The 2020 BMW X3 lasts around 200,000 miles, with some stereo system and check engine lights reported. At $27,375 to $58,350, it’s expensive, but still a good value for a compact luxury SUV that offers a sportier driving experience than the competition.
Is the 2020 BMW X3 a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2020 is a good year for the BMW X3 since it offers a lot of technology and a fun driving experience. Owner reviews praise the strong engines, comfortable cabin, along with the responsive handling.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a small SUV, the seats offer great support on curvy roads, cargo space is also good in the hatch area.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems reported on the 2020 X3. Avoid models from 2013 which have engine problems, while 2015–2022 are much more reliable.
- Performance 8/10 – The base engine offers decent power, while the M40i is quicker than most other small SUVs on the market.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2020 X3 is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking along with a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control and 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. Gas costs are $10 lower than average at $230 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2020 BMW X3 costs more than other small SUVs on the market, with some higher depreciation rates, lowering its overall value score slightly.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the BMW X3?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 BMW X3 offers a blend of driving enjoyment, comfort and luxury features with high owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the BMW X3 at 3.6/5, enjoying the spacious interior for front and rear passengers, but doesn’t like the high costs on the plug-in hybrid model.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the X3 a 4.4/5, praising the extremely precise handling, but owners don’t like the overly firm suspension on rough roads.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 BMW X3 Have?
Common problems reported on the 2020 BMW X3 include the center screen freezing, check engine lights, along with some paint chipping 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.
The center screen freezing is the most widespread complaint from 2020 X3 owners, showing up within the first 2,500 miles. There are software updates available for the touchscreen, which improves reliability. Most of these updates are done over the air while the car is parked, but in some cases you may need to take it to a dealership to have them updated for free.
Check-engine lights are another problem mentioned by some BMW X3 owners at around 15,000 miles. There are a lot of reasons why a check engine light may turn on. You will need to use an OBD-II scan tool to read the ECU for any codes. Once you know the source of the light, then fixing it can cost $50 to $800, depending on the source.
Paint chipping issues have also been reported on the 2020 BMW X3 in the first 10,000 miles. The paint on the front bumper and hood is prone to stone chips. Some people do touch ups for under $100, while others repaint the affected areas at a cost of roughly $1,000 per panel.
There are 13 recalls on the 2020 BMW X3, which is worse than other small luxury SUVs. The most serious recall covers the front axle swivel bearings, which may break, resulting in a crash. BMW will replace the bearings on affected models for free. Other recalls cover the rearview camera, the brake assist system, and the steering box, which BMW will also fix for free.
How Long Will the 2020 BMW X3 Last?
A well-maintained 2020 BMW X3 can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than the long-lasting Lexus RX. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $984 per year.
As a used 2020 X3 reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the liftgate support struts for $200, the coolant reservoir costing $350, along with the mass airflow sensor, which costs $550.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is great and includes an 8.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and BMW’s iDrive. Optional upgrades include Android Auto, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety technology is excellent, and features:
- Rearview camera
- Driver drowsiness monitoring
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Traffic sign recognition
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Head-up display
- Lane keep assist
- Blind spot monitoring
- Parallel park assist
- Lane departure warning
- Front and rear cross traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
- Surround-view parking camera system
Is the 2020 BMW X3 a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 BMW X3 is a good value if you’re in the market for a small luxury SUV which also offers a sporty driving experience. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $27,375 to $58,350, making it more than a Cadillac XT4 or Acura RDX. When new, the price range was $41,950 to $76,900. Depreciation is worse than some competitors, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the BMW X3?
There are four main models of the 2020 BMW X3 offered from the entry-level sDrive30i, the plug-in hybrid xDrive30e, through to the sportier M40i. The X3 comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
sDrive30i and xDrive30i are the entry-level versions with:
- Rear-wheel drive (sDrive30i) or all-wheel drive (xDrive30i).
- LED headlights and fog lights.
- Power liftgate.
- Tri-zone automatic climate control.
- Power-adjustable front seats.
- Simulated leather upholstery.
- iDrive infotainment interface.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility.
- 8-inch touch screen with navigation.
- 12-speaker audio system and HD Radio.
- Rearview camera and front/rear parking sensors.
- Driver aids: drowsiness monitoring, collision warning, auto emergency braking, pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition.
- Option packages: Convenience (keyless access, panoramic sunroof), Driving Assistance, and Driving Assistant Plus.
- Optional: M Sport package (stylistic enhancements) and Dynamic Handling package (adaptive dampers, upgraded brakes, variable-ratio steering).
xDrive30e is similar to the base model with:
- All standard features from 30i models.
- Digital gauge cluster.
- Android Auto capability.
M40i is the flagship model with:
- Includes most 30i and 30e standard features.
- M Sport suspension and M Sport brakes.
- Panoramic moonroof.
- Satellite radio.
- Notable options: heated/ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, 10.3-inch touchscreen, digital gauge display, wireless charging, 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
What Engines Come In the BMW X3?
- sDrive30i and xDrive30i: These trims are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine produces 248 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, it offers a combined fuel economy of 25 MPG. When it comes to acceleration, this engine propels the X3 from 0 to 60 MPH in about 6 seconds.
- M40i: This sportier trim comes with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine. It delivers a robust 382 horsepower and 365 lb.-ft of torque. With the same 8-speed automatic transmission, its combined fuel economy is estimated at around 23 MPG. This engine gives the X3 a notably quicker 0-60 MPH time, clocking in at just 4.4 seconds.
- xDrive30e: This is the plug-in hybrid variant of the X3. It combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, offering a combined output of 288 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft of torque. Using the 8-speed automatic transmission, its combined fuel economy stands out, averaging 60 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) when using both gasoline and electric power. Its 0-60 MPH time is competitive as well, completing the sprint in 5.9 seconds.
What Colors Does the BMW X3 Come In?
How Comfortable Is the BMW X3?
The 2020 BMW X3 stands out not only for its dynamic performance but also for its commitment to passenger comfort. Its interior boasts a blend of premium materials, with soft-touch surfaces, high-quality upholstery, and meticulous craftsmanship visible throughout the cabin. The seats, available in both standard synthetic leather and optional genuine leather, provide supportive cushioning, making both short city drives and long highway journeys equally pleasant. The front seats often come with power adjustments, and higher trims offer features like lumbar support and memory settings.
Passengers in the rear also enjoy ample legroom and headroom, suitable even for taller individuals. The cabin is well-insulated, providing a quiet ride by minimizing road and wind noise. Additionally, the X3 offers a suite of modern tech amenities, including an intuitive infotainment system, which further enhances the overall riding experience. Whether you’re navigating through urban landscapes or cruising on open roads, the 2020 BMW X3 provides a ride that prioritizes comfort and luxury.
How Much Storage Space Does the BMW X3 Have?
The 2020 BMW X3 is a luxury compact SUV that offers a combination of performance, comfort, and practicality. One of its notable features is its spacious cargo area. Behind the rear seats, the X3 provides 28.7 cubic feet of storage space. With the rear seats folded down, this space expands to a generous 62.7 cubic feet. This means that not only can you easily fit day-to-day items such as groceries, gym bags, and briefcases, but you can also accommodate larger items like bicycles, suitcases for a long trip, or even a piece of small furniture.
Additionally, the BMW X3 has various small interior pockets, door bins, a glovebox, and center console compartments, which are perfect for storing personal items, beverages, or smaller gadgets. The combination of these storage options makes the X3 a practical choice for both daily commutes and extended road trips.
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 with new front bumper, headlights, and more features available.
2016: The xDrive35i now comes with a standard 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
2017: Upgraded iDrive infotainment system, keyless ignition is standard on all xDrive35i models.
2018: Fully redesigned for the third generation with all new styling, technology, and engine choices.
2019: No changes from the earlier 2018 model, which was a full redesign.
2020: All-new plug-in hybrid model introduced with 18 miles of electric range.
2021: Updated standard safety features found on all models, Android Auto finally offered.
How Does the BMW X3 Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 BMW X3 is a very good small luxury SUV which offers excellent performance paired with some of the latest technology features.
The Audi Q5 is another small luxury SUV, which can be found for about $1,500 more. Interior materials are more luxurious in the Audi Q5, while the BMW X3 offers a sportier driving experience. We recommend the BMW X3 since it’s cheaper to own long-term, but both are good choices.
The Mercedes Benz GLC is a popular competitor available in the same price range. Standard entertainment technology is better in the Mercedes GLC, while the BMW X3 is more fun to drive on winding roads. We recommend the BMW X3 since maintenance costs are cheaper, although both are very similar.