Used BMW X3 review ~ station of gear

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2 Nov, 2016 4:00pm Richard Dredge

A full used buyer’s guide on the BMW X3 covering the X3 Mk2 (2010-date)

When BMW launched its original X3 compact SUV back in 2004, many – including us – felt it wasn’t really worthy of the marque. There were too many flaws, including a cramped and disappointing interior and awkward styling.

So when the new second generation arrived in 2010, expectations were high. This time BMW hit the bullseye. Here was a car that was now as accomplished as its bigger brother, the X5, with a roomy cabin, great driving dynamics, a high-quality interior and, to cap it all, it cost less, too.

Six years on, the X3 Mk2 is as desirable as ever, but as you’d expect of a BMW, you’ll have to dig deep to buy one second-hand.

Models covered

The BMW X3 was launched in 2003 and was an instant success. The Mk1 was on sale for seven years before the current model replaced it in 2010. It’s this second-generation car that we’re focusing on this review.

• BMW X3 (2010-date) - Desirable compact SUV proves its worth as a used buy

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History

The X3 Mk2 went on sale in November 2010 in 2.0-litre xDrive20d form only. At first, only SE trim was offered; four months later, an M Sport option was introduced. From August 2011 there were two 3.0-litre six-cylinder versions: the 258bhp xDrive30d and the 313bhp xDrive35d, the latter capable of 0-62mph in just 5.8 seconds.

Things went the other way a year later, with the arrival of the entry-level 143bhp X3 sDrive18d. A facelift in 2014 brought extra standard equipment, plus a more efficient range of engines. At the same time, three new trim levels were introduced: SE Plus, xLine and M Sport Plus.

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Prices

The most affordable BMW X3 Mk2 models are priced at around £14,000.

BMW X3 reviews

BMW X3 in-depth review
BMW X3 sDrive18d review
BMW X3 xDrive20d review
BMW X3 xDrive30d review
BMW X3 xDrive35d review

Which one should I buy?

While there were petrol engines for Europe, they didn’t come to the UK, so your choice is between 2.0 four or 3.0 six-cylinder diesels; all are excellent. The six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearboxes are also superb, so neither should be avoided.

Entry-level SE trim features 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, a 6.5-inch display, leather trim, a multifunction steering wheel, automatic lights and wipers, plus parking sensors all round, while SE Plus brings upgraded hi-fi and adaptive lighting. xLine has sportier trim details and upgraded leather, M Sport adds sports seats, sports suspension, sportier trim and 18-inch wheels, and M Sport Plus cars get xenon lights, 20-inch wheels and upgraded hi-fi. Facelifted X3 SEs also feature heated front seats, sat-nav and an automatic tailgate.

Alternatives to the BMW X3

The X3 is up against some talented competition, not least of all the hugely popular Range Rover Evoque. This car feels more special and looks more distinctive, even though it’s a very common sight.

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Audi’s Q5 is hugely desirable, which is why values are high, but it comes with efficient engines and has a superb cabin. The Volvo XC60 is stylish and seriously safe, plus it’s OK to drive, if not that thrilling.

It might look ordinary, but Volkswagen’s Tiguan is actually a great all-rounder with good engines. If you’re looking for a car which can tow, any of these will do the job – but so, too, will the Land Rover Freelander, which is also worth shortlisting.

What to look for:

Sat-nav

The factory-fit sat-nav can be underwhelming. Updates to maps are hard to come by and the system is designed for seven-digit postcodes.

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Mirrors

The wing mirrors provide excellent visibility, but they produce a disappointing amount of wind noise at motorway speeds.

Sport steering

Some owners of X3s with variable sports steering have experienced failure of the power assistance; the whole rack has to be replaced.

Noises

Creaks and rattles are surprisingly common. The tailgate, seats, parcel shelf and doors can all produce annoying sounds when you’re on the move.

Interior

The cabin is typical BMW, so it’s conservatively designed, but with high-quality materials and superb construction. The seats are supportive and there’s plenty of legroom for rear passengers. Boot space is generous, too; you get 550 litres with the seats up, or 1,600 litres when they’re folded.

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Running costs

All X3 Mk2s have condition-based (variable) servicing, which means the car flags up when attention is needed. The system takes the condition of a wide range of service items into account and indicates when attention is due, but only those parts that need replacing will be renewed, so no two service costs are the same.

However, services are usually needed every 18,000 miles or two years. A typical minor service costs around £130 for a 2.0-litre car (£145 for a 3.0-litre), while a major service is more like £350 (or £375 for a 3.0-litre). The brake fluid should be renewed every three years (£50-£60) and because all X3 engines are chain-driven, no fresh timing belts are ever required.

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Recalls

There has been just one recall affecting the X3 Mk2, but it was a problem that could crop up in any of BMW’s nine model ranges. In the case of the X3, the issue centred on cars built up to the end of November 2011.

These could suffer from some screws coming loose in the variable valve timing mechanism, leading to oil leaks and the engine reverting to emergency mode. When this happens, an orange warning light will illuminate on the dash, signifying a problem.

Driver Power owner satisfaction

The X3 got off to a good start when it made its debut in our Driver Power 2013 satisfaction survey, in 13th place. It climbed to 12th in 2014, before dropping to 24th in 2015 and 79th this year. Owners like the performance the most (it came 40th), and practicality (55th), while the worst score was 113th for seat comfort.

In theory, the BMW X3 is one of the most desirable cars of the past few years. Brits love their premium badges, and the compact SUV market is really booming, so any car that has a foot in both camps is bound to have a following. When the Mk2 version arrived, we said: “The X3 has matured from a somewhat flawed product into a genuine contender in the premium compact SUV market. It oozes class, and performed impressively during our time behind the wheel.” So whether you need a motorway cruiser, family carry-all or towing vehicle, the X3 can deliver.

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