Re: Considering a 2006 X-3 3.0L for my wife

The 2006 is the last year of the 5 speed AT. It is the 2007 and beyond years that received the problematic (to be diplomatic) 6-speed GM6 AT. Either the 2006's didn't have similar problems or people simply didn't notice or say anything about them.

The general purpose advice is to see it you can get an over night or weekender extended test drive. The X3's are supposed to have gotten a better ride in 2005 and then again in 2007 so it may be too bumpy, rocky, swaying for her liking.

The ride problems are evident at low speeds on less than perfect paved roads. They are not evident at highway speeds or under acceleration.

Since you know BMWs, this is different from the firm and sporty ride you expect. It is sway or bounce that is not felt in the sedans.

They seem to be sturdy cars although they have only been around since 2004 so there probably are not that many with high mileage. Good luck.

Maybe a suspension problem that causes the bouncing ride:

http://www.insideline.com/bmw/x3/2005/long-term-test-2005-bmw-x3.html

"In fact, our only real concern with the X3's performance during the yearlong test was one weekend excursion to Death Valley, California. Since the BMW X3 is an SUV with all-wheel drive, we expected that it would be able to handle a dirt road. Unfortunately, an afternoon spent on a bumpy desert road proved to be too much. The tires held up fine, but the rear suspension couldn't handle the stress. We can only assume that our test vehicle's street-focused sport package had something to do with it. In any case, both rear shocks were rendered useless and several suspension parts needed replacement. Luckily, the repair was covered under warranty. From that day on, we kept the cute ute on the pavement."