BMW X3

4186 messages,  Last post on May 26, 2013 at 11:24 AM

You are in the BMW X3 & X5 Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW X3, SUV

#2102 of 4186 Knocking engines and rattling windows by babydoc

Aug 06, 2005 (7:52 pm)

I mostly purchase gas from Phillips, as it is the closest. I will try some of the other name brands and see if there's a difference. If not, sounds like I need to call the BMW service centers.
The rattling doesn't seem to be heat-related.
When I took it in for the problem, I was told that BMW was going to have to replace all the window seals- so far, nothing, and it's driving me nuts. I'll have to try and write BMW to see if what recourse I have. It's ridiculous to buy a car of this price and reputation and have to be barraged constantly with the rattling. Of course, when I test drove the car, they'd sealed it up well, so there was no rattling. Now they can't repeat the sealing process for whatever reason.
I do love the looks of the car and the zippiness, but I'd think that I shouldn't have to put up all these noises.
So if anyone out there is looking for a 2004 X3- check the windows!

#2103 of 4186 Re: Serious brake problem [stone3] by kdshapiro

Aug 07, 2005 (8:11 pm)

I wonder if it is possible for a total vacuum loss on the system? Brakes are mechanical (until I guess drive-by-wire-brake becomes standard). With two cylinders and multiple lines I would think the odds of both cylinders failing at the same time are astronomical. Even with a loss of vacuum one can stop the vehicle if the brakes are pressed hard enough or use the emergency brake.
 
I don't know enough about how brakes are engineered with respect to the boost. We all know after the engine is shut off and the brakes are pumped 5 or 6 times there is no boost left. Maybe someone could comment.
 
FYI - This link has a drawing of the master cylinder.
 
http://www.chris-longhurst.com/carbibles/brake_bible.html

#2104 of 4186 kdshapiro by div2

Aug 07, 2005 (9:02 pm)

It sure sounds like driver error to me, especially the part about "only" going five miles per hour. Heck, at that speed you can almost stop the car by dragging your foot. How much do you want to bet that the brake system checks out fine?

#2105 of 4186 .. by kyfdx HOST

Aug 08, 2005 (8:41 am)

99.9% of these cases are driver error...
 
However, if the engine died, it would sure feel like the brakes had failed, without any power assist..
 
Without that qualifier... I'd say the percentage increases to 99.99%..
 
regards,
kyfdx

#2106 of 4186 Gas and an update on Gas Mileage by markcincinnati

Aug 08, 2005 (8:58 am)

The BMW engine (either one) requires premium gas. It is MORE expensive to use lower grade gas, since it is typical that more gas is used to keep the power up. This engine(s) has a high compression ratio. Use a minimum of 91.
 
Also use a top tier gas and you will notice an improvement after perhaps a half a dozen tankfuls.
 
"TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is a recently established new standard for gasoline performance. Four of the world's top automakers, BMW, General Motors, Honda, and Toyota recognize that the current EPA minimum detergent requirements do not go far enough to ensure optimal engine performance."
 
Top Tier Gas Home Page
 
Over the weekend, another 600 miles -- purchased 3 tankfuls (never allowed the car to get to 1/2 full, always refilled above 1/2 tank that is, arrived home with almost a full tank.) Reset the mileage computer each time. Highest just under 26, lowest about 23.5. My QND average would be 24.5 for the whole weekend.
 
Yesterday: 90+ degrees. Speed average 73. Speed peak 88, speed "normal" about 80, 2 people, luggage, 2 shelties (Sammy and Sophie) A/C set to 67, sunroof closed but inner light shield open (HOT DAY!).
 
We are pleased with the milage -- been using about 2/3 toptier gas -- car passed 5,000 miles last week.

#2107 of 4186 Anyone have window noise problem or switch problem with 05 model 3.0? by yetialan

Aug 09, 2005 (8:46 pm)

Anyone have window noise problem or switch problem with 05 model 3.0?
 
Looking to lease an x3 3.0 for wife. Picking it up 9/1/05 should I not get it? Are there many problems with the car from your exp.?
 
Thanks

#2108 of 4186 Re: Gas and an update on Gas Mileage [markcincinnati] by rob34

Aug 10, 2005 (4:16 pm)

Replying to: markcincinnati (Aug 08, 2005 8:58 am)
I have about 800 miles on my X5 '03. I use only top tier premium gas. I have been getting about 16.5 miles to the gallon. I would say 90% city as most of my highway driving is in traffic. I have used the AC at most 5% of the time. I have not been driving aggressive.
 
Would this be classified as normal? I do notice when I am able to drive on the highway at 60 mph plus miles miles per gallon go up. But overall I have been disappointed in the mpg.
 
My '02 X5 averaged over 18 mpg over the time I had it.
 
On another note it was nice having the trip computer in the X5. It is way more comprehensive than the X3. I could reset my mpg for each trip and then leave the other one alone to calculate long period's of time. It was also nice to be able to see the outside temperature, clock, radio station and whatever the computer was set on all at the same time. In the X3 if I want outside temp and radio station, I have no clock etc etc.

#2109 of 4186 Re: Gas and an update on Gas Mileage [rob34] by kyfdx HOST

Aug 10, 2005 (5:51 pm)

Replying to: rob34 (Aug 10, 2005 4:16 pm)
The X3 shouldn't have any worse gas mileage than the X5 it replaced...
 
800 miles isn't very much... give it some time to break-in..

#2110 of 4186 Re: Gas and an update on Gas Mileage [rob34] by markcincinnati

Aug 10, 2005 (6:03 pm)

Replying to: rob34 (Aug 10, 2005 4:16 pm)
Our X3 3.0 has a manual transmission. I would be shocked if your X5 was a stick.
 
The stick does get somewhat better MPG.
 
The X5 weighs more than an X3.
 
The miles on your X5 are so low, I would call it in break in mode.

#2111 of 4186 Is the x3 body style changing for 06 or 07? by yetialan

Aug 16, 2005 (7:45 pm)

Is the x3 body style changing for 06 or 07?
 
Anyone know I am going o buy one but would hate to have the older style I guess I will be stuck with the 225hp engine sounds like they will put the 255 engine in the car
 
Thanks
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