2004 BMW X3 consumer reviews

I wanted one of these for a long time because I love the way they look and handle, but I am disappointed in my first BMW experience. I have taken it in for service 3 times so far, and am continuing to have a rattle in the moonroof and aan awful mildew smell coming from the AC. I've been told the amount of wind noise and engine whine at high speeds is just to be expected, but it seems like BMW could do better. I know I am pickier than most folks, but there are a couple of things that drive me crazy, like the lack of an interior trunk release, and the lock/unlock button located on the console instead of on the door. The interior is not attractive-I heard someone say you could use the dash to exfoliate your feet :)- and the center cupholder seems like an afterthought rather than part of the car. I don't have real leather, and I'm sure that would help my opinion of the interior. I like everything on the exterior except the running boards which collect dust and are impossible to keep clean, and the roof rack which is mostly for show due to no cross supports. On the plus side, I have plenty of cargo room, and the rear seats are super easy to let down. It handles great and stops on a dime, but I can't excape the feeling I'm in a tank on bumpy roads. Compared to the 3 series sedan they give me as a loaner and the car I traded in, it is a rough ride. I am planning to buy a new hatchback with better gas milage that I can use regular unleaded in, because the gas costs are high with this vehicle. But If you don't mind the interior quirks, and you can afford the gas, this is a fun car.

We purchased our 2004 X3 2.5i in May 2004. On first glance it exudes the same beautiful styling that all BMWs have: the kidney grille, the strong linear quality of the side panels. The inside, however, leaves much to be desired - mostly vinyl and various plastics with a smattering of wood trim. The car handles and drives incredibly (as it should since it shares a platform with the 3-series sedan). It's small enough that even with the 2.5 liter engine instead of the 3.0 you've still got enough power to have some fun with it. But like most BMWs, reliability isn't one of this car's strong points. The electrical system has been fraught with problems (warning lights coming on when they shouldn't, problems with interior lights, etc). This model received an update for the 2005 year and the new interior is much better looking. This is a good car but don't buy an '04; the later models have more refined interor/exteriors. Make sure to spring for the leather seats because the leatherette option includes some really cheap-looking nylon-type material in the trim. The Steptronic transmission is completely useless: if you want a manual shift just get it, the X3 is more car than it is truck so I'd imagine having it in a stickshift would be fun.

This is my first BMW but definately wont be the last. I fell in love while shopping for a Lexus rx330. The X3 offered sexy styling and lots of punch. I test drove the X5 but didnt like how it handled. The X3 hugs curves without feeling as if it might tip at any second. It excellerates nicely. Before I know it I am at 60mph and beyond! The only flaw that I have found is with the engine noise at high rpm. However, its nice to know that your little kitten has plenty of tiger like prowess. The sunroof, sexy, the interior, sexy, the exterior, sexy. How does it feel to drive, SEXY!

Perfect car. BMW is the best. Just 25K miles 2004. Absolutely like new. Sunroof is amazing. Thanks cars.com

I've just returned this vehicle after a two year lease and I will certainly miss it. In the final weeks we took it on a 1,200 round trip NY to Tampa and although it must be the most boring drive in the country, the vehicle's performance was exemplary. It smoothly performed at whatever speed was necessary at the time (65-85mph) and we got 400 miles from a full tank. This was a 2.5 engine which I was warned about not having enough punch but it was perfectly adequate and I don't think it's necessary to spend the extra for 3l plus to sit in NY's traffic anyway. It navigates NY's third world standard of road conditions admirably and is skinny enough to nip through gaps other SUV's just sit and gawp at. The interior is excellent in fit quality and comfort. My only niggles are that the diagnostic coughed at around 3,000 miles which led to a dud engine and a visit to the dealers. The audio system is anaemic with not enough bass, and the a/c could be cooler at it's coolest level, but Austrians/Germans don't really "get" how brutal our summers are. The trunk space is limited - you can't fit a full set of golf clubs lengthways which is pitiful for an SUV. However, it's an ugly duckling of a vehicle. It's pretty ugly to look at but is beautiful to drive.

My wife and I recentley purchased an X3 and it's everything we thought a BMW should be. Handles great, runs smooth and I would recommend it to anybody looking for a mis-sized SAV.

I own a BMW X3 myself, and I can tell you that it has a great performance, I love it?s exterior design. Perfect for long trips.

THE VEHICLE HANDLES LIKE A bmw SHOULD. HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH THE MOONROOF SINCE I BOUGHT IT. AND BMW CAN'T SEEM TO CORRECT IT. THE RIDE AND INTERIOR ARE NOT UP TO WHAT YOU WOULD EXSPECT IN A CAR in THIS PRICE RANGE.