Best and worst BMW X3 years — which to avoid

The BMW X3 is one of the best luxury compact SUVs in the market, but that only goes if you manage to pick a reliable model year. Since there have been some model years that suffered from severe problems, these can be considered as the BMW X3 years to avoid.

Our team of automotive experts will therefore further elaborate on those as we go through the best years to buy and worst BMW X3 years to avoid based on driver complaints listed on NHTSA. We also used other sources and details including BMW X3 reviews per model year so we can give you the best possible buying advice, so let’s take a look at it together.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst BMW X3 years

When buying a used SUV like the BMW X3, it’s crucial to have a trustworthy buying guide and that’s what our team tried to create. We used verified information taken from reputable sources including NHTSA, IIHS, and Euro NCAP tests for understanding the safety ratings for specific X3 years.

We also used trusted websites with X3 reviews and owner ratings to see what went wrong with model years that were deemed unreliable. Finally, we also leaned on some forum threads to include the experience of other drivers and their experiences with the car, and this is how we rated X3 model years:

Most common BMW X3 problems

Not minding its prestige, the BMW X3 has problems common to it, like other vehicles. It is helpful that you know these problems so you would be better prepared both mentally and pocket-wise when they do appear. Here are the most common issues drivers of the BMW X3 are most likely to experience.

1. Faulty timing chain guide

The material of the timing chain guide on the X3 and many other vehicles is plastic. Some cars do use metals for their timing belt guide, which is not largely recommended. Nonetheless, using plastic for the timing chain guide is still problematic for the engine. To make things worse, a faulty guide could trigger the symptoms of a bad timing chain and it causes several problems.

For one, the plastic timing chain guides of the X3 are prone to breaking due to the stress the material is placed in connecting the timing chain to the camshaft and crankshaft. The breakage is a driver’s worst nightmare as an issue that looks so simple can create a need for a new engine.

2. Coolant system failure

The X3 sometimes experiences a cooling system failure or malfunction, primarily due to a faulty thermostat or bad housing. It could be that the thermostat is defective and not cooling the engine effectively, or one of the fans is broken. The malfunction could also be because of low coolant levels, a broken water pump, clogged radiator fins, or a busted radiator cap.

A failed cooling system always results in the engine getting overheated. Therefore, any problem with the cooling system should be dealt with as soon as possible. Also, if the X3 is being repaired for overheating, the cooling system should undergo a thorough inspection to ensure that the overheating solution is more stable.

3. Difficult steering

Drivers of the X3s featuring a sports steering complain that the steering often gets heavy and difficult to control. There are many reasons why the steering gets stiff and difficult to control. It could be due to a leaking power steering, a damaged power steering pump, a damaged steering rack, or a broken serpentine belt.

The solution to this problem of difficult steering is pretty simple, but the inconvenience it causes before repair leaves much to be desired. Replacing the steering and changing the steering fluid is all the fixing the issue requires.

4. Worn valve cover and gasket

The valve cover of the X3 is made of plastic, which is why the X3 suffers from oil leaks. Using plastic as the base material for a valve cover is not a good idea as it wears out faster than other materials.

The gasket of the X3 is also notorious for deteriorating early. It is another reason for oil leaks in the engine.

A proper maintenance culture prevents oil leaks due to worn gaskets. That way, you would know when to replace the gaskets, which is not expensive. If the valve cover needs replacing, it is best to take it to the mechanic for professional work and possible inspection.

5. Leaking sunroof

The sunroofs of X3s are known to rattle and leak sometimes. The reason for the rattling and leakage varies from a few loose screws to the flexing on the roof panel stiffeners. Sometimes, the rattling sound is due to a jam in the sunroof’s mechanism, a drive over uneven surfaces, or a bump. The problem gets even worse if it causes water leaks inside the car’s passenger side and even reaches the dashboard.

The reason for leakages on the sunroof is more unhinged and uncertain. However, it is a big problem in the rain as it poses a big inconvenience. It might seem like a minor issue as it does not affect the X3’s drivability, but it takes the comfort out of the luxury.

Worst BMW X3 years to avoid

It is essential to know which model years are most riddled with problems, so you can avoid them when buying a used X3. So, below are the most problematic BMW X3 years you should avoid:

• 2004
• 2007
• 2013
• 2014

If you want to learn more about why these make a worse option than other BMW X3 years, we’ll explain everything in more detail below.

First-generation X3 (2004 and 2007 model years)

The 2007 X3 is a reliable vehicle but is best avoided due to the several issues it is prone to developing, such as coolant loss, engine mount bolt fails, and oil leakages.

Oil leaks were the most severe problem the 2007 X3 battled with due to the faster wear of its valve cover and gasket. It also suffered a lot from a coolant leak. However, there were also other engine-related issues present with this one, including bad engine mount bolts and rough idling.

The 2004 model should also be avoided as it has a fair share of engine issues as well, especially with turbodiesel engine options.

Second generation (2013 and 2014 model years)

The 2013 X3 is noted as the worst year for the X3 series. Drivers reported over 300 complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most requiring expensive fixes.

BMW, in a bid to redeem the X3 after the poor result of its 2013 model, dealt with most of the issues the 2013 model was most notorious for. However, the 2014 model came with problems that made many drivers complain. Most of the complaints were about the body and engine.

Aside from engine issues, both the 2013 and the 2014 models struggled with electrical issues and interior accessory faults like inoperable window controls or faulty switches. There were also some issues with the airbag system for which BMW issued a recall in 2013.

What are the best BMW X3 years to buy?

Whether you are shopping for a fresh or used BMW X3, your main question is probably “What are the best BMW X3 years”, and here’s our answer:

• 2005
• 2008
• 2009
• 2011
• 2012
• 2017
• 2018
• 2019
• 2020
• 2021

These models have the best reliability ratings compared to the other models of their generation. Still, the two models with the absolute best reliability ratings and the least problems reported overall are the 2009 and 2018 X3.

2009 BMW X3

The 2009 BMW X3 is a great pick overall for all those of you looking for a first-gen model without any engine issues reported. In fact, it had just around 40 complaints ever issued to NHTSA which makes it the best-rated model in terms of reliability, and not only for the first generation alone.

While it did have some struggles with interior accessories, there were no severe issues ever reported, and positive driver feedback and safety ratings confirm its reliability even as a used car.

2018 BMW X3

As for the latter model years, the 2018 one seems like the best possible choice. It received positive ratings from industry experts with just shy of 50 complaints ever being issued to NHTSA. Of course, there were some minor problems even with this one, but the cooling issue could easily be resolved through regular maintenance.

Is the BMW X3 worth buying?

The BMW X3 delivers on what it promises. It has a good fuel economy, plenty of room for passengers and cargo and mighty engines that rise to the occasion when needed. It also holds its value, ensuring that you get a good profit based on the value of the car at the time whenever you decide to sell it.

The X3 will last as long as the average car, reaching 200,000 miles with the proper care and maintenance. Suppose your desire for the X3 is rooted in luxury. In that case, you will have few complaints as the interior and organization of the X3 are fashioned to give the taste of high-quality luxury.

For those considering a blend of luxury and performance in an SUV, check out articles like the Volvo XC60 years to avoid, Acura RDX years to avoid, and Lexus GX 460 years to avoid. These vehicles are renowned for their comfort, safety features, and robust performance capabilities. However, as with any car, certain model years have proven to be more reliable than others. Our targeted reviews highlight the model years that might be best to avoid, drawing on data related to reliability issues, owner complaints, and recall history.