With a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5, the BMW X3 is ranked 10th among luxury small SUVs. Poor ownership expenses are indicated by the $1,034 average yearly repair cost. You may make a few more trips to your local BMW store than usual because X3 repairs are more common.
In This Article...
Years of the BMW X3 are not all made equal.
To help you find the optimal balance of price AND dependability, CoPilot Compare lays down the pricing and feature differences between BMW X3 model years.
Since the release of the first models in its current generation, the BMW X3 has advanced significantly. The BMW X3 is now commonly regarded as the “luxury SUV that can,” which is even more impressive given that it is in direct competition with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and Audi Q5.
BMW may be a renowned company, but their cars, including the BMW X3, aren’t always dependable. The X3 line-up receives a 2.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating from RepairPal. Do yourself a favor and continue reading if you have your eye on a used BMW X3.
We quickly review the BMW X3 years to stay away from as well as the ones that are genuinely worth your time and money in today’s automobile comparison guide.
Volvo XC60 compared. the BMW X3
The brand’s XC60 SUV, which made its debut in 2008 and was followed by a second generation in 2017, continues to uphold this illustrious history.
Compared to the X3, which has a lifespan of 150,000–200,000 miles, the Volvo XC60 has a range of 200,000–250,000 miles.
- The XC60 is rated 4.0/5, which is above average, and is ranked fourth among 11 luxury small SUVs.
- The BMW X3 ranks 10th out of 11 luxury compact SUVs with a reliability rating of 2.5/5, which is below average.
- Compared to the X3, the XC60’s average annual repair and maintenance costs are $746.
Customers will choose the XC60 because of its safety, dependability, and lesser maintenance requirements, but they will choose the X3 because of its livelier driving characteristics and reputation for quality.
What issues does the BMW X3 have?
You have a problem in your cooling system if your X3 routinely overheats or if coolant seeps onto the floor of your garage. The most frequent offenders on the X3 are the radiator and coolant expansion tank. A defective thermostat or housing may possibly be the source of this problem.
A faulty radiator will set you back in the high triple digits, while an expansion tank repair would cost you about $500.
Stop your automobile if it’s overheating and get it towed! Driving an overheated engine might cause internal warping and necessitate the purchase of an entirely new engine.
Which BMW is the most dependable?
When it comes to the creation of sport sedans, BMW has established the benchmark for premium vehicles with the E90 330i that Acura and Volvo aspire to match. The BMW E90 330i is your best option if you’re looking for a sedan that provides the ideal balance of functionality and performance without sacrificing stability and comfort.
The BMW E90 330i is one of the most popular luxury vehicles in the United States and is not only the best-selling model in the 3 Series. It also sold over 336,232 units. Even in the mid-size luxury automobile category, the BMW 3 Series received the Top Safety Pick designation in 2006. The best car options in terms of driver injury prevention and driver restraint features are highlighted by this award.
Is the BMW X3 fuel-efficient?
The driving range of the BMW X3 varies depending on the trim level drivers select. The RWD sDrive30i, which can achieve up to 29 miles per gallon, is the BMW X3 model with the highest fuel efficiency. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that it performs best given that All-Wheel Drive consumes more gas.
What is the lifespan of a BMW X3?
The BMW X3 can travel between 150,000 and 200,000 miles on average with routine maintenance, good care, and cautious driving techniques. With an annual mileage of 15,000 miles, it will last for 10 to 14 years before needing significant repairs or breaking down.
Mercedes or BMW, which is more dependable?
Both BMW and Mercedes are recognized for their high-end, high-performance automobiles; yet, because of the engineering intricacy, should something go wrong, this could result in pricey repair work.
According to the J.D. Power 2021 Vehicle Dependability Study, the most recognizable brands in the world’s 2018 models were evaluated for the number of issues per 100 vehicles. With a score of 108 problems, BMW placed 11th. Mercedes-Benz came in at number 15 with 122.
Can the BMW X3 handle snow?
The X3’s xDrive AWD and 8-inch ground clearance make it a very capable snow-driving vehicle. In addition to ABS, Traction Control, and Stability Control, X3 models now include Active Guard driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies, all of which contribute to a safe winter driving experience.
Are there any transmission issues with the BMW X3?
You can drive at the speed you want thanks to your transmission, which transfers power from the engine to the wheels.
Your transmission is in charge of translating the appropriate amount of power into the appropriate amount of speed, therefore
BMWs still dependable after 100,000 miles?
BMW is renowned for producing opulent vehicles with outstanding handling and driving dynamics. Do BMWs still be reliable after more than 100,000 miles on the road?
JD Power and other reliability evaluations have routinely placed BMW among the top ten most trustworthy cars.
Furthermore, having driven a BMW myself, I can vouch to the reliability of these vehicles, even after more than 100,000 miles on them. Some models are trustworthy while others are not, therefore it also depends on the models. They require maintenance, but any vehicle that you want to keep in good running order requires maintenance as well.
It heavily depends on the circumstances. It has been said that several BMW models, including the E46 and the E90, can go more than 300,000 miles on a single charge.
This, however, depends on a number of variables. For instance, it’s possible that your car may need significant repairs after 100,000 miles if you don’t change the oil in it frequently or maintain it properly.
The BMW X3 is produced where?
The X3 is BMW’s top-selling vehicle both domestically and internationally. In 2010, BMW Spartanburg, the company’s first assembly factory outside of Germany and currently its largest production unit internationally, began producing the luxury small crossover SUV.
The BMW X3 and its coupe-like brother, the X4, will receive a mid-cycle facelift for 2022 after being last redesigned for the 2018 model year. The improvements are necessary, especially in the design area, to better visually match the X3 with other recently upgraded BMW vehicles.
The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid model will no longer be available in the 2022 X3 portfolio, which is another significant change (PHEV). The X3 sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the incredibly fast X3 M, which is in a completely other class, are the remaining trims.
A 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder powers the sDrive30i and xDrive30i, while the M40i gets a new mild-hybrid powerplant. The base sDrive30i variant is the only one with rear-wheel drive. The rest of the X3 lineup for 2022 exclusively comes with all-wheel drive (AWD).
BMWs or Audis are more dependable?
Which Luxury Car Brand Has a Better Reputation? Despite the great reliability of both BMW and Audi, Audi ultimately prevails because to its extended warranty coverage and additional safety measures.
Which BMW has the fewest issues?
The 325i was the entry-level model when the E90 made its début in 2006. A 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine with 215 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque was installed in it. The E90 range was then revised in 2008, and the 325i was replaced with the 328i. It had a 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine that produced 200 lb-ft of torque and 230 horsepower. The 268-hp 330i, according to BimmerLife, is one of the most potent naturally-aspirated BMWs ever produced.
Does the BMW X3 have four wheels?
Although the inside styling of the most recent BMW 3 Series saloon is not very daring, it is extremely welcome nonetheless. The dashboard is streamlined, fashionable, thoughtfully laid out, and exquisitely constructed from premium materials. It really outsells the Volvo XC60 in terms of upscale appeal.
Not only range-topping examples, but all examples look and feel the part on the interior. Every model offers soft-touch interior surfaces and imitation leather upholstery, with accents made of gloss black or aluminum to add aesthetic appeal. xLine and M Sport versions all come standard with an iDrive infotainment system that includes a reversing camera and BMW Live Cockpit Plus digital gauges. LED headlights and 19-inch alloy wheels are also included.
The 2.0-liter gasoline 20i kicks off the lineup, while the 3.0-liter 30d and 20d cater to diesel preferences, with the latter having 282 horsepower. There are two M Performance models: the M40i, which has a 3.0 liter turbocharged gasoline engine that produces 355 bhp, and the M40d, which has 335 bhp. With a time of under five seconds to 62 mph, it directly competes with the similarly quick and similarly expensive Audi SQ5. Due to its low emissions and the fact that it costs about the same as the xDrive30d diesel, the plug-in hybrid X3 xDrive30e is attractive to both corporate car drivers and private purchasers. We have separately tested the all-electric iX3 version.
The X3 shares the same mechanical platform as the BMW 5 Series, and all models come equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Every X3 features xDrive four-wheel drive, which, unlike the X1, gives it fairly excellent off-road capabilities. Although it’s hardly a vehicle you’d take on a safari, it can readily handle a muddy field or a slippery boat slipway.
However, how it feels back on it is superior to how it performs off-road. Despite being a very large vehicle, the X3 has remarkable body lean resistance and solid handling, which puts it on par with BMW saloons in terms of agility. Even if it doesn’t feel nearly as rewarding as the Jaguar F-Pace for pure pleasure, it can still be delightful to drive on difficult roads because of how smooth it is at its softest suspension setting.
The major issue is that by raising the starting price of the X3 in comparison to older models, BMW has effectively shifted the vehicle upmarket. More features partially justify this, but it also means the range doesn’t overlap as much with the X1 and X2 (along with SUVs from non-premium manufacturers), making X3 ownership a little more expensive for some.
Nobody who can afford a BMW X3 will be dissatisfied. It’s a fantastic SUV to drive and travel in, has a high safety rating, and is convenient for families. However, according to our Driver Power poll, BMW now has among of the lowest owner satisfaction ratings among German manufactures. Overall, though, if you’re a skilled driver, this is one of the greatest large SUVs you can buy.
Is it wise to buy X3?
Indeed, the BMW X3 is a top-notch SUV. It gives a typically pleasant ride, has a variety of powerful powertrains, and gets good gas mileage. Few other luxury small SUVs are as entertaining to drive as the BMW X3, which offers excellent handling. The X3 features a nice interior and enough of space for passengers and baggage.