2005 BMW X3 Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004
IIHS Crash Test
Source   IIHS.org
MPG (up to)
16 -17 City / 23 -25 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
184 -225
Seats
5
Front angle medium view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Rebecca
Best Car Ive ever owned
This vehicle can handle any type of weather. The manual transmission makes this powerful vehicle a great handler. I'd give this a 10/10. I own another BMW now.
accountCircle Anna F
The car and the way it drives.
I love my car. I love the color as well as how fast it goes. The acceleration picks up very quickly and it zooms around like it is weightless. The color is black outside and black inside, leather interior. The fuel tank is large but because of the year it was made it goes through gas very quickly. The way the car drives is fast and nice, also I am high up off of the ground to make being able to see everything very well while driving, feeling safe and secure.
accountCircle Todd B
It runs very well in the winter on snow and ice. It is very safe.
I like the space it provides more the four of us in our family. There is a lot of space to carry items and there is the flexibility of putting the back seats down providing extra space. The only downside to the vehicle is that it only carries five so if our children both want to bring a friend, then we have to use two cars.
accountCircle Molly
A solid older car, despite fixes
I was told by a garage thatI shouldn't put any money into repairing my car, and I ignored that advice; that's how much I love it. Thing is, it's a brilliant machine and has been reliable for a long time. Amortized over the past years and the years I plan to keep it, the benefits outweigh the occasional steep investment to keep it running properly.
accountCircle Crista C
One best detail about the X3 is that is the best SUV out there!
The BMW X3 model is an ultimate warrior machine. It drives through anything LITERALLY with confidence. The dashboard are so user friendly and elegant. The seats have so many different features that I never experience before to help support anyone with back pains along with heating system for those cold long months. The sunroof is amazing to enjoy a beautiful for a sunny day. Lastly, the ACTUAL performance of the vehicle speed wise and fuel is the best. 17 to 20 liters for fueling which would last for about 250 miles.
accountCircle Brittany H
I absolutely love the performance and handling of the BMW X3. I have not had any major issues with the car.
The BMW X3 is a very reliable car and extremely fun to drive!
accountCircle Jennifer M
The perfect family vehicle.
Affordable luxury SUV. Perfect for family life and traveling. Good gas mileage and come with all the bells and whistles, including a full panoramic roof, heated front seats and steering wheel. Amazing speaker system! Overall a very great mid sized SUV. I absolutely love it!
accountCircle Julia B
My car has great features for a 2005.
I love my x3 I just wish that my specific car was a newer model. In the 8 years I have had mine I have only had to have it in the shop one time!

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Brenda M
Great looks, not great for car seats
This vehicle looks really nice on the outside, however, there are several things I have issues with. You cannot lock the car from the door, you need to push the button on the key. Unlocking the car with the electric key is also a pain and often doesn't work. Terrible for car seats because once installed, there is no leg room for the person in front of it. The seatbelt buzzer goes off when anything is set on the passenger seat which is annoying as well.
accountCircle Maria S
My everyday ride with our 2005 BMW x3.
Our 2005 BMW x3 is a hand-me-down from my mother-in-law. We love that it was free. It has great mileage which helps us save gas. It is compact size is easy to maneuver too. It does not have a lot of power but it gets me to where I need to go safely. I like it is look and adds to my confidence that I am driving a luxury vehicle. Though it is very basic with no upgraded options, it is a really reliable vehicle.

BMW X3 Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
2.5i
184 HP 21-21 MPG 5 Seats
car
3.0i
225 HP 21-21 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2005 BMW X3 Owner Reviews

4.26
19 Reviews
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5 stars 37%
4 stars 53%
3 stars 11%
2 stars 0%
1 star 0%
accountCircle Cloe C on January 9, 2021
Its beautiful and fast and strong and everything and
IT's awesome and perfect makes me a cool guy and get more attention even though I'm just passing by and that's it
accountCircle Maria S on November 30, 2020
My BMW x-3 everyday ride is the best for now.
My vehicle was given as a gift so I cannot complain. It drives smoothly, it is size compact and has good gas mileage. It is definitely easier to maneuver and parking is not a problem. Because it is quite old and it did not come with upgrades, I consider it to being just an average vehicle. The luxury brand it has is definitely a plus.
View All Reviews (19) chevronRightAlternative

Ranks #1 Luxury Compact SUV by Owners

The 2005 BMW X3 has an average owner rating of 4.26 out of 5 which ranks it #1 of 2 other Luxury Compact SUVs.

1
car
2005 BMW X3
4.26
2
car
2005 Volvo XC70
4.17

Ranks #2 Luxury Compact SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2005 BMW X3 has a combined MPG of 23 which ranks it #2 of 2 other Luxury Compact SUVs.

1
car
2005 Volvo XC70
24 MPG
2
car
2005 BMW X3
23 MPG

Is The 2005 BMW X3 A Good Car?

I believe so. It has so frustrations but overall I feel like it is a good vehicle and it has some really nice features (especially given the age).
Phyllis W.

How Reliable Is The 2005 BMW X3?

It has had problems, but it is also 14 years old. Overall, I do feel like it’s reliable, but due to age I don't drive it on long trips anymore. However, maintenance is much more expensive than most... Read More
Haleigh M.

Is The 2005 BMW X3 A Good Value?

I'm not sure the exact cost, but I think it is a little overpriced. They are expensive, plus the maintenance is more expensive (and you can't just take it to any shop), parts are more expensive, and... Read More
Aaron M.

Related Articles for 2005 BMW X3

From the Vehicle History blog

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Best and Worst Years for BMW X3

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2005 BMW X3 aux input location?

Answer: The 2005 BMW X3 aux input location is at the rear of the center console. You will come into problems with the sound. This could be from the stereo's speakers or a phone that is connected to the vehicle....

2005 BMW X3: What is the size of the trunk and cargo space?

Answer: The 2005 BMW X3 has a cargo capacity of 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats, increasing to 71 cubic feet when the rear seating area is taken into account. This is about on par with other vehicles in itS-Class...

What kind of oil does the 2005 BMW X3 use?

Answer: The type of oil that should be used in the 2005 BMW X3 iS5W-30 or 0W-30 in all temperatures for both the 2.5 L 6-cylinder and 3.0 L 6-cylinder engine. The capacity for the vehicle iS6.6 quarts with a filter for...

Does the 2005 BMW X3 have a timing belt or chain?

Answer: The 2005 BMW X3 does have a timing chain. You will come into many issues with an engine. A spark plug may pop off, causing engine issues. A gasket may be loose and that needs to be tightened up. A spark plug...
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Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test
(Not Rated)
*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety