08 X3, 6speed

jeepo23 · #1 10-28-2016, 03:25 PM

Hey all, looking at a 08, X3 with 125k miles, 6speed manual.

From what I see online these all have automatic climate controls - however this X3 in particular has the manual dials. Is this right or am I missing something here? It also has heated seats, heated steering wheel, manual seats.

What package is this if the climate controls are manual dials? Also, hows the reliability of these?

What I keep finding also is, the 08 was only available in si trim, well this one I am looking at is i.. LOL is this vehicle I am looking at not an 08?

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Ven · #2 10-28-2016, 11:28 PM

Last 7 of the vin would asnwer all questions.

jo3mull3n · #3 11-02-2016, 01:22 AM

Hey Jeepo... I know what you are talking about with the manual knobs for A/C control. I just want to say the manual controls system has given me no problems and is actually much simpler (and, reasonably, I assume equally as reliable) than the auto control system as it doesn't use the additional temperature sensors that are mentioned in other forums as part of other A/C assemblies/projects. I think the car comes with the manual knob setup if you have a vehicle without the onboard computer, automatic lights sensors and automatic rain sensors.

Heated Seats are an separate option that were probably added on at the factory and can be installed for $500... they also work reeaaaally well!!!

But unless you have the separate technology package you wont get auto controls if I'm not mistaken. Which makes sense with the manual transmission. The only thing you may want to look into would be the automatic headlight feature, maybe a small thing but could be the difference between loving the car and so on. BUT for me I have an '06 3.0i that I've been rocking with the manual setup for 3 1/2 years and I love it! RAIN OR SHINE BABY! Bring it!

jeepo23 · #4 11-03-2016, 07:27 AM

Provide an update; the vehicle is in fact a 08. The canadian version (where I am) is in fact the 3.0i we don't have the 3.0si here for that particular year.

The x3, has the cold weather package actually (heated steering and seats), xenon lights (automatic control).

Love the fact its an 6speed manual. Won't be doing any mods on this as I did on the E46. Going to keep it simple, probably just the ZHP shift knob, add bluetooth and call it good!

jo3mull3n · #5 11-03-2016, 07:25 PM

Nice! Those options will be crucial in the coming months...

FUN FACT: there is documentation on the web about people who have spent about $200 for a used OEM three stage intake manifold from an "si," bolted it on and converted their 3.0i into a 3.0si using strictly BMW parts. Due to the interchangeabilty of parts from those specific year models, there is a loophole in the design where you can actually pull an "si" intake manifold off a 3.0si model and direct install it to a 3.0 and add about 50hp to the crank which turns out to be around 39hp to the wheels. All you have to do is order the part from a junkyard or similar and then take your Bimmer to a tuning shop where they will "tune" the motor to take full advantage of the new manifold, and the crazy part is you are using only BMW parts! Just food for thought. The 3.0 is sufficient, but I've been thinking about doing the upgrade once I'm paid off. I can think of a lot worse ways to spend an extra $200-300

jeepo23 · #6 11-10-2016, 10:15 AM

Thanks for the tip. Think I'll have to source a cover for the passenger side cup holder as it appears to be missing.

tonyjh63 · #7 11-30-2016, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jo3mull3n

Nice! Those options will be crucial in the coming months...

FUN FACT: there is documentation on the web about people who have spent about $200 for a used OEM three stage intake manifold from an "si," bolted it on and converted their 3.0i into a 3.0si using strictly BMW parts. Due to the interchangeabilty of parts from those specific year models, there is a loophole in the design where you can actually pull an "si" intake manifold off a 3.0si model and direct install it to a 3.0 and add about 50hp to the crank which turns out to be around 39hp to the wheels. All you have to do is order the part from a junkyard or similar and then take your Bimmer to a tuning shop where they will "tune" the motor to take full advantage of the new manifold, and the crazy part is you are using only BMW parts! Just food for thought. The 3.0 is sufficient, but I've been thinking about doing the upgrade once I'm paid off. I can think of a lot worse ways to spend an extra $200-300

I thought one of the big differences between the engines is that the "si" got direct injection, which would account for not only the increased power, but increased fuel efficiency as well?

jeepo23 · #8 11-30-2016, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonyjh63

I thought one of the big differences between the engines is that the "si" got direct injection, which would account for not only the increased power, but increased fuel efficiency as well?

The intake mod to get 260HP on this bad boy would be fun. However the problem is whose going to tune your ECU? So this tune would end up costing a fair bit.

However, I wouldn't mind improving the throttle response on the X3 I find it is a bit sluggish unlike the past E46 330XI that was razor sharp on the throttle and once you tap it, it would pick up quite fast.

Anything that can be done on the X3, besides the intake mod for this?