4RY1159]

@@carsandcustard Thanks

[@Dj_Rossy85]

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

[@carsandcustard]

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.

[@Dj_Rossy85]

@@carsandcustard cheers mate it doesn’t have the sunroof and timing chain was done in 2022

[@SR-jq8mv]

did you end up tuning it?

[@18_rabbit]

sure wish u had the petrol engine! so sweet!

[@hhhhhhb7871]

Good car

[@stephenheaton8205]

Off road ?

[@carsandcustard]

I’m not sure the M-Sport suspension set up and 19’ wheels would enjoy that...

[@guppyspop]

Those are m-sport 18" . . .not 19" wheels

[@carsandcustard]

Good job I’m not a brain surgeon haha

[@edwardianedward548]

Had one of these fronm new, really disliked it and changed it after a few months.

[@lisadobyns4268]

I'm considering buying one, can I ask why you disliked it?

[@igormihov6279]

BMW have stiff ride and some people dislike that.@@lisadobyns4268

[@gordyl9247]

Bought a 2004 20d new now just over 100k on it, still enjoy it especially the panoramic roof 😊never thought I'd keep a car so long. Fantastic in winter.

[@tomchamlers-hunt2715]

How is 34-38 mpg good? That’s awful 😂

[@advantagemarine7305]

Pretty good for a 3.0d back then.

[@420somewhereG]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🚘

[@shultz4877]

It is a great car, but only design isn’t in my taste

[@joesmith9216]

its not a crossover!!!!!!!!!!

[@carsandcustard]

What is it?

[@joesmith9216]

@@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.

[@barryjones872]

It was the first fully re cyclable car

[@MoCityT3xAZBaby]

All bmw Cars Have sun roof

[@bradleyhanson2038]

I’ve owned 11 bmws and only 1 has had a sunroof?

[@MoCityT3xAZBaby]

@@bradleyhanson2038 impossible

[@carsandcustard]

No

[@advantagemarine7305]

Definitely not impossible. Mine doesn´t have a sunroof@@MoCityT3xAZBaby

[@MoCityT3xAZBaby]

@@advantagemarine7305 check the emblem to make sure it’s a real bmw

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

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

[@ImranKhan-dk8bo]

Hey bro …. My ATP leakes …. Where to go to buddy

[@p1fly]

I actually think it's based on the e90 model not the E46

[@advantagemarine7305]

Well it isn´t, it´s based on the E46.

[@hellswindstaff91]

E46 based. Drives no different and working on them it's just like a E46 . They were still around when BMW started building SUVs

[@p1fly]

​@@hellswindstaff91thank you for clearing that up, I wasnt sure.

[@alfonsowadeyua5293]

Based on the E46. Markedly superior dynamically to the E90.