Buying a used BMW X3 (2011-17)

BMW cannot, it seems, leave a market niche unfilled. Around the turn of the century, looking at the success of the bigger X5, the German luxury car-maker pasted a clumsy-looking crossover body onto the 3 Series platform to create the inaugural E83-series BMW X3 mid-size SUV.

Launched in 2004 and entering what has today become the world’s biggest-selling segment, the BMW X3 was an instant hit, bringing around 1000 annual sales across a six-year period.

Every example delivered to Australia was equipped with all-wheel drive, with the system intended for low-grip roads rather than serious off-roading.

Dealers and owners of E83s who loved the versatility but hated the shape no doubt welcomed the arrival of a more modern and competent F25 version in 2011, especially since pricing of comparable models in the new range held firm.

The X3 was built worldwide in nations where strong sales were anticipated, including the US, the Middle East, Russia and India. Australian-market X3 models came from Austria, with a choice of four-cylinder and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Only automatic transmissions were available.

A mid-life update in 2014 brought revised styling, equipment upgrades and, for our market, an upgraded 140kW/400Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel (xDrive20d), while the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol in two states of tune (xDrive20i and xDrive28i) and the 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel (xDrive30d) soldiered on.

Local sales during this period soared, with annual X3 sales by 2017 running above 3600 annually.

The third-generation G01-series BMW X3 was launched in November 2017.

• Underbody damage due to ill-advised off-road use
• Front brake rotor wear
• Cam cover oil leaks
• Timing chain guide failures

Launched in Australia during March 2011, the second-generation F25-series BMW X3 came with high levels of equipment and both petrol and diesel powertrain options.

Bottom of the ladder at $62,200 plus on-road costs was the 135kW/380Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel (xDrive20d), while on the top rung at launch was the 190kW/310Nm 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol (xDrive28i), priced from $71,900 plus ORCs.

The latter returned economy of 9.0L/100km running on premium unleaded, which was slightly better than the previous 25i’s 9.5L/100km rating, while the entry-level 2.0d offered a claimed best-in-class 5.6L/100km.

From June 2011, the X3 xDrive30d with a muscular 190kW/560Nm 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel powerplant was added, starting at $74,900 plus ORCs and using just 6.0L/100km on the official combined cycle.

Despite the 3.0d’s massive torque advantage over the petrol six-cylinder (560Nm versus 310Nm in the 28i), maximum towing capacity remained at 2000kg. Diesels also included automatic engine idle-stop to enhance fuel economy.

A 135kW/270Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine was introduced in November 2011 – the xDrive20i, which lowered the X3 entry price below $60,000 (before ORCs) and returned 7.5L/100km.

What’s more, the six-cylinder petrol engine was subsequently replaced by a higher-output (180kW/350Nm) version of the 2.0-litre turbo-four, still keeping the xDrive28i moniker, with the move first announced in May 2012.

All X3 models were well-equipped, starting with leather-bound seats, dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning, electric-folding exterior mirrors, dusk-sensing headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The 6.5-inch infotainment screen displayed in colour and was big enough to usefully display detail from the X3’s standard reversing camera.

To this list, 28i and 3.0d versions would add power seat adjustment and 18-inch wheels. Buyers of the flagship diesel also scored remote tailgate open/close.

Selectable damper control was an option across the range and worth having if installed on a car in the used market. This system allowed the driver to choose between relatively soft-riding Normal or switch instantly to Sport or the noticeably firm Sport+.

A mid-life overhaul in 2014 brought bi-Xenon headlights and restyled bumpers, bonnet and grille. With significant upgrades across the range, including the uprated 2.0-litre diesel mentioned earlier, price rises of between $755 and $1900 were applied.

It’s important to note that many X3 owners (and dealers) would specified extra-cost options, such as a panoramic sunroof ($2300 when new) or the M Sport package ($5154) which included 20-inch wheels and dynamic damper control.

In terms of performance, X3s with 2.0-litre petrol engines slipped behind diesels of similar size, and while they gave away considerable torque, the difference when running 0-100km/h was still only 0.6 seconds.

To really antagonise hot hatch owners, the 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel would shut down all but the fastest, with a 6.0sec 0-100km/h dash.

Extensive safety features included a cluster of airbags, brake assist, stability control and hill descent control.

All F25s easily qualified for maximum five-star ANCAP ratings at the time, while later versions enhanced driver information via 360-degree camera coverage.

Standing 1.7 metres tall and on tyres with 50-series sidewalls, the F25 BMW X3 gave no hint that it might turn corners more like a sporty sedan than similar-sized SUVs from other big-name car-makers.

Then again, if you were paying $20,000 more for an X3 than for a Subaru Forester or Toyota RAV4, you likely would feel entitled to be scooting through bends with slightly more poise.

When shifting to the F25 series, BMW didn’t just need to deal with the downsides of an ungainly body. In conjunction with the complete restyle, the wheelbase was extended by 15mm to 2810mm, the SUV was widened to 1881mm and its track increased to 1645mm.

Sitting high with slow steering responsiveness is a sensation commonly experienced by drivers of soft-roading family wagons. But not those in the X3.

Its steering is more attuned to the 335i coupe and more direct than in the bigger X5 wagon. Brakes are good too, with meaty 328mm rotors at the front and 300mm at the rear.

Interiors are beautifully put together, with quality materials that, even after a decade of Australian exposure, should not be fading or cracking. Check that inclusions like the power seat controls and steering wheel buttons all still function.

Performance even with the smaller 135kW turbo-diesel is still okay, but people who like to cover ground quickly on roads that aren’t straight or smooth will want one with a 3.0-litre power unit.

Flicking between ratios via the shift lever or paddles can keep the engine spinning at optimum speed for performance, but it won’t be the kindest thing if you’re concerned about fuel consumption.

Even in a diesel, holding high revs for extended periods will use more fuel than necessary, so perhaps when encountering tough terrain, let the eight-speed transmission and its phalanx of sensors work for you.

Taking an X3 anywhere with reduced grip needs to be a considered decision, although the majority of unsealed roads aren’t going to be a problem.

With standard 50-series rubber and due caution, the X3 will deal with muddy climbs, firm sand and the Mt Buller car park during a snow storm. What the taut suspension won’t enjoy is a rocky surface and washed-out sections of steep tracks.

Due in part to its awesome torque, the 3.0d is an easy car to drive and even the difference in fuel efficiency between it and the 2.0d is negligible.

Either of the X3 diesels, providing maintenance schedules have been observed, will offer the kind of longevity that makes a used one currently showing 150,000-200,000km a candidate for covering double that distance before needing significant money spent mechanically.

Not perhaps as good as the bigger BMW X5 with its longer wheelbase, but the BMW X3 is certainly a decent place to be before the youngsters get too tall – and everyone enjoys a diesel without most of the chugging and rattling from lesser brands.

Serenity can be a big thing during those long trips to visit the interstate relos.

All seats, even those in the back, have a decent shape and aren’t overly firm. Big windows and a high-set rear seat help smaller fry to see something except door trim when glancing sideways.

With 550 litres of standard boot space and 1600L with the rear seat lowered, storage space is better than in a lot of larger SUVs, including the BMW X5…

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Used vehicle grading for BMW X3 F25 (2011-17)
Design & Function: 15/20
Safety: 16/20
Practicality: 13/20
Value for Money: 15/20
Wow Factor: 13/20
Score: 72/100

Also consider: Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Range Rover Evoque, Volvo XC60