Saab Dealing With Abandonment Issues...
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2008 BMW X3-Series Quality Review

September 30, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

The X3 masks its compact dimensions well
Cars.com

There's good legroom and ample headroom
ConsumerGuide

New and improved interior materials up the quality and overall luxury
Autoblog

High build quality
Edmunds

Plenty of space and overall good quality come with each 2008 BMW X3, ensuring even picky drivers that they'll be riding in comfort.

"Comfort and support" from the "firm, well-shaped seats" is deemed "excellent" by Edmunds. And though the "standard seats are more comfortable than the Sport seats," says MyRide.com, the seatbelts are "properly tensioned" and the range of seat adjustment is "extensive." In fact, a "six-footer can enjoy major amounts of headroom and actually put the steering wheel and forward footwell well out of reach." ConsumerGuide adds that there is "good legroom and ample headroom," but the "wide center tunnel" tends to limit foot space. ConsumerGuide also feels the "seats lack sufficient padding for ideal long-distance comfort" and the "manual tilt and telescoping steering wheel may not offer enough reach for some drivers,” a sentiment echoed by MSN Autos.

The rear seats also do not offer comfort for adults in particular. However, the heated rear seats are a plus, and the space is good overall, though MSN Autos reports, “There's room for five tall adults, although four is a more practical number because the X3 is a little narrow, and the center of the rear seat is too stiff and high for comfort.”

Edmunds adds that there are "plenty of storage cubbies," and when the rear seats are folded forward, "a healthy 71 cubic feet of cargo space" is revealed. The storage areas are also called "flexible" by MyRide.com, noting that many are "fitted with netting that stretches to accommodate odd shapes and medium-sized water bottles." MSN Autos covers the rear cargo area, noting, “The one-piece tailgate has an interior pull-down assist and 6-foot clearance when fully open to reduce head-banging to those in a hurry to load cargo. The rear seatbacks sit mostly flat when flipped forward to enlarge the moderately sized cargo area, and their head restraints need not be removed.”

ConsumerGuide mentions the "interior materials are fairly nice, but some testers feel they're not as rich as they should be." The standard upholstery is vinyl on the 2008 BMW X3, which is a bit out of place, as the standard on most cars in this class is leather. Edmunds notes "function takes priority over opulence" with the BMW X3, but still calls the interior "well thought out." But MyRide.com mentions a bit of haphazard construction in that the BMW X3's two front cup holders look like "an afterthought" or "something cobbled together and glued in place" at the last minute. Plus, when closing the doors of this BMW 2008 model, the reviewer experienced a "hollow echo" rather than the "solid 'thunk'" that is typically expected of such a vehicle.

Wind noise in this BMW 2008 model is a bit louder than expected, says MyRide.com, but they attribute this to how quickly you can get up to speed without realizing it. ConsumerGuide concurs, after being impressed by the "low tire and wind noise" and noting the engine exhibits a "classy growl" during acceleration.

Conclusion

The 2008 BMW X3 is built from high-quality materials, but second-row passengers might feel the squeeze.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:The X3 masks its compact dimensions wellCars.comThere's good legroom and ample headroomConsumerGuideNew and improved interior materials up the quality and overall luxuryAutoblogHigh build qualityEdmunds Plenty of space and overall good quality come with each 2008 BMW X3, ensuring even picky drivers that they'll be riding in comfort. "Comfort and support" from the "firm, well-shaped seats" is deemed "excellent" by Edmunds. And though the "standard seats are more comfortable than the Sport seats," says MyRide.com, the seatbelts are "properly tensioned" and the range of seat adjustment is "extensive." In fact, a "six-footer can enjoy major amounts of headroom and actually put the steering wheel and forward footwell well out of reach." ConsumerGuide adds that there is "good legroom and ample headroom," but the "wide center tunnel" tends to limit foot space. ConsumerGuide also feels the "seats lack sufficient padding for ideal long-distance comfort" and the "manual tilt and telescoping steering wheel may not offer enough reach for some drivers,” a sentiment echoed by MSN Autos. The rear seats also do not offer comfort for adults in particular. However, the heated rear seats are a plus, and the space is good overall, though MSN Autos reports, “There's room for five tall adults, although four is a more practical number because the X3 is a little narrow, and the center of the rear seat is too stiff and high for comfort.” Edmunds adds that there are "plenty of storage cubbies," and when the rear seats are folded forward, "a healthy 71 cubic feet of cargo space" is revealed. The storage areas are also called "flexible" by MyRide.com, noting that many are "fitted with netting that stretches to accommodate odd shapes and medium-sized water bottles." MSN Autos covers the rear cargo area, noting, “The one-piece tailgate has an interior pull-down assist and 6-foot clearance when fully open to reduce head-banging to those in a hurry to load cargo. The rear seatbacks sit mostly flat when flipped forward to enlarge the moderately sized cargo area, and their head restraints need not be removed.” ConsumerGuide mentions the "interior materials are fairly nice, but some testers feel they're not as rich as they should be." The standard upholstery is vinyl on the 2008 BMW X3, which is a bit out of place, as the standard on most cars in this class is leather. Edmunds notes "function takes priority over opulence" with the BMW X3, but still calls the interior "well thought out." But MyRide.com mentions a bit of haphazard construction in that the BMW X3's two front cup holders look like "an afterthought" or "something cobbled together and glued in place" at the last minute. Plus, when closing the doors of this BMW 2008 model, the reviewer experienced a "hollow echo" rather than the "solid 'thunk'" that is typically expected of such a vehicle. Wind noise in this BMW 2008 model is a bit louder than expected, says MyRide.com, but they attribute this to how quickly you can get up to speed without realizing it. ConsumerGuide concurs, after being impressed by the "low tire and wind noise" and noting the engine exhibits a "classy growl" during acceleration. ConclusionThe 2008 BMW X3 is built from high-quality materials, but second-row passengers might feel the squeeze. 2008 BMW X3 STYLING | [7 out of 10] Edmunds: "The styling clearly says BMW " Cars.com: "Aging" Motor Trend: "Freshened visual athleticism" The 2008 BMW X3 is BMW’s compact crossover. Derived from the 3-Series lineup, it’s a four-door with a wagon back, a taller ride height, and ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Even the most refined vehicle in this class, the Acura RDX, suffers a bit from a choppy ride and a slightly off-base, zippy turbocharged engine. The Land Rover LR2 has a more subdued V-6 engine, more rear-seat room, and more off-road credibility, along with a busy interior. The Mercedes-Benz GLK and Audi Q5 are unknown quantities, but they're worth a look later this year when they go on sale for the first time.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 BMW X3-Series

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 BMW X3-Series

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 BMW X3-Series near you

See the BMW X3-Series in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2001

Comments (3 total)

  1. By Kevin Monroe #1, Posted: 10/11/2009

    The X3 is a disaster. Please read this letter I wrote to a Benz dealer when he contacted about having hired my prior BMW salesman.
    Avoid this car.
    Dear Ted,
    I am sorry to hear that Peter Hill has left BMW and moved over to MB. I have been counting the days until the lease on the BMW X3 he sold me is up, so I could caustically spill my guts to him about why I dislike this auto so much. Nothing personal here, mind you. I just hate the car, not Peter. Nevertheless, just to vent 15 months of pent up frustration, I would like to list a few of the things I hate about the X3. Perhaps Peter can use this letter to help perk up his MB Sport Ute sales at the expense of BMW. To appreciate my grief you should know in advance that I am an avid biker and photographer.
    1. The sensors that surround the car that detect a "close" objects are nothing but an annoyance. Guess what happens every time I turn on the ignition with my bike on the back of the car >>>>ALARM!!!
    Guess what happens every time I turn on the ignition in my small garage or any garage where someone has parked close to me or where I am close to the front wall >>>ALARM!!
    Guess what happens every time I put the car in reverse>>>> ALARM ( god forbid I should miss-judge a parallel park and have to back up 2 or 3 times).
    2. Congrats to the German engineer who designed the weight sensor in the front seats. He must have worked with Metler balances in his prior occupation, since they are designed to detect a human the size of my liver. Guess what happens when I place my 7 pound camera on the passenger seat without buckling the seatbelt...you got it>>>> ALARM! Try a textbook...OOPS>>>>ALARM! Get the picture? I basically have to drive all the time with the passenger seatbelt fastened, whether there is a passenger or not.
    3. This is the first car I have owned (and the last) that has a seatbelt alarm that will wail into infinity should you decide for whatever personal reason that you just don't want to wear a fucking seat belt (for instance...to drive from the Kroger over to the Radio Shack in the same strip mall). Who's car is this anyway.... mine or the government's? A brief alarm is annoying enough. One that never stops..... Gestapo.
    4. The double moon roof is poorly designed and when fully opened with the other windows closed, creates a middle ear pressure gradient that is debilitating at speeds exceeding 45mph. Even if only half opened, the pressure gradient is annoying at 60mph and intolerable at 70mph.
    5. Placement of the universal door lock in the central dashboard renders it completely useless. It will not lock the doors with the door open and thus is worthless when trying to exit the car. Essentially, it requires the driver to have a free hand to active the door lock with the car key, once you are out of the car... Hey BMW, the Japanese beat you hands down on this little ergonomic blunder. Don't mess with perfection.....Put it on the door like everybody else... duh!
    6. Poor placement of the iPod storage bin... an afterthought that is inconvenient and didn't account for the unsightly wire leading from the port. Also, a $45K car should be able to change tracks on the iPOD without an upgrade package ( see $20K Japanese cars).
    7. Gas milage stays consistently at the lowest end of the EPA range listed on the sticker... has never attained more than 20mpg, even at 55mph on interstate, with cruise control activated.... had my lease been up, I would have turned it in as a clunker.
    Any positives related to this car are far outweighed by the above. The various alarms are a constant reminder of how much I hate this vehicle, Maybe I should save this email to just hand to Peter's replacement at BMW, so I don't have to explain it all verbally.
    Good Luck to Peter and MB,
    Sincerely,
    Kevin Monroe

  2. By jenny #2, Posted: 10/29/2009

    why would you pay that much money on a lease for the x3 with all the options anyways? Its a tiny SUV with the bmw engine, but isnt supposed to have awesome options..thats what the x5 is for. It was made for a person that wants a chaeper suv with the bmw name/engine/steering.

  3. By BMWX3 #3, Posted: 10/30/2009

    The BMW X3. The WORST car I have ever driven much less owned. This car is an absolutely dangerous disaster.
    1. The X3 has a terrible ride. It is so bouncy, bucking, swaying, rocking that it can actually make the driver seasick. According to the dealer this is caused by the AWD. Hands up if that makes any sense to anyone. My vote is for the suspension.
    2. The AT, a continuation of the 2007 GM6 AT problems will intermittently fail to accelerate for a few seconds when you need to make a turn or when you simply want to speed up. Step on the gas..nothing. Press harder...nothing. Press harder...boom you are off like a rocket!
    The AT also downshifts so hard when you take your foot off the brake that it decelerates going DOWNHILL. It decelerates so hard and so unexpectedly at times that it is already slowing down hard as you are braking leading to a really hard and short stop. Surprise!
    According to the dealer, this is standard and normal and designed to work this way. Hands up if this makes any sense to anyone.
    3. The road noise is so loud you can hear it above the radio. It grinds so hard that it vibrates through the pedal and sometimes up through the steering column. According to the dealer, the noise is also due to the AWD. Oh, why not.
    4. Windows fog up instantly for no apparent reason. Try becoming instantly blind while driving. That means no visibility out the front, out the back or out the sides in an instant. Surprise!
    Feature for feature the X3 is the most expensive car in its class. It does not come with standard leather, it does not come with standard bluetooth, it has a poor standard radio system, etc.
    It does have a nice pano roof but now the question is...where is the moisture fogging the windows coming from anyway?
    What a horrible new car buying experience this thing has been. Just awful.

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy