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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  Great SAV... - 2005 BMW X3
  By RR - February 19 - 2:39 pm

  Handles like a 3 series BMW..Great brakes, steering , etc..Typical BMW feel..Panorama Moon Roof is awesome..Excellent in bad weather, especially wet roads..Went through 15 inches of snow with ease..

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  This is a BMW? - 2005 BMW X3
  By Emily - February 17 - 5:36 am

  When reading this rating, know that I am comparing it to other BMWs. I was greatly disappointed in pretty much everything, especially after driving a 330ci. The X3 was a rough ride, the manual transmission felt empty, the automatic just wasnt that impressive. The quality of the vehicle itself wasnt up to the usual level BMW offers. The only thing that reminded me that I was driving a BMW was the symbol on the steering wheel.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 BMW X3
  By Fabio - February 16 - 10:35 pm

  We wanted to buy a Lexus RX 330, but we decided to test drive the X3 as well. We were so amazed by the drive and the performance that we changed our mind. X3 gives you the peace of mind while driving, some undescribable sense of safety, and it has enough power to satisfy you under almost every road conditions.

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  BMW X3 3.0i AWESOME RIDE! - 2005 BMW X3
  By gary - February 15 - 12:32 am

  Drives just like a sports sedan. Handles curves great, smooth as butter and very pleasing to the eye.

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  X-3 BMW has done it again - 2004 BMW X3
  By Gek - February 12 - 2:00 am

  The 3.0 / 6 cyclinder engine is the same one used in my two door sports 330ci Coupe - which means the X-3 has some go power. Quite impressed with the handling of the X3, drives more like a car than SUV, but with all the safety that a SUV brings. It snowed the other day and the X-Drive was great, I had no problems in highway or uphill climbs. Felt very sure footed. Interior seems pretty boring, but well designed and built.

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  EXTREMELY ROUGH SUSPENSION - 2004 BMW X3
  By Robert - February 6 - 5:37 pm

  Purchased black X3 3.0 6speed with active xenon lights and Panorama roof. Looking back, the 25 min test drive was on all smooth asphalt surfaces where the salesman directed me to go. After driving home over patchy concrete and highway expansion joints I became worried. The suspension was unbelievably stiff. Yes the X3 handled spectacular, but at a huge price of feeling every irregularity in the road directly to your back. Every single person who rode in my X3 commented within 10 mins how rough it rode (and I had normal suspension, the non-sport package). Got to the point where I started seeing a chiropracter. I called it quits and traded it in after 5 months of ownership.

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  wowilovethe X3! - 2004 BMW X3
  By X3summerwntrfall - January 26 - 5:43 pm

  Well I got this car in June, for my 16th birthday. i liked the X5 but my parents thought it was too big so I got this. When I saw it online I was thinking wow, with these options and 5,000.00 more you could have an Escalade. Well the dealers incentives are pretty good so then I got the car. It is black with grey leather and has the Sport pckg., Prem pckg., Prem. Snd, xenon lights, cold weather package, and steptronic plus navigation. WOW I am so impressed. It has adequate power for what I need and feels very safe. It takes corners 50- 55mph like a dime. It seems small on the outside but the inside is great. Spending the summer in this car was awesome! we just had a winter snow storm, was great

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  First BMW ... a bit pricy, but solid - 2004 BMW X3
  By rckpittsburgh - January 6 - 11:19 am

  After driving an A4 for several years, was in the market for a vehicle with more space, but still fun to drive. The X3 has filled both needs, but thus far it feels like it was $10K too expensive (mid $40Ks) -- after adding reasonable equipment to the 3.0 package. In hindsight, wonder why I did not buy an X5? Ultimately, extra cost up-front vs. vehicles in its class will need to gauged vs. long-term reliability.

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  Nice, but ............. - 2004 BMW X3
  By ProMariner - January 6 - 2:14 am

  I originally started looking at the Cadillac SRX, but didnt like their bundled options and price. I love the styling and performance of the BMW, but there is a lot of room for improvement. The ride is a bit stiff. Acceleration and handling are great making this vehicle fun to drive. This is my first SUV and I couldnt believe the poor gas mileage, on premium fuel! Next, the front door seals protrude into the doorways, making them susceptible to damage during entry/ exit. And the cargo area is poorly lit by a light on the tailgate. If you slam the tailgate too hard, the bulb pops out of its socket! I wish they would pay more attention to the details. Nice, but not worth the $43k price tag.

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  BMW X3 3.0i - 2004 BMW X3
  By Patrick - December 25 - 3:13 pm

  The handling is great for this car. Xdrive is impressive. Though fuel consumption is high and the gearbox seems to be stucked at 3000rpm. Im not sure whether it is just my car but the automatic transmission from gear 3 to gear 4 is not smooth and it stucks in gear3. But overall, the car is a great impressive car with excellent handling in winter condition.