2004 Bmw X3 problems
The BMW X3 is an SUV manufactured by BMW since 2003, based on the BMW 5 Series platform. Now in its third generation, BMW markets the car as a Sports Activity Vehicle, the company's proprietary descriptor for its X-line luxury vehicles.
The first-generation X3 was designed by BMW in conjunction with Magna Steyr of Graz, Austria—who also manufactured all X3s under contract to BMW. BMW manufactured the second-generation X3 at their Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, United States. Starting with the third generation, BMW South Africa's Rosslyn plant began production of the X3, alongside the Spartanburg plant, after the facility underwent a major upgrade to prepare for the X3 production, replacing the long-running 3 Series production in the plant. About 76,000 units will be manufactured there annually.
The car was the first mid-size, premium SUV on the market. In 2008, BMW started competing with the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class (renamed GLC-Class since 2016), and numerous other SUVs in this segment. The X3 is smaller than the X5 and X6, and bigger than the X1 and the X2.
An all-electric variant is sold as the BMW iX3.
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Common 2004 Bmw X3 problems
The BMW X3 2004 is known for several common problems based on complaints from its owners. One of the most frequently reported issues is with the sunroof, where the plastics for the panoramic have cracked and broken, making it unusable. This problem can be expensive to repair and is a significant inconvenience for drivers who enjoy the added light and space that a sunroof provides.
Another common issue with the BMW X3 2004 is with the engine, specifically the 2.0-litre diesel engine. Swirl flaps in the inlet manifold can break off and be ingested into the engine, causing significant damage.
The turbo diesels in the BMW X3 2004 are also prone to turbocharger failures, mainly as a result of oil feed supply pipes becoming blocked over time.
The interior of the BMW X3 2004 is also known for being slightly less robust than one would expect from a BMW, with switches and markings on the dashboard prone to peeling off.
The BMW X3 2004 has also been known to suffer from issues with the all-wheel-drive system, specifically the xDrive four-wheel-drive system. Tyres that are wearing unevenly may indicate a fault with driveshafts or the xDrive four-wheel-drive system.
In summary, the BMW X3 2004 is known for several common problems, including issues with the sunroof, engine, interior, and all-wheel-drive system. These issues can be expensive to repair and can significantly impact the driver's experience. However, with routine maintenance and careful monitoring of the vehicle, many of these issues can be prevented or caught early, reducing the likelihood of significant repairs.
What is the most common problem with BMW X3?
Q: What are common problems across BMW X3 models? A: Common issues include broken timing chain guides, sunroof leaks, rattles, oil leaks, overheating engines due to coolant system problems, faulty window regulators, steering problems, problematic EGR systems in diesel engines, and more.
How many miles will a 2004 BMW X3 last?
With good care, I'd guess 250,000 to 300,000 miles or 20 years. Maybe more if you're lucky and the transmission holds up.
What year is the best year for BMW X3?
Early media reports were overall positive for the X3 model. And in 2005 the Canadian Automotive journalist Association Crown it the best SUV of the year a year later the X3 was face lifted with a
How long does a BMW X3 engine last?
According to motorbiscuit.com, a typical BMW X3 will last 150,000-200,000 miles with excellent maintenance. Effort is crucial in this process - a BMW X3 with poor maintenance will fall flat on its face in no time. Many items can impact the life of your BMW X3.
What is the most common problem with BMW X3?
Q: What are common problems across BMW X3 models? A: Common issues include broken timing chain guides, sunroof leaks, rattles, oil leaks, overheating engines due to coolant system problems, faulty window regulators, steering problems, problematic EGR systems in diesel engines, and more.
How many miles will a 2004 BMW X3 last?
With good care, I'd guess 250,000 to 300,000 miles or 20 years. Maybe more if you're lucky and the transmission holds up.
What is the fuel consumption of BMW X3 2004?
BMW X3 2004 Fuel consumption
| BMW X3 Model | Body Type | Fuel Consumption |
|---|---|---|
| X3 2.5I | SUV | 13.1L/100km |
| X3 2.5I | SUV | 13.1L/100km |
| X3 3.0I | SUV | 13.3L/100km |
| X3 3.0I | SUV | 13.3L/100km |
What year is the best year for BMW X3?
Early media reports were overall positive for the X3 model. And in 2005 the Canadian Automotive journalist Association Crown it the best SUV of the year a year later the X3 was face lifted with a
2004 Bmw X3 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw X3 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Exterior lighting problems
- Air bags problems
- Seats problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2004 Bmw X3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2004 Bmw X3
The NHTSA has received 219 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Bmw X3. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2004 Bmw X3 vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-24
- VIN: WBXPA73484W
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: AIRBAG LAMP REMIANS ON DUE TO FAILED PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTION MAT. HONOLULU BMW DEALER CLAIMS RECALL 08V384000 WAS PERFORMED JULY 18, 2008- WHICH IS THE EXACT SAME DATE LISTED IN THE RECALL AS BMW'S REPORT DATE TO NHTSA. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN AND PROCEDURE DID NOT GET PUBLISHED OR BEGIN FOR NEARLY A YEAR LATER. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN ASKS THAT A SMALL STICKER BE AFFIXED ADJACENT TO THE VIN TAG- THERE IS NO STICKER, NOR IS THERE EVIDENCE OF A STICKER EVER HAVING BEEN THERE ( I KNOW WHAT IT SHOULD LOOK LIKE). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAINTED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBXPA73434W
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact ownd a 2004 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, she dozed off behind the wheel when the vehicle crashed into the rear of a tow truck. As a result, the front end of the vehicle was damaged. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained an injury to the head and bodily soreness. Medical attention was required. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard however, the vehicle was then towed to the contact’s residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by an air bag specialist and it was determined that the air bag was not connected. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the air bags failed to deploy due to minimal impact. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number 08V384000 (Air Bags). The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, the contact had not received a response back. The failure mileage was unknown.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-12-01
- VIN: wbxpa93484w
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The airbag light is on our BMW and my 16 years daughter is driving this car. I cannot believe that BMW did not issue a recall. According to Repair Pal: "What are the symptoms of a bad Air Bag Occupant Sensor? Failing occupant sensors can show one of two symptoms. They may stay on at all times, causing the passenger airbags to stay active even when a passenger is not present. Also, they may not operate at all, which prevents the airbags from activating when a passenger is seated in that seating position. Also, for most systems, the airbag or SRS warning light will illuminate on the instrument cluster, prompting the driver to service the system.
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-07-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WBXPA93464W
- Components: POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: CHECK OIL LIGHT CAME ON SO VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WITHIN SECONDS, SMOKE HAD ENGULFED THE ENGINE BAY. THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES WITHIN A FEW MINUTES.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-25
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBXPA73434W
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SHE FELL ASLEEP BEHIND THE WHEEL WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TOW TRUCK. THE CONTACT STATED SHE PULLED OVER AFTER THE IMPACT WOKE HER UP. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOT AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CRASH WAS A FRONT END COLLISION. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS). *DT*JB
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-02-14
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBXPA93484W
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND I COULDN'T CONTROL IT OR STOP IT WHILE PUSHING HEAVILY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OR ME. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-09-25
- VIN: WBXPA93484W
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WATER SEEPS INTO THE VEHICLE FROM AN UNKNOWN LOCATION AND CAUSES A MOLD EFFECT DUE TO SATURATION OF THE FLOOR IN THE BACK PASSENGER AREA. DOOR AND SUNROOF WEATHERSTRIPPING HAVE BEEN PROFESSIONALLY CHECKED AND DEEMED NOT THE CAUSE.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-04
- VIN: WBXPA93474W
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING MY SUNROOF FLEW OFF THE VEHICLE AND SHATTERED INTO PIECES. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35 MILES PER HOUR ON A CITY STREET
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-01
- VIN: WBABW33474P
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEADLAMP BULB OUT AND UPON REPLACEMENT IT WAS NOTED THE COATED WIRING TO THE XENON SYSTEM TO RIGHT AND LEFT HEADLIGHT IS BRITTLE (THE WIRES PLASTIC COATING IS FALLING OFF)AND IN SOME PLACES EXPOSED WIRING WAS FOUND. ELECTRICAL TAPE NEED TO WRAP THE WIRING TO AVOID POTENTIAL FIRE. LATE NOTICE TO THIS SITE I WAS UNAWARE TO FILE A REPORT. OTHERS ALSO HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME ISSUES.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-23
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WBXPA73434W
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT WARMER BURNED SKIN AND SCORCHED LEATHER SEAT COVER WHEN TURNED ON.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-11-01
- VIN: WBXPA93404W
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: INSULATION ON WIRING INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY IS CRACKING AND FALLING OFF WIRING HARNESS CAUSING A SHORT AND BLOWN FUSE WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-08-09
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBABD53424P
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: NEW DEFECTIVE BRAKE PADS CAUSED A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT WITH TOTAL LOSS OF THE VEHICLES INVOLVED. BRAKE PADS ARE CONTAMINATED AND EMBEDDED WITH A SLIPPERY SUBSTANCE. PADS ARE FROM PRIME CHOICE AUTO PARTS 42832 STATE ROUTE 12, ALEXANDRIA BAY, NY, 13607-2216 CAN YOU INVESTIGATE AND ANALYZE THE BRAKE PADS IN ORDER TO STOP THE SELLING OF DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS BRAKE PADS? I AM ABLE TO SHIP TO YOU A BRAKE PAD SAMPLE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, BUT UNABLE TO STOP BEFORE TURNING ON A CITY STREET.
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-02-22
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBXPA93464W
- Components: AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BMW X3. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN THE REVERSE GEAR, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED RAPIDLY AND CRASHED INTO FIVE OTHER VEHICLES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK, BACK, AND CHEST. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-23
- VIN: WBXPA73434W
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: SEAT HEATER ON DRIVERS SIDE IS BURNING THROUGH. IF LEFT ON IT WOULD BURN THROUGH CLOTHES AND BURN SKIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-07
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS UNABLE TO RESTART ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. BURDICK BMW (5947 E CIRCLE DR, CICERO, NY 13039, (315) 459-6000) WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-04-28
- VIN: WBXPA93484W
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT HEATING UNIT OVERHEATS WHEN ON HIGH SETTING, TO THE POINT OF BURNING SKIN THROUGH THE SEAT AND CLOTHING. LOWER LEFT LUMBAR AND SEAT BOTTOM APPEAR TO BE IMPACTED. PER SERVICE SHOP, THE SEAT HEATER GRID IS BROKEN, CAUSING 40 DEGREE HIGHER TEMPERATURES THAN NORMAL IN THE LEFT LEG AREA. ONGOING ISSUE, NOT A SINGLE OCCURRENCE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-09-08
- VIN: WBABW53464P
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE ADAPTIVE XENON HEADLIGHT WIRING IS FAULTY . WIRE INSULATION IS CRACKING/DETERIORATING AND ENTIRE WIRES ARE BREAKING APART. SYMPTOMS START WITH FLICKERING XENON HEADLIGHT EVENTUALLY (ABOUT A WEEK LATER) STOPS WORKING AT ALL. VEHICLE IS MOVING OR STATIONARY, ENGINE ON. THE FAULTY WIRES ARE IN A WEATHER SEALED COMPARTMENT OF THE HEADLIGHT AND HAVE NEVER (TO MY KNOWLEDGE) EVEN BEEN UNSEALED/ACCESSED SINCE LEAVING THE FACTORY. THE ISSUE IS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, UNKNOWN IF IT IS ON THE DRIVER SIDE AS WELL. THE ATTACHED PHOTO SHOWS BACK SIDE OF THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING LOOKING DOWN, WITH THE WEATHER-SEALED COMPARTMENT OPEN. ALL EXPOSED WIRE IS AS A RESULT OF THE ISSUE, NOBODY HAS ACTIVELY CUT OR STRIPPED THE WIRES. PROBLEM FIRST NOTICED IN SEPT OF 2016, ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO REPAIR BUT NOW IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN, WORSE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WBAEU33464P
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY STARTED ON FIRE AS MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE, AND RESULTED IN THE CAR BEING TOTALED. THE 2004 MODELS NEED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL (NOT THAT IT WILL HELP WITH THE LOSS OF MY CAR).
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-09-01
- VIN: WBXPA93434W
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: BMW UNABLE AND UNWILLING TO COMPLETE RECALL NO. 08V384: FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT RECALL AND WARRANTY COVERAGE EXTENSION. NO PARTS AVAILABLE, PARTS NOT ON ORDER, BMW USA NOT ORDERING PARTS FOR RECALL. NO TIMELINE GIVEN, TOLD TO CALL BACK IN TWO MONTHS.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-01
- VIN: WBXPA73434W
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE AIRBAG LIGHT REMAINS ON AT ALL TIMES.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-11
- VIN: WBXPA93434W
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE FIRES.
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-04-25
- VIN: WBXPA93494W
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: THIS IS A TEST FROM VOLPE. TESTING THE MOBILE APP.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-15
- VIN: WBAEV53404K
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL NHTSA RECALL NUMBER:15V318 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 14V428
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-02
- VIN: WBAEV53484K
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: HEADLIGHTS PROJECT ALMOST NO LIGHT. JUST PAID $130 TO HAVE LENSES CLEANED, NO IMPROVMENT. I THOUGHT IT WAS MY EYES AND COMPLAINED TO OPTHAMOLOGIST TWICE BUT MY EYES ARE OK. I'VE READ THT THE REFLECTOR BOWLS IN THIS MODEL MELT FROM THE HEAT OF THE BULB. I NEED TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION ASAP SO I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO WAIT FOR AN INVESTIGATION.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-12-16
- VIN: WBXPA73454W
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT AND BURNED THE JACKET WHEN THE SEAT HEATER WAS TURNED ON WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED IN THIS CAR. FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WHILE THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY, AND THE DEALERSHIP (SILVER SPRING BMW OF MD) REPLACED THE SEAT UNDER WARRANTY. IN THIS CASE GOT LUCKY IT DID NOT CATCH FIRE OR CAUSE ANY INJURY TO US. THIS SITUATION EASILY COULD HAVE ENDED UP IN A CAR FIRE. I WAS STUNNED TO HEAR HOW LITHELY BMW NA APPROACH TOWARDS MY CONCERN WHEN I CALLED TO LODGE A COMPLAINT. AT HIGHWAY SPEED THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL SITUATION DUE TO DISTRACTION THIS BURN CREATED WORST CAR ON FIRE. *TR
2004 Bmw X3 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2004 Bmw X3.
- Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED.
- Consequence: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY EVEN IF A SUFFICIENTLY SEVERE ACCIDENT WOULD OCCUR AND OCCUPANT PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE SYSTEM WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REWORK THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT SO THAT EXTERNAL FORCE APPLICATION TO THE SEAT DOES NOT CAUSE A CRACK TO THE MAT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2008. BMW WILL ALSO EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THESE VEHICLES TO 10 YEARS FROM FIRST REGISTRATION WITHOUT ANY MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
Negative 2004 Bmw X3 car reviews
Positive 2004 Bmw X3 car reviews
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This car is really impressive! The AWD makes it impossible to lose control in the rain, and the steering is a lot of fun. The 3.0 engine has plenty of power and gets great gas mileage for an AWD SAV. It also comes with a 6 CD changer, panoramic roof, heated seats, leather, steering controls, navigation, and an incredible amount of standard airbags! If you're driving a BMW, you're not driving a Toyota or Honda, so it's worth the extra expense. I've only had to replace a couple of hoses and tires so far, and it's still driving like new at 134k miles! I plan on driving this baby into the ground!
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After reading the reviews of others which said the suspension and ride of this model year was not up to BMW standards, I was surprised to find that the car is about as smooth as can be. It is an absolute pleasure to drive and I cannot find any flaws.
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I've been a fan of Toyotas and Hondas for years due to their reliability and resale value. However, if you're looking for a car that's not only reliable but also enjoyable to drive, then the BMW is the way to go. In my opinion, it's the closest thing to perfection that I've ever seen or owned. The handling is simply amazing, and the engineering is top-notch. I've owned cars from Ford to Fiat, and the BMW beats them all. The ride is smooth and responsive, and it does exactly what you tell it to. If you're an active person or have a small family, I highly recommend the X3. The CPO program is perfect, as I saved $10,000 over a new car and still have 3 years of factory warranty, plus 2 years of CPO warranty. It's truly amazing! In my opinion, there's no reason to consider anything other than a BMW. Something to ponder.
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I recently purchased an AWD SUV for my frequent trips over the Santiam Pass. After visiting multiple dealerships, I found a vehicle that fit my budget and had the features I needed. I bought it for $9,500 with 120,000 miles, and although I later found out it was worth a little over $6k at the time, I have no regrets. The car gets about 19-23 MPG, which is typical for a 2004 SUV. In February 2017, it cost me around $45 to fill up the gas tank with premium fuel, which has a capacity of 17.7 gallons. The steering is tight, which took some getting used to, but now I prefer it. The car is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of head and leg room for men over 6 feet tall. The visibility is excellent, with almost no blind spots. I did have one issue with the car in December 2016 when the original 2004 starter went out, but my boyfriend and father were able to diagnose and fix it for the cost of the starter at $150. Although it was difficult for them to do the work, they were successful in the end. I use 5W-30 full synthetic oil and have the oil and oil filter regularly changed. The car doesn't have a navigation system, but the 'business stereo' is basic but functional.The car has convenient steering wheel controls for the radio/cd and cruise control. The heated front seats are excellent and the full sunroof extends to the back seat. While the back trunk isn't too large, it works well for me. If I need to haul something that takes up more room, I just put the back row seats down. The battery is very accessible, located in the trunk area under the floorboard, and there are charging posts by the battery in the trunk and under the front hood, so you can be jumped (if necessary) by front or back. Additionally, the back cargo door cannot be opened without the battery in or if it is completely dead. If you have to open the back door, you must climb in the back, lift the back floorboard. In the door, there is a small rectangle opening in the middle. Stick a screwdriver in the hole and slide it over, then the back door will pop open. The leather seats are in great condition as of Feb 17, with no cracking. There are a few spots (high-use areas) where the leather dye has worn, but not much, and not noticeable at first glance. This car also has an auto-headlight feature that works 100% of the time. While I haven't quite figured out the windshield wiper sensors, I haven't put much time or effort into that yet.
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My husband gave me this car as a Christmas present, and I've been driving it for a couple of years now. We're both really happy with it. We've taken it on several long trips, in all kinds of weather, and it's never let us down. We have the six-speed manual, and the only thing I don't like is that it's a bit slow in first gear. But once you get into second, it's really zippy and handles great. The gas mileage could be better, but we still average 22-23 mpg, which I think is pretty good for a 4-wheel drive vehicle. And the navigation system is fantastic! It always gives us accurate travel times.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2004 Bmw X3 problems:
reliability and issues with 2004 x3 model? | BimmerFest BMW Forum
Oct 17, 2010 ... The bottom "pigtail" has a tendancy to break. 2.) Panoramic sunroof - the plastic linkage breaks ( if exposed to sun for too long, believe it or ...
2004 BMW X3 Problems and Complaints - 9 Issues
Top 2004 BMW X3 Problems · Oil Leaks From Engine Area · Coolant Loss Due to Leak from Expansion Tank · Check Engine Light and/or Engine Overheating · Coolant ...
BMW X3 Mk1 common problems (2004-2010) | Haynes Publishing
The fault is most likely a leaky EGR cooler. The way to suss out if this is the problem is to pressurise the system using a hand pump and check for leaks. If a ...
Common problems in X3. | BimmerFest BMW Forum
Mar 5, 2010 ... Common problems in X3. · 1. Stuck and broken sunroof visor. Sunroof cassette replaced under warranty. · 2. Broken rear coil springs. · 3. Car ...
Any problems with your X3's - XBimmers | BMW X3 Forum
Any problems with your X3's First Generation BMW X3 ... 2004 3.0 X3 with 37K miles and no troubles at all. ... I should say that despite all of the issues, we love ...
Other years of Bmw X3
Are you having problems with your 2004 Bmw X3?
Braulio Emmerich 2025-01-11
I have owned my X3 for 10 years and have unfortunately experienced multiple issues with it. These include a faulty rim, 10 window regulator replacements, and costly repairs to the transfer case and rear differential. Despite these challenges, I have put 100,000 miles on my car in the 10 years of ownership. While I am disappointed with the issues I have faced, I remain confident in my decision to own a BMW and appreciate the opportunity to address these concerns with the manufacturer. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Grover Witting 2025-01-10
Does anyone else have this issue with their X? My backseat always gets wet whenever it rains. I think the 3.0 is the right choice. It would have been nice to have a 6 CD changer, but overall it's a tight ride.
Kiley Kreiger 2024-11-24
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to share my experience with the BMW vehicle that I purchased for my wife back in 2004. Overall, we have had a good experience with the car and it drives well, as expected from a BMW. However, we did experience an issue with the upholstery on the front driver's seat. Although it was replaced under warranty during the 4th year of ownership, it started cracking again barely a year later. It's worth noting that my wife weighs only 105 lbs and the car has only been driven for 52,000kms (30,000 miles).
Rickie Hammes 2024-08-11
With 18k miles, it seems like this car has a few rattles and a water leak that is soaking the back seat floor. However, the car handles great and is really fun to drive - especially with the 6 speed! Overall, the car is comfortable and handles like a BMW. Although, it seems like the quality of materials could be improved.
Kobe Hilpert 2024-01-28
The car was purchased as a replacement for a Tahoe to improve fuel economy, and it certainly delivers on that front. While the 2.5l engine is adequate, opting for the 3.0l would have been a better choice. The car's stability in poor driving conditions is excellent, which is a testament to its engineering. However, the fit and finish of the car leaves much to be desired. The ashtray lid won't stay closed, and there are issues with the door locking system. Additionally, the paint on the roof rack is chipping, and the radio seems to delete all preset stations every couple of days. These issues are not present in my 330i, which is a testament to BMW's superior engineering. Overall, while the car has its flaws, it is still a solid choice for those looking for fuel efficiency and stability in poor driving conditions.