The Good
The 2004 BMW X3 offers a sporty, engaging driving experience thanks to its responsive handling and powerful engine options. It provides a comfortable ride and a well-appointed interior. A practical buyer will appreciate its cargo space and all-wheel-drive capability, while an emotional buyer will connect with the BMW badge and the dynamic driving feel. The X3 provides good value for its class.
The Bad
Common weaknesses of the 2004 BMW X3 include potential issues with the cooling system (leaks), transfer case problems, and electronic component failures. Oil leaks are frequently reported. Suspension components, particularly bushings and control arms, can wear out. Repair costs can be higher than average due to the vehicle's complexity and BMW parts prices. Check for rust, especially in areas with harsh winters.
2004 BMW X3: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 2.5L Inline-6 (2.5i): 184 hp
- 3.0L Inline-6 (3.0i): 225 hp
- Horsepower:
- 2.5i: 184 hp @ 6000 rpm
- 3.0i: 225 hp @ 5900 rpm
- Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated):
- 2.5i: 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
- 3.0i: 16 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
- 0-60 Times:
- 2.5i: 8.9 seconds (approximate)
- 3.0i: 7.2 seconds (approximate)
- Towing Capacity: Approximately 3,500 lbs (with proper equipment).
- Trim Level Features (Common):
- 2.5i: Leatherette upholstery, automatic climate control, power windows and locks, premium sound system, alloy wheels.
- 3.0i: Adds leather upholstery, wood trim, panoramic sunroof, upgraded sound system (often Harman Kardon), automatic headlights.
- Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive (xDrive) standard on all models.
- Transmission: Available with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission.
2004 BMW X3 Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2004 |
| Make | BMW |
| Model | X3 |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Wagon |
| Category | Minivan Medium Truck |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Germany |
| Manufacturing City | - |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 3.0 L 6-Cyl. |
| Engine Size | 3L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2004 BMW X3 Have?
Electrical issues can manifest as problems with the power windows, door locks, or the vehicle's computer system. Suspension components, such as control arm bushings and ball joints, are prone to wear and can result in a clunking noise or vibrations. Rust can be a problem, especially in regions where road salt is used.
While specific recalls may vary depending on the region, it's crucial to check the vehicle's VIN for any outstanding recall notices. Long-term reliability can be affected by these issues if they are not properly maintained and addressed. Considering the age of the vehicle, preventative maintenance is key to mitigating potential problems.
How long will the 2004 BMW X3 last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
In terms of safety, it came standard with anti-lock brakes (ABS), dynamic stability control (DSC), and a suite of airbags, including front and side airbags. Driver-assistance features were limited compared to modern vehicles; however, some models included optional features such as parking sensors.
Entertainment features centered around the sound system, with a CD player being standard. Navigation was an available option, though it was a relatively basic system compared to modern GPS systems. There were no advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane departure warning or automatic emergency braking.
Crash test ratings from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) should be researched based on the specific model year to understand the vehicle's performance in standardized crash tests. Keep in mind that crash test standards have evolved significantly since 2004. Availability of side curtain airbags could vary by trim and should be verified when considering purchase.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2004 BMW X3 Prices and Market Value
2004 BMW X3 Cost of Ownership
2004 BMW X3 Fuel Efficiency
2004 BMW X3 Safety Rating
NHTSA
2004 BMW X3 Recalls & Defects
AIR Bags:frontal
2004 BMW X3 Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2004 BMW X3 Compare to Other Wagon?
In terms of features, the X3 offered a comparable level of equipment, although some rivals may have had more advanced technology features available. Price-wise, the X3 was generally competitive within the luxury compact SUV segment when new.
Alternatives to the 2004 BMW X3 might include the Acura RDX for its reliability and the Lexus RX for its comfort and dependability. The Infiniti FX offered a similar sporty driving experience, but its reliability is also a consideration. Depending on priorities, these alternatives may offer a better balance of performance, reliability, and cost of ownership. Consider carefully before purchasing.
Ranks #687 SUV
| 1 | 2023 Toyota 4Runner | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | (5.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus GX | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | (0.0★) |
| 5 | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | (5.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW iX | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2024 Chevrolet Trax | (5.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Audi A4 allroad | (0.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Kona N | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan ARIYA | (5.0★) |
| 687 | 2004 BMW X3 | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2004 BMW X3 a Good Wagon?
Satisfied owner on September 7, 2022
Great carSolid and reliable. Maneuvers well. Looks new. Plenty of acceleration, even with the 2.5 engine. Taller than sedans, so you can see farther ahead. Roomy trunk.
KeishaK on September 30, 2020
Great CarGreat car, a little small. Not much leg room in the back and not much space in the back. Easy drive, lots of power, great mileage
Tom BJJ on August 26, 2020
Rides well handles like a car.This car has one of the best motors BMW ever made. (6 Cylinder) It rides and handles like a new car. The motor is quit and smooth without a turbo.
Trevor on December 15, 2019
The most reliable car I've owned2004 BMW X3, $4900 or best offer, automatic transmission, excellent condition, heated seats, everything works, very low mileage, only 97000 miles. The price is negotiable, first come first served
2ManyWhipsNC on November 15, 2019
A solid compact SUVMy 2004 X3 2.5i currently has 184k miles now. We purchased it 5 years ago with 130k on it. We bought it because we were looking for an AWD vehicle with a manual transmission (that wasn’t a Jeep). This is one of the few vehicles that ticks all of those marks. Plus it’s a BMW with BMW comforts. It has had more service items than a Toyota or Honda, but nothing too extreme. Coilpacks and plugs, but also the DISA valve, fuel filter (replaced the fuel pump at the same time), some evap solenoids and pumps, rear wheel speed sensor, the CCV, and the most expensive repair was a new driveshaft. This was a Midwest car, but isn’t all rusted out surprisingly, though I blame that for the issue with the driveshaft. Currently the only issue is the sunroof, the plastics for the panoramic have cracked and broken, and made it unusable. I hope to repair that in The spring Overall though, it has never broken down or left us stranded. Has started up every time I put the key in. Has been solid in any weather conditions thrown at it, including a couple of feet of snow from last winter (with just regular all season tires). The ride is comfortable, just slightly on the stiff side. And outside of the sound from the sunroof currently, very quiet. The downsides being cost for parts and labor higher than Japanese/Korean competitors, and premium gas with not great gas mileage. I get the same mileage in this as I do my 2016 Dodge Charger RT with the 5.7 liter Hemi v8. But I won’t drive that in the snow. The car is holding up with the abuse of teaching a teenager how to drive a manual as well, another plus. We love our X3. It will be our daughters car once she gets her license, and we are already considering buying another one for ourselves when that happens. It has that German sports sedan feel with the take you almost anywhere capability. And it tows. 3500 isn’t a lot, but I’ve used it to dolly compact cars and shuttle around truck frames.
Bimmer Grampy on August 27, 2019
2004 X3 is a worthwhile used car value.I bought this X3 as a CPO from a BMW dealer. It had a very advantageous extended warranty and a decent price point. It ran flawlessly until about 65 K miles, then had to have a total AC overhaul and a whole sunroof cassette, two very expensive repairs that were covered by the extended warranty. It also leaked somewhere in the drivers side rear pillar, but I engineered a cheap fix by removing the rubber plugs beneath the battery tray and that solved the aquarium effect. From 85 to 110K, it was dogged by left bank code failures that ultimately were due to a bad O ring on the
TL on June 24, 2019
Excellent BMW SUVThis has been a great car for me. Reliable, fun to drive, hugs the road (all wheel drive). Routine maintenance is all that I've needed to do for the 13 years I've owned it.
Adam on June 1, 2019
Best car I’ve ever owned but had a couple issuesI recently sold my 2004 x3 3.0i. i sold it with 90k miles on it, and its handling is amazing and its very fun to drive! Had a couple of problems with the navigation system, sometimes it would just suddenly not respond, and it would stay like that for like a couple of hours and sometimes a day! The transfer case had problems at about 75k miles, moonroof worked for a while then stopped, the CD box would sometimes not work, had a couple of electrical issues but I really loved that car, and for a “mini suv†its heavy on gas.
JZ on May 21, 2019
The most comfortable vehicle I've driven15 years after this great little SUV came out and it's still the most comfortable vehicle I've ever sat in! Highly recommend for anyone wanting a smooth ride!
Coolcar on March 15, 2018
It is a very stylish carThe car is very comfortable, it has a stylish look to i, it is very easy to park and is very smooth to drive. I think if you wlike BMW and like SUV but don?t like very big cars this is the perfect size.
Eugene S
Eugene is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. As a writer at VINCheck.info, he brings deep industry insight and a passion for cars, helping readers make smart, informed decisions. Eugene has written hundreds of used car reviews and is known for breaking down complex automotive topics into clear, actionable advice. Over the years, he has driven and worked on a wide range of vehicles—starting with tuning street cars in his early days and eventually focusing on performance upgrades and reliability improvements. Today, he specializes in evaluating used vehicles through the lens of real-world ownership and enthusiast needs. A longtime fan of Porsche, Eugene especially appreciates vehicles that blend durability with driving enjoyment.