e83 x3 - 2006 3.0i

[IronFreak]

A few of you may know that recently I bought a z3 coupe. Well, the bmw bug has FINALLY rubbed off on the wife. I'm going to look at a 2006 x3 3.0i (m54) for her this evening.

What are your thoughts on these? it has 99k miles, so like the Z I'll immediately do a waterpump/thermostat for it. it has the luxury/winter package as well, new tires and brakes etc.



Give me your feedback,

Thanks,

[Danny]

At some point you'll do a full cooling system, thrust arm bushings, oil filter housing gasket and vanos line, valve cover, and a PCV overhaul.

Good cars beside those little things.

[F34R]

1up^ The valve covers are those stupid plastic ones, already experienced that on an M52(Danny shipped it out if I remember correctly).

I really like them, they also drive nice too.

[2mAn]

My cousin has one and loves it. He had a E39 with the M52 and is much happier with this one.

[IronFreak]

UPDATE!

We went and looked at it last night, current owner is that of what dreams are made of when looking for a good PO on a vehicle. Its spotless, it'll need the cooling system overhaul which he is aware of, one of the reasons he selling. They've been trying to have a kid and have medical bills stacked up.

I'll be taking it the dealership tomorrow where a good buddy works for a full PPI.

I couldn't believe how clean it was, has the winter premium package as well. Hoping no other major surprises are found besides whats known.

[Danny]

We've done a few T-case motors on X3s here at the shop and two full transfer cases. But those are few and far between.

[Jon325i]

My sister-in-law owned an '06 X3 3.0si for a couple of years. Nice ute, it had lower mileage than the one you are considering, but it was a solid car, trouble free except for 2 flat run-flats (not cheap to replace). I got to drive it a few times.....nice ride.


Jon

[slammin.e28]

The SUVs typically have the thickest folders in the dealer archives, especially the ones that were made stateside. 2006 was made in Austria or Egypt, so you should be good.

Everything Danny said too. It's basically an e46 SUV. Same shit goes wrong, all easy enough to DIY.

You must lift it, put on some 33's and a bull bar.

...or you can be a man and get a Range Rover.

[redsubdivisions]

Solid car. I would get it if I were you. I almost never saw those at the dealer besides routine maintenance. Much like the E53 being an E39, the E83 is essentially an E46. Do the cooling components like everyone and their mother has mentioned and I wouldn't be surprised if that car lasts essentially forever.

[IronFreak]

she'd kill me if I lifted it. I do have some nice 18's with fresh rubber I'll let her roll on in the summer.

This vehicle is to appease her........Once that is in order....racecar e30 madness can continue haha

[glucklich21]

UPDATE!

We went and looked at it last night, current owner is that of what dreams are made of when looking for a good PO on a vehicle. Its spotless, it'll need the cooling system overhaul which he is aware of, one of the reasons he selling. They've been trying to have a kid and have medical bills stacked up.

I'll be taking it the dealership tomorrow where a good buddy works for a full PPI.

I couldn't believe how clean it was, has the winter premium package as well. Hoping no other major surprises are found besides whats known.

I had a 04'. It was my mom's before that. 6 years and 100K we had no problems out of it. Valve cover gasket as the others said. Make sure the sunroof works as it should. We had an issue that BMW did a "good will" repair on at 75k. If it rattles or grinds/pops as you open it that's your sign. Towed 4 wheelers around fairly well too.

I would love another one myself, but with a manual and sport package this time around.

[TimKninja]

From what I've seen.

Rear springs break , no big deal
PCV system explodes . Not that bad to do
TransferCase Actuators . Easy to replace but pricey($600)
Cooling system (typical)

I'd have one in a manual . Any day.

[IronFreak]

So after the PPI I have the all clear to buy, negotiated a price I'm very comfortable with spending. I'll be picking it up tonight.

The bad:

The rear springs were broke (good call guys)
The plastic goods in the coolant system need replacements
the oil filter housing is leaking
.
.
.
.
That was about it. The PO did a great job of up keep. Valve covers weren't leaking, looked like the vanos line had been replaced, waterpump was dry. Thrust bushings were solid. My buddy is a level 2 tech? at BMW and was very impressed with the car. Knocked the price down quite a bit on the seller knowing I'd have to put money into it. I'll be good and ready though as I'm doing a coolant system overhaul on my Z tomorrow.

Thanks for everyone's input, it was much appreciated.