The 2021 BMW X3 lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average check engine light and cracked windshield issues reported. At $28,950 to $66,500, it’s a reasonably good value for a small luxury SUV with some strong engine choices.
Is the 2021 BMW X3 a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the BMW X3 since it pairs a sporty driving experience with a lot of technology. Owner reviews praise the stereo system, responsive steering, along with the upscale cabin.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are luxurious for a small SUV, the seats are supportive on long trips, cargo space is also good in the back.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2021 X3. Some models from 2013 have engine problems, while 2015–2022 are much more dependable.
- Performance 9/10 – The base four-cylinder engine is strong, while the M40i and X3 M are among the fastest compact SUVs on the market.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 X3 is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning. Optional upgrades include lane-keep assist along with adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 25 MPG, offering 430 miles of range from the 17.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $13 lower than average, at $183 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2021 BMW X3 is similar in price to some other high-end SUVs, but it depreciates faster than its non-luxury competitors.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the BMW X3?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 BMW X3 keeps its title as one of the best driving small SUVs on the market, and also gets high owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the BMW X3 at 4.2/5, enjoying the roomy interior throughout the cabin, but doesn’t like that there are some plastic parts on the doors and dash.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the X3 a 4.4/5, praising the excellent handling for an SUV, but owners don’t like that the suspension is somewhat firm on rough roads.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 BMW X3 Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 BMW X3 include check engine lights, cracked windshields, along with some stereo system issues. Overall, these problems are similar to other small luxury SUVs on the market, but repair costs are higher than average due to the expensive parts and labor costs.
Check engine lights are the most widespread complaint from 2021 X3 owners, showing up within the first 10,000 miles. There are many reasons why a check engine light may turn on. You will need to use an OBD-II scan tool to read the ECU for codes to determine what caused the light to turn on. Once you know the source of the problem, it usually costs $50 to $500 to fix.
Cracked windshields are another problem mentioned by BMW X3 owners at around 5,000 miles. There are some production runs of glass, which are more prone to cracking than others. Replacing the windshield if it cracks costs around $900, depending on local labor rates.
Stereo system issues have also been reported on the 2021 BMW X3 in the first 1,000 miles. There are some software updates available for the stereo, which improves its reliability. Most dealerships will update the software for free, while others charge around $50 for labor.
There are six recalls on the 2021 BMW X3, which is worse than some other small luxury SUVs on the market. The most serious recall covers a fuel tank weld, which can fail and let fuel leak. BMW will replace the fuel tank in affected models for free. Other recalls include the rearview camera and front seats. BMW will fix those for free as well.
How Long Will the 2021 BMW X3 Last?
A well-maintained 2021 BMW X3 can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than the long-lasting Lexus NX. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than some competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $1,021 per year.
As a used 2021 BMW X3 reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the liftgate support struts for $200, a drive belt tensioner costing $425, along with the fuel level sending unit, which costs around $1,000.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is great and includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen stereo system with Apple CarPlay. Optional upgrades include Android Auto, along with a premium Harman Kardon audio system.
Standard safety technology features are excellent, and it has:
- Rearview camera
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection
- Lane-departure warning
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Forward automatic emergency braking
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Adaptive headlights
- Head-up display
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Parking assistant
- Lane-keep assist
Is the 2021 BMW X3 a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 BMW X3 is a good value if you’re in the market for a luxurious SUV that is also sporty and fun to drive. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $28,950 to $66,500, making it more than a Cadillac XT4 or Acura RDX. When new, the price range was $43,000 to $69,900. Depreciation is similar to other luxury SUVs, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the BMW X3?
There are five main models of the 2021 BMW X3 offered, from the entry-level sDrive 30i, all the way through to the faster X3 M. The entry-level model has rear-wheel drive, while the rest come standard with all-wheel drive via BMW xDrive.
BMW X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i are the entry-level models with:
- Engine: 248 horsepower
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- sDrive30i: Rear-wheel drive
- xDrive30i: All-wheel drive
- iDrive infotainment system with 10.2-inch touch screen
- Navigation system, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth
- Two USB ports, HD Radio, satellite radio, 12-speaker stereo, Wi-Fi hotspot
- Remote keyless entry, push-button start
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery
- 10-way power-adjustable front seats
- Power liftgate
- Front and rear parking sensors, rearview camera
- LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels
- BMW’s Active Driving Assistant: forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning
- Optional features: genuine leather upholstery, heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, panoramic moonroof, rear sunshades, proximity keyless entry, hands-free power liftgate, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless charging, 16-speaker Harman Kardon stereo
- Available tech: head-up display, adaptive pivoting headlights, parallel park assist, surround-view parking camera, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control
- Optional performance upgrades: M Sport brakes, 19- and 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension
- Executive package options: automatic high-beam headlights, gesture control, ambient lighting
BMW X3 xDrive30e is more efficient with:
- Engine: 288 horsepower plug-in-hybrid powertrain
- Standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
- Adds Android Auto capability
BMW X3 M40i is a stronger version with:
- Engine: 382 horsepower
- M Sport suspension, M Sport brakes
- Standard 19-inch wheels
- 14-way power-adjustable front seats
- Standard features: panoramic moonroof, proximity keyless entry, hands-free power liftgate, adaptive headlights
BMW X3 M is the high-performance model which has:
- Engine: 473 horsepower
- M Sport adaptive suspension and differential
- Standard 20-inch wheels, hands-free power liftgate
- Heated front seats
- Harman Kardon stereo
- Competition package (optional): 503 horsepower engine, M Sport exhaust, 21-inch wheels, bolstered front seats
What Engines Come In the BMW X3?
- The 2021 BMW X3 offers a range of engines, each designed to cater to different driving preferences and performance needs. The base model, X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i, are equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers 248 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft of torque. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, achieving a combined fuel economy of about 25 MPG. These models can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in 6 seconds.
- The 2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e, a plug-in hybrid model, features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, delivering 288 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It’s equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers a combined fuel economy of about 60 MPGe, with an electric-only range of 17-20 miles. Accelerating from 0-60 MPH in just 5.9 seconds, the xDrive30e provides a balance of efficiency and performance in the X3 lineup.
- For those seeking more power, the X3 M40i features a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine. This powertrain produces 382 horsepower and 365 lb.-ft of torque. It also uses an 8-speed automatic transmission and achieves a combined fuel economy of around 23 MPG. This variant boasts a quicker 0-60 MPH time of just 4.4 seconds, providing a more exhilarating driving experience.
- At the top of the range sits the X3 M, powered by a more robust 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, which is tuned to deliver an impressive 473 horsepower and 457 lb.-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, this model has a combined fuel economy of 16 MPG. It sprints from 0-60 MPH in a mere 4.1 seconds, offering a truly sporty and dynamic performance for enthusiasts. Each engine option in the 2021 BMW X3 lineup offers a unique blend of efficiency, power, and driving dynamics, making sure there’s a variant to suit various tastes and requirements.
What Colors Does the BMW X3 Come In?
How Comfortable Is the BMW X3?
The 2021 BMW X3 stands out as a benchmark in comfort within the luxury compact SUV segment, offering an exceptionally refined driving and passenger experience. The vehicle’s interior is meticulously crafted with high-quality materials, exuding a sense of luxury and sophistication. The seats, upholstered in premium materials, provide excellent support and comfort, even on longer journeys. Front seats come with ample adjustability, including lumbar support, providing a comfortable driving position for people of various sizes. The cabin’s spaciousness further enhances comfort, with generous headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, making it suitable for families or groups.
BMW’s focus on ride comfort in the X3 is clear in its suspension tuning, which strikes a balance between sportiness and comfort. The SUV handles bumps and road imperfections with ease, thanks to its well-engineered suspension system, providing a smooth ride even on rough terrains. Road and wind noise are effectively minimized, contributing to a serene cabin environment, ideal for conversation or enjoying the high-quality sound system. The climate control system is another highlight, providing efficient and even temperature regulation throughout the cabin.
Moreover, the 2021 X3 includes several features aimed at enhancing driver comfort and convenience. The intuitive infotainment system reduces driver distraction, allowing for easy navigation and control of the vehicle’s functions. Advanced driver assistance systems work seamlessly to reduce driving stress, especially in challenging driving conditions or during long trips. Overall, the BMW X3 delivers a premium and comfortable experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort without compromising on performance and luxury.
How Much Storage Space Does the BMW X3 Have?
The 2021 BMW X3, a luxury compact SUV, offers a generous amount of storage space that suits a variety of needs, from daily commuting to adventurous getaways. The vehicle boasts a substantial cargo area, providing about 28.7 cubic feet of room when the rear seats are upright. This space expands significantly to around 62.7 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down, offering a flat and practical area for larger items. The design of the cargo area is such that it can easily accommodate a variety of items. For instance, when the rear seats are up, the space can hold several large suitcases or a stroller, making it ideal for family trips or airport runs. With the seats folded, the X3 can comfortably fit bulky objects like bicycles, a significant amount of camping gear, or large shopping hauls, showcasing its versatility for different lifestyles.
In addition to the primary cargo area, the 2021 BMW X3 also excels in offering numerous small interior storage solutions, thoughtfully designed for convenience and accessibility. The cabin features a variety of compartments and pockets, including a reasonably sized glovebox, door bins that can hold water bottles, and a center console with a deep storage bin under the armrest. These spaces are perfect for storing smaller items like smartphones, wallets, and snacks, keeping them within easy reach. The vehicle also includes additional thoughtful touches, such as cup holders, a sunglasses compartment, and seat-back pockets, enhancing the overall practicality of the interior. These features collectively make the BMW X3 a well-rounded vehicle, combining luxury with functional storage solutions, catering to both daily necessities and the demands of more extensive travel or leisure activities.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the BMW X3 was introduced for the 2018 model year.
2015: Small exterior styling changes, including new headlights, front bumper, and more features offered.
2016: Upgraded Harman Kardon audio system is standard on the xDrive35i models.
2017: Updated iDrive infotainment system, and keyless ignition is now standard on all xDrive35i models.
2018: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new engines, technology, and styling.
2019: No major changes from the 2018 model year, which had a full redesign.
2020: New plug-in hybrid model launched, which has 18 miles of all-electric range.
2021: More standard safety features are found on all models, Android Auto finally added to the stereo system.
How Does the BMW X3 Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 BMW X3 is a very nice compact luxury SUV which offers a lot of technology features and some powerful engine choices, although ownership costs are higher than some competitors.
The Audi Q5 is another small luxury SUV which costs about $2,000 less. Performance in the snow is better with the Audi Q5’s all-wheel drive system, while the BMW X3 offers more technology features. We recommend the BMW X3 since it’s more fun to drive, but both are very similar and worth testing to see which you prefer.
The Mercedes Benz GLC is a popular compact SUV, which is about $1,500 more. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Mercedes GLC, while the BMW X3 offers more responsive steering and handling. We recommend the BMW X3 since it’s cheaper, although both are nice choices worth trying out.
