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 high maintenance dealership poor service - 2004 BMW X3
  By motherofonyx - January 20 - 9:42 pm

  purchased for daughter, needed complete brakes just at 50,000 was not offered extended warranty would have helped, had back latch motor replaced twice, 3rd time was not under warranty, door locks sometimes they do not work? not sure if one needs too push really hard or if it has a ghost, upholstery is cheap, drivers side has tear, this car has not been abused so feel the upholstery is cheap very little storage, very basic is an automatic get very good gas mileage, breaks replaced again at 75,000 go figure, all spark plugs replaced at 80,000 is very expensive to maintain thank god it is dependable doesnt have issues however just basic maintenance too costly now retired income

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  Fantastic all purpose vehicle - 2014 BMW X3
  By heiko1 - January 9 - 12:17 pm

  Very impressed with this 3.5 x3 after one month, the heads up display along with steering wheel voice command and what is now a very easy to use i drive system make it very simple to drive the vehicle, change radio, adjust navigation etc without removing your eyes from the road. Suspension and engine are amazing, if you can avoid the hilarity of flooring it, the vehicle gets reasonably impressive fuel mileage. Build quality is top notch and I like the fact that the styling is very conservative. With all the fun stuff, doubtful that anything short of the new Porsche can match it for speed agility and functionality.

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  fantastic vehicle - 2014 BMW X3
  By billmcp81 - November 13 - 4:31 pm

  Purchased vehicle about a month ago and have driven 2200 miles. Was nervous at first about 4 cyl engine but it has plenty of power. Recently got 27mpg on trip and that was better than Lexus 400h we traded in. Special ordered vehicle just the way we wanted with tech,parking assist, xenons, upgraded stereo and convenience package. Vehicle is very comfortable on long trips and heated steering wheel is a nice on cold nights. Build quality and dealer experience was first rate. We did purchase tire hazard warranty because of the run flats.

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  Punishing ride. - 2004 BMW X3
  By tomaszek - October 29 - 9:47 pm

  I had this car for 6 years. It was solid car with not too many problems. They are 3 times more to fix than on american car though. Key is 173 $ for example. Brakes $756. I bought it on advice from magazine as "best car in its class". Not. Is the most expensive car in its class. You can have Lexus RX for the money which is better and bigger car. Or 2 Honda CRVs which any of them will be worth more at trade in in 10 years. This car is shame for BMW. The ride is punishing harsh. The manual transmission is totally not math to engine. Panorama sunroof lets in so much noise. The leather seats have ugly inserts. The car is noisy and full of rattles. I felt like driving the cheap car.

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  Loving the X3 - 2013 BMW X3
  By clayewi - October 21 - 1:39 pm

  I have had four successive 5 series wagons. Sadly, BMW doesnt bring them to the states so I had to really consider what to get next. The X1 was TINY and just didnt feel like a BMW to me. Without question my last 5 had a more luxurious interior, but thats expected. The X3 has a much nicer interior than the current 3 series. The screen is IN the dash where it should be, not sticking up like a design afterthought. The engine/transmission combo is amazing very quick and agile. It doesnt handle like a car, but much better than other SUVs. The tech package is very nicely done. Gas mileage is really good for the size. The car feels much lighter than my 5 wagon, much faster though.

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  Love My Ride - 2013 BMW X3
  By drkcollins - September 20 - 8:27 pm

  I looked at and drove nearly every car and SUV out there. When I drove the X3 35i I felt at home. Also drove the 28i but even with the Turbo, didnt have the torque Im used to. The 35i put a smile on my face! Performance, comfort, gas mileage, not to mention the sleek classy look. What more can you ask for?

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  Too many trips to dealership! - 2013 BMW X3
  By gaislandsguy - August 19 - 2:23 pm

  Its a nice vehicle, if I didnt have to drive 45 minutes to dealership to get it fixed, on a regular basis. Yes, there is a closer dealership, but they tried to sell me an "executive car" for $3K off sticker. When I asked for car fax they baulked. It had been in a rear end accident! I only found out because I asked for Carfax! Anyway back to X3. Its pretty. And its nice to drive. Holds road well. Handles great.

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  Manual transmission and Sunroof - 2006 BMW X3
  By wnull - August 9 - 1:11 pm

  My wife and I traded in our car with our baby on the way and wanted an SUV that had both a manual transmission and a sun roof. NO new cars come with both so We picked up our 2006 X3 with 68K and now have about 77K after almost a year and absolutely love it! The storage in the back is a little tight but the movable tie downs are great. We ended up buying the crossbars for the roof so we can put a cargo box on top for our annually beach vacation. Worked wonderfully. Gas mileage has been pretty good, with summer gas and a trip to north western pa (No roof rack) we managed between 25-26mpg 85-90% highway. Around town we get anywhere from 18-21, depending on whos driving.

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  Not a bad small SUV - 2004 BMW X3
  By cchao01 - July 28 - 12:20 am

  I bought this car used in 2007 from a used car lot with around 40,000 miles for about 30k currently it has over 94,000. This car has been a dream. Its been in three crashes two head on collisions and a hit and run. All three times the car preformed well (these were medium speed crashes so around 30 Mph). the only parts that needed to be replaced was an oil filter and a right front cracked wheel. This car has NO options on it and has a very cheap vinyl upholstery and for the price it is disappointing but over time its a good thing because less stuff to go wrong it drives fantastically and still looks good at 10 years but it is overpriced and CANT GO OFF ROAD. Would recommend this car

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  Reliability , reliability , reliability ..... - 2013 BMW X3
  By mo78 - July 17 - 2:26 pm

  Its shocking that BMW cant make reliable car for the money they charge. This wk will be my fourth visit to the dealership for drivers restraint malfunction . They dont seem to know whats going on with this car . I have seen similar reliability reviews and I just wonder in the engineers at BMW read them !!!!!!! Its also statistically higher than other competitors or Japanese cars.