Used SUV Guide: 2018-2023 BMW X3

2019 BMW X3 M

All-new for 2018 and facelifted for 2022, the latest generation of the South-Carolina-built BMW X3 has been a staple in the compact premium crossover segment for more than five years. With 50:50 weight distribution, rear-biased AWD system, and a selection of powerful turbocharged engines, this luxury SUV was built for driving enthusiasts — especially in sportier, higher-performing trims like the X3 M40i.

On the connectivity front, look for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto , and a central infotainment and communication system that can handle up to 10 connected phones.

Under the hood, look for the latest versions of BMW’s four- and six-cylinder engines, both turbocharged. In the X3 xDrive30i, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine bumps the previous generation’s horsepower by eight to 248 hp, and runs 0-100 km/h in about six seconds.

The spicier BMW X3 M40i gets a turbocharged 3.0L straight-six engine, good for 355 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque — 23 per cent more than its predecessor, the X3 xDrive35i. Both machines run the same eight-speed ZF 8HP50 automatic transmission, and drivers can look for 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. A plug-in hybrid version of the X3 was also offered from model-year 2020.

Models with the Convenience Package got a panoramic moonroof, LED headlamps with cornering lights, and Comfort Access. Elsewhere, feature content included front and rear heated seats, a Vernasca leather interior, gesture control, the Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster, a heated steering wheel, dynamic damper control, and more.

The available M Sport and Dynamic Handling packages catered to driving enthusiasts, while a Parking Assistance Package was available to owners who frequently use their X3 in tight quarters.

Key competitors include the Porsche Macan , Mercedes-Benz GLC , Volvo XC60 , and Genesis GV70 .

Follow the links below for additional features, news, review and specifications on the BMW X3, and read on for five tips to help you find the best used model possible for your dollar.

RELATED Evolution: 2022 BMW X3 vs BMW E30 M3 Gasless Chaps: BMW X3 M will probably vanish in favour of EVs

Start with the basics

2019 BMW X3 M

First, considering a used X3 sold through a first-party dealership’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program can provide more peace of mind than buying privately. That’s because CPO used models are required to meet high standards for quality, reconditioning, and care before being offered for sale, whereas privately sold units aren’t.

Next, and especially if you’re buying a 2018 BMW X3, click here to look up this generation’s recalls.

Dealers perform recall work free of charge to make your vehicle as safe as possible, though not all recalls apply to all vehicles produced. To check which (if any) recalls apply to the specific unit you’re considering, enter its VIN here. If you find any outstanding recall work, make an appointment to have it performed at your nearest dealer as soon as possible. Also remember to contact BMW Canada to register as the vehicle’s new owner upon purchase. This makes sure future recall notices will make their way to you in the timeliest fashion.

Elsewhere, note of the type and condition of the spare tire or mobility provisions included with the X3 you’re considering, minding that run-flat tires with no spare were common. The spare tire or mobility kit included with the vehicle you’re considering have a major impact on what happens if you suffer a flat, so you’ll want to know what you’ve got before you do.

• Check for recalls.
• Consider a CPO model.
• Register with the manufacturer as the new owner.
• Inspect the spare tire.

Cabin wind noise

2019 BMW X3 M

Some owners have reported excessive levels of unwanted wind noise at speed from their X3’s; many have not. The owners’ community reports members using various means of testing and sourcing the offending sound, with little luck. According to some owners, dealerships are adjusting door striker plates and strategically adding foam padding to temporarily strengthen the seal of the affected windows. Here’s some more reading on the topic.

On your test drive, quiet the cabin and listen carefully for unwanted wind noise from a single side of the vehicle’s cabin. Further, open and then close each of the X3’s doors using the same amount of force, noting that additional force being required to close one or more doors may be a symptom of the noise problem.

• Poorly aligned doors may result in excessive noise.
• Dealerships have procedures to help.
• Confirm that all doors close easily and with minimal force.

Check for lot rot

2018 BMW X3 M40i

During and since the pandemic, Canadians are putting fewer miles on their vehicles — thanks in part to new work-from-home trends. This means an increased likelihood that the BMW X3 you’re considering may have been sitting unused for an extended period.

This can cause problems, broadly referred to as ‘lot rot’. Be on the lookout for weak or dead batteries, rusty brake parts, flat or flat-spotted tires, suspension noises, excessive road noise, and dings, scrapes and dents on the vehicle exterior.

Be aware that a vehicle which hasn’t been driven for an extended period may make unusual noises and vibrations for a little while, the first time it  hits the road again. These can largely be considered normal if they go away after a few kilometres of driving, but persistent noises and vibrations should be investigated. For safety, confirm proper tire inflation pressure before driving a vehicle that’s been parked for an extended period, too.

Note, however, that post-Covid demand and shortages are bucking this trend as inventory turns over quickly.

• Confirm proper tire inflation pressure.
• Confirm battery health.
• Listen and feel for unusual sounds or vibrations.

Early-model vibrations

2018 BMW X3 M40i

Numerous owners of 2018 and some 2019 model-year BMW X3 s have reported unwelcome vibrations which may be felt through the vehicle’s body, seats, or steering wheel. Vibrations like these can have a multitude of causes, including pothole damage to wheels, damaged or low-quality tires, improperly inflated tires, defective driveline components (differentials, half-shafts, joints), transmission programming, and more.

Noting that these complaints seem the most common in model-year 2018 units, so test-driving shoppers are advised to spend some portion of their test drive at moderate and highway speeds, adjusting their cruising velocity in small increments and feeling for signs of unwanted vibrations.

Gently applying and releasing the throttle at speed can coax unwanted vibrations from the driveline, too. A healthy X3 shouldn’t exhibit any vibrations like this, and some owners have experienced multiple failed attempts to fix them.

Test drive your 2018 or 2019 BMW X3 with an eye for revealing unwanted vibrations, or opt for a newer unit for best results. Though this problem isn’t widespread, it is worth being aware of.

• Unwanted vibrations can be a sign of pricey trouble.
• Sources include driveline parts, wheels, and tires.
• Most common in MY 2018 models.

Power tailgate problems

2018 BMW X3 M40i trunk with rear seats folded

Some owners have reported that the X3’s motorized tailgate may be prone to opening all on its own, possibly impacting a nearby building or vehicle and presenting a possible security risk; most have not.

In some cases, random self-opening of the tailgate can result in paint- and finish damage at the lower lip of the tailgate, should it open into a wall or lightpost. Check this area carefully for damage.

If you experience phantom tailgate operation in the BMW X3 you’re considering during ownership, the likely culprit is a system sensor that’s too sensitive. Ask a dealership to help: they may be able to reprogram or disable the system, and some owners have reported that an accessory keyfob cover makes quick work of eliminating this problem once and for all.

• The power tailgate sensor may be too sensitive.
• Ask a dealer to reprogram or disable the smart tailgate if required.
• A keyfob cover can help prevent accidental tailgate operation.

Final thought

These tips are designed to help test-driving shoppers more easily identify problems reported by some owners. A careful and attentive test drive that focuses on the areas above can help you find a first-class example of a second-hand BMW X3 .