[PorscheGAL]

Originally Posted by LeRoux Strydom

We have a 2005 X3 3.0i with auto box bought new, currently on 142000 km.

They are great cars, and I would buy another if this one ever dies.

The early models had some issues, the transfer case puked on ours at about 120000 km but it was not terribly expensive to fix. I also had to replace the coolant expansion tank and fix a leaking input selector shaft seal on the gearbox. Something I have to do in the near future is to replace the VANOS seals.

Make sure you get the 3.0 with the N52 motor (2006 onwards I think), it is a worthwhile upgrade from the earlier M54 motor found in 04-05 models.

+2 on the 2006 and later.

I had the 2005 M54 X3. It was the worst car I have owned. At 60,000 miles on the odo I spent thousands fixing things. Radiator replaced, Gas leak, Back windshield fluid leak that flooded the back seat. Electrical issues. Final blow was an A/C leak that would have required pulling out the entire dash to get to the problem. This was in the span of 8 months.