BMW X3 Years to Avoid [Best & Worst]

Ever since its introduction, the BMW has come a long way with each year bringing much-needed upgrades and also fixing some common issues. With so many releases, it can be hard to choose between each one as one model year will be better than all the other ones.

Unfortunately, the bmw x3 lineup isn’t the most reliable as it only received a 2.5 rating out of 5 according to RepairPal. Even with this rating, if you are planning to buy a BMW x3 then we’ll tell you about the most reliable BMW x3 engine as well as the bmw x3 best year to buy.

1st Generation years to avoid

  • Worst years 2007
  • Best years 2005-2006

The 1st generation of the x1 was a good one and even though the 2004 model is listed as the worst one here, it is still a really good choice for anyone to pick up even today. Though it is still prone to oil and coolant leaks so it would be best if you pick up the other more reliable models from this generation.

2nd Generation years to avoid

  • Worst years 2014 and 2017
  • Best years 2011-2013

The 2014 and 2017 models are the worst for this generation as they also faced problems with oil and coolant leaks. Other models also faced these problems but they did not happen as often.

Best Year to Buy

The year 2021, The BMW x3 2021 has only been released and it has been receiving a lot of praise from owners as well as reviewers. BMW x3 reliability j d power even gave the vehicle a Reliability score of 81 out of 100. There were only a few minor problems with the vehicle but they shouldn’t be that concerning. 2021 is the bmw x3’s most reliable year for sure which is why the 2021 BMW x3 best year to buy.

The year 2016, The 2016 BMW x3 is one of the better models of the second generation. The 2016 bmw x3 is pretty similar to the 2015 bmw x3. The only difference is the improvement in reliability. The 2016 bmw x3 received a 4 out of 5 score for reliability by consumer reports.

Year 2005, If you are looking to buy a much older and cheaper model of the BMW x3 then the 2005 bmw x3 is a good bet. It has an excellent shifting response and it also handles very well which makes it very fun to drive.

The problems with this model are mostly concerned with its exterior accessories and windows which shouldn’t be too much trouble to deal with. Another plus about this vehicle is that it is much cheaper than the other models of the BMW x3 so it might not be a bad idea to buy this one even now.

BMW X3 faults by year

YEARSFAULTS
200720
201415
201725

There are a lot of model years of the BMW x3 that are struggling with safety and reliability issues. The 2007, 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2019 model years of the BMW x3 are all struggling with these issues.

Many people have reported the same issues such as coolant and oil leaks, deteriorating valve cover gaskets, and broken timing chain guides. If you are looking to buy a BMW x3, you should stay away from all these model years.

Worst BMW x3 years

  • 2007
  • 2013
  • 2014
  • 2017
  • 2019

High Mileage Problems

Many people have reported bmw x3 common problems upon reaching a certain mileage. One of those problems is with the vehicle’s turbo. More specifically, people reported that the turbo seal had been blown away.

When this happens, your vehicle will experience a loss of power as well as the production of strange noises from the engine. Other problems include valve cover and gasket issues, sunroof problems, and window malfunction.

Check Out BMW X1 Years to Avoid

Is a used BMW x3 a good buy?

Buying a used BMW x3 may not be the best choice in mind. The vehicle already has poor reliability ratings and if the used vehicle that you are buying has been in some accidents and hasn’t been inspected after that, then definitely stay away from buying it.

Which engine is best in bmw x3?

There are a lot of powertrain options you could go for but the best one is the 187bhp mild hybrid 2.0-litre diesel, the 20d. It offers very strong performance and it is also the most reliable BMW x3 engine in many people’s opinion.

What is the common problem with the BMW x3?

The majority of the problems present in the bmw x3 are also present in a lot of other BMW vehicles. Whenever buying a new BMW vehicle, you most likely won’t notice any problems in the beginning but as you go beyond 100k mileage, your vehicle may start developing problems such as oil and coolant leaks.

How long would a bmw x3 last?

When properly taken care of, a BMW could last you for 150,000 or 200,000 mileage. Although, some BMWs have reportedly broken down before reaching this mileage even when properly taken care of.

Jake Mayock