Model not specified
Mileage unknown
BMW X3 E83 Review: A Costly Lesson
I've owned this car for less than a year, bought as my first vehicle, and it's been the biggest mistake I've made. Due to lower fuel consumption, I opted for the post-facelift 2-liter gasoline engine (aluminum block). After just two months of ownership (purchased at a significant cost with 190,000 km), it turned out to be consuming 1.5 liters of oil per 1000 km, with coolant and mayonnaise in the oil pan. I decided to rebuild the engine, paying over 12,000 for the entire job (cylinder head, piston rings, crankshaft grinding, etc.). Finding a service...
Pros:
Spacious interior
Cons:
High oil consumption, Expensive engine repairs, Potential for costly mechanical issues
BMW X3 E83 2.0i (150 Hp) SUV
125,000 km
Problem: Air Conditioning
The air conditioning system in this car is experiencing issues, specifically with the compressor pulley.
BMW X3 E83 2.0i (150 Hp) SUV
175,000 km
Problem: Transmission
Excellent, very roadworthy and secure vehicle. Impressive in curves (for its size) and in snow. However, reliability is not up to par with the brand's reputation. EGR thermostat failed (engine cools on descents). Throttle body at air intake manifold malfunction (no turbo in city below 2000 rpm + stalling at idle). Driveshaft universal joint locked (car vibrates, suspect a bearing or CV joint).
Pros:
Excellent, very roadworthy and secure vehicle, Impressive in curves (for its size), Impressive in snow
Cons:
Reliability not living up to brand reputation, Failed EGR thermostat (engine cools downhill), Throttle body issue (no turbo below 2000 rpm, stalling), Locked driveshaft universal joint (vibrations)
BMW X3 E83 2.0i (150 Hp) SUV
100,000 km
Problem: Injection
No engine issues, but I take care of it: oil change at 15,000 km, air filter change, respecting warm-up times, Bardhal cleaner every 10,000 km for injection and EGR/DPF, and good de-carbonizing occasionally above 3,000 rpm on the highway. In winter, the roadholding is worthy of a very good sedan; you can take corners very quickly. No issues with the engine itself. Comfort, cargo space, driving pleasure, brightness, braking, safety, roadholding.
Pros:
Comfort, Cargo capacity, Driving pleasure, Brightness, Braking, Safety, Roadholding, Roadholding worthy of a good sedan, can take corners hard. No engine issues.
Cons:
Engine a bit underpowered for sporty driving, sufficient on highway and family driving. Fuel consumption a bit high in city (8-10 liters) and fast driving (8 liters)., Water infiltration through doors at floor mat level.
BMW X3 E83 2.0i (150 Hp) SUV
100,000 km
Very Good - X3 E83
Great car, performs well. The ride is quite firm, but that's a minor point given the overall quality. No major issues so far.
Pros:
Very good, but...
Cons:
Very firm ride, None so far
BMW X3 E83 2.0i (150 Hp) SUV
311,000 km
Problem: Brake Caliper
The car is comfortable and a good highway cruiser, handling well. However, the remote key and radio are sensitive to mobile phone signals and can malfunction nearby. The driver's seat doesn't recline back far enough for taller people. The transfer case had issues after changing tires. The clutch was replaced twice, the water pump at 240,000 km, and the driver's window regulator and control unit were replaced. There was also an issue with the actuator gear.
Pros:
Comfortable, Very good highway cruiser, Handles well on the road
Cons:
Door and radio remote sensitive to phone signals, may not work nearby, Driver's seat doesn't recline far enough for tall people, Transfer case issues after tire change, Clutch replaced twice, Water pump replaced at 240,000 km, Driver's window regulator and control unit replaced
