Overview & Reviews

The 2008 BMW X3 gets newly standard active headrests and a new "Sport Activity" package. The latter is basically an appearance package that includes 18-inch wheels, privacy glass, running boards and blacked-out window frames.

• Quick reflexes, brilliant steering, outstanding power delivery, high build quality, respectable cargo capacity for its size.

• Relatively stiff ride, priced higher than most competitors.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 46.00

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  Still One of The Funniest Cars Ive Owned - 2008 BMW X3
  By rootforthecubs - November 12 - 12:29 pm

  Purchased my pre-owned 2008 BMW E83/X3 coming off of a lease with 32,000 miles on the clock. Lucky enough to find a rare 6 speed manual, which sold me from the get go and unfortunately the dealership knew as in their words "we have 2 other people with cash in hand willing to buy the car sight unseen", and I believed them, but still got a fair deal. So far I havent any electronic or sun roof issues which I understand come with the territory. Obviously cant speak to the automatic shifting complaints that are out there but I can say the 6 speed manual shifts like butter. In summary, the 2008 X3 is roomy enough for the family and fun enough for Dad to drive. The interior is appealing to the eye and logically laid out. My only complaint is that they stopped offering the 6 speed option after 2010 or I would have bought new.

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  Would Recommend 2008 BMW X3 - 2008 BMW X3
  By micbk90 - May 24 - 9:52 pm

  I bought this SUV a year ago and Im extremely pleased. Needs just regular maintenance as far as oil changes, etc. No problems whatsoever. Drives great and I feel very safe in this vehicle, especially in snow. Very sturdy and I live in Pittsburgh so we get a fair amount of bad weather. Ive had 3 Audis and a Volvo this is my first BMW. I really do love the X3. I cant drive a big SUV. Im 50" and this is the perfect size. Not too small, but not too big. Note: I have the 3.0xi automatic, not the 6-speed manual but it did not provide that option.

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  Second X3 better than the first - 2008 BMW X3
  By Eric - February 27 - 10:04 pm

  We leased a 2005 X3 and loved it so much, we leased a new 2008 when the first lease was up. I wanted to post this review because many people post because they have an axe to grind. Both X3s we owed were excellent. The 2008 has been completely perfect, no flaws or repairs in 22,000 miles. The new 3.0si engine that was put into X3 beginning in 2007 flat out rips with 260 HP. Handling is great, yes it is a little stiff but you are rewarded with a SUV with 50:50 weight distribution and very sporty handling. If you want a cushy floaty ride, numb steering, and 30 MPG, look elsewhere.

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  Really fun to drive - 2008 BMW X3
  By Mike - January 21 - 5:23 pm

  I have owned my 2008 X3 for 1 year. The ride is great, handling is incredible. Brakes are superior. I have the winter package, it works well. Had a problem with the heating coils in the back seat, they stuck. Dealer did a great job fixing the problem. GPS and radio are cheap at best. Gas mileage average. AWD is great. Overall great car so far.

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  2008 bmw x3 - 2008 BMW X3
  By 78bmx - November 21 - 3:27 am

  Driving Hondas for years (owned three and put over 200k miles on each of them). I recently purchased a new BMW X3 in September. Been a BMW motorcyclist for over 25 years. I thought I would try one of their four wheeled models. I have been a bit skeptical about the quality of BMW cars, "they drive great, but more electrical demons than you can imagine" and so on is what I would hear. The X3 drives great, its a solid handler, great tracking, good road feel. But guess what: at 1243 miles my cd player-radio just decided to quite working, off to the shop it goes. Its a minor issue, but a radio should work on a brand new $43k car!!

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  Fun and Practical - 2008 BMW X3
  By Kevin P. Kamraczewsk - October 13 - 1:10 pm

  I have had my X3 for 6 months now and find it to be fun and practical. It has been extremely reliable. I have the automatic and most options. I am averaging about 22 mpg. It is very useful for hauling around my dogs and for moving things back and forth to my daughters college which is about a 4 1/2 drive away. It holds a surprising amount of stuff. The handling with the Sport Activity package is great. It handles better than my last sedan. The navigation calculates (and recalculates) very quickly. The xenon headlights automatically follow curves which is great for the dark streets around my house. The seats and steering wheel heat up very quickly on cold nights.

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  Love it! - 2008 BMW X3
  By cv - July 16 - 11:08 pm

  Its my first time to own a BMW. I have to say:" WOW!" For a SUV, this one is easy to handle, easy to park, excellent engine, good acceleration and sensitive brake! The gas mileage is not bad at all! Plus the BMW ultimate service package. Im very happy with it! Its been a week, I have a hard time from getting off the drivers seat. And when Im out of the car, I couldnt get my eyes off it.

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  The best vehicle Ive ever owned. - 2008 BMW X3
  By Rick - June 9 - 8:36 am

  From the moment I first climbed into the cockpit of the X3 till now, it has been a great driving experience. I used to think all the BMW talk was hype. Not any more. Aside from the fact that this is the best handling auto Ive ever owned, I am still discovering all the fine features of the X3. Recently, I opened the sunroof. It opens the entire length of both the front and rear seating areas, wow. I play my iPod all the time, and I think the sound system is awesome. The bottom line is the 4 year or 50,000 mile warranty including all service and roadside assistance. Who else has this much faith in their vehicles?

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  Aint Nothin Like the Real Thing - 2008 BMW X3
  By courthouseguy99 - May 17 - 10:52 am

  Traded in an 06 X5 3.0i and love the upgraded engine BMW put into the X3 in 07. 800 less lbs to lug around, so it really flies. Got Prem, Sport, 19" wheels, NAV, Cold Wthr, Xenon, Prem Audio, Servotronic. The car rides A-OK with 19" wheels. Its got a taut, responsive yet compliant ride, just what BMWs are known for. Throttle response is lightning quick, but you quickly learn how to modulate it. Putting the car into SD mode *really* amps up the cars responsiveness. Tried out RDX (nice at first glance, but plasticky inside), EX35 (great engine, but even shorter on utility than X3), even the new X5 (too big, hate iDrive), but this was the one I had to have.

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  Great Buy - 2008 BMW X3
  By bimmerdriver - May 2 - 11:42 pm

  This has been a great car so far. No mechanical issues. The BMW engine is smooth and delivers the power when you need it. The suspension works really well too. It provides amazing road feel and yet is able to absorb our Chicago pot holes better than any car Ive recently driven. The transmission has been good so far. When immediate passing power is needed I switch from D to SD for a quick burst of speed.