The 28i and 35i are two of the most popular trim levels that the BMW X3 has been available in. A 4 cylinder engine with 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque is standard on the 28i. This is the more economical choice, and because it is a little less expensive than the 35i, it is more widely available on the used car market.
A 3.0L inline 6-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque powers the X3 35i. This is the better option if you want a sportier compact SUV, but upgrading to a larger engine may reduce fuel efficiency. Additionally, it is well known that the 35i has less mechanical issues than the 28i, but this may simply be due to the fact that there are fewer of them on the road.
What you enjoy in a car and your budget ultimately determine which of the two models you should choose. Compared to the 28i, the 35i will be sportier, but it will cost more to buy and maintain. They are fairly similar to one another in terms of interior trim and technology.
In This Article...
What Are The BMW X3’s Best Years?
You’ll want to be sure you’re getting the most value for your money when considering to purchase an SUV. But occasionally a decent brand or model of automobile can have a bad year, and you’ll want to know enough to steer clear of that particular model. There are strong years and bad years for the BMW X3, therefore it’s critical to know which years received high reliability ratings.
The 2005–2007 BMW X3 and the 2015–2017 BMW X3 have some of the highest reliability ratings of all time. Although the BMW X3 is generally rather dependable, a few models have had significant problems and have been recalled, so it’s crucial to know which years had the greatest models of this SUV.
There are valid reasons why some years are superior to others even though they provided the best models for the BMW X3. Continue reading to discover more about the advantages of the BMW X3’s earlier variants and its later issues.
Performance – Engine, Transmission, and Other
The rear-wheel-drive sDrive30i and all-wheel-drive xDrive30i have a 248-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder under the hood, which gives them enough power to easily navigate practically any traffic situation but isn’t particularly thrilling. The xDrive 30i needed 6.2 seconds to reach 60 mph on our test track; we haven’t tested a sDrive 30i variant. In our testing, the Porsche Macan S and the Audi Q5 are both faster—the Porsche by a significant margin. The X3 M40i will suit crossover buyers who are looking for performance far better. In our testing, the powerful 382-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder engine achieved a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.1 seconds. Although it doesn’t quite provide Macan levels of agility, the X3 feels more capable than other of BMW’s existing sedans; it’s enjoyable to drive and eager to arc around corners better than expected. The ride quality is perfectly adjusted, providing just the right amount of stiffness for a sporty sensation without making the ride uncomfortable on uneven road surfaces. The adaptive suspension was an option on our test car, which we heartily endorse. The xDrive30i now has Comfort, Sport, and Eco Pro driving modes thanks to a feature called Dynamic Damper Control. The M40i’s adaptive M suspension lowers the chassis by 0.4 inches.
What is the conclusion?
The X3 hasn’t always given BMW much credit, but the latest model is complete enough to compete with the finest in its class.
These days, the X3 has real class. However, it must be strong since the opposition has launched some excellent vehicles against it during the previous five years. The issue is now close enough that, based on your needs and preferences, you’ll choose a different winner.
The X3’s chassis, though, is both passable fun in turns and soft over bumps. It’s a serious competitor for the center ground. Most of the time, the engines and transmissions are excellent to use and offer respectable fuel efficiency.
It has a sizable boot and is roomy and refined inside. However, it should be since it is no longer, according to any external measurement, compact. With costs starting well into the mid-PS40k range, it is also not inexpensive. There are several options available if you’re looking for a mid-size SUV that drives well and comfortably seats five people, but the X3 is obviously worth considering first. But make sure you also take a look at the 3 Series Touring while you’re there.
Are BMW X3 vehicles dependable?
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 might make a few more trips to your BMW shop than usual because X3 repairs are more common.
Are used BMW X3s trustworthy?
How dependable is a used BMW X3 4×4? This generation of the X3 is slipping down the reliability rankings due to an aging fleet of vehicles, and it only managed a pitiful 17th place finish out of a class of 23 large SUVs. The bad news gets worse because, out of 31 manufacturers, BMW as a brand placed a depressing 21st.
What makes the X3 models different?
The sDrive30i has rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i has all-wheel drive, and that is the only distinction between these two X3 versions. The BMW X3 xDrive30e from 2021 blends a combustion engine’s adaptability with an electric motor’s efficiency.
How fuel-efficient is the BMW X3?
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.
Can the BMW X3 handle snow?
If we are not prepared with a winter survival gear, which would be a good car first and foremost when you need to travel in the snow, it may really turn into a nightmare. You would also require good tires after a capable car, and so on. We will go into great detail on each topic. To put it simply;
The BMW X3 performs remarkably well in both light and dense snowfall. Even if the AWD versions perform better than the RWD versions, the RWD SUVs are still quite useful in the snow. Additionally, owners are pleased with how well it performs in the cold. Although 7.2 inches of ground clearance may not seem like much for an SUV, the integrated safety measures nonetheless make it a suitable SUV for snowy conditions.
Due to its athletic attributes and driving qualities that provide a nice combination of a powerful engine with the stance of an SUV, BMW insists on calling it a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) instead of a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV). Traction is crucial because strong power cannot be transmitted to the ground without it.
Without better traction in the snow, snow tires are a necessity, and without traction, all that power would be lost. Check out our comprehensive guide for information on where to buy the best snow tires and why you need them. Everything you need to know about operating a BMW X3 in the snow has been covered in this article.
How durable is the 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. Based on an annual mileage of 15,000 miles per year, this amounts to 10 to 14 years of operation before it will require substantial repairs or break down
What does a BMW X3’s premium package entail?
The dual-glass panels, which have power slide and lift functions, let in light and fresh air. Power lumbar support and four-way adjustable comfort in the front seats are also included in the Premium Package. To get the highest level of comfort in your X3, you can adjust these up, down, and in and out.
Which BMW handles snow better?
Due to the high ground clearance and all-wheel drive systems, any BMW in the “X” series performs well in snow. Other BMW models with the xDrive AWD technology perform well in snowy situations as well.
The X5 served as the first model for BMW’s ‘X’ Series automobiles, which have subsequently grown in number.
‘X’ automobiles are SUVs that have a significant height advantage over the majority of other vehicles. Many of these vehicles also fully utilize xDrive technology to deliver the maximum traction possible, no matter the road conditions.
Since driving in challenging terrain was a top focus during the development of these vehicles, it is understandable why they handle snow so effectively.
More and more BMWs are being equipped with xDrive, allowing the big, strong 5 Series, which was historically difficult to drive in anything less than dry conditions, to easily handle ice and snow.
What is the X3 BMW Executive Package?
Heated steering wheel, heated front seats, ambient lighting, Parking Assistant Plus, a head-up display, gesture control, Vernasca leather, active park distance control, and surround view with 3D view are all included in the executive package.
Which BMW engine has the best reliability?
BMW is known for producing high-end vehicles. You could be wondering if they are trustworthy, and the answer is that they are absolutely trustworthy. Even though they have quite high price tags, they are still worth the money. They have superb and potent engines that will allow you to use them at their maximum speed.
- 1. BMW B58 Motor
- 2. BMW M20 Motor
- 3. BMW M50 Motor
- 4. BMW S62 Motor
- 5. BMW N52 Motor
- 6. BMW M54 Motor
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
Does the 2022 BMW X3 offer remote starting?
The 2022 BMW X3 has a remote start feature, thus the answer is yes. Before you even enter, you can start your automobile and prepare your cabin by making it cozy.
Why are used BMWs so inexpensive?
The oversupply of BMWs on the used market is one factor contributing to their low price. Similar to other products, when there is a surplus and a decrease in demand, the price of the commodity falls. If you’ve ever looked at a new BMW, you’ll note that practically every model has excellent lease offers. But what takes place when those vehicles are rented, returned, and then traded in?
BMW lease returns are normally either sold at auction or offered for sale as certified pre-owned vehicles on dealer lots. Additionally, when dealer lots are overflowing with CPO vehicles, it lowers the cost of the vehicles not just for dealerships but also for individual sellers. And whether you’re a dealer or an individual selling a car on the street, you must price the vehicle you’re selling in accordance with the going rates in the market in order to maintain a competitive edge.
Is there a panoramic sunroof on the BMW X3?
There are numerous options, including heated and ventilated front seats, heated back seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, and remote start.
What distinguishes the BMW premium package from the convenience package?
A panoramic sunroof, power lumbar support, and proximity keyless entry and start are included in the convenience package. The Premium Package adds heated front seats or heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a head-up display to the Convenience Package’s features.