DecodedCars2006 BMW X3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD /2.5i, 4dr SUV AWD /3.0i
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 255 hp
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 15 city / 23 hwy
- Length
- 179.9 in
- Curb weight
- 4,001–4,068 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 12 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 BMW X3 is a SUV - offered with a 3.0L 6-cyl engine and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 180 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 110-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,001 lb (4dr SUV AWD /2.5i).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (15 city / 23 highway), 6% better than the 2006 SUV - average of 17 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 77 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2006
- Engine dropped: 2.5L 6-cyl
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 X3 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Graz, Austria
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2006 X3 configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD /2.5i | 179.9 in | 72.8 in | 65.7 in | 109.8 in | 58.7 / 59.8 in | 4,001 lb | 50/50 |
| 4dr SUV AWD /3.0i | 179.9 in | 72.8 in | 65.7 in | 109.8 in | 58.7 / 59.8 in | 4,068 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X3 | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | +6% | $4,550 | 494 |
| X3 | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 17 | 0% | $4,850 | 523 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 BMW X3 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 BMW X3 (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 12 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Porsche Cayenne | 15 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2006 BMW X5 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Lexus RX | 27 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2006 Volvo XC90 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Lexus GX | 15 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification · Sep 28, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V605000 · 85,302 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2010 BMW X3 2.5i, X3 3.0i and X3 xDrive30i Sports Activity Vehicles. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if, and how, the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
- Risk
- Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. A second notification letter will be sent when parts are available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2006 BMW X3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 BMW X3 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 45 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Seats — 20 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 105,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 BMW X3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other X3 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 X3 | 29 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 22 |
| 2025 X3 | 29 | 187.4 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 38 |
| 2024 X3 | 25 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 42 |
| 2023 X3 | 25 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 15 |
| 2022 X3 | 25 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 84 |
| 2021 X3 | 27 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 113 |
| 2020 X3 | 27 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 16 | 110 |
| 2019 X3 | 26 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 171 |
| 2018 X3 | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 11 | 76 |
| 2017 X3 | 24 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 6 | 92 |
| 2016 X3 | 30 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 5 | 82 |
| 2015 X3 | 30 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 7 | 104 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →