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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  Airbags Failed to Deploy in Rollover - 2004 BMW X3
  By Jen36 - September 4 - 8:01 am

  Although very happy with my BMW Certified Used X3 the first year I have had it, when the time came for this vehicle to come through with safety features, it failed me. I just had an accident with my 2004 X3 yesterday in which there was a side impact followed by the vehicle rolling over to the left on the drivers side 3 times. None of my airbags ever deployed in the rollover. My head impacted the vehicle frame 3 times, when in fact in a rollover, my drivers side airbags should have deployed. I just had BMW replace my airbags 9 months ago due to a faulty indication light. The dealership is showing no interest in my complaint.

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  Overpriced Horrid BMW Model - 2008 BMW X3
  By Marc - August 27 - 5:54 pm

  This is an update of an original posting. The BMW X3 has HORRIBLE engine and transmission response. The dealer can not remedy it as no more software updates are out from BMW but I do not think any more computer programs will solve the potentially dangerous throttle response you do not go anywhere at times when merging. The navigation system is awful I had to buy a Magellan unit. The handling is sub-par, think the crappy cheap Pirelli STR part to blame but not up to BMW standards. BMW corporate is impossible to deal with they are of no help at all.

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  Transmission Nightmare - Recall needed - 2007 BMW X3
  By Dooley - August 21 - 7:08 am

  Driving along a back country road and slump. The transmission felt like it dropped out the bottom. It left me stranded since when I turned it back on it refused to recognize reverse, drive, any gear whatsoever. Since then I have had a "software update" and it is still extremely sluggish in first gear and before I know it I am in third at a snail pace. Highway driving is excellent but in traffic a nightmare, and unreliable shifting. I was told this is a worldwide problem by my dealer regarding X3 transmissions and although this is happening to several X3s it is not large enough to recall. There needs to be a recall. Lurching and shifting so hard that it bucks is not acceptable for a BMW.

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  young man... love it - 2007 BMW X3
  By volpster - August 20 - 3:01 pm

  Although this is typically a car for women, Im a 30 year old man, and I love this car. I needed to purchase an SUV and love how the X3 drives like a sedan, but is great in the snow and on wet surfaces. I enjoy the tight steering and quickness. Its much more agile than any SUV Ive ever driven.

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  Disappointed - 2008 BMW X3
  By car guy - August 17 - 3:30 pm

  This is our second BMW, we are so disappointed with the quality of construction. The front bumper, a pathetic piece of plastic just buckled and fell when going over a bump. Told by a BMW service agent that this is happening so frequently with the x3 that people are not even bothering to fix the bumper, they just drive around with it hanging. This is unconscionably poor construction, design and quality. There are other issues with the quality of materials used in the construction of this car. This is definitely our last BMW and if it wasnt a lease, I would get rid of it immediately.

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  Cute and Sporty - 2004 BMW X3
  By Tennisgal019 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent car for someone of any age. Its fun, reasonably priced and a performance vehicle all packed into one. What more could anyone ask for?

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  Dr. Jeckyl/Mr. Hyde - 2007 BMW X3
  By Eric - July 27 - 12:56 am

  This is our 3rd X3, and I loved the other two, both 2005s. This seems to be a different vehicle. Same great finish and handling, but awful acceleration. As written elsewhere, it is bothersome and dangerous. I loved the responsive, fun to drive qualities of our other X3s. This one makes me scared to enter the highway. Not so fun. Once you get past 40, it is fine, but getting there can be tough. Sometimes you punch it and boom, other times you count to three before anything happens. Someone is going to get into an accident because of this. We went to the dealer and they tried a software fix, but it only made it marginally better and we seem to have lost 1-2 MPG. Disappointing.

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  2008 BMW X3 - 2008 BMW X3
  By don592 - July 21 - 9:27 pm

  I’ve had the auto 4 months, handling is outstanding. Acceleration and braking also outstanding. Interior fit and finish are top quality. I ordered a 6 speed manual, a big part of the fun factor – the manual transmission is smooth and easy to use, although the position of reverse, to the left and up of first, takes some getting used to. The exterior finish is perfect. Dashboard and radio controls are different than most cars, but after a few weeks, it all makes sense. While super unleaded fuel is recommended, the auto runs fine on regular. My previous car was a Honda Pilot which was a nice solid car, but the X3 brings back the excitement of driving and everything still fits.

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  6 speed manual = happy - 2007 BMW X3
  By foothills - July 20 - 2:55 pm

  There is a lot of complaining about the automatic transmission version of this machine. I bought an x3 manual with 6000 miles on it in February 2008 and have put 8000 miles on it since then. This is a great vehicle if you like driving. Fantastic low-end torque. Great acceleration in 2nd, 3rd and 4th. 5th and 6 are highway overdrives. Corners flat in aggressive driving. Have never had better brakes. Pulls a utility trailer loaded with stuff for the dump like its not there. I was skeptical about BMW reliability. No issues so far and the 100,000 mile warranty should have me covered. It doesnt have all the cup holders and storage that a Japanese vehicle has... drives much better though.

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  My birthday present - 2004 BMW X3
  By Sherri L. Meier - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car the X3, about a month ago. What a pleasure to drive. In a previous life, I was manufacturers rep and put on 100k miles/2years. I spend alot of time in the car. I feel very secure and safe driving in the crazy Atlanta traffic,