Which year to buy
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.
2013CAREFULSerious complaints 2.1× usual, mostly engine and power train Extended coverage
215 serious complaints of 226, the most about engine (147) and power train (60); per car on the road, 2.1× this model's usual year. 7 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA21002: desiccated air bag inflator rupture. NHTSA investigation PE13030: loss of power assist braking.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, with the drivetrain warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a stretched timing chain.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the engine, Mar 2025
“I was driving on the freeway. I received an error message about low oil pressure and within a minute my car lost power and put itself in neutral. Luckily I was able to get off the freeway safely because it could have been very dangerous losing power suddenly in that way. The engine would not start back up and I had to have it towed.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the power train, Mar 2020
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage When starting a cold engine, a ""plume of blue smoke"" can be seen emitting from the exhaust tailpipe for approximately 10-20 seconds. (B111116, Oct 2016)
- 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 The engine coolant thermostat component-specific limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 (SIB011217, Jun 2017)
- Extended coverage The engine's intake charge-air duct limited warranty extension to 10 years/120,000 miles applies to ?eligible USspecification (SIM010717, Jun 2017)
- Extended coverage N20 Engine Coolant Thermostat: Limited Warranty Extension to 10 Years/120,000 Miles (B010116, Dec 2017)
- Extended coverage N20 PRESSURE SWITCH - LEAK DIAGNOSIS MODULE (NVLD): LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES. INFORMATION For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (""BMW NA"") is extending the limited warranty for the pressure switch, leak diagnosis module (NVLD) to: 10 years/120,000 miles… (B010816, Aug 2016)
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.
226 owner complaints · 7 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 21–24 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2013 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 2013
- Starting prices: +$900 to +$1,400 (2 trims; hover for each)
- Engine: N55 → N55 TwinPower Turbo (xDrive35i)
- Power liftgate: Manual → Power Liftgate (all trims)
- Engine: N52 → N20 TwinPower Turbo (xDrive28i)
- Torque: 221 lb-ft → 260 lb-ft (xDrive28i)
2013 X3 trims
| xDrive28i | xDrive35i | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ||
| Starting MSRP | $38,500 | from $43,600 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | N20 TwinPower Turbo | N55 TwinPower Turbo |
| Horsepower | 240 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed STEPTRONIC | Sport Automatic: 8-speed Sport Automatic STEPTRONIC Automatic: 8-speed STEPTRONIC |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Drivetrain | Awd | Sport Automatic / STEPTRONIC Automatic |
| Size and capability | ||
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Curb weight | 4,112 lb | 4,222 lb |
| Tech | ||
| Head-up display | Optional | Optional |
| Speakers | Optional | Optional |
| Comfort | ||
| Seats | Synthetic Leather + option | Synthetic Leather + option |
| Heated seats | Optional | Optional |
| Driver seat memory | Driver Seat | Driver Seat |
| Climate zones | 2 | 2 |
| Second row | Split Bench | Split Bench |
| Exterior | ||
| Sunroof | Optional | Panoramic Moonroof |
| Power liftgate | Power Liftgate | Power Liftgate |
| Wheels | — | 18 in + option |
| Headlights | Optional | HID Projector |
Packages and options (82)
| xDrive28i | xDrive35i | |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Weather Package $700 | Optional | Optional |
| Cold Weather Package II $450 | Optional | Optional |
| Convenience Package $1,300 | Optional | — |
| Driver Assistance Package | Optional | Optional |
| Dynamic Handling Package $1,400 | Optional | Optional |
| M Sport Package $3,000 | Optional | Optional |
| Premium Package | Optional | Optional |
| Premium Sound Package $950 | Optional | Optional |
| Sport Activity Package | Optional | Optional |
| Technology Package $3,200 | Optional | Optional |
| BMW Apps $250 | Optional | Optional |
| BMW Assist with Enhanced Bluetooth, USB, and Online Services $650 | Optional | Optional |
| Comfort Access Keyless Entry $500 | Optional | Optional |
| Dynamic Damper Control | Optional | Optional |
| Navigation System $2,150 | Optional | Optional |
| Online Information Services | Optional | Optional |
| Performance Control | Optional | Optional |
| Real Time Traffic Information | Optional | Optional |
| Smartphone Integration | Optional | Optional |
| 40-20-40 Split Folding Rear Seats $200 | Optional | Optional |
| Sport Automatic Transmission with Shift Paddles | — | Optional |
| Sport Suspension Delete | Optional | Optional |
| Variable Sport Steering | Optional | Optional |
| Aerodynamic Kit | Optional | Optional |
| Roof Rails in Aluminum Satin $250 | Optional | Optional |
| High-Gloss Roof Rails | Optional | Optional |
| Panoramic Moonroof $1,350 | Optional | Standard |
| Retractable Headlight Washers | Optional | Optional |
| Shadowline Exterior Trim | Optional | Optional |
| X-Line Exterior Trim Package | Optional | Optional |
| Ambiance Lighting | Optional | Optional |
| Anthracite Headliner | Optional | Optional |
| Auto-Dimming Interior and Exterior Mirrors | Optional | Optional |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | Optional | Optional |
| Cargo Net $180 | Optional | Optional |
| Heated Front Seats $500 | Optional | Optional |
| Heated Rear Seats | Optional | Optional |
| Heated Steering Wheel | Optional | Optional |
| Lumbar Support | Optional | Optional |
| M Sports Leather Steering Wheel with Paddle Shifters | — | Optional |
| M Steering Wheel | Optional | — |
| Rear Manual Side Window Shades $250 | Optional | Optional |
| Sport Seats | Optional | Optional |
| Sports Leather Steering Wheel with Paddle Shifters | — | Optional |
| Sports Leather Steering Wheel | Optional | Standard |
| Storage Package | Optional | Optional |
| Universal Garage-Door Opener | Optional | Optional |
| Premium Hi-Fi System | Optional | Optional |
| Satellite Radio with 1 Year Subscription $350 | Optional | Optional |
| Adaptive Light Control | Optional | Standard |
| Automatic High Beams | Optional | Optional |
| Head-Up Display $1,300 | Optional | Optional |
| Lane Departure Warning | Optional | Optional |
| Park Distance Control $750 | Optional | Optional |
| Rear-View Camera $400 | Optional | Optional |
| Rear View Camera with Top View | Optional | Optional |
| Xenon Headlights $900 | Optional | Standard |
| 18" Light Alloy Y Spoke Wheels - Style 308 with All-Season Run Flat Tires | — | Standard |
| 19" Light Alloy Double Spoke Wheels - Style 309 with All-Season Run-Flat Tires | — | Optional |
| 19" M Light Alloy Double Spoke Wheels - Style 369M with All-Season Run-Flat Tire | Optional | Optional |
| 18" Light Alloy V Spoke Wheels - Style 307 with All-Season Run-Flat Tires | Standard | — |
| Brushed Aluminum | Optional | Optional |
| Fineline Sienna Wood | Optional | Standard |
| Fineline Wave Wood | Optional | Optional |
| Alpine White | Optional | Optional |
| Black Sapphire Metallic $550 | Optional | Optional |
| Blue Water Metallic $550 | Optional | Optional |
| Carbon Black Metallic $550 | Optional | Optional |
| Deep Sea Blue Metallic $550 | Optional | Optional |
| Jet Black | Optional | Optional |
| Mineral Silver Metallic $550 | Optional | Optional |
| Space Gray Metallic $550 | Optional | Optional |
| Sparkling Bronze Metallic $550 | Optional | Optional |
| Titanium Silver Metallic $550 | Optional | Optional |
| Vermilion Red Metallic $550 | Optional | Optional |
| Beige Leatherette | Optional | Optional |
| Black Leatherette | Optional | Optional |
| Black Nevada Leather $1,450 | Optional | Optional |
| Chestnut Nevada Leather $1,450 | Optional | Optional |
| Mojave Nevada Leather $1,450 | Optional | Optional |
| Oyster Nevada Leather $1,450 | Optional | Optional |
| Sand Beige Nevada Leather $1,450 | Optional | Optional |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem order guide, Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: powertrain, fuel economy, chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, warranty, option rules, vin decode. "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…
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.