Used BMW X3 2018-present reliability

Make sure you check the alloy wheels for kerb damage, particularly on M Sport cars with larger wheels that are more susceptible to striking something. Parking sensors are standard on the X3, so parking dents and scratches shouldn’t be a major issue.

Even so, make sure there are no poor-quality paint repairs to the bumpers and bodywork because they could void the corrosion warranty if they weren’t carried out to the manufacturer's specification.

Some owners have reported the reversing camera being stolen. In response, BMW said: “The position of the reversing camera on a BMW is no more susceptible to theft than comparable cars of other brands. The camera is also discreetly positioned and out of regular sight.”

Replacing the camera can cost around £1000, but you can opt instead to go without and have a plastic cover installed for £133.

The interior is filled with lots of high-quality materials, but since these types of cars tend to be used by families, you should make sure there are no stains on the boot carpet or in the footwells – especially on X3s with a light interior colour.

Rear spoiler

Some X3s built between 5 April 2018 and 14 January 2019 could have a problem with the rear spoiler coming loose. Find out from a BMW dealer if your car is affected. If it is, it will need to be inspected and potentially have the fixing screws replaced.

Swivel bearings

A manufacturing flaw with the swivel bearings on the front suspension could lead to fractures in the part over time. It affects vehicles made from 4-7 September 2019, and you can find out if your car is affected by contacting your BMW dealer.

Rear brake calipers

The rear brake calipers on some X3s built between 16 April and 8 June 2018 might not have been made to the correct specification, and this could result in reduced braking performance. You might also notice a soft brake pedal. Check with a local BMW dealer to find out if your car is affected.

Steering column

A screw in one of the connections at the bottom of the steering column might not have been tightened correctly at the factory on vehicles manufactured from 11 April to 2 August 2018. If your X3 was built between those dates, it will need to be inspected by a technician at a BMW workshop.

Front seat belt buckles

The cable for the electrical connection in the front seat belt buckles has been found to be too short in some examples built between 15 January and 14 February 2020, and this could compromise safety. If this recall applies to your X3, it will need to be inspected at a BMW dealership and be replaced if found to be faulty.

High-voltage battery short circuit

A recall was issued in 2020 regarding potential particles in the cells of the high-voltage battery causing a short circuit. A total of 2665 cars were said to be affected, and by contacting your local BMW dealership the high voltage cells can be tested and replaced if necessary at no cost to owners.

The latest X3, in petrol form, finished in 17th place out of 24 cars in the large SUV category in our most recent What Car? Reliability Survey, while in diesel form it was placed 13th out of 24 cars with a good overall score of 93.9%.

BMW as a brand managed a 12th place finish out of 32 manufacturers featured, with a good overall score of 93%. This put it above rivals from Audi, Jaguar and Mercedes, but below Lexus, Telsa and Volvo.

Used BMW X3: owners' reliability data

As part of our annual Reliability Survey, What Car? readers said the X3 had a mixed reliability record. Several owners reported issues with the infotainment system, which often required many trips to the dealership for repairs. A number of respondents complained about faults with the electrical system, including warning lights that illuminated without any apparent cause.

Despite these issues, many praised the dealer network for their prompt and courteous service. However, some readers expressed frustration with the high cost of repairs, particularly for out-of-warranty vehicles. While some dealerships were commended for providing efficient fixes, others were criticized for delays and repeated visits to address the same problem. Overall, the BMW X3's reliability is seen as average, with the dealer service experience varying significantly between different locations.

The recurring theme is that while BMW's customer service can be excellent, the reliability of the X3 could benefit from improvement.

If you would like to see the full reliability list for small cars, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.