BMX X3 4x4 Does and Do not

[IRBLITZ]

Hi,
I just bought a 2006 BMW X3 2.5 AT. I see it has basic 4x4 capability, as in it has hill decent assist and you can dis-engage the DTC.
I was told never to go driving in sand with this car (for example on sand dunes) as the AT Gearbox will overheat and break. I need to know how true this is, I have taken the car on some very basic 4x4 off road trips, and this car is wonderful. I will never attempt any extreme 4x4 off road, but I need to know a bit more about this car abilities and what it was designed for as I do not want to risk damaging the car.
Any help and advise is appreciated.

 

[m0lt3n]

my father has enjoyed sand a lot with his. I think short stints will be fine, not the skeleton coast just maybe half an hour of hard driving at a time. but I do stand to be corrected...

 

[IRBLITZ]

my father has enjoyed sand a lot with his. I think short stints will be fine, not the skeleton coast just maybe half an hour of hard driving at a time. but I do stand to be corrected...

Thanks for the advice

 

[cOlDFuSiOn]

Welcome, post a pic or 2 of your ride too :coolShake:

Never owned any offroad vehicle in my life, but I am sure the X3 should be okay with nominal terrain.

 

[IRBLITZ]

Welcome, post a pic or 2 of your ride too :coolShake:

Never owned any offroad vehicle in my life, but I am sure the X3 should be okay with nominal terrain.

Will do Once I have taken some pics. Having new tyres fitted tomorrow as dealers managed to fit 4 different size tyres on the car, surely that is not a good thing ?

 

[m0lt3n]

my father's X3 went into limp mode rather quickly when one odd sized tyre was fitted. so strange it didnt happen to you. But I would assume your X3 would have done the same if it was an issue so you should be fine.
he has a 2007 2.0d, driving like an old man 100kmph he is managing 18kmpl. he drives 400km before the fuel needle even starts to drop after a fill up. great machines

 

[Nick]

 

[Blue Shirt]

Our X3 is surprisingly capable in modest off-road conditions. I would not try hard-core grade 5 trails with it, but these are just for people who like to show off and perhaps break their vehicles.

The X3 will be fine in sandy conditions, there is a guy over on the 4x4community forum with an X3 who has posted extensively about his driving in the Namibian dunes.

Your X3 with auto gearbox has an oil cooler for the gearbox oil, so under normal conditions, it should not overheat unless you really abuse it.

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Will do Once I have taken some pics. Having new tyres fitted tomorrow as dealers managed to fit 4 different size tyres on the car, surely that is not a good thing ?

It is very important to have the same tyre size of the same type on all four corners of the X3. Even tyres with different tread depths due to uneven wear will lead to a damaged transfer case which is a weak point on the E83 X3. You should normally rotate the tyres so that all four wear out at similar rates, then replace all four at the same time.

 

[IRBLITZ]

Our X3 is surprisingly capable in modest off-road conditions. I would not try hard-core grade 5 trails with it, but these are just for people who like to show off and perhaps break their vehicles.

The X3 will be fine in sandy conditions, there is a guy over on the 4x4community forum with an X3 who has posted extensively about his driving in the Namibian dunes.

Your X3 with auto gearbox has an oil cooler for the gearbox oil, so under normal conditions, it should not overheat unless you really abuse it.

---

Will do Once I have taken some pics. Having new tyres fitted tomorrow as dealers managed to fit 4 different size tyres on the car, surely that is not a good thing ?

It is very important to have the same tyre size of the same type on all four corners of the X3. Even tyres with different tread depths due to uneven wear will lead to a damaged transfer case which is a weak point on the E83 X3. You should normally rotate the tyres so that all four wear out at similar rates, then replace all four at the same time.

---

Thanks, I also thought my car should do fine on the dunes. I have read some about the tyres, that is why I rather order the STD tyres and they are being fitted this morning. Fortunately I have done less than 500km on these odd tyres, I just hope damage has not been done yet. BTW what 4x4 Forums can I go see this Guy post about his x3 ?
Thanks for the advice

 

[Blue Shirt]

See here:
http://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php?t=232764&highlight=bartho
http://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php?t=9119&highlight=bartho
http://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php?t=206172&highlight=bartho