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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  Very Disappointing! - 2004 BMW X3
  By Lexus RX330 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Test drove and compared MDX, ML 350, X3 and RX330, had high hopes for the X3, but is very disappointed. X3 is overrated, and disappointing in everyway except it is a BMW, has a good engine and is fun to drive. But the ride, forget about it. We are not racing everyday, we need a SUV attentive to our everyday needs, plus the options will eat you alive, about $46,000 for mine. So leave the option box unchecked! For close to $50,000, one could find much better cars. The style is OK, but the inside is cold and cheap looking.

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  Awesome Ride!! - 2007 BMW X3
  By dr.nick - April 3 - 10:49 am

  This car has gone above and beyond what I expected. Was also looking at the Lexus and Mercedes and their drive compared to the BMW was night and day. If youre looking for a fun car that is the best performing car in its class the BMW X3 is the only logical choice.

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  New to BMWs - 2005 BMW X3
  By Gator297 - March 29 - 11:08 pm

  First time BMW owner, and so far impressed. Responsive steering, excellent braking, front seats very comfortable. Could have used more sound proofing for interior. Road noise and wind flowing across top noticeable. Tight fitting vehicle, no rattles. Titanium int. seems durable. Easy to handle. A head turner. Cargo area seems small with rear seats up.

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  The Perfect All Around Vehicle - 2009 BMW X3
  By rl2278 - February 26 - 1:31 am

  Due to an old back injury I needed something with more supportive/ comfortable seats that was easy to get in and out of. I tried almost everything out there until I found BMWs X3. The seats and height were absolutely perfect so I ordered the car based heavily on those two things and relied on BMWs reputation for the rest. I certainly was not disappointed. It goes and stops like nothing I have ever driven and if you dont watch your speed it will easily creep into triple digit territory. It corners like its a car and although firm, it rides like a dream. The fit and finish is top notch and the cabin is quiet. It has great head and legroom and everything is where its supposed to be.

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  My BMW - 2004 BMW X3
  By BigHipsSoftLips - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Great car....not too high off the ground, passengers fit comfortably in back seat, back doors open wide enough for my big dog to get in comfortably. The "extras" make the car worthwhile.

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  quick take - 2004 BMW X3
  By kevin365a - February 22 - 10:00 am

  good dealership service, handles very well ( had Z3 and are close to the same feeling ) with enough bells and whistles to keep everyone from being bored

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  A Non-Truck! - 2005 BMW X3
  By ProMariner - February 21 - 11:50 am

  I am not a big fan of SUVs, but finally needed something larger than my car. This baby does the trick! Styling, versatility, comfort, and performance all rolled into one! Inside you dont have the feeling of being in a truck or mini-van. Outside, theres no mistaking it for a pick-up with a cap. With the 3.0 liter engine you fly and if you feel sporty, the 5-speed automatic lets you shift manually. Between the roof rack, trailer hitch, and cargo bay you can put your bicycles on top, out back, or inside! It may not be enough room for a party of six, but its more than enough for a couple or small family. Only knock is that the AWD gets 16MPG around town and requires premium gas only.

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  After 3 year lease, had to buy it! - 2006 BMW X3
  By John in Pittsburgh - February 19 - 10:21 pm

  After 35K miles, my assessment of this well-designed vehicle is you get what you pay for. It is not a sports car, so dont expect it to drive like a 3 series sedan, but then again, it doesnt drive like a truck either. The handling is still more impressive than a lot of cars, especially considering its an SUV (er, sorry BMW marketing guys... "SAV"). Its not a luxury car, so dont buy it if youre looking for a smooth, refined ride. However, if you want something that is truly fun to drive, yet also has a practical side (meaning you can actually give rides to adults and shop at The Home Depot) the X3 is a great choice. I constantly get genuine compliments from friends who own luxury sedans.

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  One of the Best - 2004 BMW X3
  By Ob - February 19 - 6:49 pm

  This is a wonderful vehicle. Had good experience with Highlander and Lexus RX300. X3 is different animal, performance and handling is awesome no comparison. Ive put 60k miles on it with no issues at all. Drove X3 from Virginia to Jersey in heavy rain and absolutely loved the handling and performance. Drove Highlander and Lexus in heavy rain from DC to Jersey. X3 made highlander and Lexus look like a puppy. Ill keep X3 till it dies. I put my life on my cars and get my car maintained by authorized dealerships.Its maintenance cost over all per annum is almost same as Highlander and Lexus. In fact I ended up paying more for the Highlander and Lexus cause I put more miles.

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  Its no Saab - 2017 BMW X3
  By Rob - February 15 - 8:35 am

  The menu system on a BMW dashboard is not intuitive - it’s just a random annoyance that’s the most consistent feature of this vehicle for a driver. With three clicks, you can turn it off, but it won’t stay off. Every time you start the vehicle, it will come back to annoy you – first with a legal disclaimer and then an array of meaningless menu choices. It’s impossible to make the screen display something useful like a digital clock (a Kia will do that, but a BMW won’t). I’d settle for a BMW logo on the screen, but even that’s not an option. The menu is loaded with choices leading quickly to lots of useless information, but changing the audio source for the stereo is 3-4 clicks and a couple of knob-spins away. You’ll find the FM/HD radio choice is in a different section of the menu than the CD player and Bluetooth devices. Perhaps it’s just German humor. Info that’s more easily accessed includes the owner’s manual (should you be reading that on the dashboard while driving?) and contact info for the BMW complaint center (maybe BMW owners use that one a lot?). You can also schedule a service appointment with a random BMW dealership with just a couple of clicks. But they can’t fix your menu. Want to “search by picture” and learn more about “screw thread for tow fitting” on this car’s front bumper? That’s literally choice #3 of 12 on an image of the vehicle, just two clicks and a quarter-spin away. But once again – is this info you should be using while the vehicle’s moving? However if you need to call your spouse, plan on pulling over to the side of the road and scrolling through the alphabet, because the “favorites” from your iPhone will not upload to this system and the voice-dial feature is erratic at best. I like a lot of things about my 2017 BMW – great steering and acceleration, quiet and steady ride, nice lines, quality trim everywhere. But the stupid, amateur-designed, useless menu stuck in the middle of my dashboard is a daily irritation that won’t go away. Yes, I’m a little obsessive – but how many non-obsessive people buy BMWs? I owned three Saabs. This is my first BMW and my last.