Almost every guy has a period in his life when he wants a BMW. For some, it starts from childhood, and for others, to a more conscious age. But it often happens that this happens at a fairly young age. As befits most people at a young age, buy new car does not work from the salon. But you still want a car of your favorite brand. And now the moment comes when you have saved up money and you can already afford a choice of cars for secondary market. But you are no longer 18, and you need the comfort of a sedan, you can no longer take a coupe. Also, most likely, you already have a family, or you just use the trunk really to transport some things.
Therefore, a sedan is not enough for you. As a result, you will have a choice: either the X series or the station wagon. So it turns out that you would have to go to nature, and in winter you don’t want to get stuck in the first snow. As a result, only a number of X-series crossovers remain. The choice is either in front of the BMW X3 e83, or the X5. Here the brain is included in the choice, although you want a BMW. The fifth series, of course, is much more pretentious, but X 5 breaks down simply with enchanting regularity. After all, the car provokes aggressive driving and a constant demonstration of dominance on the road. But the trio is a little bit about something else.
The X3 in the body of the e83 is one of the most unusual BMWs in the entire model range. The model has not only an ambiguous design, but also a completely non-BMW ideology. This is the case when the Bavarians once again tried to make a practical car, but this time it still worked out. The machine, although controversial in its design, but from a technical point of view, is very good.
Design
Although the car was built on the basis, it is quite big. Well proportioned and detached appearance. Typical for BMW, the infinity-long hood, aggressive look, widely flared nostrils give out the dynamic character of the car. Although this is not entirely true, only you will know this, for everyone else the car seems to be an aggressor on the roads. But these are the prejudices of our society, because the Germans created the car for a completely different purpose.
And, of course, in subsequent years, "angel eyes" appeared, further emphasizing belonging to the Bavarian brand. Though this model never had a large palette of colors, she always looked dignified. Even in gray, the car looks premium and does not look like a tin can. As for the shortcomings, it must be said about the wide thresholds. Optionally, owners install overlays similar to thresholds. You can stand on them, but this is inconvenient and it turns out that the already wide threshold becomes even wider and even more inconvenient. In bad weather, keeping clothes clean with him is generally impossible.
Dimensions BMW X3 e83:
- length - 4569 mm;
- width - 1853 mm;
- height - 1674 mm;
- wheelbase - 2795 mm;
- clearance - 201 mm.
Specifications
| Type | Volume | Power | Torque | Overclocking | Max speed | Number of cylinders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 2.0 l | 150 HP | 200 H*m | 11.5 sec. | 198 km/h | 4 |
| Diesel | 2.0 l | 177 HP | 350 H*m | 8.9 sec. | 206 km/h | 4 |
| Petrol | 2.5 l | 218 HP | 250 H*m | 8.5 sec. | 210 km/h | 6 |
| Petrol | 3.0 l | 272 HP | 315 H*m | 7.2 sec. | 210 km/h | 6 |
| Diesel | 3.0 l | 286 HP | 580 H*m | 6.4 sec. | 240 km/h | 6 |
All this is certainly good, but it has long been no secret - a used BMW is always a lot of repairs, breakdowns, etc. Is this the case with this car? Not really. The E83 body is really one of the most reliable, and if something breaks, it costs reasonable money. In more detail, they were never put into the car problematic engines- good four-wheel drive, good suspension and no too complicated mechanisms.
As for the engine, it’s difficult to choose a bad one in this case. All of them are quite good and have their own characteristics. There are lines of four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines, but they are not ideologically suitable for BMW. After all, the Bavarian brand is a classic six-cylinder engines with its own character. And specifically, these are three-liter units, both gasoline and diesel. Although the X3 diesel gives a little shiver in the body, but this is exactly the engine in which this model will remain a real BMW and retain the ideology of a practical car. A little more than two hundred forces on two turbines give excellent dynamics.
If you think that this is not enough, then it is worth remembering that this is a diesel engine and there is 500 Newton per meter. The dynamics of this unit is exactly what you expect from this machine. No more, no less. The motor, both this one and the gasoline one, are quite reliable, the only thing they are really afraid of is low-quality fuel and overheating. The motor is long and you need to be careful about choosing a car that you actively drove. After all, if you overheat it, it leads the valve cover.
The gearbox can be either manual or automatic. Although manual and good for their clarity and reliability, in big city this choice is irrelevant. And in the secondary market, such options come across extremely rarely. As for the automatic BMW X3 e83, it is resourceful, it works smoothly and without complaints about excessive sharpness, or vice versa, thoughtfulness.
But there is something you should be careful with, this is the distributing unit. Here it is not very reliable, given the fact that it is impossible to turn it off and it always works. Work algorithms all-wheel drive really please. There are no problems either in the sand or in the snow. But you need to remember BMW - this is not a hard off-road and you should not drive into really significant dirt. But the car copes with adverse weather and the exit from the road without any problems. But for significant obstacles, you will not have enough ground clearance or suspension travel.
By the way, you shouldn't be afraid of it. Due to the fact that the ideology was not a dynamic ride, the car was not equipped with adaptive suspension. Perhaps not as comfortable, but much cheaper to repair. Replacing the lever assembly does not threaten you either, because there are already a lot of good quality repair kits and all rubber parts change without problems. But with its simplicity, it is worth noting that the very feeling of a BMW, its taxiing, rigidity, and indeed X is on the road much more confidently than its competitors.
Interior X3 e83
Due to the fact that this X3 is built on the basis of a trio in an e46 body, it partially absorbed its features. The interior is very similar to what we can see in the trio. Similar buttons, almost the same central panel, except that the multimedia system is significantly different. In view of bigger size the car itself - more and the central panel. Due to this, the buttons are dispersed at a much greater distance from each other, which is a little disorienting. But after a couple of hours behind the wheel, everything falls into place. Almost instantly you get used to the BMW shnoy ergonomics. The location of absolutely everything seems to be as convenient as possible, as if the salon was made right for you. At night, the car pleases with a pleasant red backlight, it is surprisingly completely unobtrusive and does not irritate even after several hours of driving on the highway.
Of the minuses of the BMW X3 e83 interior, it is worth noting the rather rough skin and the lack of a separate climate for any money. This is probably one of the biggest downsides. After all, the car has almost everything: a panorama, power seats, etc. but there is no separate climate ... Also, there is no power steering, but this is not so important. But the steering wheel itself has about perfect ergonomics, the hands lie down as they should and do not tire on long trips. I also note that the plastic is not of good quality. It is solid, thin, although it has a pleasant texture, but a feeling of simplicity is created. Visually, there is a little lack of wood grain inserts on the central panel. Such a design move turned out to be out of place at all. After all, there are nice inserts in the door handles, but not in the center. There may also be an interior with aluminum inserts, it looks a little more holistic.
Although initially the model was built on a fairly short base, there is enough space in the car not only in front, but also in the back. The back row is really good. There is enough space for absolutely everyone. The wide rear armrest is at the right height and is quite ergonomic. You won't have to rub your elbows with a neighboring passenger. The rear cup holders have a strange design, putting a glass there, it is quite difficult to get it. One gets the feeling that the engineers, having made a slightly stiffer suspension, additionally took care of even such trifles. And there are many such little things, from the very beginning they are not noticeable, but as soon as you start using the car, you find a lot of moments that are very well thought out, and this cannot but be a pleasure.
The trunk of the BMW X3, half a cubic meter in size, cannot but rejoice. Honestly, from the outside, no one expects that there is so much space. In this regard, the car definitely exceeds expectations. With the seats folded down, you get almost one and a half cubic meters of loading space. Everything can be transported. Within reason, of course. But not without downsides. Of these, it is worth noting that the wide bumper does not allow you to get something near the seat. Otherwise, the trunk is good, has some nice organizers for small items, a mesh on the left side and nice trim materials.
Outcome
The BMW X3 e83 is a really good, reasonable option. This is a truly isolated model with its own character, its own charisma. If you have wanted a BMW for a long time, do not want to spend hundreds of thousands on maintenance, drive in any weather and you really need practicality with pleasant dynamics - this is your choice.
The basic equipment had:
- fabric salon;
- air conditioner;
- weak standard audio system;
- fog lights;
- full electrical package.
And that's basically all, you must admit it's not so much, but such configurations are, in principle, inexpensive. But the most expensive equipment, which on the secondary will cost a little more average prices, has more interesting equipment:
- xenon optics;
- multimedia system display;
- separate climate control;
- power seats;
- heated front seats;
- heated rear seats;
- full leather upholstery.
Video
The MW X3 doesn't feel small or lightweight. In fact, it is not much inferior in terms of “linear” dimensions to its older brother - the X5 in the back of the E53, on which I once had a chance to travel a lot. True, the image of the "x-dry" differs from the "x-fifth" for the better: it is not so "gangster", and even more so in a silver color scheme and with a beige interior.
Needless to say, the ergonomics of the driver's workplace has been "licked" to the standard level?.. Otherwise, it could not be - after all, the premium segment. As Ostap Bender said, "Europe, class A." From the first minutes you pay attention to the "male" efforts on the controls. The power steering is set up perfectly - the “steering wheel” is not “empty”, and the driver feels himself involved in the process of driving a powerful and serious car.
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Power BMW engine X3
I first rode this particular "X" back in his younger years - five years ago, in 2011. During this time, the sensations have not changed - everything is still quiet and comfortable in it, and any stroking of the floor gas pedal awakens a herd of three hundred horses under the hood. Angrily roaring the in-line "six", "X" famously breaks off from traffic lights, demonstrating to its neighbors downstream a solid supply of power, which is always felt by the driver, regardless of the chosen driving style. I would like to separately note the very soft work of the traditional six-speed automatic - it goes through gears very quickly, but the switching moments are completely imperceptible.
"Skiing" outings showed that the "x-third" does not give up even before deep snow - it stubbornly crawled forward under the crunching of transmission parts controlled by an ingenious "x-drive". At the same time, an assistant downhill was tested in the case - at first it was scary to move down a steep hill under the guidance of an invisible assistant, but soon the fear of "artificial intelligence" passed.
It is interesting that this "x-three" Titansilber color does not make a special impression on those around, although it is definitely respected on the road. It's just that the X3 has always remained in the shadow of the X5 model, not really inferior to it in terms of its consumer qualities.
Most of all, in this model, its “realness” captivates - the 83rd body was made according to the patterns, and the classic units were used - you don’t have any, and the durability of the chassis in practice pleasantly surprised. In a word, with the conversion of the BMW corporate slogan “Freude am Fahren” (with pleasure to drive), this “boomer” is in full order, and this is clearly proved by the practice of its operation.
atypical specimen
How did this crossover prove itself in five years of work? Let's start with the background. The car caught a very entertaining - "gray", at an interesting price and "refusal". What does it mean? First, a gentleman from the UAE ordered a BMW X3 3.0i with a mass additional options. And then something went wrong, and at the plant, when equipping the machine, they clearly decided to get rid of what else could be abandoned. That is why this particular instance has an absolutely atypical equipment. Judge for yourself: a roof with a panoramic view with a huge sunroof, luxurious xenon light and LED optics, exterior M-package, beige leather... but at the same time - air conditioning (!) Instead of climate control and mechanical seat adjustment. Given the Arab "orientation", you can forgive the lack of heated seats and the characteristic ligature on the side mirror, but the black handles on the beige cushions look a little funny. Well, it happens.
In general, instead of the Emirates, this silver X3 with the same atypical “refuseniks” ended up in Ukraine in 2011. Judging by the marking of parts, in the last months of the conveyor life, cars with the E83 index were assembled “from what was in stock” - for example, our car has a plastic dirt protection of the power unit from diesel version. However, this does not affect the speed. Yes, and the quality seems to be the same - the battery released back in 2010 is still the most alive.
And the car itself feels like quite "fresh". Of course, the mileage is not fantastic - 50,000 km, but the X-Dry is far from the only car in the family and is used mainly from October to May. Therefore, the list of repairs by the standards of many boomers is minimal. So what was wrong with it?
Not so much
In addition to scheduled maintenance, it took a little to keep the X in good condition. Once one of the sensors of the parking sensors failed (a new one was found without problems on the vast expanses of eBay), and last year it was necessary to eliminate the leakage of the windshield wiper leash, due to which rainwater got on cabin filter.
Before looking for the original seal and removing the "jabot", we decided to "play around" with an experimental version - a sealant and an additional washer. And it helped! Moreover, this is where the list of forced repairs ends, and further manipulations can be attributed to voluntary and preventive measures.
A mesh was installed in the bumper - the ventilation holes visually made the radiators somehow too defenseless.
The studless Continental proved to be much more tenacious than Dunlop's native summer SP Sport 01 model, which has recently begun to crumble in pieces. Another of the "special stages" can be recalled a set of 17-inch "replica" for winter tires.
Other useful acquisitions include a ski trunk (through the "panorama" it is convenient to control skis on the roof!), a navigation system in the upper part of the panel and a GSM alarm system. “Signalka” turned out to be epic - not only did it incorrectly “spam” SMS messages and spend money “as if not in itself”, but in the end it also “short-circuited” somewhere in the rear seat area. Perhaps it was not the reel, but the installers, but out of harm's way, the expensive and buggy device was dismantled.
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The rest is nothing special: the “boomer” has been running regularly for the sixth year now, without pestering the owner with refusals. However, quite recently a mass “sacrifice of crickets” was made in the door panels, for which the upholstery was removed and carefully glued, along the way replacing some fastening clips. I also had to weld the resonator exhaust system, which has a small crack.
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By the way, the engine without a dipstick turned out to be unusual in operation, but so far the mighty N52B30 has not been noticed in its tendency to oil appetite. Yes, and urban gasoline consumption of 14-16 liters, taking into account the output power and dynamic qualities of the "boomer", does not cause any particular complaints.
However, it would be unfair to talk about the operating experience alone, having at hand the owner who has been familiar with the car not for five hours, but for five years. Therefore, now is the time to give the floor to the happy owner of X3, Innokenty, to get information, as they say, first-hand.
From the owner
Since 2005, our family has been considering only all-wheel drive vehicles, and crossovers in particular - given our roads, this is convenient and practical. Of course, after the two-liter Outlander on the mechanics, the three-liter BMW with 272 “horses” under the hood immediately impressed with its dynamics, which is not hindered by a very agile six-speed automatic. By the way, the Mazda CX-7, which has also been in our garage fleet all these years, does not feel as assertive as the Boomer. And, of course, the thoroughbred roar of the in-line “six” cannot be compared with the ordinary sound of a 2.3-liter Japanese turbo engine.
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BMW X3 E83 turned out to be quite reliable and very comfortable car. Even despite the absence of not-so-necessary options like power seats, this car immediately made me understand why BMW is so respected all over the world. To do this, you don’t always even need to go fast - just start the X3 in the morning and stroke the floor gas pedal, feeling how life is getting better. At the same time, the car allows you to “play pranks”, pulling the driver who has gone wild with the stabilization system already at the moment when the cabin is filled with fright.
In fairness, I note that the average rear passenger on long trips complained that their legs were numb, since their comfortable position was somewhat hindered by the massive central tunnel. However, "with a full load" this car went quite a bit.
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The first Bavarian crossover SUV was the BMW X5, which went into mass production in 1999, and in 2003 a more compact one appeared. BMW X3. These cars are considered driver's cars - in the class of crossovers they are one of the most frisky.
Interestingly, the BMW concern classifies their crossovers - SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle), at that time crossovers were called SUVs, where U means utilitarian, and so crossovers from BMW are classified as active cars, with a sports, driver's bias.
As for the X5, it cannot be called a reliable car for Russia. The X5 eventually has a lot of problems with the electrics, aluminum suspension and steering. But the X3 in Russia is considered one of the most reliable BMW cars.
Like any car, the BMW X3 is not perfect. Its appearance after several years of operation can spoil the luggage rails, which are slightly peeling off. By junction of parts the coating swells, therefore, to protect the body - it must be covered with anticorrosive. The body is galvanized, so corrosion is not terrible for him.
In 2006, this car was restyled, and many problems were fixed, for example, in pre-styling versions leaking headlight washer motors. But there are also problems that have not been fixed, for example, license plate lights, which rot due to hardened seals. As well as door waterproofing can peel off, and if it rains heavily, the water will fall on the floor of the cabin.
You can remove the door trim yourself, and how to stick the insulation. This is not a difficult job, and the service will charge about 50 euros for it. Also, if the rear washer pipe laid under the carpet comes apart at the seams, then a wet floor will also be provided. Therefore, in winter, a good quality non-freezing washer fluid should be poured. Despite the fact that the rear window is slowly getting dirty, anyway, you need to turn on the rear wiper periodically so that the mechanism does not turn sour, otherwise you will have to disassemble, clean and lubricate it.
In 2006, the interior was significantly improved, but it still looks quite simple, especially when compared with current cars. The quality of the interior is high, but squeaks still appear over time, as a rule, in the front seats.
One of the common causes of water in the cabin is the drainage of the hatch, which can become clogged, it passes inside the racks. And in general, the hatch can jam after 3 years, because it has a rather weak mechanism, the more often it is used, the higher the likelihood that it will break. Yes, and repairing the hatch is not a cheap pleasure - about 500 euros will have to be spent, and completely changing the hatch will cost 2300 euros.
Also, the flashlights that illuminate the license plate are not well protected from water, if rust reaches the board, which is located near the left flashlight, this will cause the tailgate electric lock to fail.
By the way, during washing, you must remember that water should not enter the glass and mirror control unit, which is located on the driver's door, and in case of a breakdown, its replacement will cost 150 euros.
Can still be a hassle rear wiper, which wears out the stuffing box located in the drive. And if the outer boot of the shaft is worn out, then the process of failure of the rear wiper will accelerate.
The climate in the BMW X3 is reliable, stable and works without problems for a long time, you just need to change it at intervals of 15,000 km. cabin filter, which costs 25 euros, and you can do the filter replacement yourself. As for the heated seats and steering wheel, there are some difficulties. If you often use heating on the steering wheel, then the skin will age faster, and when the steering wheel heating fails, nothing will happen, and if seat heater fails, then it can burn through the leather upholstery of the seats.
But you still have to disassemble the seats for another reason - when a signal appears that the airbags are faulty.
Motors with oil appetite
The BMW X3 with 2.5 and 3 liter engines released after restyling has a problem with the oil level sensor in the engine. By the way, there are a lot of petrol cars - 35 and 40 percent. This sensor confuses oil readings over time, so it’s better to change it right away, a new one costs 200 euros. It is very difficult to check how much oil is in the crankcase without a dipstick, and these engines consume oil, and a lot - if you drive fast, you will have to add 1 liter of oil for every 2.5 thousand kilometers, in this case it is synthetic oil(LL-01 and LL-04), which, by the way, is not cheap. In general, BMW engines are prone to oil consumption, this is so conceived constructively. Although the oil is running out, friction is reduced, the parts of the cylinder-piston group wear out less, the oil is constantly updated.
There is no such oil consumption on diesel engines, only about 25% of cars with a diesel engine. If we take, for example, a 2-liter M47, then it has a fairly large crankcase volume, into which 5.5 liters of oil must be poured.
Before each engine start, near the odometer, information is displayed about how many kilometers are left until the next MOT. True kilometers, which is shown by the odometer, if desired, can be corrected in all electronic units.
Despite the fact that the on-board computer notifies every 30,000 km that it is time to go to the service and do an inspection, that is, it turns out that the oil changes at intervals of 20-25 thousand km., in our realities, you don’t have to listen to the on-board computer because there is no confidence in the quality of oil and fuel. On cars produced before restyling, a diesel engine that meets the Euro-3 standard should be poured, and only diesel fuel that meets the Euro-4 standard should be poured into post-restyling cars. So, for those who want the car to work longer, it makes sense before refueling. get acquainted with the diesel quality certificate. If the fuel is high-sulfur, of a lower standard, then it will quickly destroy oil molecules with an LL-04 approval, and it will have to be changed after 8-10 thousand km. If this is not done, then the motor will require a major overhaul ahead of schedule.
As for the durability of BMW engines, we can say that the engines are reliable, even the 2-liter gasoline engine that comes in the base - quietly serves 300,000 km. All engines installed on the X3 have a timing chain that does not require attention. There are times when the gas distribution system for gasoline engines requires minor repairs after 150,000 km. In most cases, it is VANOS (phase control system) that can go wrong.
There may be several options here: if the candles are still normal and everything is in order with the ignition, and the engine is acting up, then the solenoid valve from the VANOS system is to blame. Or the case may be in the hydraulic cylinders, in which the sealing rings are worn out or worn out. Candles, as a rule, last about 40,000 km, if you take the original for 18 euros, they have platinum electrodes. A new solenoid valve will cost 100 euros, but a set of rings will cost 600 euros.
More than once there have been cases that after 150,000 km. or after about 5 years of operation, the membrane at the crankcase ventilation valve has dried up, replacing such a valve will cost 100 euros. Even the fact that oil starts to flow out of the engine is not very scary, but because of the high pressure, when valve cover shattered, now this is serious. Replacing this cover will cost 400 euros.
It is also not very impressive that carbon deposits form at the bottom of the piston after a while, which leads to unstable operation of the motor. And there is a risk that overheat, which is extremely unacceptable for the cylinder head, which is made of aluminum. Overheating can also be caused by: a pump that has failed, which costs 180 euros, radiator honeycombs clogged with dirt, thermostat flaps that have broken off because they are made of plastic, their replacement will cost 70 euros.
There are cases that a characteristic chirring appears in the block for changing the length of the DISA intake manifold after about 150 thousand km. This means that it is necessary to make repairs in this block, which will cost 200 euros, and it must be done faster, because if the mechanism crumbles, then its small parts can easily get into the engine. Also, for gasoline modifications, the electronic control unit, which costs 200 euros, may fail. throttle valve and an air mass meter, the replacement of which will cost 500 euros.
The result is a lot of trouble with gasoline engines. Therefore, it makes sense to look at diesel trim levels, which are more reliable, and even more economical than gasoline versions.
With normal driving with moderate “annealing”, the turbocharger will last for a long time - about 250,000 km. You should also fill in high-quality diesel, then the nozzles will also last at least 250 thousand km.
The M-series engines with a cast-iron cylinder block have their own characteristics: maybe after 180 thousand km. will appear burning rubber smell, this means that it is time to change the torsional vibration damper of the crankshaft pulley, which will pull 400 euros. In general, so that trouble does not suddenly happen on the road, it is better to advance in about 120,000 km. change pulley.
On 3-liter diesel engines M57, such modifications are about 10%, cracks may appear on the exhaust manifold after about 150 thousand km. Replacement this collector will cost 450 euros. But especially carefully check the intake manifold, especially on cars older than 2006 that use a Euro 3 diesel. After 200,000 km, traces of oil may appear on the damper bodies of the vortex channels, which means that the damper, in which the axle has broken off, falls directly into the cylinder - you need to urgently go to the service and correct the situation.
But on diesel engines running on Euro-4 diesel fuel, the degree of recirculation in the EGR system is higher, so a heat exchanger is used here. True, after 160-200 thousand km it can burn out from the inside, after which the antifreeze will come out through exhaust system. The replacement of this heat exchanger will cost 500 euros. But this is nonsense compared to the problems that can arise with recirculation valve, which is clogged with sediment every year. A new one costs 200 euros. This is due to Russian fuel and traffic jams. Therefore, in order to have fewer troubles, the owners of such cars turn off this valve or get rid of it, of course, the environment suffers from this, but BMW owner X3 does not wait for a possible danger with a heat exchanger.
It is also necessary on each diesel engine, purely for prevention, to change glow plugs worth 15 euros after 4-5 years of service. After all, if at least one candle fails, then there is a risk that the electronic control unit will have to be changed for 450 euros.
BMW X3 transmission
The most reliable box in the BMW X3 is considered to be a mechanic, it is installed on cars with gasoline and diesel engines. In this box, only seals need to be changed, and after 200,000 km. you will need to change the clutch, for this you will have to remove the box. A new clutch will cost 350 euros. If you notice that the clutch is slipping, then the repair should not be postponed, because it is not advisable to drive with such a clutch for a long time, - the 2nd mass flywheel of the motor will fail, which is not cheap - about 900 euros. Although manual transmissions are reliable, on models with diesel engines 1st and reverse gears are harsh.
The automatic transmission is also quite reliable, if you drive quietly, it will easily work 250,000 km. But the machine has some features, if you buy a car with a mileage of at least 150,000 km, that is, there is a risk of getting 2,000 euros, that is how much it will cost to repair it, and replacing the box will cost 5,000 euros. At risk for this automatic transmission are clutches, a torque converter, as well as an oil pump and a hydraulic control unit. But in general, machines such as ZF and GM are reliable and, with proper use and maintenance, will last a long time.
The transmission of the BMW X3 is an advanced xDrive - an all-wheel drive system, its design is quite complex, but reliable, and on newer cars released after 2006, it almost does not create any problems. Except that, the servo drive of the multi-plate clutch may fail on the transfer case after about 180,000 km, its replacement will cost 600 euros.
Here in the older X3 trim levels, released before restyling, more possible problems with transmission. A new transfer case is not cheap - about 1400 euros, and the chain can stretch in it already after 150,000 km. Many razdatok changed under warranty because of this reason. And on the earliest cars, in the back cardan shaft weak outboard bearings are installed, which are more than 40,000 km. could not stand it and demanded replacement - 80 euros per piece. But after restyling, they were finalized, they began to serve for a very long time.
I also had to change the front cardan assembly for 800 euros after 130 thousand km, because it is poorly protected from dirt and the rear crosspiece wears out quickly. Already in 2006, such a flaw was corrected and the rear cross was reliably protected from dirt getting into it. If you notice that on the cardan shaft broken cross, then such a cardan must be changed as quickly as possible so that it is not necessary to prematurely repair the front final drive and transfer case.
The xDrive all-wheel drive system has several nice features - when the car starts off and the speed does not exceed 20 km / h, the clutch is closed and works rear drive. And when the car picks up speed, then the torque is distributed between the axles depending on traffic situation: for example, the system scans how far the steering wheel is turned, what speed, how hard the gas pedal is pressed. But if the speed is more than 180 km / h, then the torque completely switches to the rear axle.
In order for the torque to be transferred to the front axle, a multi-plate clutch is used, which is controlled by a Bosch drive with an electric motor, a worm gear and a rocker arm are also involved here. Due to a broken control chip or if the plastic gears wear out, the rocker will also fail. In general, the repair of the system will cost about 400 euros.
The BMW X3 is an all-wheel-drive compact ("upper bar") SUV of the premium segment, which combines a discreet design, productive technical "stuffing" and rich equipment ... This is the second car of the "crossover line" of the German automaker, whose target audience is wealthy people living in large cities and prefer outdoor activities…
The world premiere of the off-road vehicle of the first incarnation (with the internal factory code “E83”) “faded” in September 2003 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, but its conceptual harbinger called “xActivity” was presented back in January of the same year at the North American bride in Detroit.
In 2006, the car underwent a planned update, as a result of which it received a modified exterior, improved interior, new power units and an expanded list of equipment, after which its commercial production continued until August 2010 - it was then that the next model, the second in a row, entered the series. generation.
Outside, the "original" BMW X3 looks nice, emphatically solid and proportionate, but unpretentious. Restrained front part with neat lighting equipment and branded “nostrils” of the radiator grille, an expressive silhouette with a soaring window sill line and large wheel arches, a taut feed with two-section lights and a large fifth door - there is not a single controversial detail in the exterior of the car, however, there are no design frills here either. to find.
The length of the BMW X3 of the first generation is extended by 4569 mm, in width - by 1853 mm, in height - by 1674 mm. The wheelbase of the car "extends" to 2795 mm, and its ground clearance does not exceed 201 mm. The “traveling” weight of the crossover varies from 1660 to 1950 kg, depending on the version.
The interior of the mid-size SUV captivates with rigor and nobility, which are emphasized by impeccable ergonomics, premium materials and workmanship. A weighty multifunctional steering wheel, a simple but extremely understandable and informative instrument cluster, a solid center console with a retractable media center display and laconic audio and “microclimate” units – the interior of the five-door is designed to match the exterior, without any memorable solutions.
The interior of the “first” BMW X3 has a five-seat layout - even three adults can sit on the second row. In the front part, there are comfortable armchairs with well-defined support on the sides and large adjustment intervals, and in the back there is a comfortable sofa with an optimal sofa shape and backrest angle.
The trunk of the crossover in the normal state holds 480 liters of luggage, and with the folded "gallery" (in the ratio "60:40") - 1560 liters (in this case, a completely even "rookery" is obtained). In the "cellar" under the raised floor of the car contains a small spare wheel and tools.
For the BMW X3 of the first incarnation, a wide range of powertrains is offered:
- Gasoline versions of the off-road vehicle are equipped with atmospheric four- and six-cylinder engines with a working volume of 2.0-3.0 liters with a vertical architecture, a distributed "power" system and a variable valve timing mechanism, producing 150-272 horsepower and 200-315 Nm of torque.
- Under the hood of diesel modifications are hidden in-line “fours” and “sixes” with a volume of 2.0-3.0 liters with turbocharging and common rail fuel injection, which generate 177-286 hp. and 350-580 Nm of torque potential.
The engines are installed in combination with a 6-speed “mechanics” or “automatic” and xDrive all-wheel drive transmission with a multi-plate clutch, transferring traction to the front wheels (in normal conditions power is distributed between the axles in a ratio of "40:60" in favor of the rear).
The car copes with the first "hundred" after 6.4-11.5 seconds, and its maximum capabilities reach 198-240 km / h.
Gasoline versions of the five-door "digest" 9.3-10.3 liters of fuel for every 100 kilometers in mixed mode, and diesel ones - 6.8-8.1 liters.
At the heart of the BMW X3 E83 is a platform with a longitudinally based power unit and steel load-bearing body. On both axles SUVs are mounted independent suspensions with hydraulic shock absorbers and stabilizers roll stability: front - MacPherson type, rear - multi-link architecture.
The car is equipped with a rack-and-pinion steering mechanism, in which the power steering is “implanted”. On four wheels of the crossover are disc brakes (with ventilation on the front axle), supplemented by ABS and EBD.
On the Russian market used first-generation BMW X3 cars in 2018 can be bought at a price of ~ 250 thousand rubles.
The standard equipment of the five-door implies the presence of: front and side airbags, air conditioning, ABS, EBD, ESP, power steering, 17-inch alloy wheels, four electric windows, heating and electrical adjustment of external mirrors, fog lights, standard audio system and some other "gadgets".
The BMW X3 was created as a cheaper alternative to the flagship BMW X5 SUV. In 2006, the body of the car was slightly updated, and cosmetic changes appeared. In 2010, the X3 of the next generation, the F25 series, took its place on the assembly line.
Body
Body shapes and lines are inextricably linked with the style of other BMW models. Despite the years, the car still looks fresh and modern. You can only complain about unpainted plastic bumpers, which, after restyling in 2006, finally found a body color. The BMW X3 is technically closely related to the BMW 3 Series E46. However, the crossover is more spacious and easily allows a family of four to go on a trip.
The wheelbase impresses with its size - 2800 mm. It would seem that inside should be very spacious. But it is not so. It's all about the layout: the engine is located longitudinally, so a large wheelbase is a necessary measure. But there is enough space in the cabin.
The paintwork of the body is very high quality and tolerates the influence of time well - there are no problems with either corrosion or varnish. Corrosion on the surface of the body indicates repair after an accident.
Interior and equipment
The X3 received a clear and concise instrument panel, a soft steering wheel and an ergonomic center console. All buttons and switches are within reach and easy to use. Interior design largely depends on how rich the first buyer was. And they, as a rule, did not experience a lack of funds. Therefore, in the secondary market you can find many cars with beige or orange leather and decorative inserts made of wood and aluminum. In addition, some instances have an optional panoramic sunroof and a sports package.
Squeaking and abrasion of plastic in the BMW X3 cabin is a known problem. The interior in older cars is most likely already heavily worn.
A huge plus of the BMW X3 is the rich equipment. Already in the standard configuration, the crossover had air conditioning on board, electric windows and mirrors, and was shod in large wheels with alloy wheels. The vast majority of copies are equipped with automatic climate control, leather interior, navigation and a high-end audio system.
Many X3s don't have any kind of spare tire (mostly European versions). In the usual place for a spare wheel, under the raised floor of the trunk, there is a battery, a basic tool and a first aid kit. On separate copies, a “stowaway” is provided, located outside under the bottom. The trunk is medium in size and has a volume of 480 liters.
Gasoline engines
Those who decide to buy a car with a gasoline engine have nothing to fear. Yes, there are problems with ignition coils, valve lifters and the Valvetronic system, but they are rare. The base 2-liter unit can upset with its dynamic characteristics. Therefore, the best option is an engine with a working volume of 3.0 liters, which guarantees good dynamics and reliability. However, you will have to put up with high fuel consumption. Thrifty can use the services of services offering the installation of equipment for working on liquefied gas. Thanks to the distributed fuel injection, the engine adequately perceives such refinement.
Diesel engines
Situation with diesel units not so rosy. Rejections are quite common. In cars with high mileage fail fuel injectors and a dual mass flywheel. Some trouble is caused by soot accumulated in the particulate filter. In addition, there are cases of destruction of the tin exhaust manifold, which would be better replaced with a cast iron one.
The 2-liter M47 turbodiesel develops 150 hp. and not without flaws. These include flaps in the intake manifold (there is a risk of destruction and getting into the engine), stretching of the timing chain, malfunctions of the injection system and wear of the dual-mass flywheel. Despite this, the engine has earned a good reputation due to its mechanical strength and low cost of repair.
If you decide to purchase a diesel BMW X3, then the best choice will become 3.0d with 204 hp. It provides good dynamics and at the same time is quite economical. Its stronger version is also trustworthy, but possible repair will be more expensive. It is not recommended to mess with diesel crossovers of the first years of production: cases of cracking of the unit block have been recorded!
One of the most common malfunctions is the failure of the crankshaft damper pulley. The original will cost 25,000 rubles, and analogues will start at 10,000 rubles. It is worth noting that this engine used piezo injectors, which are much more expensive than electromagnetic ones. Since 2004, virtually every X3 3.0d has been equipped with a particulate filter.
A 2-litre N47 diesel has been offered since 2007. The engine is distinguished by an injection system with piezo injectors that is expensive to repair, a problematic turbocharger with electronic control and most importantly - a vulnerable timing chain drive located on the side of the gearbox. Replacing the chain is expensive, as it involves dismantling the motor. There have been cases of wear on the gear wheel on the camshaft and even a broken timing chain. However, units are also known that have passed 300,000 km without serious problems. The basis of longevity is good service. Remember that buying any diesel is a risk.
Gearboxes
The BMW X3 E83 was offered with both manual and automatic transmission gears. Mechanics demonstrated reliability only when paired with 2-liter gasoline and diesel units. Working with more powerful engines that develop high torque, the box could not withstand the aggressive driving style. Soon the clutch and the dual-mass flywheel inevitably wore out.
Automatic transmissions are more durable, but you need to be careful with the General Motors products that the X3 got from 2004 to 2006. Among the typical defects, it should be noted acceleration delays at the moment of starting from a standstill. Any twitching, prolonged switching or skipping (slip) indicate a malfunction of the machine. Usually, characteristic faults automatic machines begin to appear after 200,000 km.
All-wheel drive system
BMW X 3 in all versions was offered with an improved xDrive all-wheel drive system. The xDrive label itself appeared only in 2008.
The system works by distributing torque along the axles through an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. In normal modes, the thrust is distributed in a ratio of 40:60 in favor of the rear wheels. Electronic traction control takes care of wheel traction in difficult conditions. It is worth emphasizing that the BMW X3 is not an SUV, but just a crossover. So don't be surprised if it gets stuck in a little mud or snowdrift.
The all-wheel drive system is quite stable. In any case, it is more durable than in the larger X5, but it is very far from Quattro reliability. The weak point remains the transfer case, which sometimes fails after the first 100,000 km. Fortunately, the cost of repairs is relatively low. Often you can get away with just replacing the control module - about $ 120. A multi-plate clutch may fail due to a faulty servo. And due to the active braking of the slipping wheels, the wear rate of the brake pads increases.
Before buying, you need to pay attention to oil leaks from the transmission, in particular, you should look at the gearbox, axle shafts and differential. During the test run, there should be no banging/clicking under the driver's seat or the effect of locking the front wheels when making a sharp turn. During acceleration, there should be no jerking or howling, and during deceleration, chirping. The presence of problems will be prompted by messages on the dashboard that appear while driving.
The oil in the BMW X3 transfer case should be changed every 40,000 km. Ask the seller when he last changed the oil. If he is surprised by the question, then repair will soon await you.
When choosing X3, you should pay attention to one more thing - whether the tires on the axles are the same. The different size causes the system to be in constant readiness, as if the car is moving in a slight slip. This accelerates wear and brings the moment of failure closer. Only vehicles with the M package can have tires of different widths on the front and rear axles, but they must have the same diameter.
Chassis
The front and rear suspension of the X3 is quite complex in design, but not expensive to repair. On the front axle, stabilizer struts are periodically surrendered, and in the long term, shock absorbers and upper arms.
Other problems and malfunctions
When inspecting a used BMW X3 E83, it is imperative to check the tightness of the cooling system (pipes and radiator).
Having decided on the X3 with a manual transmission, you must be prepared to replace the clutch and dual-mass flywheel.
The weaknesses of the crossover include a short service life battery and quite frequent breaks drive belt conditioner. Due to the oxidation of the contacts, there are problems with the electrician.
The car body is very well protected against corrosion, small traces of rust can be found only on individual suspension elements.
Genuine parts are expensive but last much longer than alternatives.
Conclusion
Used BMW X3 E83 - an offer that should be taken into account if necessary fast car, not saving away from the asphalt. The crossover does an excellent job with a primer or a snowy road, but difficult sections are best avoided. The SUV offers a logical and fast all-wheel drive system, good dynamics, pleasant comfort and comfortable seats for a reasonable price. But, unfortunately, there is also the other side of the coin - the relatively high maintenance costs. A wide range of relatively high-quality and cheaper substitutes will allow to smooth out the burden of financial costs. Choosing a diesel version will allow you to visit gas stations less often, but will make you seriously fork out for possible repairs. As a result, operation diesel modification will cost much more than petrol. Finding a decent copy will take a lot of time. There are too many copies on the secondary market that have been restored after an accident. The main thing is to be patient.
History of the BMW X3 e83
2003 - start of sales
2004 - 3.0 d engine got more power (218 hp) and 6-speed automatic
2005 - four-cylinder Gas engine 2.0N46
2006 - restyling, the place of the M54 was taken by the 6-cylinder N52
2007 - N47 2.0 turbodiesel / 177 hp
2008 - appearance of the xDrive label
2009 - xDrive 18d with N47 2.0 turbodiesel / 143 hp