The 2018 BMW X3 lasts around 200,000 miles with some brake wear and engine sensor issues reported. At $24,500 to $46,400, it’s a decent value for a luxury SUV with some great optional features.
Is the 2018 BMW X3 a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the BMW X3 since it offers plenty of luxury features and good performance. Owner reviews praise the responsive steering, stereo system, and the spacious cabin.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are reasonably luxurious for a small SUV, the seats are supportive on longer trips, cargo space is also decent.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread issues found on the 2018 BMW X3. Avoid models from 2013 which have engine problems, while 2015–2022 are all good choices.
- Performance 8/10 – The base engine offers reasonable power, while the available six-cylinder in the M40i is relatively quick for a compact SUV.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2018 X3 is reasonably safe, earning 5-stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera, while optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control along with lane keep assist.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 25 MPG, giving 430 miles of range from the 17.2 gallon tank. Fuel costs are $8 higher than average at $221 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 BMW X3 is reasonably priced for a luxury SUV, offering plenty of features and performance with average depreciation rates, making it a good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the BMW X3?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 BMW X3 is one of the best driving compact SUVs on the market, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the 2018 BMW X3 at 4.2/5, enjoying the powerful engine choices for a small SUV, but doesn’t like that it doesn’t have Android Auto.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the 2018 X3 a 4.4/5, praising the sport suspension on curvy roads, but owners don’t like the lower fuel economy than some competitors.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 BMW X3 Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 BMW X3 include premature brake wear, the engine shutting down while driving, along with excessive noise from the suspension. Overall, these problems are average for a small luxury SUV, although repairs are expensive due to the high parts and labor costs.
Premature brake wear is the most widespread complaint on the 2018 BMW X3, showing up at around 20,000 miles. The front brake pads in particular tend to wear down quickly, leading to metal-on-metal grinding. Changing out the brake pads costs around $450, depending on local labor rates, and a new set of rotors is around $900 if they are damaged.
The engine shutting down while driving also shows up on some 2018 X3 models at roughly 10,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by an issue with one of the engine sensors, which can cause the ECU to shut down the engine. Diagnosing the source of the problem costs around $200, while fixing any issues can cost $100 to $1,200, depending on the failed sensor.
Excessive noise from the suspension has also been mentioned by 2018 BMW X3 owners at around 40,000 miles. The shocks tend to wear out quickly, and make a lot of noise when driving over rough roads. Replacing the shocks fixes the problem, and costs around $800, depending on local labor rates.
There are nine recalls on the 2018 BMW X3, which is worse than some other compact luxury SUVs. The most serious recall is for insufficient coating on the rear brake caliper pistons, which can reduce braking performance. BMW will replace the coating on affected models for free. Other recalls cover the instrument panel, backup camera, along with the seats, which BMW will also fix for free.
How Long Will the 2018 BMW X3 Last?
A well-maintained 2018 BMW X3 can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some other small luxury SUVs like the Lexus NX. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than the competition, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $1,018 per year.
As a used 2018 BMW X3 reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the trailing arm for $225, a blower motor costing $500, and the water pump which costs $950.
Yes very reliable with no problems. Never had a problem. Drive to school for 41/2 hours and never any problems with it
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is good, offering a standard 6.5-inch central display screen with BMW’s iDrive software. Optional upgrades include a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen along with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Standard safety technology is fairly basic for a luxury SUV, only offering a rearview camera and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Surround-view parking camera
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Front traffic alert
- Lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Pedestrian detection
- Front cross traffic alert
- Automatic high beams
- Parallel park assist
Is the 2018 BMW X3 a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 BMW X3 is a good value if you’re looking for a small luxury SUV with decent driving dynamics too. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $24,500 to $46,400, making it more than an Acura RDX or Lincoln MKC. When new, the price range was $42,650 to $54,500. Depreciation is similar to other luxury SUVs, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the BMW X3?
There are two main models of the BMW X3 offered from the entry-level xDrive30i to the more powerful M40i, there are also a lot of options packages available. It comes standard with all-wheel drive.
xDrive30 is the entry-level model with:
- Standard Exterior Features:
- 18-inch wheels
- LED headlights and fog lights
- Automatic wipers
- Roof rails
- Power tailgate
- Rearview camera
- Power-folding, auto-dimming, and heated mirrors
- Standard Interior Features:
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with wheel-mounted shift paddles
- Keyless ignition
- Adjustable driving modes
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Power-adjustable front sport seats
- 40/20/40-split rear seat with individual seat recline
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Driver-seat memory settings
- 5-inch central display
- BMW’s iDrive infotainment interface
- USB port
- 12-speaker audio system
- Options Packages:
- Convenience Package: LED headlights, keyless entry, panoramic sunroof, satellite radio, four-way power lumbar adjustment for the front seats.
- M Sport Package: Includes Convenience package, plus 19-inch wheels, aggressive-looking front and rear bumpers, sport steering wheel, and simulated leather-covered dashboard.
- Dynamic Handling Package (Available after selecting either of the above packages): Adaptive suspension dampers, upgraded brakes, variable-ratio steering.
M40i is a step up, adding:
- Additional Features:
- Adaptive LED headlights
- Automatic high beams
- Sport exhaust
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Launch control feature
- Contents of the Convenience, M Sport, and Dynamic Handling packages
- Options Packages for both Models:
- Driving Assistance Package: Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
- Driving Assistance Plus Package: Includes Driving Assistance package, adaptive cruise control, front cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning and mitigation.
- Parking Assistance Package: Front and rear parking sensors, an automated parking system, and a 360-degree parking camera.
- Premium Package: 19-inch wheels, heated front seats, navigation, a 10.3-inch touchscreen, a head-up display, and BMW Remote Services.
- Executive Package: Includes Premium and Parking Assistance packages, adaptive LED headlights, automatic high beams, leather upholstery, a digital instrument panel, and hands-free gesture control for the touchscreen.
- Stand-Alone Options and Additional Extras:
- 20- and 21-inch wheels
- Ventilated front seats
- Heated rear seats
- Manual side-window shades
- Wireless phone charging
- Apple CarPlay
- 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
- Trailer hitch.
What Engines Come In the BMW X3?
- The X3 xDrive30i is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque at up to 25 MPG. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard. According to BMW, this model can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6 seconds.
- The performance-oriented X3 M40i comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine that pumps out an impressive 355 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque while getting 23 MPG. This model also uses an eight-speed automatic transmission and features all-wheel drive. It boasts a quicker 0-60 mph time, achieving the sprint in just 4.6 seconds.
What Colors Does the BMW X3 Come In?
How Comfortable Is the BMW X3?
The 2018 BMW X3 is well-regarded for its comfort, offering a refined and luxurious driving experience that suits both city commutes and long-distance journeys. The cabin is spacious and well-appointed, guaranteeing that passengers of all sizes can ride comfortably, even in the rear seats. High-quality materials, including available leather upholstery, create a premium ambiance. The front seats are power-adjustable, allowing the driver and passenger to find an optimal seating position for maximum comfort, even on longer drives. Some models are equipped with additional comfort features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel.
On the road, the X3 demonstrates a commendable balance between ride comfort and handling prowess. Its suspension system effectively absorbs road imperfections, making for a smooth ride. Furthermore, it provides a quiet cabin environment, thanks to effective sound insulation that shields occupants from road and wind noise. Despite its sporty characteristics, the X3 doesn’t compromise on comfort, providing a ride that is both engaging for the driver and relaxing for passengers. Overall, the 2018 BMW X3 offers a high level of comfort that meets the expectations for a luxury compact SUV.
How Much Storage Space Does the BMW X3 Have?
The 2018 BMW X3 is a luxury compact SUV that offers a notable amount of storage space for its class. Regarding cargo capacity, it provides 28.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. This sizable area can easily accommodate a couple of large suitcases, a full load of groceries, or a set of golf clubs with ease.
If you need more space for larger items or a substantial amount of luggage, the rear seats fold down to increase the cargo space to a whopping 62.7 cubic feet. This expanded area can comfortably fit larger items like a bicycle, larger pieces of furniture like a small couch, or an abundance of camping gear for a weekend getaway. Overall, the 2018 BMW X3’s storage space is substantial for a vehicle in its class, providing practicality along with its premium comfort and performance.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the BMW X3 was launched for the 2018 model year.
2015: Minor exterior styling changes including a new front bumper, and some more convenience features.
2016: Standard 16-speaker Harman Kardon stereo system added to xDrive35i model.
2017: Updated iDrive stereo system added, keyless ignition and entry standard on xDrive35i models.
2018: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new exterior, interior, and technology.
2019: No changes from earlier years after the redesign last year.
2020: New plug-in hybrid version of the X3 introduced with 18 miles of EV range.
2021: More advanced safety features now standard, Android Auto available.
How Does the BMW X3 Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 BMW X3 is a decent small luxury SUV since it offers nice technology and luxury features for the money, but ownership costs are more expensive than a lot of the competition.
The BMW X5 is a larger SUV offered by BMW for about $4,500 more. Passenger room is better in the BMW X5, while the BMW X3 is easier to fit in small parking spots found in larger cities. We recommend the BMW X5 since it’s more practical, although both are very similar SUVs.
The Audi Q5 is another small luxury SUV which is available in the same price range. The standard all-wheel drive system on the Audi Q5 is better in the snow, while the BMW X3 offers more responsive steering. We recommend the BMW X3, although both are worth test driving to see which you prefer.