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 overall 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 dear, and a few older X3s exude a specific attraction the brand new stuff simply doesn’t have. And, new automobiles 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 cut price of the century or years of costly complications.
First Era BMW X3 (E83)
Just like the X5 that got here earlier than it, the first-gen X3’s largest draw is arguably its obtainable guide transmission. Because of the SUV’s measurement and weight, it’s nonetheless maybe not probably the most exhilarating car 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 acquired the arguably underrated 3.0-liter N52 inline-six. No turbos right here, both, which definitely helps hold restore prices decrease.
The M54 inline-six is general fairly proof against huge 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 Each engines use VANOS and on the lookout for current VANOS work by way of outdated service data or speaking to the vendor is an effective indicator that the car was well-kept.
The primary-gen X3’s engines are fairly stout. Nonetheless, there are different points that crop up once in a while. Sunroof rattles and leaks are one thing to take heed to, and window regulators can fail out of the blue, which is mainly 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 selections.
Second Era 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 reasonably than xDrive fashions) had been additionally made obtainable. 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 obtainable 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 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 big gamble if the recall hasn’t been carried out. 2015 noticed modifications to the N20 that made the recall pointless.
That leaves us with the diesel engine choices obtainable within the US. Because the F25 X3 is the truth is the solely era that noticed a diesel come to the US, discovering one may 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. 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 obtainable on the platform. Glove field delamination and sunroof shade rattles appear to crop up once in a while, however that’s definitely nothing to discourage you from taking residence the in any other case good F25. Nonetheless, we do assume there’s at the very least one higher choice right here.
Third Era 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 automobiles of all time. The discontinued future basic SUV depends on the superb S58 engine discovered beneath the hood of up to date M2, M3, and M4 automobiles. Reliability there was glorious to this point, and 503 horsepower is a pleasant aspect profit. When you can afford it, a G01 X3 M is hardly the most costly long-term method to take pleasure in an X3. The most important “gotcha” with a used X3 M is just 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 gives 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. Hold an eye fixed out for coolant and oil leaks, and a cost pipe substitute isn’t a nasty concept, 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 glorious, 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 supplied respectable vary and energy. Whereas the B48 is often a secure wager, be ready for probably costly battery replacements because the elements age. However we count on common operating prices to be in any other case consistent with common BMW prices.
Fourth Era BMW X3 (G45)
The fourth era of the BMW X3, the G45, debuted only a few months in the past in 2024. In actual fact, we took a spin in it a couple of months previous to scripting this breakdown. Usually, it’s a secure wager that the latest fashions are extra dependable than the outgoing ones. Particularly contemplating the powertrains beneath 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 selections BMW made with the most recent X3 land the car after a decade of repeated heavy use. A number 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 fairly sure that at the very least from a drivetrain perspective, the G08 will probably be fairly a dependable trip.
Which BMW X3 Era is the Most Dependable?
We’re going with the G01 each time. The third era X3 gives the very best powertrain choices, until you’re a diesel die-hard. Of specific word is the X3 M, badging you received’t discover on the again of every 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 purchasing. A very good pre-purchase inspection or service historical past verification will go lots additional than merely counting on normal pointers. Pleased purchasing.
