Hey Scotty, I have a 2004 BMW X3 3.0i with 150k miles on it with a manual transmission. I noticed it does not share a transmission or other parts with the 3 series cars, and it seems to be the only BMW made with this transmission. I've owned it for about a year now and was wondering if you have any experience with them, or if you know anything to look out for in the future. Thank you!
-Markos from Philadelphia
Those are not good cars in the US (actually one of the worst SUVs you can have in the US). I would advise you to get rid of it before you loose your shirt on the repairs.
The 2004 BMW X3 3.0i has the M54 engine, a predecessor engine to the N52.
I can't speak directly to the M54, but I can share some things about the N52.
My N52 eventually developed a leak at the valve cover gasket. It was kinda scary when I discovered the leak, because smoke was coming in through the vents of the car, I thought I had fire going on under the hood. Upon investigation, it was just oil burning on the manifold.
With age, it is expected to leak. But the problem was replacing it is not as easy as other cars, and cost more than it would another car. There is so much that needs to be removed and replaced, that is why the labor charge is higher.
The other thing with the engine was the PCV valve went bad. Usually you could just swap out the valve, but the damn thing was built into the valve cover itself. Which requires getting another valve cover, to replace the damn PCV valve.
I also had the thermostat go out, and needed replacing.
Lastly, those spark plug coils are expensive!!! They will go out eventually.
The car performed amazing otherwise. Just expensive to maintain. I am not sure how it translates to the 2004 X3 with M54, but hopefully it give you some insight.
