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2004 BMW X3 2.5i AT

The 2004 BMW X3 2.5i AT is a 184-hp 2.5-liter SUV with a 5-speed steptronic automatic and all-wheel drive. It starts at $30,300 MSRP and is rated at 17 mpg combined.

It makes 184 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 175 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway (17 mpg combined).

The X3 measures 179.7 inches long on a 110.1-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 4,045 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSUV
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$30,300 ($52,131 *)
MSRP with Destination$30,995 ($53,326 *)
Destination Charge$695
Engine
Engine TypeDOHC inline 24-valve 6-cylinder, Double-VANOS
Displacement2.5 L
Horsepower184 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque175 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC 24V Double-VANOS steplessly variable valve timing
Bore and Stroke84.0 x 75.0
Compression Ratio10.5:1
Injection TypeElectronic throttle, dual resonance intake (Siemens MS 45)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeAWD (xDrive)
Transmission
Transmission5-speed Steptronic automatic
1st Gear3.42
2nd Gear2.22
3rd Gear1.6
4th Gear1
5th Gear0.75
Reverse3.03
Final Drive3.91
Fuel Economy
City15 MPG
Highway22 MPG
Combined17 MPG
Recommended FuelPremium unleaded
Tank Capacity17.7 gal
Suspension
Front SuspensionStruts, double-pivot lower arms, twin-tube gas-pressure shocks, anti-roll bar
Rear SuspensionMulti-link with Central Links, coil springs, twin-tube gas-pressure shocks, anti-roll bar
Turning Diameter38.4 ft
Brakes
Front Brake DiscVentilated disc 12.8 in
Rear Brake DiscVentilated disc 12.6 in
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front17 x 8.0 cast alloy
Wheels Rear17 x 8.0 cast alloy
Tires Front235/55R-17 H-rated all-season
Tires Rear235/55R-17 H-rated all-season
Dimensions & Weight
Length179.7 in
Width73 in
Height66 in
Wheelbase110.1 in
Front Track60 in
Rear Track60.7 in
Ground Clearance8 in
Approach Angle24°
Departure Angle21.9°
Cargo Volume30 ft³
Curb Weight4,045 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front39.3 in
Headroom Rear39.4 in
Legroom Front40.2 in
Legroom Rear35.8 in
Shoulder Room Front55.8 in
Shoulder Room Rear55.4 in
* Amount adjusted for inflation to 2026 dollars

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Tested, but no star ratings were published (2004 BMW X3 4-DR. w/SAB).

Recalls

1 recall on file with NHTSA for the 2004 BMW X3. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Aug 5, 2008 · AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED.

Consequence: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY EVEN IF A SUFFICIENTLY SEVERE ACCIDENT WOULD OCCUR AND OCCUPANT PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE SYSTEM WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REWORK THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT SO THAT EXTERNAL FORCE APPLICATION TO THE SEAT DOES NOT CAUSE A CRACK TO THE MAT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2008. BMW WILL ALSO EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THESE VEHICLES TO 10 YEARS FROM FIRST REGISTRATION WITHOUT ANY MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

NHTSA campaign 08V384000

219 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2004 BMW X3

Owner Complaints

219 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 BMW X3 (14 mention a crash, 16 a fire, 19 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Exterior Lighting50
Air Bags48
Seats35
Electrical System31
Power Train13
Engine And Engine Cooling11
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Sep 6, 2025 · Vehicle Speed Control
“Odometer failed - unable to get this fixed!”
Jul 25, 2023 · Electrical System, Air Bags, Seats
“AIRBAG LAMP REMIANS ON DUE TO FAILED PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTION MAT. HONOLULU BMW DEALER CLAIMS RECALL 08V384000 WAS PERFORMED JULY 18, 2008- WHICH IS THE EXACT SAME DATE LISTED IN THE RECALL…”
Nov 1, 2022 · Air Bags Crash 1 injury
“The contact ownd a 2004 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, she dozed off behind the wheel when the vehicle crashed into the rear of a tow truck. As a result, the…”
Jan 27, 2022 · Air Bags
“The airbag light is on our BMW and my 16 years daughter is driving this car. I cannot believe that BMW did not issue a recall. According to Repair Pal: "What are the symptoms of a bad Air Bag Occupant…”
Jul 8, 2020 · Power Train, Unknown Or Other, Engine Fire
“CHECK OIL LIGHT CAME ON SO VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WITHIN SECONDS, SMOKE HAD ENGULFED THE ENGINE BAY. THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES WITHIN A FEW MINUTES.”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2004 BMW X3. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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