The Lemon Index2004 BMW X3.
The 2004 BMW X3 is worse than average by owner complaints: 47 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 158, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about visibility, it has 1 recall, and it gets 17 to 18 mpg combined. The best BMW X3 year is 2012.
Worse than average. 1.6× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2012
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Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 138 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every BMW X3 year. 2004 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 20K to 99K miles on the car (106 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- seats complaints mostly came at 65K–114K miles
- airbags complaints mostly came at 35K–90K miles
Recalls 1
- airbags 2008
BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems BMW told dealers about
BMW sent dealers 60 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- "repairing transfer case actuator (vtg servo-motor)
- Shudder from the Driveline on Vehicles with xDrive
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedBmw airbag light illumination2008
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front — · side — · rollover —
Fuel cost and engines
About $4400–4700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
2004 mini cooper: front windshield crack began after car was three months old.
2004 BMW X3 owner · NHTSA complaint 10115939
Quick answers
Is the 2004 BMW X3 reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 158; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW X3 year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2004 BMW X3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are visibility (15%), electrical (13%) and transmission & drivetrain (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2004 BMW X3 have?
1 safety recall (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 BMW X3 get?
17 to 18 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2004 BMW X3 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 20,300 and 99,000 miles. The middle report was at 65,000 miles, from 106 complaints.
Does the 2004 BMW X3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 13% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2004 BMW X3 cost in fuel a year?
About $4400 to $4700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2004 BMW X3 have?
2.5L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What BMW X3 year is better than the 2004?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2018 and 2014.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works