BMW X3 review – a good-to-drive premium mid-sized SUV (2018-2024): owner reviews
"The latest BMW X3 blends comfort, technology and real driver appeal in a very well rounded package"
Carbuyer Rating
3.5 out of 5
Owners Rating
4.0 out of 5
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Reviews
Owner Reviews
- 5 out of 5
- 4 out of 5
- 3 out of 5
- 2 out of 5
- 1 out of 5
80%of people would recommend this car to a friendCommon Problems
- Other (1 case)
Review 1 of 5
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
3.0d M Sport
Year
2018
Avg annual mileage
5,000 – 9,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
New
Typical MPG
40
Tell us what you think about your car?
After owning a couple of 520d touring models over recent years I took the leap to a larger engined SUV. No regrets on opting for the 3.0d as the performance transforms the driving experience. Also the active dampers do likewise for the ride, even on large alloys. There are lots of great options in this sector but the X3 met my needs best - Labrador & kids won’t fit in a Macan, Q5 styling too conservative, and I have reliability/interior quality/ price concerns on Jaguar Land Rover products.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
bmw x3 3.0dm x-drive
Year
2017
Avg annual mileage
5,000 – 9,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
44
Tell us what you think about your car?
This is a first class drive. The 3-litre diesel is smooth and almost noiseless along the lines of a petrol. It is very comfortable with a great driving position. Performance wise, the engine is rapid and in sports mode very rapid easily exceeding the motorway speed limit if not careful. The cabin is well appointed and the digital display a pleasant addition. The infotainment system is first class and easy to use. However, with all BMW vehicles, the options list can be expensive. All-in-all a very good vehicle and one I can happily recommend.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
2 out of 5
Car Details
Model
2.0 D Xline
Year
2018
Avg annual mileage
15,000 – 19,999
Owned
Less than a year
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
43
Tell us what you think about your car?
First BMW, First SUV, First Automatic, First Runflats. I was apprehensive of 19" Runflats due to almost universal negative reviews on the internet. I was willing to give them a try, but regret it. The internet reviews were correct - hard, bouncy, jumpy, noisy, wandering steering on undulating roads. I got puncture within the first 1,000 miles and BMW refused to repair it - required new tyre at £300. I decided to change to 19" non-runflats and chose Bridgestone Alenza which gave a softer ride but were horribly noisy with strange 'hum' at any speed above 5km/h. I'm now thinking of changing wheels to 18" non-runflats. Other problems I've had include the Lane Assist Vibrating Steering Wheel very faint at Max setting, not detectable at medium and low setting. BMW dismissed the complaint saying this is normal. Frontal Collision Warning does not activate until you are just about to impact, so you have no time to react - making the feature useless. BMW dismiss this complaint saying this is normal. The door window chrome trims are badly fitted and out of alignment. BMW dismissed this complaint saying it's normal, yet even the Dacia Duster and many other humble makes have perfectly aligned door trims. BMW quality control and after sales service are very disappointing.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
No 
3 out of 5
Car Details
Model
2.0d M-Sport
Year
2016
Avg annual mileage
10,000 – 14,999
Owned
2 - 3 years
Bought Car
Used
Typical MPG
44
Tell us what you think about your car?
The Good
Looks-wise the car is great. Being an M-Sport it has the added kit and larger wheels. Some people think it is an X5.
The diesel engine has been great and the pick up is really good in Sport mode.
The Bad
I am not a fan of the tyres they give with these cars. Even though this is a 4x4, the tyres are not great in the wet.
The ride is very hard because of the suspension.
I hate the radio controls. It is not easy to choose the next track or next station or forward during a track.
Many times I have left my car open because the key fob did not work.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
5 out of 5
Car Details
Model
F25 3.0d
Year
2012
Avg annual mileage
More than 20,000
Owned
1 - 2 years
Bought Car
New
Typical MPG
26
Tell us what you think about your car?
The X3 F25 3.0d is a practical SUV for daily commuting, holidays and transportation of odd-sized items. The straight-six diesel burner has a low cabin rumble, it performs great with pull aways and performs well under severe or emergency braking.
The driver, passenger seats and steering column can comfortably adjust for me and my wife's body lengths of 6ft2 and 5ft2. The rear seats are fitted with a booster and baby seats. The boot can accommodate quite a bit of luggage but would recommend a tow hitch for holidays.
I will recommend the X3 for light off-road (rather sand than rock adventures). The automatic hand brake function on uphill climbs is just awesome. The downhill assist is equally impressive, just be cautious of the vehicle ground clearance into the transfer case bumping and skidding, it is not a Unimog.
The motor plan ended at 68000 miles, the current odometer reading is 100660 miles. The most significant post-motor plan service done was to exchange all four rotor disks at 94000 miles. The belt and tensioner pulley were replaced at 100,000 miles. The engine oil and filter changes (fuel, oil, and air intake and cabin) as recommended by BMW. I do not have an electrical power steering problem yet, but apparently, the vehicle starts to drifts minutely on long hauls. Have BMW adjust or replace the steering rack wear part, repair kit Part #: 32106891974.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?
Yes
