Prospective 2006 x3 owner's questions

[gcopter]

I'm considering getting an 06 x3 and have questions.

If the mileage on the vehicle is still under the warranty limit, can I just take it to any authorized dealer and have them run up an inspection?

After the original warranty expires, is it advisable to get an extended warranty? (even though these are not performed by BMW techs)

If so, which one should I get; transmission or engine? ( which is more prone to breaking?)

What does the "E(and a number inserted here)" designation means? I've seen a lot of posts around here where they mention this referring to, I guess, their particular model of x3.

What does the "SI" refers to as opposed to "I"?

Other than low mileage, are there any significant advantages of an '06 vs. an '05 model?

Thanks for any replies.

[UncleJ]

The '06 is the last of the original X3 series, 04-06. The '07 series changed to a slightly more powerful engine and a (problamatic in many views:mad:) 6 speed auto transmission, for which there is a sticky at the top of the forum. If the car is an '06 and has less than 50k miles on the clock it is still covered by the original warranty. I doubt that a dealer will do a full unscheduled inspection at no cost, but would almost certainly run the VIN for you to see what work has been performed including repairs and service. I have an '06 and it has been an exceptionally reliable car in over 45K miles. In fact, it is the only reason I still have the car because the ride over rough pavement is horrible:yikes:. However be that as it may, the X3 does ride well on smooth pavement, gets decent fuel economy, and has good performance. It is a useful car with a utilitarian interior that some might even say is spartan. Problems with the '06 seem to be things like sunroofs, door seals, water leaks, electronic and electric gremlins and that sort of thing. The engine and transmission, at least in the '06 seem excellent. if you are going to get one take a LONG test drive over some nasty pavement to gain a full appreciation for the X3. Good luck:angel:.

[X3-terrestrial]

1-If the mileage on the vehicle is still under the warranty limit, can I just take it to any authorized dealer and have them run up an inspection?

2-After the original warranty expires, is it advisable to get an extended warranty? (even though these are not performed by BMW techs)

3-If so, which one should I get; transmission or engine? ( which is more prone to breaking?)

4-What does the "E(and a number inserted here)" designation means? I've seen a lot of posts around here where they mention this referring to, I guess, their particular model of x3.

5-What does the "SI" refers to as opposed to "I"?

6-Other than low mileage, are there any significant advantages of an '06 vs. an '05 model?

Thanks for any replies.
1-Yes, but be prepared to pay.
2-It's a good option.
3-That's hard to answer, both are really good.
4-It's a designation for BMW models. All current X3's are e83's.
5-SI badge started in 2007 I think. I=Injected, dunno about the S.
6-06 models have color coded bumpers instead of black bumpers. Which is not an advantage to me.

[gcopter]

Thank you all for you very informative replies. In reference to question #3, X3-terrestrial, you're saying both engine and tranny are really good, as in, they are very reliable (I guess as in regards to this particular year for this model), so, can I surmise then that neither extended warranty is necessary? I know this is stretching it, but, should I just go ahead and go at it alone and hope for the best?

Guess what I'm trying to get at is what would be more expensive to repair, vs., what's more prone to breaking.

What is it exactly (for the most part), that engine extended warranties cover?

Transmissions, seems to me are more straight forward; everything and anything that can go wrong is there, as opposed to engines, which have more components which can't be called exactly "engine", and not be covered as such.

[lerker]

I have a 2006, bought it used about a year ago with 35,xxx miles. It has been a fantastic car so far. I really don't mind the ride at all, although I knew what I was getting into, my mom has a 2005 X3. I did my homework, the 2006 gets very good reviews in terms of quality and reliability. The current X3 is based on the previous generation 3 series, and it contains a lot of the same mechanical and electronic gear... they had a lot of time to get it right! For what it's worth, consumer reports rates the 06 very, very well.

In my opinion, extended warranties are not worth the paper they are printed on. If you are really concerned about long term maintenance costs, then don't buy anything other than a BMW certified pre-owned X3. CPO vehicles are covered up to 100,000 miles or 10 years(?) by BMW. Mine is not CPO, but I got a great deal and saved a whole lot over an identically equipped CPO X3.

Great car... you won't regret buying one!

[cloudjy]

You can check the Ext. Warranty offered by Warranty Direct who sells CarMax's MAXCARE. Not all 3rd Party Ext. Warranty companies have good ratings. You should also consider Ext. Maintenance from the dealership if you can get good pricing. The costly maintenance within 100k may be the brake service which materials cost ~$300 for 2 pads and 2 rotors.

-- Johnny

[b-y]

1-Yes, but be prepared to pay.
2-It's a good option.
3-That's hard to answer, both are really good.
4-It's a designation for BMW models. All current X3's are e83's.
5-SI badge started in 2007 I think. I=Injected, dunno about the S.
6-06 models have color coded bumpers instead of black bumpers. Which is not an advantage to me.

"S" = the then new 3-liter engine with a bit more HP. The earlier years continued to use the older engine even though the 3-series had switched over.

[gcopter]

Another thing I wanted to run by here, what, in your opinion, ought to be the "critical" mileage on an 05 X3?
By critical I mean, after the 50K miles warranty is over, what is the next "plateau" to be aware of maintenance/trouble wise?