In 2003, simply three years after introduction of the full-size X5, BMW introduced the first-ever BMW X3 to market. Constructed to compete within the blossoming luxurious SUV phase, arguably pioneered by Mercedes and BMW themselves, the X3 wasn’t a right away hit. However in time, the BMW X3 has develop into a cornerstone of the model. In actual fact, the X3 represents an enormous share of the full per-year gross sales the Bavarian automaker enjoys.
For instance, in 2024, the X3 alone accounted for nearly 20% of the model’s complete US gross sales. However shopping for new is pricey, and a few older X3s exude a specific allure the brand new stuff simply doesn’t have. And, new vehicles have by no means been pricier. Time to determine whether or not that “gently-used” X3 sitting on the dealership you drive previous each morning is the discount of the century or years of pricy complications.
First Technology BMW X3 (E83)
Just like the X5 that got here earlier than it, the first-gen X3’s greatest draw is arguably its out there guide transmission. Because of the SUV’s measurement and weight, it’s nonetheless maybe not essentially the most exhilarating automobile to ever put on a roundel, nevertheless it’s a neat novelty and barely simpler to take care of. The E83 X3 was solely ever provided within the US with a six-cylinder engine; early fashions loved the legendary M54 inline-six displacing 2.5 liters whereas later fashions obtained the arguably underrated 3.0-liter N52 inline-six. No turbos right here, both, which actually helps preserve restore prices decrease.
The M54 inline-six is total fairly proof against large ticket upkeep woes. There are some standout objects that just about all the time want addressing sooner or later, together with the DISA valve and oil filter housing gasket. The coolant system in its entirety is one other weak level. The later N52 fashions are equally resilient, and there’s little else to speak about right here, fortunately. Each engines use VANOS and on the lookout for current VANOS work by way of previous service information or speaking to the vendor is an efficient indicator that the automobile was well-kept.
The primary-gen X3’s engines are fairly stout. Nonetheless, there are different points that crop up occasionally. Sunroof rattles and leaks are one thing to take heed to, and window regulators can fail out of the blue, which is principally a practice when speaking about BMW fashions from this time interval. All first-gen X3s are all-wheel drive, too, which provides complexity. The guide is a enjoyable novelty. In any other case, there are extra dependable X3 decisions.
Second Technology BMW X3 (F25)
BMW launched the following iteration of the X3, the F25 chassis, in 2010. Gone is the guide transmission, however there are significantly extra choices to select from in any other case. After 2012 a diesel powertrain was launched, and it’s the primary X3 to get a style of turbocharged goodness within the N55 engine. Lastly, rear-drive fashions (dubbed sDrive slightly than xDrive fashions) have been additionally made out there. Let’s not overcomplicate issues: essentially the most dependable F25 is an N52-powered mannequin.
The acquainted engine is extra dependable than the opposite fuel choices, although solely out there in 2011 and 2012 fashions. The highly effective however typically upkeep hungry N55 calls for cost pipe and gasoline pump consideration that the N52 merely doesn’t require. The N20 turbo 4 isn’t too dangerous to take care of total. Importantly, there was a timing chain recall that makes pre-2015 examples pretty low-cost to purchase upfront however a little bit of of venture if the recall hasn’t been carried out. 2015 noticed adjustments to the N20 that made the recall pointless.
That leaves us with the diesel engine choices out there within the US. Because the F25 X3 is in actual fact the solely era that noticed a diesel come to the US, discovering one would possibly show difficult. The xDrive28d boasts a neat 280 pound-feet of torque. Just like the N20, timing chain woes plague the diesel motors. Get that addressed, and you continue to have common BMW diesel issues to face down. Exhaust fuel recirculation (EGR) valves and swirl flaps can result in annoying and costly fixes, and whereas there are “extra-legal” options, that might result in complications for emissions compliance.
Powertrains apart, the F25 BMW X3 has few widespread issues. Looking for out a post-LCI mannequin (2015+) is advisable because the N20’s timing chain issues are resolved and 2014+ fashions get the latest iDrive variations out there on the platform. Glove field delamination and sunroof shade rattles appear to crop up occasionally, however that’s actually nothing to discourage you from taking house the in any other case excellent F25. Nonetheless, we do assume there’s at the least one higher choice right here.
Third Technology BMW X3 (G01)
The third era of the BMW X3 (G01) provides a high-powered X3 M variant that’s one among our favourite BMW autos of all time. The discontinued future traditional SUV depends on the superb S58 engine discovered below the hood of up to date M2, M3, and M4 autos. Reliability there was wonderful to this point, and 503 horsepower is a pleasant facet profit. If you happen to can afford it, a G01 X3 M is hardly the most costly long-term technique to take pleasure in an X3. The largest “gotcha” with a used X3 M is solely the expense of components. Brace for the common M tax, which interprets roughly to a 30-50% pricier half than a daily, non-M element.
Excellent news elsewhere within the lineup, too. The G01 X3 provides four- and six-cylinder engines, and each are new for the chassis. The B48 four-cylinder is as stalwart right here as it’s elsewhere within the BMW catalog. That’s to say, total unproblematic. Maintain a watch out for coolant and oil leaks, and a cost pipe substitute isn’t a foul thought, however you’re in any other case okay. The B58 inline-six within the X3 M40i has been mentioned ad-nauseum, nevertheless it’s a pleasure, too. Apart from the occasional gasket and routine upkeep, the B58 is a virtually zero-risk dive into X3 possession. The X3 M40i seems wonderful, too, the proper mixture of old-school and new-school BMW design.
There was briefly a hybrid X3 bought within the US — the X3 xDrive30e. It paired the B48 four-cylinder with an electrical motor and supplied first rate vary and energy. Whereas the B48 is normally a protected wager, be ready for probably costly battery replacements because the elements age. However we count on common working prices to be in any other case according to common BMW prices.
Fourth Technology BMW X3 (G45)
The fourth era of the BMW X3, the G45, debuted just some months in the past in 2024. In actual fact, we took a spin in it a couple of months previous to scripting this breakdown. Typically, it’s a protected wager that the latest fashions are extra dependable than the outgoing ones. Particularly contemplating the powertrains below the hood are nothing new.
The B48 four-pot and B58 inline-six are pleasant to drive and well-researched sufficient at this level to supply peace of thoughts. That stated: we’re to see the place the fabric and design decisions BMW made with the newest X3 land the automobile after a decade of repeated heavy use. A few of the supplies are merely not as good feeling because the G01’s; and most of the plastics really feel significantly cheaper. Time will inform; that stated, we’re moderately sure that at the least from a drivetrain perspective, the G08 will likely be fairly a dependable trip.
Which BMW X3 Technology is the Most Dependable?
We’re going with the G01 each time. The third era X3 provides the perfect powertrain choices, until you’re a diesel die-hard. Of specific be aware is the X3 M, badging you received’t discover on the again of some other era. Though the G08 could show dependable within the long-run, we don’t have sufficient time with the chassis to say. Greater than something, although, we suggest being thorough when procuring. An excellent pre-purchase inspection or service historical past verification will go quite a bit additional than merely counting on common tips. Comfortable procuring.
