Overview & Reviews

For 2006, BMW has discontinued the base 2.5i model.

• Nimble handling, precise steering, comfortable cabin, solid build quality, good cargo capacity for its size.

• Overly stiff ride, expensive for a compact sport-ute, some economy-grade interior materials.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 50.00

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  fun to drive and reliable - 2006 BMW X3
  By Nancy - August 20 - 8:03 pm

  Its definitely not a luxury vehicle. It fun to drive. I live in a hilly city and this little baby just wips around the curves. The leather seats are horrible. Im use to better quality. I also live in extreme heat so the seats make everyone sweat. I wish it had more cup holders. The one on the passenger side is broke. Its cheap plastic. I will say I have 185000 miles on this baby. Its paid for and its mine. Its gotten me everywhere I need to go and Im grateful. My mechanic says it will run forever. It cost a lot when it needs something but as far as reliable ,well Its on top The sun roof cover wont close all the way.I have to many miles to care. Im giving it to my daughter and getting a newer suv. Just not sure what. I thought I would write a review since Im looking for a new suv and the smaller ones are not getting great reviews. To sum it up this baby has been worth it but I want more luxury. Have not had any complaints about the bigger suvs I have owned. Oh except gas mileage. Hope this helps

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  Great car but repairs are expensive. - 2006 BMW X3
  By rb - August 6 - 2:53 pm

  Bought this car in 2009 and have nearly 100k miles. It has been a great car but you need to be aware of some expensive repairs that will be needed. Started leaking oil at 80K miles. $600 to repair 2 seals at private mechanic, $1,200 dealer quote. Broken rear springs at 80K, $600 at private mechanic, $1200 dealer quote. Replaced passenger front seat due to airbag sensor problem $0 under extended warranty. Bottom line, get a good private mechanic if you want to keep your X3 long term. ALL BMWS HAVE THESE SAME PROBLEMS. Dealer repair prices are a rip off. You have to pay for the lush showrooms. All cars these days are meant to be leased and turned in before any manufacturing problems show up. In my opinion Acuras are more reliable but dont handle as well.

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  Manual transmission and Sunroof - 2006 BMW X3
  By wnull - August 9 - 1:11 pm

  My wife and I traded in our car with our baby on the way and wanted an SUV that had both a manual transmission and a sun roof. NO new cars come with both so We picked up our 2006 X3 with 68K and now have about 77K after almost a year and absolutely love it! The storage in the back is a little tight but the movable tie downs are great. We ended up buying the crossbars for the roof so we can put a cargo box on top for our annually beach vacation. Worked wonderfully. Gas mileage has been pretty good, with summer gas and a trip to north western pa (No roof rack) we managed between 25-26mpg 85-90% highway. Around town we get anywhere from 18-21, depending on whos driving.

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  Very good CPO Buy - 2006 BMW X3
  By mmuv - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 4 yr old X3 in August and so far it is a very good small suv. The tranny is ultra smooth, the engine is smooth & torquey. Steering is BMW excellent. Build quality is very good. Consumer Reports gives it a best buy for the 06 yr & good reliability or I wouldnt have purchased it. So far no problems. I would strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a good used suv in the $20K-$25K range

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  Top SUV - 2006 BMW X3
  By pinoyfrnc - July 6 - 9:55 pm

  If you enjoy speed with a dash of mobility, flexibility, security and dont have a lot of commitment in life except to be with your love ones to include all your pets. This is the vehicle to get. Perfect size and comfort for the couple and/or some that just wanna go out and play some more.

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  It is all in the engineering! No frills - 2006 BMW X3
  By Cecilia Dowd - October 4 - 12:53 am

  I have owned this car for 14 months. One trip to the dealership for leaking oil was quickly resolved. Driving this car over 80 mph, winding roads or bad weather is where you really appreciate and enjoy this car and its capabilities. It handles extremely well. I feel very safe driving this car.

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  BMW fan buys another good one - 2006 BMW X3
  By Chad Cribbins - July 12 - 5:16 pm

  This is my 7th BMW and I purchased this one pre-owned with about 10k miles on it. It is a great vehicle, handle like my 330ci and is really quick! Great view of the road, great long distance car also. Mileage is just ok, but thats to be expected of an AWD vehicle. Very safe for my wife and two kids under 2 yrs old! Confident and comfortable! Always enjoy ownership experience with BMWs - total ownership with no additional out of pocket expenses makes life easy!!

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  06 X3 - 2006 BMW X3
  By comer98 - June 26 - 2:53 pm

  After 1 year and 12000 miles of ownership the newness has worn off, but the performance remains. This is the best handling vehicle I have ever owned. Overall, I am very pleased with the purchase. The price is high, but it is a BMW and leasing incentives make owning this vehicle very affordable for the first 3 years. Problems: radio display is malfunctioning (LCD screen is all messed up) and a replacement has been on order for over 1 month recently have started to experience the door sqeaking or rattling when the windows are rolled up. Also have an annoying headliner rattle above the drivers seat. Hope to have these issues resolved when the new radio arrives. Overall, still very happy.

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  Overall Great Car - 2006 BMW X3
  By Robb - November 21 - 2:13 pm

  I went from the 325i to X3 and have overall been pleased. Minor issues are only one cup holder in middle many come stock with fake leather- it looks terrible and doesnt wear well either. Go for the REAL THING! It does feel more like a sports vehicle than luxury. But, its fun to drive!

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  Great SAV - BUT...... - 2006 BMW X3
  By Andrew - June 18 - 3:21 pm

  Bought my 2006 BMW X3 3.0i AWD here in Germany - beautiful vehicle with surprisingly useful amenities - (i.e. partial opening sun-roof shade for ventilation when closed). Drives wonderfully, handles well & looks great (blue)... however BMW makes you purchase almost EVERY option they make. The only exception are the options finally included from previous years. I drove my SAV 2,000 miles in 10 days around Germany, Italy & France through the Alps & even hit snow in June! It drove great, but only averaged about 20 MPG. My 1989 BMW 735i with 120,000 miles on it averaged 21 MPG. Youd think they would make an engine with better MPG in 17 years! NAV is slow and easily confused - Road noise is LOUD. Autobahn speeds of 120 MPH - you had to almost YELL in the car!! Windy, forget talking!