Overall reader verdict 4 out of 5 stars

  • What's it like to drive
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Running costs
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Quality, practicality and equipment
    3 out of 5 stars

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22 reader reviews for BMW X3 4x4.

  • 2.0d SE 5dr

    Paul King Date: 07/02/2009
    • Overall verdict
      5 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Average MPG
      44

    My car

    We bought a 2.0D SE for my wife recently. Purposely went for the facelift version (post 2006) so got the nicer exterior (the big plastic bumpers are gone!), revised cabin, better suspension and it had taken an £18,000 hit on original cost price! Some nice extras (bluetooth, privacy glass, leather, wood trim, running boards etc). So, pricewise it was a lot of car for the money and still has manufacturers warranty. Its a good time to buy a used (nearly new) X3! Our biggest concern was the ride. Every report knocks the X3 for ride quality, but we were very pleasantly surprised. My wife commutes weekly (400 mile round trip) and along with fuel economy (mid to late 40's on a run) she says the cars strongest point is the quality of the ride. Its excellent! Interior comfort is great as you would hope. Everything you would want (and more) laid out very simply. Climate control is very efficient. It was -4 outside this morning, lots of ice (we've had a week of snow) and the X3 was frozen over. Within 5 mins of starting the engine all windows were clear and the cabin was toasty warm. The look and feel in the cabin is quality. We really are very impressed with the X3 and very glad we bought it. Comparing it to our last car (Freelander) its a big step forward in every respect.

  • 2.0d SE 5dr

    Duncan Ward , Oxfordshire . Date: 31/10/2008
    • Overall verdict
      2 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      3 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      2 out of 5 stars

    My car

    I normally research car purchases quite carefully. I bought an X3 for my wife though on a bit of a whim. What a mistake- the engine (2.0D) is ok and fairly economical but the tacky plastic interior and, most concerningly, the appalling ride are frankly unacceptable. I should have bought a Freelander 2...

  • 3.0d M Sport 5dr

    Ray Lewis Date: 29/09/2008
    • Overall verdict
      4 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Average MPG
      42

    My car

    After weeks of searching I am now the happy owner of a 3.0d M Sport with a manual gearbox. This is my third X3, my two previous ones being 2.0d SE & 2.0D M Sport, both with 150bhp engines. Good though they were, this 3 litre engine is just so much more refined, indecently quick should the mood or circumstances demand...yet driven in a more relaxed manner I am able to achieve an average 42 mpg!! I don't and never have liked the exterior styling from any angle...especially the way the rear quarter windows slope upwards, but the driving dynamics, space and economy more than compensate. Was the styling another of Chris Bangles efforts?... No matter, from inside I don't need to see the ugly exterior styling, but lets hope the next generation X3 is somewhat more handsome.

  • 2.0d SE 5dr

    Glenn Turner , Albany, Eastern Cape . Date: 17/06/2008
    • Overall verdict
      4 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      5 out of 5 stars

    My car

    I live in South Africa. I have owned a number of BMW's in the past, but have not enjoyed any of the others as much as I enjoy the X3. Roadholding is excellent. A very necessary characteristic on S.A. tar roads because of the potholes! A question: although the manual indicates a fuel tank capacity of 67 litres, I always put in 80 litres with ease. Any X3 owners have a similar experience in the U.K.?

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