BMW X3 SUV (2010-2017): owner reviews

"If you want an SUV that’s fun to drive, it’s hard to beat the BMW X3, which is also a practical and classy family car"

Carbuyer Rating

3.8 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
thumbs up77%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

  • Brakes, Electrics, Gearbox / clutch, Other (1 case)
  • Brakes, Electrics, Other (1 case)
  • Gearbox / clutch (1 case)
  • Other (6 cases)
  • Electrics (4 cases)
  • Engine (1 case)

Review 1 of 56

1 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2.0

Year

2010

Avg annual mileage

More than 20,000

Owned

2 - 3 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

38.1
Tell us what you think about your car?
I have had nothing but problems with this car. I Understand I do alot of mileage but the problems just keep stacking up. The airflow pipes have broken countless times, I now have a transfer case actuator problem and the part alone is £700. Please be sure you want this model at this age, it is very expensive!
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2.0d M Sport

Year

2013

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

35
Tell us what you think about your car?
\\o// We bought as a 'Stable-mate' for the X5 which was three times more as new - Complete satisfaction with the performance and additional options similar to 'His & Hers'- As we get older not to confuse with different makes this will help !
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2.0 SE

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

44
Tell us what you think about your car?
One of the best cars I have owned. It has been reliable , sprightly and while expensive to buy has been cheap to run (the service pack made great sense). I get mid forties mpg which isn't bad for the way I drive. The adaptive dampers make for a comfortable long distance drive. Handling is exceptional. My only gripes are expensive extras and its looks which are very dated and very much like any other cheaper BMW. (1/X1). After four years the car is going soon, not to replaced by another BMW as I want something which doesn't require a lottery win for extra comforts. I also can't face the ordeal again of the snobby BMW Dealers, they make buying a misery.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

44
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

38
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

20
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

45
Tell us what you think about your car?
no problems.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

43
Tell us what you think about your car?
no problems
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

46
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

, 1.6-litre to 1.9-litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2010

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used
Tell us what you think about your car?
Great family car
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

30xdrive

Year

2013

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

2 - 3 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

43
Tell us what you think about your car?
A disappointment after migrating from Toyota. Too many faults. N/s front door latch failed, nearly throwing my passenger into the road, tow bar failed, rear boot latch failed, front discs also had to be replaced, now there is a buzzing rumbling sound from the back end somewhere, which sounds expensive. Warranty is about to expire, so worrying. Good performer, but not best German reliability, maybe because it's a US made car. BMW assist not very helpful on one of these issues either.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2.0 SE X drive

Year

2014

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

42
Tell us what you think about your car?
Good car let down by a dreadful manual gearbox which is crude, heavy, "springy" and generally hard work. Try getting it into reverse or Fremont 1st to 2nd without visiting neutral! Standard steering wheel is a bus driver's joke and standard 17-inch wheels simply look ridiculously on this car. Can achieve nowhere near manufacturer's totally artificial mpg. 42 is a good average with 45 occasionally possible in "Eco" mode. Push it on a motorway and 38 is more realistic. Good torque and handling though even without adapting system. Very limited off road capability compared with say a Freelander 2. Interior is now dated.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

xDrive20d M Sport

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

2 - 3 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

45
Tell us what you think about your car?
Having run my X3 for over 3 years (and 50k miles) I can say that this is one of the very best cars I have owned. I manage 45mpg regularly and have over 50mpg on some trips. Service pack has given me cheap running costs and no warranty problems. Original tyres still on at 50k miles with 4mm left, but I do put winter wheels on for around 4,000 miles per year. Inside is all bolted together very well but there can be the odd creak when in the car for 3 to 4 hours and everything has warmed up inside. Paintwork looks like new after a polish and practicality is admiral. Great car for family and people who need the extra space.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

35
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel

Year

2010

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

39
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

40
Tell us what you think about your car?
No problems to date
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

35
Tell us what you think about your car?
Had the car 6 months no problems identified
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

39.2
Tell us what you think about your car?
No significant problems
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

38
Tell us what you think about your car?
No issues at all
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

38
Tell us what you think about your car?
No issues
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

36.8
Tell us what you think about your car?
too soon to evaluate
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2.0 m sport plus

Year

2016

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

37
Tell us what you think about your car?
Delighted with the X3. Such a smooth, easy driven, superbly built cruiser. Its fully loaded with some amazing technology. I've owned a lot of cars over the years, and none was so well put together. In 4000 miles, not a single rattle, squeak or creak! Rides surprisingly well on 20" wheels, very similar feel the the Audi S3 i traded in for it!
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2.0L Diesel

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

37
Tell us what you think about your car?
Great for long distance or even short trips. Leaves you fresh even after a 7-8 hour journey. Interior is understated but classy. Boot takes a great load. Glad I specified the Professional Media with large screen. With age, the car seems a bit noisier and is starting to "tramline" a bit. I should have spec'ced Variable Damper Control, especially when on French back roads. The X3 has never reached anywhere near 50 mpg even when I tried. Usually get around 40mpg on a long run. Only had one problem with a speed sensor probably caused by a slow puncture on a run flat tyre. Overall a car to respect, if not love.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

43
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

43
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

38
Tell us what you think about your car?
great except the drivers power window regulator had to be replaced under warranty and the occasional electrical gremiln
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

35
Tell us what you think about your car?
No problems whatsoever
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

35
Tell us what you think about your car?
Has not missed a beat in the 18 months since new.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

42.8
Tell us what you think about your car?
Only problem encountered is with the quality ofa rubber window seal
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

35
Tell us what you think about your car?
HAVE NOT HAD THE CAR THAT LONG BUT HAS BEEN VERY RELIABLE TO DATE
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

42
Tell us what you think about your car?
No problems since I bought the car
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

2 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

38
Tell us what you think about your car?
Brand new car displayed loud screeching from engine at dealership handover. Eventually rejected as they could not fix.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

37
Tell us what you think about your car?
Nothing to report! It all works.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

M Sport, 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2008

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New
Tell us what you think about your car?
Brilliant performance but let down by ride quality and engine noise
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

2 out of 5

Car Details

Model

xdrive automatic 5dr

Year

2013

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

3 - 5 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

40
Tell us what you think about your car?
Within two weeks of taking delivery one computer unit failed. The car was off the road waiting for parts for a month. It drove well over the years but now looks dated compared to other suvs on the road. A good solid car but lacks the style of newer rivals.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2.0 SE X line Auto

Year

2014

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

42
Tell us what you think about your car?
6 months in and easily the best car I have ever owned. Previously had Volvo XC70 and 90 and this is a step up in class and quality. Wonderful 8 speed auto gearbox and very smooth 2 litre engine, means long journeys are a joy. Love the Auto hold system which is great in heavy traffic. The classy interior is enhanced by an excellent and easy to use sat nav. Not a cheap vehicle to buy but relatively cheap to run,, insure and tax with good excellent fuel economy and long service intervals.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

SE diesel

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

More than 20,000

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

40
Tell us what you think about your car?
Company leased car proving expensive way of "owning" Only one warranty issue in the first 50k miles. Great motorway car especially with the auto box. Previous Freelander must superior in winter weather, in fact the X3 is rubbish when presented with a snowy surface (needs expensive winter wheels/tyres) Overall beautiful car to drive
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Manual

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

45
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

39
Tell us what you think about your car?
Too soon to comment
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

38
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

42
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

40
Tell us what you think about your car?
Trim related issues only so far
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

41
Tell us what you think about your car?
No problems encounterd
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

36
Tell us what you think about your car?
Electrical fault which caused it to break down 4 times without warning. When faulty component changed no further problem.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

30d se

Year

2014

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New
Tell us what you think about your car?
Excellent car, especially after the facelift in 2014. No issues and cheap to run. Great functionalities.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

S Drive 18d SE XLine 143hp (ChipExpress'ed to 161hp)

Year

2013

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

41
Tell us what you think about your car?
Traded Audi Q3 for this beauty. Well-thought-out driver's car. OK it's not 4WD - it's basically a tall-riding Series 3 Touring but it makes you feel like a million dollars. Luxury finish, unlike the utilitarian Audi, with all control interfaces perfect. Stop/Start with Auto Hold is a dream to use and the eight-speed box is soooooo quiet. Latest car is 150hp but I upped mine, via ChipExpress add-on chip, to 161hp.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

20dMSport

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

15,000 – 19,999

Owned

2 - 3 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

45
Tell us what you think about your car?
First, bin the standard rubber - Nokian WR A3 RFT's are what you need, summer and winter. Supplied Pirrelli's are a waste of time! This will transform your stead into the best, bar none, for motorway and muddy field. Next, disregard predictive service. This car needs an oil change at least every 10k, stick to the recommended 16k and the BMW service plan will not "fill your service book with dealers stamps" as carbuyer.co.uk suggests. Also, when the warranty is out the average mileage car will only have been serviced once - no oil filter, only oil. That is not the way to prolong the life of any mechanical device. If you intend to keep the car, it might be an idea to bin the dealer too - they're not much good at maintaining either your car or your mental health! Otherwise, this is a fantastic car that just gets better (52k miles in 32 months). Eats the miles on the open road, hauls heifers to market and a trailer loaded with hay from the pool of mud created by a wheel spinning Nissan. Would have given 5th star if I got adaptive suspension and indicator repeaters on wing mirrors - but I feel I'd paid enough. Dealer wanted £230 to update sat nav when car was three months old - stay clear of BMW dealers, they do not have your car's interests at heart.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

41
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

38
Tell us what you think about your car?
Car less than 6 monthe old so not easy to comment
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

38
Tell us what you think about your car?
perfect
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

32
Tell us what you think about your car?
Failed drivers side window winder mechanism.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

10,000 – 14,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

38
Tell us what you think about your car?
There has been 1 x recall to reset the computer or something to do with electronics.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

3 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2011

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

45
Tell us what you think about your car?
The car is probably the worst car i have ever owned. From the onset the car developed a knocking noise from the front right. It turned out to be the steering rack. The car has only done 4500 miles and it has had three steering racks and it now requires a fourth. I believe the new X3 fitted with this steering rack has got a design fault. This was also pointed out by the after sales manager at the garage where i bought it.
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2012

Avg annual mileage

5,000 – 9,999

Owned

Less than a year

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

28
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

4 out of 5

Car Details

Model

1.5-2 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2010

Avg annual mileage

0 – 4,999

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

New

Typical MPG

38
Tell us what you think about your car?
No problems to date
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

5 out of 5

Car Details

Model

2-3 litre, Diesel, Automatic

Year

2011

Owned

1 - 2 years

Bought Car

Used

Typical MPG

34.5
Tell us what you think about your car?
Mechanically it has been faultless
Would you recommend the car to a friend?

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