BMW X3 2.0 SE x drive Auto

Disappointing

I chose this car as my company ride becuase of the benficial tax rating. The car was ordered in January 2011, so didnt have the opportunity for a test drivce prior to ordering, but as we had had a previous model X3, it could only be good news with the update etc. All reviews were very promising and we eagerly awaited the delivery, expected April.

April came and went, then May and June. July was given as a tentative date and then on the first of July, the dealer advised they had received the car and should be ready in a week.

First impressions very much concured with the trade press. However after about 2k miles, a grumbling sound started to appear at certain load speeds through the drivetrain - usually about 2k revs and 40mph. Car went back to dealer to investigate and as always, the sound was not apparent.

At about 6k miles, steering fault came up on the computer. Back to dealer who under advice from BMW replaced the entire steering rack. A little bit of 'net research and certain models in the USA were recalled due to power steering problems

http://carpressrelease.com/175/2011-bmw-x3-recalled-over-power-steering-problems/

The grumbling has started to appear again.....

But that is OK - now nearing 10k miles and my local dealer now has had the car for 2 weeks looking at the failure of the drivers window regulator and have advised me that it could be upto a further 8 weeks before the part comes from Germany. Perhaps during this time they can rectify the steering????

All credit to the dealer, they have been very good throughout all of my issues and kept me upto speed at all times, but this is not something that I would expect from a supposedly high end manufacturer.

We shall wait to see how the car comes back....

All this aside, the car drives more like a car than a 4x4, but space is limited in the boot, particularly if you have young children.

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