In-depth reviews

BMW X3 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

Advertisement

Reviews

Owner Reviews

  • 5 out of 5
  • 4 out of 5
  • 3 out of 5
  • 2 out of 5
  • 1 out of 5
thumbs up80%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common 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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

Recommended

Mazda CX-80 review – spacious seven-seat diesel or plug-in hybrid SUV
Mazda CX-80 front quarter cruising
In-depth reviews
22 Nov 2024

Mazda CX-80 review – spacious seven-seat diesel or plug-in hybrid SUV

Top 10 best plug-in hybrids on sale today
Best plug-in hybrid cars
Best cars
22 Nov 2024

Top 10 best plug-in hybrids on sale today

Audi Q6 e-tron review – smooth and hi-tech electric SUV
Audi Q6 e-tron front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
22 Nov 2024

Audi Q6 e-tron review – smooth and hi-tech electric SUV

Volvo XC60 review – left-field mid-size premium SUV
Volvo XC60 front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
21 Nov 2024

Volvo XC60 review – left-field mid-size premium SUV

Most Popular

Car tax: VED rates and increases explained 2024/25
Car tax
Tips and advice
4 Nov 2024

Car tax: VED rates and increases explained 2024/25

Ford EcoBoost engines: reliability, problems and should you buy one?
Ford Puma EcoBoost front
Tips and advice
5 Nov 2024

Ford EcoBoost engines: reliability, problems and should you buy one?

New Jaguar GT teased: upcoming EV looks like no Jag that’s come before
Jaguar Design Vision Concept teaser
News
21 Nov 2024

New Jaguar GT teased: upcoming EV looks like no Jag that’s come before

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024