Honest Quality Feedback
 

Hi All...my wife an I are looking at the 2010 X3 28i. As with any major purchase I have reservations...I have them with TV's, radios, screw drivers as well so it's not just vehicle related.

I know I shouldn't read too deeply into the forum complaints as you can find that with any purchase, but I can't help it...it's in my psyche.

I'd like to ask honestly how often to you need repairs? Are they major? Do you love/like/hate your purchase now? Is the transmission problems I've read about gone in the 2010? Is servicing out of this world expensive?

What we want is something that'll last us 10yrs and have as little problems as possible. If it's a pipe dream so be it...I've actually had someone in another BMW forum I posted this type of question say just buy a Toyota.

I really appreciate everyones feedback...it's quite useful.

Service is easy since it'll be under warranty..Cost is near zero..I think the only thing you pay for is tires...Everything else is covered I believe...As far as 10 years goes...Well, I'd say if you maintain it it has a good chance of being relaible. Technology has gotten better these days so hopefully it'll last..But I personally don't like to keep cars longer then 7 - 8 years at the most, Bimmers especially, as there is usually something newer that I want!

I don't think any carmaker makes a car designed to last 10 years anymore. The market does not demand it.

Our 2004 X3 has been devoid of major issues. There were a couple under warranty, and the wheel bearings are a result of poor quality roads in the Northeast, not the result of a defect. No leaks or rattles.

For a 2010, most of the automatic transmission issues should be ironed out. However, it isn't the best shifting automatic around town (works great at the track, I'm sure) so I strongly suggest ordering one with a manual transmission.

buy the YOTA.. with the 4.0 v6 oil, air filter, fuel filter 2 sets of brakes and tires for 100k miles.

no bmw will do that.. had 3 of them. if driving the ultimate driving machine is important to you then you will pay up one way or another.
bought my 4runner 10 years ago.. to date 204k miles and $3000 in repairs over 10 years.

good luck..

cheers,

I have had five BMWs in the past few years, and have enjoyed them. Lots of friends have asked if I think they should buy a BMW. I advise them to drive one, and also the car they are comparing it to. If they can honestly feel the different driving characteristics (steering, brakes, handling, level of driver engagement, etc) then they can decide if they want a BMW, as the cars are indeed great drivers, and then you are getting some value for your money. If you can't tell the difference, and think the Toyota drives fine, then you should buy the Toyota because it will ultimately be more reliable and dependable in my experience. No diss on the Toyota, I bought one for my daughter. It just that what you are paying for with the BMW is more about the driving experience and not necessarily the ultimate reliability.

Ditto JCL's comments. I love our 2005 X3. I have been a very long term MB owner, I'm very impressed with the build quality of this X3. The driving experience is fantastic, and at 50K trouble free miles, we enjoy more and more every day, getting behind the wheel. My wife has bad knees, so we were concerned about getting a manual, and ordered the auto. While the manual would have a higher fun factor, the auto is a relief in rush hour traffic. No problems with the AT, I like the swift shift points compared to my MB.

Dan

This is great feedback all, and I do appreciate it.

Someone asked if I can tell the difference driving, absolutely. I'm not sold on the Toyota's driveability...it feels like the rear end going "boing" over every bump in the road. Drove me nuts...we've drive each of them in 3 separate test drives now. It's pretty clear who the driveability winner is.

We used to have a few Toyotas and a Lexus before, and they weren't terrible cars. We had a '92 Previa, which pretty much ran trouble free aside from a starter and the "usual" O² sensor problems. However, at 166k miles there were a few things that needed replacement, basically the suspension needed an overhaul. We also had a Lexus ES and that wasn't a bad ride either (rubbish to drive) but at 125k miles there were a lot of things that needed replacement. The point is, every car will age and eventually need repair. A Toyota may require fewer replacement parts, but also brings less driving joy.

The X3 has been relatively trouble-free as mentioned above, and at this point I feel that the better driving dynamics and safety bring much more marginal benefit.

+1 with JCL's fine opin, and the other posters, too...
"10 yr" car is a stretch these days, imo and a nice
goal, but maybe too much of a wish.

If the X3 fits your needs, you will have that marvelous
safety net for 4 yrs, and extendable for 2 more as
orig. owner. 4-6 yrs down the road, some other/new
car may catch your eye.

Our '01 X5 is 8+ yrs, and I still love it, but the clock is
ticking, I suspect...we shall see.

Dunno where in CDA you are, but consider adding a dedicated
set of winter tires to the cost equation.
Good luck on your decision...
BR,mD

We had a 07 X3 that we bought in Nov of 06. It was one of the first batches of 07 models so we dealt with the poorly programmed transmission that left us stranded once (albeit in our own driveway). After 4 reprograms the transmission came around and was tolerable although the other 5 BMWs we've owned had better trans in them. Outside of the transmission the only other item that required repair was a fault Vanos solenoids. Well then there are the squeaky rubber gaskets around the doors but that's an easy DIY fix.

We put a touch under 40,000 miles on it in 3 years and turned the car back in. While we enjoyed the first half of ownership the last half wasn't as enjoyable due to the ride quality (none sport). A pregnant wife and my back being on its 4th surgery didn't tolerate the bouncing to well.

All of that being said.... If you like the car, can tolerate the ride and okay with encountering minor issues from time to time then it'll be a great long term ride. As modern BMWs go... this one of the least complicated and gadget filled.