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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  Best in class - 2006 BMW X3
  By Joe Hicks - November 5 - 10:12 pm

  My BMW X3 seems to beg to be driven. It seems to be engineered to perform. The 6 cylinder has been very strong to have 130,000 miles on it. I would recommend anyone in the market for a suv to explore this option.

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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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  Why had I been driving anything else? - 2006 BMW X3
  By TMA - December 3 - 11:04 pm

  After 130K in a Pathfinder, I was looking for something a little more sporty, solid, fun to drive but still large to haul kids. Looked at a lot of replacement options but fell in love with the X3 about five minutes off the dealer lot in a test drive. Transmission is great. Smooth ride. Its hard to take my foot off the accelerator. Only complaint is the weird/basic radio system and "always on" lighter outlets. Hate to replace the radio with an aftermarket, but I need satellite radio, USB port for I- pod and an AUX port. Just learned today that they have discontinued production on Sirius receivers for the factory radio. Im going to put the Ipod/AUX ports up in the top dash compartment.

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  After 3 year lease, had to buy it! - 2006 BMW X3
  By John in Pittsburgh - February 19 - 10:21 pm

  After 35K miles, my assessment of this well-designed vehicle is you get what you pay for. It is not a sports car, so dont expect it to drive like a 3 series sedan, but then again, it doesnt drive like a truck either. The handling is still more impressive than a lot of cars, especially considering its an SUV (er, sorry BMW marketing guys... "SAV"). Its not a luxury car, so dont buy it if youre looking for a smooth, refined ride. However, if you want something that is truly fun to drive, yet also has a practical side (meaning you can actually give rides to adults and shop at The Home Depot) the X3 is a great choice. I constantly get genuine compliments from friends who own luxury sedans.

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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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  Love My X3! - 2006 BMW X3
  By J9 - September 15 - 5:31 pm

  This is a great SUV. This is my first BMW but I have driven many other luxury SUVs. By the way I was torn between this and the X5. I am glad that I chose this one. Better pricing and, believe it or not, a lot more cargo space in height area. Smooth ride. People are always amazed when they get in my truck because it is much bigger on the inside than it looks. Very spacious! Just put 18K on my baby. I love to drive this truck!