Overview & Reviews

New or used, the BMW X3 is a great option for premium crossover shoppers who want extra doses of sport and class. As expected in this segment, the two-row X3 offers a high seating position, all-wheel-drive traction and abundant equipment. However, it goes a few steps further with sweet performance-bred engines, above-average handling and genuinely upscale interior appointments.

Now in its second generation, the current BMW X3 is a much-improved vehicle, but it also has significantly more competitors than it used to. As such, the X3 isn't the easy choice it once was. It's still a class leader, though, and many years of the first-generation X3 are solid bets as well. If you're looking for a luxury crossover that's not too large, the BMW X3 certainly belongs on your short list.

Current BMW X3
The current X3 is available in sDrive28i, xDrive28i, xDrive 28d or xDrive35i trim. In BMW-speak, "sDrive" means rear-wheel drive and "xDrive" means all-wheel drive. The 28i models are motivated by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 28d switches to a diesel-powered four-cylinder rated at 180 hp and 280 lb-ft. The 35i boasts a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 good for 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Every X3 features an eight-speed automatic transmission.

While the X3 may be smaller and cheaper than the hefty X5, you won't feel short-changed inside. The same high-quality materials and construction are present, while standard luxuries on the xDrive28i include a power liftgate, eight-way power front seats, the iDrive electronics interface and a 12-speaker audio system with iPod/USB connectivity. The xDrive35i is similarly equipped but adds adaptive xenon headlights and a panoramic sunroof as standard. All X3s come standard with Driving Dynamics Control, which provides adjustable drive settings that alter the suspension, steering, transmission and throttle calibrations.

Options are largely grouped into packages. Highlights include adaptive suspension dampers, a performance-biased all-wheel-drive system, sport front seats, a head-up display, smartphone integration and a navigation system that brings a larger iDrive display screen.

In reviews, we've consistently found the current BMW X3 to be one of the most appealing luxury crossovers in its class. For those who want an ample dose of driving fun, it's very tough to beat -- especially if you're willing to pony up for the 35i's remarkably powerful and refined engine. For fuel economy fans, the xDrive28d delivers well over 30 mpg on the highway. Although the ride is rather firm, the X3 nonetheless excels at soaking up bumps, while its trademark sharp handling remains a strong suit. The competition's stiffer than ever in this segment, but the current X3 is definitely a top contender.

Used BMW X3 Models
The current, second-generation BMW X3 debuted for 2011. Styling changes from the first generation are subtle, but the X3 is a little bigger this time around, with a gentler ride, a considerably fancier interior and improved power and efficiency.

For its first two years of production, the xDrive28i featured a naturally aspirated inline-6 engine (240 hp and 221 lb-ft) that was turbine-smooth but less fuel-efficient than the turbo-4. The new base engine arrived for 2013, as did standard Driving Dynamics Control and power operation for the liftgate (both previously optional). The xDrive28d and the rear-drive sDrive28i weren't introduced until the 2015 model year, which also marked the advent of a few new features and minor exterior styling changes.

The first-generation BMW X3 was produced from 2004-'10. Originally, there were two six-cylinder models: the 184-hp 2.5i and the 225-hp 3.0i. The 2.5i was discontinued after 2005. As part of a comprehensive update for 2007, the 3.0i became known as the 3.0si (which was subsequently changed to xDrive30i for '09) and gained 35 more hp for a total of 260. A six-speed manual or six-speed automatic were available throughout.

Throughout its run, the first-gen BMW X3 provided generous seating space (even for taller adults) and a spacious cargo area. Like the current car, it was also known for being one of the most fun-to-drive SUVs on the market. However, earlier examples were criticized for their unyielding ride and austere interior appointments. Both shortcomings were addressed in the overhaul for 2007, which also brought mild styling tweaks. Accordingly, we advise admirers of this generation to focus on the 2007-'10 models.

User Reviews:

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  First SUV -Its a Good One! - 2011 BMW X3
  By bimmer_dude - June 27 - 1:51 pm

  I wanted something different in my next car. Have been driving BMWs for 15+ years - mostly 3 series an Ms. Test drove the new X3 35i and was smitten. Wanted to buy it there on the spot but the dealership didnt want to sell it to me so I went looking. Found one at another dealership. Had 1 option I really wanted (HiFi Stereo) but soon realized I could live w/o it. This is my first SUV (SAV) and Im enjoying it very much. Not agile as a 335i - but darn close to it, especially with adjustable chassis and throttle settings. Getting 26.6mpg average. VERY impressive. Got that with my last 335i. Comfortable Quite and Fun!! Get one!!

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  The ultimate driving machine, SUV edition - 2011 BMW X3
  By pbschroeder - June 20 - 3:33 pm

  We have had this car about 2 weeks. While not as fun to drive as our 335 coupe was, it is great for an SUV. It is faster than every competitor except itself in the turbo version. The seats are supremely comfortable and it has lots of cool storage features. We only got this because we needed a 4 door car, but we have been pleasantly surprised by how much we like it, since we are sports car people. Except a Porsche Cayenne S, nothing else even comes close to this.

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  First BMW ever! - 2005 BMW X3
  By andycindy8288 - June 14 - 8:45 pm

  After my wife and I have bought the 2005 BMW X3 3.0i. We had no idea how different BMWs where compared to us having a toyota corolla and growing up with ford cars and hondas. At 82K miles we have yet to have any issues with our X3 3.0 aside from guzzling gas at an unexpected rate. But thats a given since we love to put it to the mettle with our 3.0i V6 on the high ways everyday we go to work, and we are on the highways a lot. We where surprised how a midsize SUV like the the BMW X3 3.0i can pack so much and have so many little surprises that you wont find out until you push it to the limit. It has ample enough room and yes the ride is rough, but this is a sports based midsize SUV.

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  Driving machine - 2011 BMW X3
  By mkmbw - April 24 - 10:02 pm

  bmw x3 35 i 2011 nice SUV to ride. I trade of my Jeep 2008 hemi v8 for bmw x3. good mileage about 18 in city. very handy to drive on city roads. lots of features, but very expensive compared to america cars with all those options. never mind bmw is much fun to ride than jeep. and only good about jeep is it was to good on heavy snow roads.

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  My new X3 - 2011 BMW X3
  By north34949 - April 16 - 7:56 pm

  We took delivery of our new X-3 at the BMW Performance Center, Greer, SC. Anyone buying a new X-3 should take advantage of this opportunity, it was first rate. Our X-3 had the convenience package, premium package, tech package, and sports package. I wish BMW made more use of buttons than depending on the Idrive but it works well with a cutting edge car. I have test driven several X-3s over the years and found the ride to be choppy and the cabin less than comfortable. All has changed for 2011. At the performance center, we had the opportunity to drive the X-3s (theirs) at the edge of their performance envelope which demonstates how well these cars can perform. Pricing was negotiable!

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  sets the bar above the rest - 2011 BMW X3
  By bmwrat - March 29 - 4:53 pm

  total redesign for 2011, the exterior a perfect balance between what sporty and luxurious should be. driving impressions feel solid and responsive. powerful v6 engine even for the 28i model. interior design and technologies completely brought up to date, unlike many luxury car makers whos interiors look like from 1985. idrive is improved but still too many sub menus, somewhat difficult to adjust while driving. priced slightly higher than competitors but well worth the money. you wont be disapointed.

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  Very good CPO Buy - 2006 BMW X3
  By mmuv - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this 4 yr old X3 in August and so far it is a very good small suv. The tranny is ultra smooth, the engine is smooth & torquey. Steering is BMW excellent. Build quality is very good. Consumer Reports gives it a best buy for the 06 yr & good reliability or I wouldnt have purchased it. So far no problems. I would strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a good used suv in the $20K-$25K range

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  Do not buy a BMW x3 - 2007 BMW X3
  By Jesus Gonzalez - November 6 - 2:00 am

  We have taken the x3 to the shop about 7 times for engine overheating problems / computer problems/ do not buy BMW x3 will bring you problems. Contacted BMW headquarters and they do not help. They dont care about the customer and if you run out of warranty you will have to pay $3,000 for an extended warranty or trade in the SUV. Not reliable/ my kids dont want to take trips/ left us stranded on I-35. BMW does not care!

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  Great car with little flaw - 2004 BMW X3
  By Great car w/little f - October 13 - 2:00 am

  is it just my x? backseat gets wet whenever it rains. 3.0 seems right idea. 6 cd changer wouldve been nice. overall, tight ride.

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  Not a huge fan - 2007 BMW X3
  By 1st time BMW - October 11 - 2:00 am

  My first BMW so excited to get it and compared it to all mini-SUV models. Have had it six months and trading it hubby and I loved to drive it hate to ride in it. 6 year old gets car sick the ride is so rough. I loved the idea of a BMW, but have found perhaps I am not such a fan of German engineering after all. I wish it would have worked out. Plenty of power, we simply cannot handle the rough ride.