BMW X3 (04 on) - Review Review by David Ross on 18 December 2006 Last Updated: 22 May 2009 Designing a compact 4x4 car that's good on the road, comfortable and yet also possesses some off road ability is no easy feat. But BMW has come close with the X3 - the smaller brother to the muscular X5. It uses BMWs xDrive four wheel drive system which ensures excellent traction both off-road and on it, while decent body control and good steering feel mean the X3 corners very well for an off roader. However the downside of the stiff suspension is that the BMW rides firmly and isn't particularly settled over rough roads. It carries a high list price too, especially when compared to equally capable off roaders. On the plus side it's very practical with a large boot and spacious cabin. 4 out of 5 Other BMW reviews Summary Facts & Figures Equipment Driving & Performance Comfort Costs Safety & Reliability Buying & Selling Also Consider Company Car Info Owners' Reviews Gallery 4 out of 5 Summary Tweet New price range: £31,485 - £35,525 View all new prices Used price range: £5,621 - £29,095 View all used prices Get a BMW X3 (04 on) information pack Next steps BMW X3 cars for sale Use our cars for sale search facility to find great deals on second hand cars. We have 155 models like this for sale, starting at £5,695. Find used BMW X3s for sale Refined and quiet on the move, efficient diesel engines, neat styling, good-sized boot Expensive compared to similar alternatives, firm ride Designing a compact 4x4 car that's good on the road, comfortable and yet also possesses some off road ability is no easy feat. But BMW has come close with the X3 - the smaller brother to the muscular X5. It uses BMWs xDrive four wheel drive system which ensures excellent traction both off-road and on it, while decent body control and good steering feel mean the X3 corners very well for an off roader. However the downside of the stiff suspension is that the BMW rides firmly and isn't particularly settled over rough roads. It carries a high list price too, especially when compared to equally capable off roaders. On the plus side it's very practical with a large boot and spacious cabin. For the review of the latest BMW X3 click here Driving & Performance Performance 4 out of 5"The X3's engine line-up was initially very limited but now there's plenty of choice for all buyers." Handling 3.5 out of 5"The X3 is good to drive with an agility that belies its size. It feels much more like one of BMW's..." Comfort Comfort 3.5 out of 5"The firm ride is the biggest let down in the X3, especially as it should be an ideal family car. But..." Practicality 4 out of 5"This is one of the most practical cars in the BMW range. The boot is huge and easy to load, the..." Equipment 3.5 out of 5"Standard equipment includes front, side and head airbags, alarm, remote central locking, ABS,..." Behind the wheel 3.5 out of 5"Thanks to an elevated driving position, there's a clear view of the road ahead and good visibility..." Costs Running costs 2.5 out of 5"If you opt for one of the diesel engines, you'll find running costs reasonable - the xDrive18d model..." Green credentials 2.5 out of 5"The X3 does feature BMWs Efficient Dynamics technology but it's limited to lightweight materials and..." Safety & Reliability Safety 4 out of 5"The X3 performed adequately in Euro NCAP crash tests and scored four stars out of five. Standard..." Reliability 4 out of 5"Build quality is superb, as you'd expect of a BMW, and the X3 is so far proving to be reliable,..." Buying & Selling Buying new 2.5 out of 5"Discounts are minimal, but if you're determined it is possible to get one, especially if you're..." Buying used 3.5 out of 5"The range was facelifted in mid 2006 and this brought a slightly refreshed interior and minor..." Selling 4 out of 5"Both 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre diesels are popular choices and are very easy to sell. They pull well,..." Gallery View full gallery Owners' reviews Used BMW X3 (04 on) 2.0i SE 5d 4 out of 5 “ The size of the boot and whatever anyone says there is plenty of leg room in the back, Very good on... ” wayne freeman Car Valuations Find used car prices with Parkers accurate car valuations. Find out more BMW X3 cars for sale We have 155 models like this for sale. Find BMW X3 cars for sale Next: Facts & Figures
Used BMW X3 (04 on) 2.0i SE 5d 4 out of 5 “ The size of the boot and whatever anyone says there is plenty of leg room in the back, Very good on... ” wayne freeman