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Which year to buy
Best bet2023Fewest serious problems: 0.3× usual
Newest we'd buy2024The latest year rated a good buy
Avoid2010Far more serious problems than usual
Be careful2011, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2025More problems; check the recalls were done
Too new to judge: 2026. Give a new year a year or two of owner reports.
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2010AVOIDSerious complaints 2.5× usual, mostly air bags and engine and engine cooling Extended coverage
73 serious complaints of 85, the most about air bags (35) and engine and engine cooling (16); per car on the road, 2.5× this model's usual year. 4 recalls.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2010 bmw x3. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the air bags, Apr 2017
“The contact owns a 2010 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine and engine cooling, Jun 2024
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage A check control message or MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) may be illuminated with faults stored related to the upper and/or lower active air flap(s). For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Radiator Grille Upper and Lower… (SIB011219, Aug 2022)
- Extended coverage For the above-referenced vehicles with driver's side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. (B011618, Oct 2018)
- Extended coverage For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Leak Diagnosis Module with hose assembly (NVLD, shown) to: 15 years/150,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date. For eligible MY 2017 BMW 530i Sedan and… (SIB010921, Aug 2022)
- Extended coverage Engine Camshaft (VANOS) Adjustment Units: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years Without Mileage Limitation. INFORMATION BMW of North America, LLC ("BMW NA") is extending the limited warranty for the Camshaft (VANOS) Adjustment Units on certain model BMW vehicles equipped with the non-turbocharged… (011014, Oct 2014)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
85 owner complaints · 4 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 19–20 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2010 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
What changed for 2010
First year we have trim data for.
2010 X3 trims
| xDrive30i | |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 260 hp |
| Torque | 225 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-Speed STEPTRONIC Automatic: STEPTRONIC 6-Speed Manual: 6-Speed Manual |
| Gears | 6 |
| Drivetrain | 6-Speed STEPTRONIC Automatic / 6-Speed Manual |
| Size and capability | |
| Seats | 5 |
| Max cargo | 71 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 8 in |
| Curb weight | 6-Speed STEPTRONIC Automatic: 4,067 lb 6-Speed Manual: 4,012 lb |
| Tech | |
| Apple CarPlay | Optional |
| Android Auto | Optional |
| Speakers | 8 |
| Driver assistance | |
| Parking sensors | Optional |
| Comfort | |
| Seats | Synthetic Leather + option |
| Heated seats | Optional |
| Driver seat memory | Driver Seat |
| Second row | Split Bench |
| Exterior | |
| Sunroof | Optional |
| Wheels | 17 in + option |
Packages and options (58)
| xDrive30i | |
|---|---|
| Cold Weather Package $1,000 | Optional |
| Premium Package $3,750 | Optional |
| Sport Activity Package $1,400 | Optional |
| Sport Package $2,300 | Optional |
| Servotronic Vehicle-Speed-Sensitive Power Steering | Optional |
| Sport Suspension Calibration | Optional |
| 6-Speed STEPTRONIC Automatic Transmission with Adaptive Transmission Control | Optional |
| Aerodynamic Components | Optional |
| Full Body-Color Aerodynamic Kit with Painted Side Skirts | Optional |
| Retractable Headlight Washer System | Optional |
| Panoramic Moonroof | Optional |
| Privacy Glass $350 | Optional |
| Shadowline Exterior Trim | Optional |
| Trailer Hitch | Optional |
| Xenon Adaptive Headlights $900 | Optional |
| Bicycle Rack That Attaches to Cargo Rails | Optional |
| Cargo Bag | Optional |
| 16-Way Power Comfort Seats | Optional |
| Floor Mats | Optional |
| 4-Way Lumbar Support for Front Seats | Optional |
| Heated Front Seats $500 | Optional |
| Heated Steering Wheel $190 | Optional |
| 3-Spoke Leather-Wrapped Multi-Function M Sport Steering Wheel | Optional |
| Retractable Cargo Net $180 | Optional |
| 8-Way Power Adjustable Front Sport Seats with Manual Thigh Support | Optional |
| 3-Spoke Leather-Wrapped Multi-Function Sport Steering Wheel | Optional |
| 6-Disc CD Changer | Optional |
| iPod Seamless Integration System | Optional |
| Navigation System with 16:9 Display and Folding Monitor | Optional |
| Premium Sound with DSP | Optional |
| SIRIUS Satellite Radio with One-Year Subscription | Optional |
| Alarm System | Optional |
| BMW Assist with Bluetooth | Optional |
| Park Distance Control (PDC), Front and Rear | Optional |
| Rear-Door-Mounted Side-Impact Airbags | Optional |
| Double Spoke (Style 192M) 18-Inch Light Alloy Wheels | Optional |
| V Spoke (Style 279) 17-Inch Light Alloy Wheels | Standard |
| Y Spoke (Style 191M) 19-Inch Light Alloy Wheels | — |
| Y Spoke (Style 280) 18-Inch Light Alloy Wheels | Optional |
| Gray Poplar Wood | Optional |
| Light Burl Walnut Wood | Standard |
| Light Poplar Wood | Optional |
| Alpine White Non-Metallic | Optional |
| Black Sapphire Metallic $550 | Optional |
| Jet Black Non-Metallic | Optional |
| Mineral Green Metallic $550 | Optional |
| Monaco Blue Metallic $550 | Optional |
| Montego Blue Metallic $550 | Optional |
| Platinum Bronze Metallic $550 | Optional |
| Space Gray Metallic $550 | Optional |
| Titanium Silver Metallic $550 | Optional |
| Vermilion Red Metallic $550 | Optional |
| Black Nevada Leather $1,450 | Optional |
| Black SensaTec Leatherette | Optional |
| Oyster Nevada Leather $1,450 | Optional |
| Saddle Brown Nevada Leather $1,450 | Optional |
| Sand Beige Nevada Leather $1,450 | Optional |
| Sand Beige SensaTec Leatherette | Optional |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, warranty, option rules. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 255 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 393 hp | AWD | 27–29 mpg | 4 of 5 | 2 | 17 | Steering (5) | — |
| 2025 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 255 hp 3.0L 4-cyl turbo, 393 hp | AWD | 27–29 mpg | 4 of 5 | 9 | 38 | Electrical system (15) | Yes |
| 2024 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 248 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 382–473 hp | AWD, RWD | 17–25 mpg | 5 of 5 | 3 | 38 | Electrical system (11) | Yes |
| 2023 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 248 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 382–473 hp | AWD, RWD | 17–25 mpg | 5 of 5 | 4 | 15 | Engine (4) | Yes |
| 2022 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 248 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 382–473 hp | AWD, RWD | 17–25 mpg | 5 of 5 | 7 | 80 | Unknown or other (19) | Yes |
| 2021 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | AWD, RWD | 16–27 mpg | 5 of 5 | 10 | 111 | Electrical system (33) | Yes |
| 2020 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 248 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 355–473 hp | AWD, RWD | 16–27 mpg | 5 of 5 | 16 | 109 | Electrical system (35) | Yes |
| 2019 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 248 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 355 hp | AWD, RWD | 23–26 mpg | 5 of 5 | 10 | 170 | Electrical system (47) | Yes |
| 2018 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 248 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 355 hp | AWD | 23–25 mpg | — | 11 | 75 | Electrical system (21) | Yes |
| 2017 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 181–241 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 300 hp | AWD, RWD | 21–24 mpg | 5 of 5 | 6 | 92 | Electrical system (30) | Yes |
| 2016 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 181–241 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo diesel, 181–241 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 300 hp | AWD, RWD | 21–30 mpg | 5 of 5 | 5 | 82 | Electrical system (23) | No |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 181–241 hp 2.0L 4-cyl turbo diesel, 181–241 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 240–300 hp | AWD, RWD | 21–30 mpg | 5 of 5 | 7 | 105 | Engine (29) | No |
| 2014 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 241 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 300 hp | AWD | 21–24 mpg | Not rated | 6 | 86 | Electrical system (30) | No |
| 2013 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 241 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 240–300 hp | AWD | 21–24 mpg | Not rated | 7 | 226 | Engine (147) | No |
| 2012 | 3.0L 6-cyl, 240–300 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 240–300 hp | AWD | 21 mpg | Not rated | 2 | 48 | Air bags (12) | No |
| 2011 | 3.0L 6-cyl, 240–300 hp 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 240–300 hp | AWD | 21 mpg | Not rated | 4 | 125 | Engine (35) | No |
| 2010 | 3.0L 6-cyl, 230 hp manual available | AWD | 19–20 mpg | Not rated | 4 | 85 | Air bags (35) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Wireless Apple CarPlayWireless Android AutoApple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Wireless phone chargingHead-up displayAWD or 4WDPower liftgateHybrid, plug-in hybrid or electricAdaptive cruise with stop and goLane centeringBlind-spot monitoring360-degree cameraHeated front seatsHeated second-row seatsVentilated (cooled) seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsSunroof or moonroofPanoramic roof
Apple lists CarPlay for: X3 2017–2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | BMW X3 SUV N/A AWD | 4 | No | No | 2 | 17 |
| 2025 | BMW X3 SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 9 | 38 |
| 2024 | BMW X3 SUV AWD | 5 | No | No | 3 | 38 |
| 2024 | BMW X3 SUV RWD | 5 | No | No | 3 | 38 |
| 2024 | BMW X3 M SUV AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 1 | 8 |
| 2023 | BMW X3 SUV AWD | 5 | No | No | 4 | 15 |
| 2023 | BMW X3 SUV RWD | 5 | No | No | 4 | 15 |
| 2023 | BMW X3 M SUV AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 15 |
| 2022 | BMW X3 SUV AWD | 5 | No | No | 7 | 80 |
| 2022 | BMW X3 SUV RWD | 5 | No | No | 7 | 80 |
| 2022 | BMW X3 M SUV AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 7 | 80 |
| 2021 | BMW X3 SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 10 | 111 |
| 2021 | BMW X3 SUV RWD | 5 | Standard | Standard | 10 | 111 |
| 2021 | BMW X3 30e xDrive SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 10 | 111 |
| 2021 | BMW X3 M SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Standard | 10 | 111 |
| 2020 | BMW X3 SUV RWD | 5 | Standard | Optional | 16 | 109 |
| 2020 | BMW X3 SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Optional | 16 | 109 |
| 2020 | BMW X3 30e xDrive SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Optional | 16 | 109 |
| 2020 | BMW X3 M SUV AWD | Not Rated | Standard | Optional | 16 | 109 |
| 2019 | BMW X3 SUV AWD | 5 | Standard | Optional | 10 | 170 |
| 2019 | BMW X3 SUV RWD | 5 | Standard | Optional | 10 | 170 |
| 2017 | BMW X3 SUV AWD | 5 | No | No | 6 | 92 |
| 2017 | BMW X3 SUV RWD | 5 | No | No | 6 | 92 |
| 2016 | BMW X3 SUV AWD | 5 | No | No | 5 | 82 |
| 2016 | BMW X3 SUV RWD | 5 | No | No | 5 | 82 |
| 2015 | BMW X3 Sdrive28I SUV RWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 7 | 105 |
| 2015 | BMW X3 Xdrive28D SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 7 | 105 |
| 2015 | BMW X3 Xdrive28I SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 7 | 105 |
| 2015 | BMW X3 Xdrive35I SUV AWD | 5 | Optional | Optional | 7 | 105 |
| 2014 | BMW X3 Xdrive28I SUV AWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 6 | 86 |
| 2014 | BMW X3 Xdrive35I SUV AWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 6 | 86 |
| 2013 | BMW X3 Xdrive28i SUV AWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 7 | 226 |
| 2013 | BMW X3 Xdrive35i SUV AWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 7 | 226 |
| 2012 | BMW X3 Xdrive28I SUV AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 48 |
| 2012 | BMW X3 Xdrive35I SUV AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 2 | 48 |
| 2011 | BMW X3 Xdrive28I SUV 4WD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 125 |
| 2011 | BMW X3 Xdrive35I SUV 4WD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 125 |
| 2010 | BMW X3 4-DR w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 8 | 85 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | X3 M50 | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 27 |
| 2026 | X3 xDrive30 | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 29 |
| 2025 | X3 M50i xDrive | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 27 |
| 2025 | X3 xDrive30i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 29 |
| 2024 | X3 M | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 17 |
| 2024 | X3 M Competition | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 17 |
| 2024 | X3 M40i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2024 | X3 sDrive30i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2024 | X3 xDrive30i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2023 | X3 M | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 17 |
| 2023 | X3 M Competition | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 17 |
| 2023 | X3 M40i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2023 | X3 sDrive30i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2023 | X3 xDrive30i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2022 | X3 M | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 17 |
| 2022 | X3 M Competition | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 17 |
| 2022 | X3 M40i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2022 | X3 sDrive30i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2022 | X3 xDrive30i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2021 | X3 M | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 16 |
| 2021 | X3 M Competition | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 16 |
| 2021 | X3 M40i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2021 | X3 sDrive30i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 27 |
| 2021 | X3 xDrive30e | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2021 | X3 xDrive30i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2020 | X3 M | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 16 |
| 2020 | X3 M Competition | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 16 |
| 2020 | X3 M40i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2020 | X3 sDrive30i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 27 |
| 2020 | X3 xDrive30e | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2020 | X3 xDrive30i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2019 | X3 M40i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2019 | X3 sDrive30i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 26 |
| 2019 | X3 xDrive30i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2018 | X3 M40i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 23 |
| 2018 | X3 xDrive30i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 25 |
| 2017 | X3 sDrive28i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2017 | X3 xDrive28i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2017 | X3 xDrive35i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 21 |
| 2016 | X3 sDrive 28i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2016 | X3 xDrive28d | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Diesel, Turbo | 30 |
| 2016 | X3 xDrive28i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2016 | X3 xDrive35i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 21 |
| 2015 | X3 sDrive28i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2015 | X3 xDrive28d | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Diesel, Turbo | 30 |
| 2015 | X3 xDrive28i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2015 | X3 xDrive35i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 21 |
| 2014 | X3 xDrive28i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2014 | X3 xDrive35i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 21 |
| 2013 | X3 xDrive28i | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 24 |
| 2013 | X3 xDrive35i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 21 |
| 2012 | X3 xDrive28i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L | 21 |
| 2012 | X3 xDrive35i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 21 |
| 2011 | X3 xDrive28i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L | 21 |
| 2011 | X3 xDrive35i | Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo | 21 |
| 2010 | X3 xDrive30i | Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L |
19–20 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.