Overview & Reviews

No significant changes for 2005.

• World-class engines, nimble handling, precise steering, comfortable cabin, solid build quality.

• Expensive for a compact sport-ute, limited cargo space, some economy-grade interior materials, overly stiff ride with Sport Package.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 145.00

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  Eleven years going strong - 2005 BMW X3
  By TonyM - November 30 - 2:44 pm

  We purchase this 2005 3.0 X3 brand new. Besides its normal wear and tear and routine maintenance it has be by far the best and most reliable car we have had. We really got our monies worth, being with the military this car has been up and down the German Autobahn and cruising the Interstates in the southeast.

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  Worse Vehicle Ever! - 2005 BMW X3
  By Carey Goin - November 6 - 11:21 pm

  Rides rough, lots and lots of repairs. I have had the moon roof repaired 2 times over 9k, new brakes, lots of electronic problems, water pump, radiator, heck the whole car has had problems. I only have 100k miles on the car. It has cost me a fortune.

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  LOONG ROAD TEST! 181K - 2005 BMW X3
  By cablack69@mac.com - September 5 - 3:29 am

  I have to say, I really love this vehicle. I have read many reviews about the poor quality, repair frequency and lack of comfort. I think if buyers are looking for the softer ride of a true luxury vehicle, buy a Range Rover. This little machine is still kicking butt at 181k! I have had the normal repair costs tires, brakes, etc. The shocks and struts where changed at 175k. They were the originals! I think I have more than gotten my moneys worth. The only real complaint I have is the panoramic roof. It stopped working about 10k miles ago. I have a fix for it, just havent done it yet. And the paint/stain on the interior. The thing is, I just drove a 2008 X5 and that problem still exists. I still gotta give my little 3.0, 6-spd manual, 181k mile Bimmer 9 outta 10. Handles like no other in rain/snow, darn good fuel economy for an all wheel drive (averages 23mpg) and with all those miles and the black obsidian paint, its still a head turner.

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  Extremely poor reliability - 2005 BMW X3
  By gf1234 - May 22 - 11:55 am

  This car has terrible reliability in 3 yrs I have spent nearly $10,000 in repairs. - two A/C compressor hoses - sunroof leak - air mass meter - all for O2 sensors - complete radiator replacement Do not buy this car.

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  Made Me A Believer - 2005 BMW X3
  By gravelroad - March 14 - 2:41 am

  So, always wanted a BMW...finally bought one off a 3-year lease that was certified. My salesperson said that once I owned a BMW thatd itd be the only car Id ever own again..he was SO correct!! The handling is great for an SUV just like a sports sedan. And, yes, the ride is bumpy. Ive read that its been improved after 2006. But I dont mind..because it handles so great in snow & rain. Ive had gas mileage 35 mpg on highway. Of course, with A/C on and driving in city, any car can be as bad as 10 mpg, no exception to date. Even with gas prices predicted at $5.00/gallon, Id rather be in something safe than a roller skate getting 40 mpg. Think about it!! Planning on keeping this.

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  First BMW ever! - 2005 BMW X3
  By andycindy8288 - June 14 - 8:45 pm

  After my wife and I have bought the 2005 BMW X3 3.0i. We had no idea how different BMWs where compared to us having a toyota corolla and growing up with ford cars and hondas. At 82K miles we have yet to have any issues with our X3 3.0 aside from guzzling gas at an unexpected rate. But thats a given since we love to put it to the mettle with our 3.0i V6 on the high ways everyday we go to work, and we are on the highways a lot. We where surprised how a midsize SUV like the the BMW X3 3.0i can pack so much and have so many little surprises that you wont find out until you push it to the limit. It has ample enough room and yes the ride is rough, but this is a sports based midsize SUV.

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  Good - 2005 BMW X3
  By sethbolz - October 3 - 2:00 am

  All around great car for design, reliability and comfort. Interior lacks a bit in luxury (for a BMW). Power to weight ratio also lacks a bit.

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  Lovin it - 2005 BMW X3
  By Lovin it - February 8 - 12:20 pm

  Love this car! Nothing to wrong with it..they couldve really made it more fancy in the inside for a BMW..its lacking. Stereo isnt great, again for a BMW.

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  62K miles and going strong - 2005 BMW X3
  By Dustin - January 26 - 12:58 pm

  Just had the BMW dealer do a full inspection of it and found nothing wrong at 62k miles! All I have done is change oil and buy new tires. The 6 speed manual allows me to have great performance but also allows to get the same or better gas mileage as any 2010 American or Japanese competitor SUV with 6cyl awd. Only difference is the required premium fuel, which is only like and extra $2 per fill up so who cares. Pretty sporty too, topped it out at 140mph before. Awd makes it handle corners and snow excellently.

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  120,000 miles later - 2005 BMW X3
  By jerry - December 16 - 1:22 pm

  Consider this a VERY long term road test. Everybody loves their new car, but after 120,000 miles ours keeps getting better. It had some minor problems which developed under warranty and which were resolved while we drove new BMWs when ours was in service. Great in the snow, great long distance cruiser. Mpg annualizes at 21.7. All electrical stuff still performing well, gps probably ought to be updated but we dont use it all that much. Only possible drawback is it eats tires getting maybe 35k to a set.