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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  let down - 2008 BMW X3
  By jeff - July 28 - 1:48 am

  I knew what we were getting into with the car when purchased back in 2012, with 58k miles on it. But I was assured that BMWs last forever. Wasnt a full month and the car was in the shop. Spent hundreds on the vanos, which I later learned is German for "dont let your local non certified BMW mechanic work on your cat or you will spend hundreds of dollars repairs the vanos". Gas guzzling vehicle, but just never captured any value from the car. Just a big let down from day one. Oh and a bright orange light in the car was annoying as was the fact I could never pair the Bluetooth despite 3 "know how to do it" guys trying.

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  Sheared Motor Mount Bolts - 2008 BMW X3
  By wrh47 - April 15 - 12:57 pm

  2008 BMW X3 with 59,000 miles sheared all 4 motor mount bolts in normal street driving. BMW said “tough luck”. A quick internet search indicated this was not an isolated incident, many other relatively low mileage BMW’s have had sheared motor mount bolts. I believe this problem to be a serious safety issue and filed a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. I encourage others that have had similar problems to file NHTSA complaints at the following website: safercar.gov Click the “REPORT A VEHICLE OR CHILD SEAT DEFECT” Tab and submit your complaint. If there are enough complaints, BMW will, hopefully, be forced to acknowledge this problem.

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  Im very much disappointed - 2008 BMW X3
  By nstephanie - September 24 - 12:36 am

  Ive just finished the 4 year warranty with my car as of September 1st 2012. The car was at the dealer several times, the gas odometer doesnt show the actual gas in the tank even the tank is full until several days later. It does let me pump gas into it and keep stop getting gas even the tank is not half yet. The water pump was not working just 2 year for a brand new X3. The dealer had to replace a new pump because the engine shut off while I was driving several times due to no coolant water in the engine. Now the warranty is over just 22 days, the car is just 28k and the coolant water pump having the problem again. Im very disappointed and regret that I bought this expensive car.

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  BRAKES FAILED - 2008 BMW X3
  By capricornlady - March 14 - 1:43 am

  My X3 brakes failed causing a major accident. The accident resulted in approximately $75,000 worth of damage. BMW denied any brake issues. When I picked the vehicle up from BMW body shop I had to return it. All of the brake indicator lights on the dashboard lit up. I loved how my vehicle handled, but there were frequent trips to the repair shop, including previous brake jobs. It was disturbing and disappointing that BMW denied a major issue that could have resulted in casualties. BMW blamed the car mats for the accident (sounds familiar). Yet they returned the vehicle with mats in same position. Car was in service 2 wks before accident. A co-worker friend had similiar experience.

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  2008 X3: Problem Prone - 2008 BMW X3
  By shnoby - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned BMWs for the last 10 years I love the way they handle. Fortunately, my 2008 X3 is a lease. At 5K a chronic, very loud engine tapping began (akin to the vehicle in the movie Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang.) I had it serviced at least 6 times. By 21K, the tapping reduced to a soft finger strumming, it still taps, but I deal with it. The engine strains on small & big hills & fails to shift. The car has, on *multiple* occasions, locked me inside. Neither the unlocking mechanism nor the windows opened. I drove to the dealer, called them on my cell, had them force the window down & climbed out. The interior handles, cup holders, arm rests, etc. are peeling& have been replaced once.

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  N52 engine really has problems - 2008 BMW X3
  By 1978bmx - April 3 - 11:56 am

  I purchased my x3 new, did my research and the x3 came in to be up there with the 3 series in quality. At around 60k the valves started to tap like crazy, (metal on metal sounds- if yours is doing this it is not normal! It needs to be repaired- dont let the dealer service people tell you its air bubbles in the oil. It will lead to premature engine failure this should be covered under warranty) the tapping sound was especially loud with cold starts. The engine cylinder head was replaced, but the sound is more of a thumping slamming sound now, it will be in the shop this week again! Even the BMW techs Ive talked to, feel the quality of BMW is really slipping.

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  After 11k miles, its time to walk away - 2008 BMW X3
  By Paul Milton - September 15 - 9:17 am

  I leased this 08 X3 in December of 07. Unfortunately, I regret the decision. The X3 is no doubt an excellent driver for a 4100lb small SUV. By small, I mean the interior is very small and cramped and only after owning this vehicle for some time I now know it has limited utility and horrid resale value. Others such as the Lincoln MKX are cheaper by thousands and more practical in every way.

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  Just Not Worth the Money - 2008 BMW X3
  By Marc - December 8 - 9:33 am

  This is my 2nd X3 in 6 months. I had so many problems with 2007 that BMW bought out my lease and I ordered another one (would not let me totally out of the lease). These are overpriced and not up to par with Japanese vehicles. Problems-- transmission does not mesh with engine, hesitation, brakes grab, OEM tires were AWFUL in snow last few weeks, took them off before slid into something. Navigation system is archaic. Radio even upgraded one just does not provide quality sound. This is definitely not the ultimate driving machine. I would never recommed an X3 to anyone else. I do not know how other reviews are favorable. Guess just taken away with BMW emblems all over the car.