Used BMW X3 2010-2018 review

The 2004-2011 first-generation BMW X3 was not well-loved thanks to its poor quality, bizarre styling and firm ride – but this second generation, launched towards the end of 2010, is as brilliant as the original was below par.

It did so well it lasted until 2018, when it was replaced by an all-new third-generation 2018-onwards BMW X3 that carried on a lot of the good ideas that started with this car.

Engines: The diesel-only engine line-up consisted of a 181bhp 20d that used a 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a 3.0-litre straight-six in 254bhp 30d and 309bhp 35d guises. A more economical version of the 2.0-litre diesel arrived in 2012 in the form of the 141bhp 18d, and it's the only X3 to be found with rear-wheel drive. A new and more powerful 2.0-litre diesel was available as part of the 2014 revisions, so both the 18d and 20d produce 148bhp and 187bhp respectively. The six cylinders diesels didn't alter much but do have improved fuel economy and emissions.

The six-cylinder units deliver smoother and much stronger performance but are also significantly more expensive to buy and run, which is why most buyers opted for the 20d when new instead. Whatever X3 you go for, we’d recommend the smooth automatic over the manual which has an awkward clutch and a rubbery action.

Ride and handling: When you buy a BMW there are also certain expectations around the driving experience, which is where the original X3 ultimately fell widest of the mark. No such dangers with this replacement version which is all at once respectably fast and good fun, but also quiet and comfortable. Or at least it is if you opt for an SE version rather than the M Sport with its overly firm suspension. If you do fancy the sportier looks of the latter, we’d advise seeking out a car that’s also fitted with the optional variable damper control adaptive suspension.

Trims and equipment: Pre-facelift BMW X3s were split into SE and M Sport trim levels. The former comes with 17in alloy wheels, leather seats, dual-zone climate control, a 6.5in infotainment screen and front and rear parking sensors. To this M-Sport adds sportier styling, sports seats, sports suspension, 18in alloys and xenon headlights.

Post-facelift X3 from 2014 onwards can be found in SE, M Sport and xLine forms. SE gained heated front seats, the upgraded Business navigation package and an electric tailgate. The new xLine model got upgraded leather trim and 18in alloys, while M Sport carried on much as before but got larger 19in wheels as standard.

Interior and practicality: This second-gen model is a much larger car than the first, with loads of room for four adults to travel in comfort, and a big boot too. Granted, the central fifth seat is still rather narrow and there’s a large raised section in the floor where you want to put your feet, but the same applies to the X3’s contemporary rivals such as the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 and Range Rover Evoque.

It’s in the front where you really get to enjoy the X3, though, not only for the raised driving position and sense of space, but for the classy design and solid build quality. All models are equipped with BMW’s iDrive infotainment system that's still one of the best systems on the market in terms of features and ease of use.

EuroNCAP gave the X3 the maximum five-star safety rating when it was tested back in 2011, although these tests have obviously become progressively harder as the years have gone by. All versions come with six airbags, two Isofix mounting points across the rear seat bench and an Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard to help control the car tricky conditions or during an emergency manoeuvre.

If you're interested in buying a used BMW X3, or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our used car buying site here.

Being a BMW, it’s perhaps not surprising that the X3 holds onto its value better than most SUVs. For example, an early 20d with well over 100,000 miles on the clock will still command £6000 on the used market.

Increasing your budget to between £8000 and £10,000 will grant you access to a face-lifted 2014-onwards example with the improved 2.0-litre diesel engine, and a mileage below 100k.

For a six-cylinder X3, expect to pay at least £9000, even for a car with a six-figure mileage. A good 2014-2018 X3 will likely set you back somewhere between £10,000 and £20,000 depending on engine and trim.

Check the value of a used BMW X3 with What Car? Valuations

MPG

For the lowest running costs, you’ll need an 18d in rear-wheel-drive (sDrive) form and a manual gearbox. This combination managed 55.4mpg in the official NEDC fuel economy tests, which were replaced by the more realistic WLTP tests after this generation of X3 went off sale. Go for a 20d with four-wheel drive (xDrive) and an automatic gearbox (as most do) and you should average 50.4mpg, while there isn't much difference between the two six-cylinder diesels: the 30d gets 47.1mpg and the 35d gets 46.3mpg.

CO2 emissions

Pre-2014 X3s produce the most CO2, while later ones are a little bit cleaner. The 18d is the best with figures of 135g/km and 124g/km for revised examples. Next up is the 20d which is a little worse due to four-wheel drive at 149g/km, but this was improved to 138g/km. Finally, you have the six-cylinder 30d and 35d that emit 159g/km and 162g/km, respectively. However, the improvements made to both engines meant that the two ended up in the same tax-bracket after 2014 because the 30d spits out 156g/km while the 35d got down to 157g/km.

Road tax

Road tax for all models registered before 1 April 2017 will vary depending upon the emissions the engine produces (see paragraph above for more information) while the examples registered after this date will have the same flat rate fee for cars that cost less than £40,000 when new, currently £180 a year. The luxury supplement is currently £390 a year. To find out more about the current road tax costs, click here.

Servicing

If you manage to find an X3 that’s less than five years old, it might still be covered under an original BMW servicing agreement. Failing that, you’re looking at about £150 at a BMW main dealer for a minor service or £350 for a major one if it is a 18d or 20d, or £160 and £400 if it is a 30d or 35d. The servicing schedule itself is variable, but reckon on the car telling you it’s ready for attention at least every two years or 18,000 miles.

Reliability

The BMW X3 has received mixed reviews on reliability, with owners pointing out issues with its electrical system and engine, alongside infotainment, battery, and fuel system troubles across both petrol and diesel models. On the upside, BMW's dealer network has been highly praised for its effective communication and service quality, often resolving repairs under warranty and maintaining customer loyalty despite some frustrations over repeated faults.

Discover more about the used BMW X3's reliability from real-world owner feedback on our dedicated reliability page.

Engine

Diesel-lovers will be pleased with the engines available, but while the six-cylinder 30d and 35d are great, the more economical 20d is the better choice. Just make sure you get one built after the 2014 facelift and you'll potentially have fewer issues.

Specification

On balance, SE would be our choice because it provides all the equipment you'd need and a more supple ride than the firmer M Sport cars.

Our favourite BMW X3: xDrive20d SE

The BMW X3 was at the top of its class for a long time, but the Volvo XC60 gave it a run for its money in terms of ride comfort, space and interior quality, even if it’s ultimately not as satisfying to drive.

The old Land Rover Freelander is a more capable off-roader and also pretty spacious, while the first-generation Range Rover Evoque ups the cool factor and is decent to drive, albeit much smaller than the BMW. Reliability can be an issue, too.

The contemporary Audi Q5 is another close rival for the X3 but again lacks its dynamic polish.

Finally, if you need seven seats the more recent and brilliantly packaged Land Rover Discovery Sport is well worth considering, although it does have a very poor reliability record.

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If you're interested in buying a used X3, or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our used car buying site here.