2006 BMW X3 consumer reviews

Great highway car, drove wonderful, but had difficult controls for climate and radio and was expensive to maintain(if you use BMW). Car really did not like being left for a few days, it was then hard to start even with a new $$$$ battery. Did not like short trips and ran better if you drove for long distances. Dont pop down to the Bus stop and home as it would start rough next time. Sold it to aquire new Honda Pilot

While comfortable to drive, and providing more legroom than the Toyota Rav4, the X3 with 3.0 (automatic) clearly has a lower power/weight ratio than the Rav4 V6 (automatic), and is noticeably noisier at city speeds. The X3 quiets down on the highway. It is, however, a sweet ride. The rain sensing wiper option is very handy as are the memory positions which adjust the seat and outside rear mirrors. Given the choice again if I were to buy a car that is 5-yr old, I would still stay with the BMW as the Rav4 holds it's pricing at a higher level - so, considering the higher maintenance costs, the BMW end up being pretty equivalent. The fuel mileage; however, is less attractive. Deep snow performance of both cars is excellent. Braking power of the BMW is outstanding. The roof window of both cars is outstanding with the area of the X3's being outstanding. Handling of both is excellent, with a slight preference to the X3.

Love doesn't cut it. My new used BMW just thrills me every time I open the garage. The midnight sapphire black paint, the M3 detailing and the responsive fun way the thing drives...it's remarkable. I've never enjoyed a car more. Truly, manual is the way to go. Good luck finding one! You will not regret it.

Overall, I am very happy with my new purchase of a 4 yr old CPO X3. So far, it is rock solid, fun to drive, reliable, has an ultra smooth tranny & gets reasonable gas mileage (19 mixed, 21+ Hwy). I have premium pkg which has much nicer lthr seats, though the seats are shorter than I would have liked & am 5'10". Handling & ride are very good leaning towards firm. Wind noise there but not bad. Steering is excellent. Excellent cargo room for small SUV. CR says quite good reliability for '06's, but we'll see. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone in this category for $18k- $24k. CPO worth extra $ so far too. Have had car only 3 months though.

We just purchased this vehicle with 24,000 miles on it. We are very happy with the quality and handling. Not sure why people are complaining about the transmission. I think it changes gears very smoothly. We own a 328 BMW and a c240 Mercedes, and this by far is the most fun to drive! However, the gas mileage is not great...

My wife and I ordered our 2006 Blue Water metallic X3 in late fall 2005. We chose the Cold Weather package, premium sound system and leather seats as options. I have always been a BMW / Audi fan, but was only lukewarm when my wife chose the X3 to replace an aging Toyota that she had driven since her college days. With that as context, I now can say that at the end of our 3 year lease I was extremely happy to be able to negotiate a fair price with BMW to purchase the SAV. We have driven it all over the country and have enjoyed its panoramic moonroof, beautiful and supportive seats and downright dependable every day ride. In the 72,000 miles that we have put on the X3, the only repair that we have had to make is to fix a small leak in the window washer fluid reservoir.

This is the 7th BMW product I've had since 1987. Like BMWs very much, but have NOT liked the jerkiness of the new 6 speed auto. transmission on this car. Also, when flooring it to get onto the freeway, the computer has to "think about" which gear it wants. Hence,I tend to use the Steptronic feature most of the time which makes for a smoother ride. This is the only downside to an otherwise premium vehicle. It won't be my last BMW, however.

"10" "10" "10" I rate this car a solid "10" This is the best vehicle that I have ever owned,I don't know why I haven't owned one sooner. Quality through out the interior and exterior. All controls are in reach and easy to use. Adaptive headlights should be standard on all vehicles as well as the Sensor wipers. The engine is so smooth during all phases of driving. Be careful on the HWY as you take your eyes off the speedo your doing 80-85 easily. I would highly recomend this BMW to anyone.

Traded in my big Acura MDX for this 2006 BMW excutive car. I consider the $35,000 certified used car price with only 12,000 on it a good deal. If you don't look at the odometer you would never know it was used. This SAV is smaller and much better handling than the MDX, although mileage is only slightly better. Does everything you would expect from a BMW and carry your stuff too! I read the reviews and heard all the complaints about the still ride. Americans must really be getting soft because the ride is softer than most SUVs and the handling is much better. It could use a little more color in the interior (the 2007 has more wood trim) and the cup holders are way behind the times. Otherwise, buy one and have fun!