BMW X3 review – Reliability & safety
“BMW models have showed positive signs reliability-wise, and they come with lots of safety tech”
While the BMW X3 is far too new to make predictions as to its reliability, there are some reassurance to be gained from the fact both the BMW 3 Series and 5 Series posted decent scores in our latest Driver Power survey – both are very similar to the X3 under the skin.
BMW also put in a better showing than most of the other traditional German luxury car brands, coming 14th out of 32 manufacturers. This puts it well ahead of Mercedes (25th) and Audi in 27th, but potential buyers would likely prefer it if the 21.4% of BMW customers who reported a fault was a little lower.
How safe is the BMW X3?
The previous BMW X3 scored a top five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests, and while we don’t yet know how the latest model will fare in stricter new testing, we’d hope for a similarly positive result.
It’s certainly packed with safety technology, with features like semi-autonomous driving, lane departure warning, traffic-sign recognition, and autonomous emergency braking all standard. If you plan to spend lots of time and miles in the car, it’s also well worth considering the Technology Package, with additional features like a 360-degree camera view (with a remote view), more advanced self-driving and parking, adaptive cruise control that can take over driving in heavy traffic, and a driving recorder that acts like a dashcam.
What are the BMW X3 service intervals?
BMW models use sensors to determine how the car is being driven and recommend servicing when it’s required. For just over £1,200 BMW is offering UK buyers a servicing plan for the first four years of ownership, covering vehicle health checks, oil and filter changes, brake fluid and new spark plugs for petrol engines.
What is the warranty on the BMW X3?
Like most of the traditional European manufacturers, BMW somewhat lags behind new brands here, offering a basic three-year warranty – but at least it is an unlimited mileage policy during this period. The PHEV’s battery also gets a separate six-year/60,000-mile cover period. If you’ve been stung in the past and want extra reassurance for your premium SUV, it’s hard to beat Lexus’ 10-year/100,000-mile warranty – just make sure you keep it serviced via an official dealer every year.
