Best and Worst Years for BMW X3

Sep 3, 2021

Considered the first compact luxury crossover to break into the SUV market, what made the BMW X3 so loved (or hated)?

2017 BMW X3 - Photo by BMW

Key Points

X3 is a Sports Activity Vehicle focused on agility and performance instead of more utilitarian tasks.
First-gen. BMW X3’s were offered with a six-speed manual transmission and had minimal recalls.
2013 BMW X3s from the second generation are famous for engine failure from low oil pressure or broken timing chains.

2017 BMW X3 - Photo by BMW

BMW’s Entry-level Sports Activity Vehicle Delivers Commanding Luxury

In the rising SUV market of the early 2000s, companies like Ford were selling nearly half a million Explorers. This hot market brought attention from every auto manufacturer, including BMW.

Introducing the compact BMW X3, one of the first luxury SUVs of its kind. While some criticize it for its steep price point and sub-par off-road capability, the BMW X3 is one of the most popular luxury SUVs in the used or new market.

BMW has sold the X3 SUV for just under twenty years at the time of writing. During this time, they have sold over 550,000 units across three generations in the U.S. market. While the first generation did quite well, being one of the only luxury SUVs on the market, sales began to dip. However, they would eventually bounce back just before the release of the third and current generation. This article will break down each generation of BMW X3 and what years we think are the best.

2006 BMW X3 - Photo by BMW

First-gen. BMW X3: Available with Manual Transmission, Sees Minimal Recalls

The first-gen. BMW X3 (2004-2010) would premiere at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 2003. Sharing suspension and chassis design with the 3-Series sedans made for an easy base to build a great handling SUV. The BMW X3 would also make use of the BMW X-Drive system, allowing for a default 40:60 torque split between the front and rear axles. Its conception would stem from the idea of combining the agility of the smaller 3-series sedans with the driving experience of the more executive BMW X5 SUV.

Optional extras were plenty, including a heated steering wheel, a 10-speaker sound system, adaptive headlights, and leather-trimmed seating with power front seats.

Power comes from either a 2.5L inline six-cylinder engine or a punched-out 3.0L version of the same engine. The 2.5L models would churn out 189 horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque. Meanwhile, the more popular 3.0L models would push 228 horsepower and 221 lb.-ft. of torque. Surprisingly enough, the first-generation BMW X3 could be in either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual configuration. The manual versions of the early model BMW X3 are increasingly rare and sought after by enthusiasts.

Safety, Recalls, and Mid-model Refresh

While the 2005 BMW X3 3.0i would win Canadian Car of the Year for Best Sports Utility Vehicle, the model would undergo a facelift and refresh for 2007. This mid-model refresh would redesign the front and rear bumpers, dropping the 2.5L engine model, better leather seating, and adding updated dashboard components. Safety ratings by Euro NCAP for the BMW X3 would rate high for passengers, giving the SUV four stars overall. Where the BMW X3 lacked would be in pedestrian safety, which it was given a one-star rating.

Recalls are fairly minimal for the first-generation X3. Many of which pertain to airbag recalls seen throughout many cars from that time period. The only concerning one would be a recall related to the PCV system having an electrical short.

However, according to most owners, the early-year X3s seem to hold up well aside from that issue. Unfortunately for BMW, they would watch sales for their SUV drop after this refresh. Selling just as many units in 2008, 2009, and 2010 as they did in 2007 alone. This meant it was time for the BMW X3 to take on a new shell.

2011 BMW X3 - Photo by BMW

Second-gen. BMW X3: Sleeker Body Lines, More Power, and Mostly Problem-free

Released at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the new BMW X3 (2011-2017) showcased more technology, sleeker body lines, and an even more luxurious interior. However, size-wise, the second-generation BMW X3 is just as large as its predecessor. Many consumers would enjoy this as SUVs shifted towards smaller crossover designs. In addition, the new X3 would ditch the manual transmission for U.S. markets and provide exciting new drivetrain options.

However, the X3 would benefit the most is the new technology packed throughout the SUV, including engine start/stop, lane-departure warning, a heads-up display, adaptive cruise control, and even automatic parking in some models.

2012 would be the first year of the sDrive28i, marking the first non-xDrive BMW SUV ever sold in the U.S. This sDrive would be a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive only BMW X3. Updates over the previous generation would include a new N52 inline six-cylinder engine that produced 240 horsepower. This engine would only be available for the 2011 and 2012 model years, as it would get replaced by the 2.0L N20 turbocharged four-cylinder. The little four-cylinder would churn out 242 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.

Higher optioned 2011-2017 xDrive35i models would utilize the same 3.0L turbocharged inline six-cylinder found in the 335i cars. These models put out just over 300 horsepower and just under 300 lb.-ft. of torque. Along with the sDrive introduction, BMW also introduced a diesel engine to the X3 lineup in 2013. This would be a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder but would only be available in the xDrive layout.

Safety, Recalls, and Mid-model Refresh

As the new BMW X3 gained traction with improving sales, the company had to keep the ball rolling. So 2015 model years received an LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) facelift. Exterior changes included new headlights, front and rear bumpers, kidney grilles, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals. Interior changes consisted of a redesigned center console with an optional automatic climate control system, cupholders with sliding cover, upholstery designs, and interior trims. Safety ratings for a 2015 BMW X3 score 5 stars overall when ran through NHTSA. Helped largely by its phenomenal driver aides, a newer BMW X3 is one of the safest cars on the road.

As for recalls on the second-generation BMW X3, there is not much to be concerned about. The only glaring issue comes from specific 2014-2017 diesel-equipped X3s. High EGR temperatures can cause the intake manifold to melt and catch on fire.

Although this is a rare occurrence, checking if your used diesel X3 has had the service done is wise. Thus, without much of a bang, it would come time for BMW to introduce a new version of the X3 SUV. However, this time around, it would be completely redesigned.

2017 BMW X3 - Photo by BMW

Third-gen. BMW X3: Complete Redesign Reveals the Most Advanced X3 Yet

BMW completely redesigned the exterior, interior, and overall chassis to accommodate a more modern styling. While the previous generation shared a lot of its design with the first 2004 models, the latest generation X3 (2017-present) resembles more of what BMW is now. Larger, chrome slated kidney grilles, bold body lines, and striking laser headlights make the new X3 stand out.

As for the interior, BMW shifted focus to a more driver-oriented cabin space while still retaining an overall luxurious passenger experience. In addition, exciting new M-sport packages are offered, along with a hybrid model of the BMW X3 platform.

Creature comforts for this latest X3 include full LED headlights, tri-zone climate control, a 12.3″ digital instrument cluster, and a 12.5″ center display. This was also the first X3 to receive active blind-spot detection and frontal collision warning.

One new addition, the 2020 BMW xDrive30e hybrid, is powered by the same 2.0L inline four-cylinder seen in the base model xDrive20i but is assisted by an electric motor. This added electric motor will bump horsepower from 181 to 248 with a full charge.

Starting in 2019, BMW would launch a full-blown X3M model. These utilize the 3.0L inline six-cylinder seen in the BMW G80 M3, which put out 473 horsepower. Even with the hefty price point, having a midsize SUV with supercar level power figures is worth the extra money.

Additional features of the X3M include carbon kidney grilles, mirror caps, a sport steering wheel, and a spoiler. However, if you want the best of both worlds, you can opt for the BMW X3 M40i, which will give you the sport brakes and suspension, but house a watered-down version of turbocharged 3.0L seen in the X3M.

Safety and Recalls

Surprisingly enough, after three full years on the market, the third-generation BMW X3 has ten official recalls. Even though some are very model specific, they are all things to be aware of no matter which model you are shopping for.

While some have reported that their backup cameras have failed or their console has powered off entirely, there are very few complaints heard from consumers about the new generation of X3.

Overall, consumers rant and rave about their latest generation BMW X3 which can directly correlate to sales skyrocketing for the model. 2019 would prove to be the biggest year for BMW X3 sales, with over 70,000 units sold in the U.S. alone. This complete overhaul of the SUV has given it a new life and shown that it’s not leaving the lineup any time soon.

2017 BMW X3 - Photo by BMW

What are the Best & Worst Years for BMW X3?

If you’re in the market for a BMW X3, you know you’re after something reliable, luxurious, and innovative. When it comes to the best years of the BMW X3, it is hard to ignore the newest generation. Added packages like the M40i make this luxurious SUV a force to be reckoned with on the road. Without shelling out for a brand new model, you can snag a 2017 BMW X3 M40i within the factory warranty for roughly $30,000, depending on the options selected. We think this is the best year for BMW X3 because you aren’t missing out by buying the previous generation that houses less quality for only a few thousand dollars less.

The worst year for BMW X3 has to be the 2013 model year. This second-generation model year has the most complaints reported in total. In addition, the 2013 BMW X3 is also notorious for having engine issues related to low oil pressure. With low oil pressure issues rampant in the 2013 models, there were enough reported engine failures to make even the most meticulous owners jump at the thought. Other engine-related issues consisted of timing chain failures, again resulting in a complete engine replacement.

Photos: BMW

Frequently Asked Questions

Mar 27, 2022

What are some common problems with the BMW X3?

The BMW X3 is one of BMW's best-selling SUVs since it combines the versatility of a compact SUV with being a sportier option than a lot of the competition on the market. The X3 is a good choice for an SUV, but they do suffer from some of the same problems that you will find across other BMW models.

The most common complaint reported with the BMW X3 is that there are oil leaks in the engine area. These are typically caused by failed valve cover gaskets and they usually happen around 60,000 miles. Usually, you will notice drips of oil on the ground and a burning oil smell coming from the engine.

Another common problem with the X3 is that they are known to leak coolant from the expansion tank. This is known to be a brittle and weak component and it can lead to a coolant loss which could result in the engine overheating. If you notice coolant on the ground you should make sure it is properly filled and there are no visible leaks.

Why are used BMW X3s so cheap?

Used BMW X3s tend to be very cheap because there are more of them on the market than buyers that are looking for them. It comes down to a simple rule of economics in supply and demand. The supply of used vehicles outpaces the demand for them and that leads to them having lower costs.

The BMW X3 is usually cheap on the used market as well because it is a very popular car for people to lease when they are new. BMWs tend to get more expensive to repair and care for as they get older and that leads to many people choosing to lease them for two to three years. That is why there are a lot of used X3s on the market that are two to three years old. This flood of lease returns drives down the value on the used market.

Used X3s are also cheap because of the maintenance costs associated with them. Buyers know that BMWs tend to be more expensive to repair than many other vehicles. This fear of additional costs leads to buyers being more hesitant to buy them used which drives down the value.

What is the difference between BMW X3 28i and 35i?

The BMW X3 has been offered in different trim levels and the 28i and 35i are two of the most popular trim choices. The 28i comes standard with a 4 cylinder engine that makes 240 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This is the more fuel-efficient option and it is slightly cheaper than the 35i which makes it more common on the used market.

The X3 35i comes with a 3.0L inline 6 cylinder engine that makes 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. This is the better one to go with if you want a sportier compact SUV, but you will lose some fuel economy by stepping up to a larger engine. The 35i also is generally known to have fewer mechanical problems than the 28i, but this can also just be attributed to the fact that there are fewer of them on the road.

Choosing between the two models ultimately comes down to what you prefer in a vehicle and your budget. The 35i will be more sporty than the 28i but it is going to be more expensive to purchase and run. When it comes to the interior trims and technology they are very similar to each other.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Kevin A. OkC Oklahoma on April 1, 2022

Here is the trick

Hello, I figured it was about time to voice a little something to calm the restless foot having individuals who either have a bmw, a x3 or are one of the headsman at corporate bmw.. Im the owner of Dr.Automotive Mobile Services LLC in yukon oklahoma. Im not all big and huge in business, im a one man show, i barely make ends meet ( likeright now I've got $21 that's it.. On the other hand I've been in and around mechanics and anything with a motor for about 34-35 yrs. Seen alot and saw more when I got my first 07 x3 3.0si black and white exterior, for some reason it looks different than most of all out there. It is a M which nobody likes to say that part and I agree. It's like it's called the black and white series but it's not in the engineers mind but the collector may say so. Anywho.. To the point. If you want your 3.0 or your twin turbo v8 bmw , oooooooo i want a v8 so bad i would do anything , like make my buddy sit on a Roman candle or something, if you want them to last just a quick tip . Just before Every other oil change if you think of it, especially if it's a little low on oil say 1/2 a quart is add half a quarter of very good synthetic transmission fluid or if you change you oil yourself then the day of go get half a gallon of kerosene , drain about 2 quarts oil out and replace with kerosene and run for maybe 20 mins or drive around the block up to operating temp then let sit for 30 mins then drain. Fill back up with your all new oil and filter and i promise you you will not have engine issues very often unless your just hard on the car and never do maintenance.... THAT IS THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WITH BMWS IS NOT THE CAR ITS THE OWNERS. THINKING THESE THINGS ARE BULLET PROOF BECAUSE OF PRICE OF THE CAR. AND EXPECT THEM TO GO 100K LIKE CHEVY TO DO MAJOR MAINTENANCE. NOPE WONT HAPPEN. DONT THINK YOU CAN GO 7500 OR 8 K ON OIL EITHER.. YOU CANT OR SHOULDNT. I WILL PUT MY BUSINESS ,, MY HOUSE AND MY DOG UP ON A BET THAT ITS BEST YO STICK WITH FULL SYNTHETIC5W30 OR WHAT IT CALLS FOR AND RUN TO 5K AND CHANGE IT .. EVERYTIME... PROVE ME WRONT THAT WHAT I SAID WONT WORK.. AND CONTACT ME AT DR.AUTOMOTIVEMOBILE1@GMAIL.COM. KEVIN A. Yukon oklahoma

Patricia S on October 24, 2021

2011 BMW X3 35i. Love this car. Fast and smooth ride.

I love my BMW x3 because it has been relatively free of repairs for a car of this age. I like the heated leather seats. The controls are easy to understand and use. The parking assist works great. I wish I had the full navigation system. The sound system is very good. The cargo room is excellent with both back seats let down. I am short and the seat adjustments make driving very comfortable. What I like most is that it is very fast and easy to maneuver. You do not realize how fast you are going sometimes because the ride is so smooth. One thing I do not like is the glove box cover is coming off. It is a know issue, but BMW will not address it and to replace it is over $800. That seems really outrageous. Overall I am glad I bought the car. Love it.

Pete B. on December 29, 2023

2012 BMW X3 28i

I have a 2012 X3 28i (2.0 6 cyl) with 150K miles. Only issue so far was one related to a gasket recall. Still drives great and I have driven it pretty hard over the years. I do make sure to keep up with General maintenance though as I plan to keep it for another 100,000 or so. Still looks and drives great, so going to pass down to kids as they approach driving age. Safe car for teen drivers and insurance cost isn’t bad on the older models that don’t have high value anymore. I am a larger guy and still find the car comfortable. Drives more sporty / more fun than standard (non-M) X-5 in my opinion.

Ashley S on September 27, 2021

Affordable and economical 2005 BMW X3

I love the look and drive of my X3. The sunroof is fantastic along with the space inside the vehicle. The interior on this particular model was cheaply done it's not quite leather but excellent if you have kids because it just wipes clean. The seats are extremely comfortable and the navigation is very easy to use. My car is an absolute tank in the snow the all wheel drive is phenomenal. I have 85,000 miles on my vehicle and I have had to replace the back window regulator along with the transfer case they were both made of cheap plastic. All in all I would definitely recommend this vehicle.

Daniel R on October 15, 2021

The 2013 BMW x3. Great car for the price.

The BMW x3 2013 is a comfortable and affordable. It is the luxury car with great gas mileage. The drive is very smooth. It comes with 3 different driving styles: sport, comfort, and eco. The car turns off when it is idling to save on gas. The problems I have been having is mostly electrical. The tire pressure monitoring system and the trans have come up as problems on my screen a few times, but go away after restarting. The drive is not affected by the lights for TPM or trans coming on. The car is Bluetooth enabled. It has rear view camera is very useful for backing up.

Shelly A on November 11, 2021

Review of the 2014 BMW x3.

The performance and reliability of the BMW x3 are outstanding. I have never driven a car like it. It is quiet and fun to drive. The features are outstanding. I really like the GPS ability as well as the Bluetooth option. I am finding both to be necessary. The only drawback is how expensive it is to maintain the car. Oil changes for instances cost twice as much as a non-luxury car. The battery needed to be replaced this summer and the battery alone was $300.

Brenda M on October 18, 2021

2005 BMW X3 2.5i, not great for car seats

This vehicle looks really nice on the outside, however, there are several things I have issues with. You cannot lock the car from the door, you need to push the button on the key. Unlocking the car with the electric key is also a pain and often doesn't work. Terrible for car seats because once installed, there is no leg room for the person in front of it. The seatbelt buzzer goes off when anything is set on the passenger seat which is annoying as well.

Juliana M on September 25, 2021

2008 BMW X3 3.0si drives perfect in snow storms and summer days at the beach

I enjoyed the space in the car, I like that I can put the back sit down and fit a lot of things I the car. It's comfortable to drive and quite. Gas mileage is great. This car drives really good in the snow, I always feel safe driving this car. Summer time I look up the cars and drive to the beach and the car does great in sand. Negative part is the maintenance and repair, it's too expensive. But it's worth it. I've had this car for 10 years and love it

Maria B on September 30, 2021

2006 BMW X3, spacious luxury family car.

My vehicle featured hand warmers on the steering wheel and seat warms. My two front seats can be adjusted to your size and saved in memory. Has a sunroof and a great size of space in the trunk. Feels great driving and rides smooth. Car links to phone through radio Bluetooth for taking cars by pushing a button on steering wheel. Has safety alert for seat belts that continues until you put it on. Perfect family car. Couldn’t be happier.

Tiffany A on October 29, 2021

2012 BMW X3 28i overall good car, expensive to maintain, recall issue.

Definitely a good option for small SUV. Handles well, large enough but can still easily park in the city. Repairs are expensive (partly because parts are expensive). I did have an electrical issue: it was an issue that resulted in a recall by BMW, but only up to the year before mine. Clearly still a problem in my year, but I was stuck paying for it. Overall, has been reliable, nice interior and features.

Angela W on September 11, 2021

2018 BMW X3 control panel allows me to use voice commands to make phone calls.

It is very roomy. Comfortable ride. I love the hands free phone feature. I also love the gas saving feature when the car rests when you stop in order to conserve gas. It handles the road very well when making quick turns. It has a panoramic sunroof that is allows even more sunlight to come in. It has an alert feature that buzzes if a car is too close to prevent impact.

Justin W on September 26, 2021

2012 BMW X3 - Rugged, stylish, comfortable, and powerful

The BMW X3 offers a unique and powerful blend of refined interior luxury, exterior good looks, and strong driving performance. After nearly seven years, maintenance has been minimal compared to the horror stories told word-of-mouth about BMW repairs. And even without the advanced features found in the X3M, my BMW X3 really is a joy to drive and own.

Dom D on September 22, 2021

2011 BMW x3 - good vehicle, roomy, and great for long car rides.

Great car. Very comfortable for long drives. Have had some issues with oil leaking, however seems like all models of BMWs have that problem. Backup and overhead camera are extremely convenient. Overhead camera lets you see all around the vehicle (minimally in front though). And backup camera also has sensors so you know when you are close to items.

Terri H on October 20, 2021

Pros and cons of the 2020 BMW X3 sDrive30i.

Very easy to get scratches on the interior. Has a lot of cool features wish there was a way to change interior lighting color. I like the option of listening to CDs. I wish they had more USB ports instead of type c ports. Wish there was a way to have a voice command so you can get assistance as you drive. I like the features to change driving mode.

Angela C on November 12, 2021

My great car- 2013 BMW x3.

My car has been very reliable and has had minor issues here and there such as my sunroof leaking and issue with my drivers door locking. It is great on gas and has the cold weather package, I love my heated seats and steering wheel. I will be keeping this car for a very long time I just hit 100k miles and she still runs beautifully.

Dana Y on November 4, 2021

2006 BMW X3 rides like a dream.

It's a really good vehicle. Mileage could be better. Runs great, especially if you go on long drive. Contains ac which gets nice and cool. Four wheel drive with power steering. The interior is leather which is awesome. It's also nice and roomy so that helps especially if you have long legs. The exterior is great too.

Taylor C on October 21, 2021

2010 BMW X3 xDrive30i is a great car/SUV crossover for women and moms!

The BMW x3 is an awesome vehicle especially for women and moms! It is a cross between an SUV and a car which makes it a perfect size. I can whip around in quickly when needed. It is loaded with features and automatic sensors, alerting you when there might be an issue. It rides very smooth and is so much fun to drive!

Alexis G on October 1, 2021

2004 BMW X3 3.0i Performance. The engine works awesome.

Very smooth, nice performance and great engine. Breaks work very well and the sunroof is so cool. Transmision is good and the interior is very comfortable. Great speed and wheels work awesome. It would be good if the interior could be bigger and wide. I can rely in the performance (engine and transmission).

Mel A on October 14, 2021

I love my 2004 BMW x3. It is the best vehicle I have owned.

I love my BMW. Best car I have ever owned. The large sunroof makes it feel like a convertible. It takes curves really well and can whip in and out of any traffic. I can drive it in any weather. It is very comfy with the leather seats and the air conditioning is fantastic. Best stereo system ever!

Ian A on September 20, 2021

2007 BMW X3 3.0si: Dependable, sporty, fast, and luxurious

Hardly have any problems with this vehicle aside from normal wear/tear. The only negative is that you pay triple the amount for parts since this isn't a US made vehicle. The X3 gets great fuel economy and the vehicle is very roomy inside. It has a panoramic sunroof that is really nice as well.

Bobbi P on September 25, 2021

2010 BMW X3 xDrive30i smooth, fast and sleek ride. I love it.

I purchased this BMW with only 75,000 miles. The interior is white leather it has a sunroof and a great stereo system. The vehicle drives really smooth. It can go from 0-60 in around 5 seconds. This vehicle is the smoothest riding vehicle I have ever purchased. I love this car.

Emily R on October 16, 2021

2007 BMW X3 definitely has some nice features.

Well, it is a 2007 and still going, I like the comfortable, smooth drive. I like the feel of being a little higher off ground. It is good in gas. It has a good engine. It is definitely reliable as long as it is taken care of. I love the seat heaters and steering wheel heater.

Jeff K on September 22, 2021

2010 BMW X3 xDrive30i - 10 years and still seems brand new!

Love this vehicle. Very solid ride. Runs smooth and has great acceleration. It is very comfortable and has all the upgrades. It currently has 100,000 miles on it and feels like it still has another 200,000 left on it. Only negative is that there is not much room for storage.

Jennifer M on October 5, 2021

2005 BMW X3 is the perfect family vehicle.

Affordable luxury SUV. Perfect for family life and traveling. Good gas mileage and come with all the bells and whistles, including a full panoramic roof, heated front seats and steering wheel. Amazing speaker system! Overall a very great mid sized SUV. I absolutely love it!

Vic Cardoza on October 21, 2021

Maintenance costs are high for the 2013 X3

For the last couple of years; I have had 3 drive malfunctions, one leaky vaccum pump press converter, and cracked drive belt, replaced the battery and brakes at 83M miles, timing chain and tensioner, and a right front wheel speed sensor. Really sorry I ever got this car.

Alexis H on October 26, 2021

2004 BMW X3 is very reliable and does not require extensive upkeep.

The car has very smooth shocks and works well even in the snow. The radio system is very reliable and the seat warmers are effective as well. The car has excellent fuel efficiency and air conditioning. The trunk space is quite nice, despite how compact the car is.

Kiara R on October 21, 2021

2011 BMW X3 35i is extremely comfortable and reliable. I always feel safe.

The only issue I have had with it is that there’s no spare tire and a spare comes in handy when you have a flat tire so you do not need a tow. The heated steering wheel is a great addition to the car as well. It is extremely comfortable and I use it for my job!

Myron S on October 24, 2021

2009 BMW X3 xDrive30i: Very reliable, nice driving performance SUV

Nice driving, fairly roomy vehicle. At about 125,000 miles the water pump broke which was a somewhat costly repair, at 130,000 miles I replaced the shocks. Car continues to operate very well and am happy with the overall performance and utility of the vehicle.

Van K on October 15, 2021

Sensors make my 2013 X3 stall while driving

The problem with the vehicle is all of the electronic sensors, a sensor went out and shut the whole car down in the middle of the road, the car was in the shop for weeks. At this present time I keep getting a drivetrain malfunction alerts soon as I get time.

Daniel R on September 11, 2021

The 2013 BMW x3 electrical issues

The problems I have been having is mostly electrical. The tire pressure monitoring system and the trans have come up as problems on my screen a few times, but go away after restarting.

Mark Collins on November 12, 2021

2007 X3 3.0 Si

Very good service with my X3, given normal maintenance Had to replace the rear springs (cracked) at 60,000 miles. Engine is very strong and smooth.

Deneer N on November 12, 2021

BMW 2013 x3 start/off automatic button issues.

However it does have a problem with the automatic engine off switch. It would go off at the wrong time and wouldn't restart.

Angela C on September 13, 2021

2013 BMW x3 problems

Minor issues here and there such as my sunroof leaking and issue with my drivers door locking.

Ell K on October 3, 2021

2013 BMW x3 review comfortable but too much work

We have had some issues with the engine and different things. It is not very reliable.

Richard M on October 26, 2021

BMW X3 engine blew

Engine blew as a result of faulty oil pump, had to replace at 100k miles.

B S on November 7, 2021

Don't waster money on the 2013 X3

Breaking down every time I go to turn it on or turn around.

Yogen S on September 27, 2021

X3 2013: my experience

Recently, I have been having drive train issues.

Josh Brown

A longtime auto enthusiast as well as an automotive journalist for nearly five years, Josh was initially influenced by Japanese automotive culture, which is reflected in his vehicle choices today. Josh can usually be found tinkering with his home-garage projects and collecting rare automotive memorabilia.