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BMW X3

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Comments

  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 31,964
    I have had my X3 for about 7 months and I love it. Handling, comfort and safety are excellent.
    I do find that the power windows do not work when the temperature is at around 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 Celsius. The dealer says this is normal in X3's. I find it embarrassing to open the door in drive-throughs or to pay for parking, etc. Any ideas how they can build such a technical masterpiece and yet the Ford Focus in front or behind me doesn't have a problem. I have never had this problem on other cars and at much lower temperatures.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • x3ownerx3owner Member Posts: 1
    I took my dog with me to the various car dealers. My 70 lb black lab works very well in my X3. The ski bag does not fit 4 pairs of skis as advertised, 2 at most. The X3 is more agile than the volvo. BMW assist does not work if the keys are locked in the car, they tell you to wait 2 to 3 business days for them to ship you a new key - which doesn't work when your child locks the keys in the car at the ski slope 250 miles from home. It's a good vehicle, averaging 23 miles per gallon primarily with highway driving.
  • harplayrharplayr Member Posts: 70
    I live in Chicago, and this is my second winter with my X3 now. My windows have NEVER failed to work. I don't think any car is designed to have windows that can't work below freezing!

    Take it back to the dealer, or better yet another dealer that won't give you a line of BS.
  • harplayrharplayr Member Posts: 70
    I also have a large dog (Greyhound). I keep a blanket in back to cushion the floor. He's very happy back there.
  • alaskan_otteralaskan_otter Member Posts: 28
    My windows have failed to operate in frigid weather as well, but it only lasted a few minutes.

    My dealer told me they have never heard of the problem with the airbag sensor malfunctioning.

    And now every morning when the temp ranges from 30-49 or so, the amber light that looks like a square with a jagged line on it illuminates briefly.

    But I still LOVE this car.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 31,964
    Harplayer, thank you for your answer about my frozen power windows. I am going to show your response to the dealership and if I don't get the problem solved I'll take it up with BMW. That should be a big help toward getting this problem corrected.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • rayb1rayb1 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2005 X3, 2.5, with the 6 speed manual. It's been on the road three months (2,000 miles) and I already miss our previous 325's synchros. Particularly, I find second gear to have too long a throw from first, and too much of a crunch at the end. Not to BMW standards - me thinks. Before I lean into the dealer, has anybody else been "suspicious" or unhappy with the manual 6 speed transmission?
    RB
  • harplayrharplayr Member Posts: 70
    Let us know how they respond. I cannot believe that BMW would tell you that the car was designed for windows that will only operate above freezing temps. If your dealership blows you off, go to another dealer if there is one in your area.
  • kewilpeekewilpee Member Posts: 15
    Does anyone have any tips prior to taking delivery? 3.0 loaded minus the sport package
    thanks
    Kevin
  • harplayrharplayr Member Posts: 70
    Other than verifying tire pressure, make sure you take an extended test drive before accepting delivery.
  • beemcitybeemcity Member Posts: 50
    Get a car fax report if you haven't already to get vehicle's history (this is if the mileage is more than just incidental miles). Also, yes take the extended test drive, and make sure all the little buttons/features work.

    another tip... once you get it.. drive it every chance you get! It's the ultimate driving machine.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    There's a buying checklist at the bottom of this link that's specific to an Odyssey, but may give you some ideas to apply to your X3. And congrats!

    Steve, Host
  • motorcity3motorcity3 Member Posts: 72
    Hello everyone.

    Does anybody that owns (or is planning to own) an X3 currently driving a Ford Explorer. We are looking to move from an Explorer to an X3. We already own a 2001 325i and I want to buy another BMW for all reasons I am sure you all know and agree with. One concern going to an X3 is the cargo space. With a 10 month old baby (stroller, etc.) we are in need of space. Would an X3 be comfortable?
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 31,964
    Thank you Harplayr and Alaskan Otter regarding my power windows freezing. The dealer will look it over and see if glycerine or silicon will make a difference. I also wrote to a top auto columnist in Canada and he said he is surprised it would occur on X3's, however, he has seen it happen on some luxury cars. The dealer says they use extra insulation to keep out noise, and this might create a problem with extra moisture which could then freeze. It doesn't answer why no one else has the problem - so I will let you know if that makes a difference.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • fiddellfiddell Member Posts: 9
    Now that my airbag sensor was finally replaced, I've found a new problem. My rear defroster interferes with my FM reception. Has any oneelse had this problem? If so, how did they fix it? I am really disgusted with the quality of the X3.
  • jeffkieljeffkiel Member Posts: 48
    While the rear of the X3 is indeed smaller than the Explorer (my parents have an '03 XLT Eddie Bauer) O jave a 3 year old and have no problem fitting all of her stuff (toys, stroller, etc.) in there. I am AMAZED at the amount of space in the back (actually more room than X5), and when you fold down the seats, it is HUGE (I can fit my entire drumset with about the same room to spare as in my LR Discovery,
  • beemcitybeemcity Member Posts: 50
    Just wondering, I had used a couple of times, this Armor All Tire Cleaner spray designed to clean brake pad dust and gunk that routinely happens on our X3's. Anyone have any bad experiences with using this?
  • x3for3x3for3 Member Posts: 25
    In a few days I will be picking up my 2005 X3 3.0. Is it true that the car is softer than '04 on the ride. (auto but no sport package on either one.) According to the numbers on brochure, X3 3.0 is pretty slow as a BMW. Do you find it true?(who ever has the 3.0.)
    Instead of a way getting rid of break dust, how do we have the wheels dust free if possible at all?
    I am new to this forum but after reading the inputs, I am a little reluctant to have this car. Somebody please give me an idea or two!
  • harplayrharplayr Member Posts: 70
    As far as the quickness and ride quality are concerned, you really should take a long test drive before plopping down the cash!

    You are the only person that can decide whether it's quick enough or soft enough.
  • beemcitybeemcity Member Posts: 50
    I bought my X3 last September (2004). I found the ride to be a bit bumpier in comparison to the Japanese cars I had been used to driving. So there will be a getting used to factor involved, but now, 5000 miles later, I am completely used to it and love the car.

    As far as the brake dust is concerned, It's the price we pay for having nice brakes, as someone on this list told me once. I am not sure how to get around it, but if you do find out, let us know!
  • sopecreeksopecreek Member Posts: 203
    Other than cosmetic and maybe cleaning difficulties, are there any problems that can be caused by excessive brake dust?
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,200
    If you don't keep the wheels clean, eventually the brake dust will eat into the finish.. The finish on wheels is basically painted on.. Wheels that aren't cleaned regularly will "pit".. You'll get little black holes in the finish..

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  • kewilpeekewilpee Member Posts: 15
    First I would like to let fellow X3'ers that I was going to post this in the Prices Paid & Buying Experience board but all that seems to be is a lease price board. Anyway second I am in the military and took delivery in Germany with military sales program.
    So here is goes… I was scheduled for a 2pm pick-up Thursday the 3rd of March. Yes I know it has been nearly a week but I have been busy driving!!! Anyway , I was 20 minutes early but the car was still ready. I spoke with my delivery manager and had a plenty of questions but went he took me to the delivery area my mind blanked, which I recovered about 20 min later while he was doing the paperwork.
    Anyway I got a loaded Silver Gray 3.0 (-sport) with alarm, running boards , chrome tipped exhaust. And the European navigation DVD. There were three miles on the odometer, How’s that for NEW! We went over the controls that I was not familiar with and then did a once over of the exterior, flawless. I asked about the key settings and was told that they set up a standard configuration for American spec. delivery, but I could come back one time free of charge if I want to change any of them. He them showed me where the safety equipment was located (i.e. triangle 1st aid kit) where the tools were and how to get out the spare.
    Then came some items that someone will have to tell me if the guy was BS’ing or not. One: asked about setting the seat with the key, he stated that the interior setting are not set in the key but will go back automatically to the setting when that particular key locked the door. Two: the tire pressure sensor was set to the right pressure on the computer during car prep, and does not need to be reset manually from the inside. Other than that it seemed that hey really knew his stuff.
    Next came time to try the blue tooth, just two days before he could not promise that it would work in Europe, however I got a call back the day prior and he told me because I ordered NAV, BMW assist, and Premium sound that it was no problem. Also thanks the BMWNA Service Bulletin I gave to them, it loaded up my address book and then worked like a charm. At first the electronics specialist had his doubts because on the European X3’s Sony Ericsson K700i’s are not compatible, however the www.x5world.com link for phones seems to be correct. They seemed amazed because this was the first car they have delivered with the Blue tooth working. I was too!!!!!!!!!
    Well that was it I then went to the service department to pay for the extras which included 44 euros (about $52) charge to enable the blue tooth, by that time that was done the X3 was pulled around front and the keys were in handed over. The rest has been pure driving enjoyment! Did I miss anything? Or if you have any comments please let me know. The next post will be first impressions of the first 400 miles.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,200
    The seat settings aren't in the key, per se.. The key is just linked to seat setting 1, or 2, etc.. The memory is in the seat, not the key.. when you open with key #1, you get memory seat setting #1, whatever that happens to be...

    It sounds great!!

    Congratulations!

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  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I was going to post this in the Prices Paid & Buying Experience board but all that seems to be is a lease price board.

    It's not and it just happens that a lot of people happen to lease their BMWs. I do recommend posting your experiences there!

    tidester, host
  • beemcitybeemcity Member Posts: 50
    To expand further on this, you'll want to clean the wheels almost every week or so, because they will become so grey/dark and ugly you'll feel the need to clean them regardless. There are loads of cleaners out there, make sure you get ones made especially to clean brake pad dust.
  • bhitchcockbhitchcock Member Posts: 16
    Looking at buying a 3.0l X3 and wondering if anyone knows how the 4 wheel drive handles deep snow? Do the four wheels all drive at the same time when a wheel starts to spin? I was parked next to an X5 a couple of years ago in deep snow and it could not get out of the 18 inch new snow as the drive seemed to just spin the loose wheel. Didn't inspire a lot of confidence in BMW 4 four wheel drive.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    one of the best ways to help ease the pain of cleaning brake dust from your wheels on a weekly basis is to wax your wheels upon taking delivery of the car (truck, suv, sav, whatever they call it). It will make washing the wheels easier and the brake dust will eat away at the wax instead of your wheels' finish.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    You might be interested in this discussion: Snow driving!

    tidester, host
  • beemcitybeemcity Member Posts: 50
    Good idea, but after the fact can this "wax" treatment be done?
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,200
    Sure, but the wheels need to be cleaned first... Really, really clean.. Just like you would clean a car before you waxed it...

    They even have a special product for it.. called, Wheel Wax... believe it or not...

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  • beemcitybeemcity Member Posts: 50
    So here's the cycle I would follow:

    1. Wash car thoroughly
    2. Use wheel cleaner to completely clean the wheels
    3. Then use wheel wax..

    http://www.wheelwax.com/wax.html

    Would you do the wheel wax each time or every other time?
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,200
    Only as often as you would wax your whole car... For me.. that would be semi-annually, at most..

    The idea is for less work, not more... ;-)

    I think.. once you do it... you'll have to lay off of the wheel cleaner.. Otherwise, it will remove the wax.. After it is waxed, just use soap and water, like with the rest of the car..

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  • beemcitybeemcity Member Posts: 50
    Yea, duh, less work is the goal in all this.. Getting my hands all black and grimy each week isn't fun.. thanks for the tips.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Getting my hands all black and grimy each week isn't fun.. thanks for the tips.

    Getting them all black and grimy is fun! Trying to get them clean is the part that's not fun. :-)

    tidester, host
  • x3for3x3for3 Member Posts: 25
    Getting the car soon but I think the worst part to clean is the factory 17" wheels(gaps in between spokes). Love cleaning own car but wheels........ They are all the way on the ground!

    Clean them often is a good point.
  • x3for3x3for3 Member Posts: 25
    Anybody has factory navigation on their X3?
    What do you think?
  • mondmond Member Posts: 79
    X3 uses a new 4 wheel drive system that is by far the best I have experienced. A fundamentaly stock X3 won the Alcan rally of several thousand miles over frozen tundra and snow.
  • mondmond Member Posts: 79
    If these are your only two problems why would you be disgusted. I'm disgusted by the poor handling, steering and safety features of Japanese and American 4x4s. They are permanent and built into every one.
  • harplayrharplayr Member Posts: 70
    Yes, I have nav on my 04 X3.
    I love the system, and would not get another car without one. It does a great job of getting me from here to there reliably. Do you have any questions about the system?
  • x3for3x3for3 Member Posts: 25
    Getting a 05 3.0 in a few days with Nav. System. Just wonder if it recalculates fast enough so you don't miss another exit.

    Thank you.
  • richardx3richardx3 Member Posts: 1
    I recently purchased a Jet back/Beige Leatherette X3 2.5. I just got the basic car with heated seats as the only extras. I enjoyed reading this board before my purchase, so I thought I would see if this would be a good source for help:

    I was able to buy the OEM wood trim (from EBay but with no instructions!) to replace the very basic standard grey plastic trim and have fitted the wood trim handles without issue. However, I have not been able to figure out the wood trim center console replacement. Does anyone have instructions or know how I can replace the center console? I've tried a couple of times but it seems that the center storage bin on the top dash, then the air vent cover, then the heater/air control surround. all have to come off first before finally being able to take out the center console. Any help is appreciated (I know I could take it to BMW and pay, but that is my last option!)
  • mondmond Member Posts: 79
    If you know a car stereo installer or a body shop they can easily install the wood at far less than the BMW dealer would charge.
  • fiddellfiddell Member Posts: 9
    If it were only one problem I wouldn't be "disgusted". My X3 has been in the shop for a total of almost a month. I hope it will stay on the road now because it IS a pleasure to drive.
  • harplayrharplayr Member Posts: 70
    "Just wonder if it recalculates fast enough so you don't miss another exit."

    Yes. It performs recaculations very quickly.
  • robertvrobertv Member Posts: 33
    I've never driven a vehicle where the exhaust Exhaust Note was something worth mentioning and during a test drive of the X3 I actually found myself turning the radio down just so I could hear it. It actually gave me goose bumps! I alomst bought the car on the spot for that reason alone. But that being said, I've also read reports that state although the note is impressive in normal driving conditions it can get annoying at constant highway speeds. Is that the case? I didn't get a chance to take the test drive on the highway.
  • harplayrharplayr Member Posts: 70
    Overall I find the X3 much quieter than my old E36 325I. I usually listen to CD on Tape during my highway commute, and I'm able to listen at a much softer volume than in my 325.

    You really must take it out on a good highway spin. The X3 excels at speed. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.
  • alaskan_otteralaskan_otter Member Posts: 28
    At 11,000 miles yesterday - as I was merging onto a street - my car engine suddenly revved very loudly - then the car seemed to just sputter and lose power. I made it to a parking lot by constantly giving the car gas so it wouldn't die - with the engine making a loud grinding noise. I called the Owners Circle and had it towed to the dealer. NOT A HAPPY CAMPER as I was leaving for a trip this weekend.

    While the dealer has it they are going to fix the airbag sensor hopefully.

    I think someone else here had this strange engine problem. Please advise.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,200
    It could be anything....

    But, the most likely thing is a sensor gone bad.. Camshaft position sensor will put the vehicle into "limp mode".

    The chances of it being serious are very small..

    regards,
    kyfdx

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  • alaskan_otteralaskan_otter Member Posts: 28
    Thanks kyfdx,

    I did have several instances of a radiator warning light coming on in the mornings prior to the engine problem. The dealership will get me a car if anything major is wrong. It's been there all morning and I've not gotten word yet.
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