Latest 07 new car Consumer reports assessment
 

Reliability on X3- below than average. Mercedes Benz- dead last . Audis are now labled as reliable.( A6 & the A/S4 models) It this maybe because of too much electrical gadgetry that has caused the decline in it is ability to be annoying free cars?
Japanese makes (once again) are on the top of the list as most reliable.

I assume thats why BMW offers free maintenance service for 4 years to entice people to continue to buy their vehicles to offset any reliabilty issues one may encounter.
Marketing!...Its all about marketing isnt it?

In the 3 years I have had my X5 I have had two problems, one uncommon one common both fixed for free under the warranty. To me the X is VERY reliable.

Minor Problems
 

I've had two problems (wheel bearings and tears on the leather on the driver's seat) with my 2005 X3 3.0i and all replaced or repaired under warranty with no questions asked and that is here in Europe where all we get is two years and have to pay for all our services.

X3 reliability in Consumer Reports
 

Over the years I have grown to really trust CR. However when shopping last for an X3, I talked to a number of 2005 and 2006 X3 owners. Non of them had a high level of probelms. Especiallly in the 2006's.

We boutht the X3si and it has be a perfect car for 9,000 miles. I admit not caring for the Bluetooth implememtation, but it does work... even tho the documentation in not accurate.

It would take a lot to pry my wifes fingers from teh heated steering wheel at this point. Love the X3si, and it is far from slow.
Mark

Theres a lotto be desired there. As far as cars go if you look close a number of times they contradict themselves on the information they print.
cheers
vern

Let's see, we have a first-year, 2004 with tons of options (that can break) and 38,000 miles. I can count the number of real problems we've had on one hand. And they haven't really even been major or really affected driving.

1) noisy cold idle. replaced belt tensioner
2) pass. rearview intermittently didn't tilt down. Caught by dealer and replaced.
3) pass. airbag off light intermittently came on. Addressed at previous visit.
4) Transmission software. Addressed before but it's still an idiot. Who cares- I'm nitpicky.

25k miles in 11 months on our 06. No problems other than the shift program for the automatic transmission. No leaks, no rattles, decent gas milage and I think the build quality is as good if not better than any other BMW I've owned. If I could get a diesel, I'd trade today but since I can't I'll keep what I have and be very happy about it. Going on a 1700 road trip on wednesday. Morgan Hill Ca, to Salt Lake City, to Prescott, back to San Juan Bautista. I expect no drama, no issues.

Consumer Reports hates BMWs almost as much as Jeremy Clarkson. Shame.

+ 1 Big time
cheers
vern

JC loved the M3 CSL. He doesn't really hate them (have you heard his complaints about American cars?), its just he's too stupid to learn how to drive the newer BMWs.