Going to purchase/test drive 2007 X3.0si + M-Pkg - what do I look for?

[2k328ci]

Hi all,

I've been a BMW fan since my convert with my current e46 coupe. Now its time to convert the family! I've found a CPO 2007 X3.0si with M-Pkg, its got every feature (premium, cold weather & comfort package) we were looking for and then some. Not sure about the suspension/ride for the M-Pkg, but loved the "look" of it. I'm aware of the possible transmission issues with the 6-speed automatic (but my wife is going to be the primary driver) so I have no choice.

So my question is, what do I look for when I go see it and test drive it? How do I specifically test drive it to look for the transmission issue? Do I drive slowly from start to gaining speed? Do I try to find some inclines? Do I drop speed quickly to see how it downshifts? What items should I look for to make sure I have everything? 2 sets of keys plus valet? What's this tool box, where is it and what tools should be there? Is there a glove compartment flashlight like my e46? That roller flappy thing that covers the back storage area? What are problematic areas to test out on the initial test drive? I will take it to my mechanic within the 3 day / 300km grace period.

Its got 57,000km which is in line for a 3 year old car. Does it have Inspection I and Inspection IIs like my coupe?

Thanks, any tips and suggestions would be very appreciated.

[JCL]

Re the transmission, I would just drive it long enough (with both cold and warm fluids) to determine if the transmission shifts smoothly from a start, and when stopping. The issues were all to do with the 1-2 shift, and starting up, not with 3-4-5.

Decide if you like the ride, it could be a little harsh.

Tools are basic, but should be there in the rear compartment. Roller cover for the luggage compartment should be there. No flashlight was included, from memory. You should examine the service records and compare them to the maintenance recommendations. Check that the brake fluid was flushed at 2 years.

[SLIPMaTT_X3]

I am also from Toronto, Canada and I love my 2007 x3 3.0si. I just got my (G2) Aug 2009 and made this x3 my first car purchase. A little crazy you could say, a new driver buying a $45,000.00 truck!! I will never buy anything other than a BMW, I feel as if I have been driving forever. The handling and control gives me confidence to drive and drive and drive @=).

I IMPORTED my BMW x3 from the USA (was very EASY and the USA has so many low Miles BMWs that convert to low KM.s. I had all the conversions done here in Toronto for 99 bucks @=) (BMW Canada wanted to charge me $2,500.00 for the same things). I still have my instrument cluster as Miles/h and KM/h so when I do drive to the states I am not guessing on what my speed should be!! I also love the fact from the Navi screen I can change the Temp from C to F and vice versa.

This is what came with my USA 2007 BMW x3 3.0si when I bought it USED. 2007 BMW x3 3.0si (Monaco Blue w/ Montana Terracotta Leather Sport Seats and Door Trim) + M-Sports Package + Electric Lumbar Seat Control + BMW Premium Package (Garage Door Opener / Mirror Compass etc) + Cold Weather Package (Heated Back Seats and Headlight Cleaner) + Navigation System + Premium Sound Package + I have BMW FACTORY WARRANTY TILL NOV 2010 WHICH BMW CANADA WILL FULLY COVER INCLUDING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. My BMW came LOADED with everything except those UGLY ass parking circle sensors I did not want.. I bought it with 24,000 or so Miles on it. When converted here in Toronto to KM.s It converted to 37,000miles. I basically found myself a brand new car with BMW factory warranty on it. I now have 45,000km on it since starting to drive it on December 6, 2009.. I went to BMW Durham and talked about extended warranty on my car. They told me since it is still considered a premium low km.s car under 60,000km they could offer me the 4Y - 120,000km PREMIUM extended warranty. It would have only cost me $2,800.00 CA they where going to cover the tax's. I decided not to go with an extended warranty as I do not plan on selling this X3.

The only question you have to ask is how much are you paying for this 2007 with the options it has. I saw my exact 2007 X3 3.0si at BMW Toronto but it was LACKING the Lumbar adjustment option in the seat as well as the cold weather package. What BMW Toronto wanted for that x3 was more than I paid for my USA x3 with maybe 3,000 dollars more in options.

In regards to the Tranny problems I have had none, according to people on this forum there was a Firmware upgrade for the 2007 x3 tranny but when I went to BMW Durham and asked for the firmware upgrade they told me there was none. I hope this helps a bit in your choice, this was my first car and I do not regret the purchase even thought it cost me a downpayment on a house lols @=).

BMW For Life
Darryl R.

[Kuddel]

I am a happy Camper have exactly the car you prescribe, 2007 x3
M-package is rare, I enjoyed mine very sporty, could only use more
Room, I am used to X5 for the last 12 Years and 275,000 miles.
The X3 has now 52k and are very happy, if your price is write stop looking. Kuddel

[Kuddel]

[QUOTE=Kuddel;734972]I am a happy Camper have exactly the car you prescribe, 2007 x3
M-package is rare, I enjoyed mine very sporty, could only use more
Room, I am used to X5 for the last 12 Years and 275,000 miles.
The X3 has now 52k and are very happy, if your price is write stop looking. Kuddel[/Q


Update: Still have Car 8/2012, still running strong now 108.000 miles, changed Trans-fluid and filter,Transfer-case fluid, New Differential replaced with ext warranty at 65k free, new Rotor now Cross-drilled and Ceramic Pads changed Brake-fluid and Sensors, Power-sterring Fluid and Canister with new Filter all done DIY, Flushed Radiator and added new Coolant, Oil-change and Filter every 7k.

[Kuddel]

[QUOTE=Kuddel;734972]I am a happy Camper have exactly the car you prescribe, 2007 x3
M-package is rare, I enjoyed mine very sporty, could only use more
Room, I am used to X5 for the last 12 Years and 275,000 miles.
The X3 has now 52k and are very happy, if your price is write stop looking. Kuddel[/Q


Update: Still have Car 8/2012, still running strong now 108.000 miles, changed Transfluid and filter,Transfercase fluid, New Differential replaced with ext warranty at 65k free, new Rotor now Crossdrilled and Ceramic Pads changed Brakefluid and Sensors, Powersterring Fluid and Canister with new Filter all done DIY, Flushed Radiator and added new Coolant, Oilchange and Filter every 7k.