[mar87]

Hi everyone,
We are currently thinking of buying an X3 (2005-2007). My wife and I are trying to decide between a 2008 BMW X5 7 Passenger 3.0 or a 2007 X3 2.5 / 3.0 or a Honda Odyssey (2006-2010). We have 3 children and currently they all fit in our honda civic with Diono car seats.

Our main concern is not to lose much on depreciation and value of the vehicles and gas which is why I don't want to buy new given the amount of taxes and gas we pay in Canada.

What kind of things should I be aware about before purchasing this vehicle? My wife insists we go for the cheaper X3 to see how we actually like it and then think about an upgrade to the X5 later.

Is it worth purchasing a BMW X3 (auto) with this many miles? Is it true BMW engines and transmissions die out fast? How long would this vehicle last if maintained properly? There are also many options around 100,000 miles for around $12,000.

Here's one example:
http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/X3/N...howcpo=ShowCPO

Thanks for reading. Appreciate the time.

[Endless619]

Originally Posted by mar87

Hi everyone,
We are currently thinking of buying an X3 (2005-2007). My wife and I are trying to decide between a 2008 BMW X5 7 Passenger 3.0 or a 2007 X3 2.5 / 3.0 or a Honda Odyssey (2006-2010). We have 3 children and currently they all fit in our honda civic with Diono car seats.

Our main concern is not to lose much on depreciation and value of the vehicles and gas which is why I don't want to buy new given the amount of taxes and gas we pay in Canada.

What kind of things should I be aware about before purchasing this vehicle? My wife insists we go for the cheaper X3 to see how we actually like it and then think about an upgrade to the X5 later.

Is it worth purchasing a BMW X3 (auto) with this many miles? Is it true BMW engines and transmissions die out fast? How long would this vehicle last if maintained properly? There are also many options around 100,000 miles for around $12,000.

Here's one example:
http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/X3/N...howcpo=ShowCPO

Thanks for reading. Appreciate the time.

Any X3 is tiny and IMO too small to be a comfortable vehicle if you are over 6 feet tall. I have been in those years and the interior is also cheap. Mileage is just OK. I would stay under 60,000 or 70,000 if you can.

I would go with the E70 X5 and be done with it.

If you are tight on money then I would consider an Acura RDX, Acura MDX, Toyota 4runner, etc.. Awesome vehicles and they run forever and 90,000 miles would be nothing on those SUVs.

[Meeni]

The X5 is significantly more comfy but it also cost more in maintenance (big wheels/tires, etc).

The X3 should serve you well. You have to be careful with oil leaks, they are not show stoppers, but you can get sticker shock when visiting the dealership to get them fixed. Be wary of any oil grit, especially under the engine.

[IEDEI]

the X3 is a waste...won't be much bigger than a small hatchback on the inside.

get a 5-series wagon or an Audi avant.

[tuco44]

I won't buy either of the OPs 2 choices if there are budget concerns. A previous poster mentioned several used Japanese choices which makes sense from a reliability and value POV.

Used BMWs are often expensive to maintain and they are not particularly cheap on fuel either.

[BMWinAZ]

As the owner of a 2007 X3 3.0si I can wholeheartedly recommend the X3, I absolutely love mine! It is easily the funnest vehicle I have ever driven, while retaining a modicum of everyday usefulness. I bought it used with about 77k miles and have driven around 10k miles in the past year. Before purchasing, I had it inspected by a very good but grumpy mechanic (who had very low opinions about most contemporary German cars) and who could think of no major flaws other than the window motors being somewhat sickly on some of them. I have had some maintenance repairs on the vehicle that are normal for the age and mileage, some of which were covered by the warranty I purchased with it (and which I would recommend to any buyer of a used German car). The X3 of this vintage has the N52 engine (which it shares with some 3series BMWs), which is one of the better and more reliable BMW engines of recent years imo. The maintenance for our two BMWS at a good local Indy BMW shop is no more than what we paid for our Hondas at the local Honda dealer in years past. The key to finding and keeping a good, reliable BMW (and any German car) imo is maintenance. These vehicles do not take kindly to skipped or sloppy maintenance. Also, the bigger and "racier" the engine the more finicky it seems to be (i.e. the N54 in 335i). I am 6' tall and anywhere between lbs. 175 and 180 and I have no issues to find a comfortable position, front or back, in the X3. I have transported three European-sized adults in the back comfortably. Exterior size is equivalent to an 04 Honda CRV, seating space also, cargo space is slightly smaller. Gas mileage for me is around 19 miles/gallon, but I am not a very conservative driver and run the AC a lot. The handling is absolutely phenomenal and nothing like an SUV! No body roll, sway or dip! It drives just like my wife's 328i! But keep in mind the suspension is very stiff, which I like but many Americans hate. The x drive works great in snow and on wet roads, especially with snow tires. I think quality and materials are very good in my X3. The heated seats are extremely powerful and on the highest setting penetrate layers of heavy winter clothing in a few minutes. The electric sports seats are THE most comfortable seats I have ever had. But again, I like seats to be very firm! Bottom line: I love my X3! Also, according to the German Automobil Club's roadside assistance statistics reliability is pretty good: in the top ten, on the same level with the Honda CR-V.

[Lucky13]

I owned a 2004 and 2007 X3. The suspension is very stiff but they do handle well. The X3 produced back in the mid 2000's actually won several awards for the highest quality car produced in Europe (it actually was built by Magna Steyr Under license from BMW) in Austria. The only issue with the N52 engine as mentioned are leaking gaskets and water pumps but its a solid engine and transmission. Gas mileage is not going to be that great, 22-23 hwy and maybe 18-19 city. I would want the service history before ever considering a vehicle with 93,000 miles. Like someone said 4 runners are great but for that price you would be looking at 150,000 miles on it. My son's 4 runner (2008) has 80,000 and it's still worth $18-20K. So yes you can get an Acura or 4 Runner but at that price point ($11-12K) they will have very high mileage.

[mar87]

Thanks for the replies. As for the previous poster, from what I am aware the X5 and odyssey are not much different in maintenance costs and fuel. I heard BMWs are expensive to maintain if done at the dealer. Budget isnt a problem but I dont want to spend $5000-$10,000 per year to maintain a car. There is one for 2007 X5 for $20,000 and 166,000 KM or $25,000 for 110,000 KM.

How much is maintenance for these things and how many miles do they go up to before major issues?

Thanks

[mar87]

Example

http://www.curvemotors.com/used/BMW/...119893c056.htm

[dtwyim]

I am on my second odyssey. Last one I traded at 168,000km because I do not want to pay for timing belt and another set of tires. Also new model coming out when I got it last year. Nothing wrong with it other than regular maintenance.

Those Hondas go forever if you maintain them.

Also cheaper to fix than BMW IMO.

[mar87]

How much more expensive?? Arent bmws expensive to maintain mostly because people go through the dealership for repairs? That wont be the case with mine.

[BMWinAZ]

As I said earlier, a good independent BMW mechanic is about cost equivalent to a Honda dealer as far as regular maintenance goes. However, I am a little confused on comparing an X3 and an Odyssey. They are very different animals as far as driving sensation, looks, and purpose. I personally would have no use for an Odyssey, I mostly only have to move 3 people and a small dog around and I very much enjoy the power, sporty, responsive, precise and stiff handling of the X3. IMO the Honda Odyssey is worlds removed from that! However, if you need to move more people on a regular basis reliably and in comfort, the Odyssey may be better for you.

[BMWinAZ]

Originally Posted by dtwyim

I am on my second odyssey. Last one I traded at 168,000km because I do not want to pay for timing belt and another set of tires. Also new model coming out when I got it last year. Nothing wrong with it other than regular maintenance.

Those Hondas go forever if you maintain them.

Also cheaper to fix than BMW IMO.

BMWs also go forever if you maintain them. Hondas, however, will go for a long time, even when not maintained!

[dtwyim]

If you stay with dealer, BMW more expensive, parts and labour.

If you go with Indy shop, labour might be similar, but BMW parts would be more expensive. I would also hazard to guess more chance of things going wrong in European cars.

I do not think one should compare BMW Indy vs Honda dealer.

I am also a bit confused by OP. You did say at one point budget is not a problem.

I myself would like to pick the type of vehicle that I want first, then look at budget and try to stay within budget.

Looks like OP has a budget, then look at all available options.

Just my cheap 2 cents.

[dtwyim]

I have experience with both types of cars

[mar87]

Thanks for the replies.

Budget isn't a problem that is why I jumped from a $13,000 car to a $25,000 one.

However, I would not be interested in spending $3000-$5000 per year to "maintain" a car. That is just not what I would like to do. I have checked Google but could not find any definite answer on the cost of maintaining this vehicle. Everyone just throws out the "too expensive to maintain" ordeal. It seems like some people don't want any other people owning BMWS. Seems like "me me me me! You can't own it!!! Only I can!" in disguise - Kidding.

But as stated earlier, my father in law owns a large mechanic shop and his shop has worked on German cars successfully with many returning customers. So a mechanic wouldn't be a problem.

Can someone give me a ball park figure on the costs of maintaining this car per year? What about an Odyssey vs X5? My wife isn't interested in driving an Odyssey lol.

PS I found another 2007 X5 Si for 82,000 KM for $24,000 as well.

Thanks again.

[BMWinAZ]

I completely agree with the labor cost difference between Indy BMW shop and dealer. And this is not just hourly rate but also how much time they charge you for.
I recently had the windshield washer pump on my wife's E90 replaced. My mechanic quoted me around $130 for parts and labour (1 hour). My warranty company who uses BMW's labor hour recommendations told him to charge them 1.7 hours plus 0.5 hours for diagnostics!

[mar87]

Yes but I have stated a few times that my father in law's shop will be used so mechanic shop isn't an issue. I just don't want to ask him advice on this because he will just say don't buy a BMW. He just hates German cars. So at this point I am wondering how much are "more" parts than the average japanese car and how often will they need to be changed/repaired etc.

[BMWinAZ]

I am still confused! Do you want a luxury sporty SUV or a comfy people mover? If you want a "set it and forget it" car get the Honda, if you want to look forward to driving fun every day get the BMW. However, be prepared to spend some time on diligent maintenance. German cars are intricate works of engineering art and need conscientious care to last a long time!

[dtwyim]

OP, I think you and your wife both want a BMW. Sounds like the only person against it is your father in law.

Sounds like you will get labour for free or cheap, so you just have to pay for parts.

Go and get that X5 and let your shop worry about maintaining/ fixing it.

[dtwyim]

Or spend $25,000 on a Honda Accord which is a few years old. Then you get a bigger car for your growing kids, low maintenance costs, and let someone else take the depreciation hit.

[mar87]

BMWinAZ - Why does it matter what I am looking for? That wasn't my question. What I am asking is on the maintenance of this car but everyone keeps trying to suggest what I should be getting instead. We are thinking of buying this car (it was either this or Odyssey but more so this SUV better for harsh winters, funner to drive etc.) so I just wanted suggestions from the "experts."

I dont understand whenever a person new to a luxury brand asks advice about them, people are immediately ready to try to turn him away from his decision. Funny. If I can't afford this car, then I would go for a Kia. BTW I am in my 20s, doing good for my age and worked hard to get where I am. But what I am trying to ask is,
A) Are high KM ok for this make?
B) How "MUCH" estimated maintenance on such models?

I would appreciate not being told what I should be getting instead. As I am more than aware of Honda Accords, vans, hyundai's etc.

Thanks