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 change into a cornerstone of the model. In actual fact, the X3 represents an enormous share of the overall per-year gross sales the Bavarian automaker enjoys.
For instance, in 2024, the X3 alone accounted for nearly 20% of the model’s whole US gross sales. However shopping for new is pricey, and a few older X3s exude a selected 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 pricey complications.
First Era 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 handbook transmission. Because of the SUV’s measurement and weight, it’s nonetheless maybe not probably the most exhilarating automobile to ever put on a roundel, nevertheless it’s a neat novelty and barely simpler to keep up. 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 received 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 general fairly proof against massive ticket upkeep woes. There are some standout gadgets that nearly 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 Each engines use VANOS and searching for latest VANOS work by way of outdated service information or speaking to the vendor is an effective indicator that the automobile was well-kept.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 convention when speaking about BMW fashions from this time interval. All first-gen X3s are all-wheel drive, too, which provides complexity. The handbook is a enjoyable novelty. In any other case, there are extra dependable X3 selections.
Second Era BMW X3 (F25)
BMW launched the subsequent iteration of the X3, the F25 chassis, in 2010. Gone is the handbook 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 reasonably than xDrive fashions) had been additionally made out there. Let’s not overcomplicate issues: probably 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 gas pump consideration that the N52 merely doesn’t require. The N20 turbo 4 isn’t too dangerous to keep up general. Importantly, there was a timing chain recall that makes pre-2015 examples pretty low cost to purchase upfront however a little bit of a chance 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 actually the solely technology 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 would result in complications for emissions compliance.
Powertrains apart, the F25 BMW X3 has few frequent issues. Searching 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 residence the in any other case good F25. Nonetheless, we do suppose there may be a minimum of one higher possibility right here.
Third Era BMW X3 (G01)
The third technology of the BMW X3 (G01) provides a high-powered X3 M variant that’s one in every of our favourite BMW automobiles of all time. The discontinued future basic SUV depends on the superb S58 engine discovered underneath the hood of up to date M2, M3, and M4 automobiles. 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 costliest long-term technique to take pleasure in an X3. The largest “gotcha” with a used X3 M is just the expense of elements. Brace for the common M tax, which interprets roughly to a 30-50% pricier half than an everyday, non-M element.
Excellent news elsewhere within the lineup, too. The G01 X3 affords 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, general unproblematic. Maintain an eye fixed out for coolant and oil leaks, and a cost pipe substitute isn’t a nasty 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. Aside from the occasional gasket and routine upkeep, the B58 is a virtually zero-risk dive into X3 possession. The X3 M40i appears wonderful, too, the proper mixture of old-school and new-school BMW design.
There was briefly a hybrid X3 offered within the US — the X3 xDrive30e. It paired the B48 four-cylinder with an electrical motor and offered first rate vary and energy. Whereas the B48 is normally a protected wager, be ready for doubtlessly costly battery replacements because the parts age. However we anticipate common operating prices to be in any other case in step with common BMW prices.
Fourth Era BMW X3 (G45)
The fourth technology 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 underneath 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 offer peace of thoughts. That stated: we’re to see the place the fabric and design selections BMW made with the newest X3 land the automobile after a decade of repeated heavy use. Among 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 a minimum of from a drivetrain perspective, the G08 will likely be fairly a dependable experience.
Which BMW X3 Era is the Most Dependable?
We’re going with the G01 each time. The third technology X3 affords one of the best powertrain choices, until you’re a diesel die-hard. Of explicit be aware is the X3 M, badging you gained’t discover on the again of another technology. Though the G08 might 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 buying. A very good pre-purchase inspection or service historical past verification will go loads additional than merely counting on basic pointers. Pleased buying.
