Find a dealer
The AA
The AA
  • Used Cars
    Back Used Cars
    • Browse by Manufacturer
      Back Browse by Manufacturer
      • Audi
      • BMW
      • Citroen
      • Ford
      • Hyundai
      • Jaguar
      • Kia
      • Land Rover
      • Mercedes
      • MINI
      • Nissan
      • Peugeot
      • Porsche
      • Renault
      • Skoda
      • Toyota
      • Vauxhall
      • Volkswagen
      • Volvo
      • Browse by manufacturer
      • Search all used cars
    • Browse by Model
      Back Browse by Model
      • Audi A1
      • Audi A3
      • Audi Q5
      • BMW 3 Series
      • Fiat 500
      • Ford Fiesta
      • Ford Focus
      • Ford Kuga
      • Kia Sportage
      • Mercedes A Class
      • Mercedes C Class
      • MINI Hatch
      • Nissan Juke
      • Nissan Qashqai
      • Peugeot 208
      • Range Rover Evoque
      • Toyota Yaris
      • Vauxhall Astra
      • Vauxhall Corsa
      • Vauxhall Mokka
      • Volkswagen Golf
      • Volkswagen Polo
      • Volkswagen Tiguan
      • Search all used cars
    • Browse by Location
      Back Browse by Location
      • Birmingham
      • Bristol
      • Cardiff
      • Doncaster
      • Edinburgh
      • Glasgow
      • Hull
      • Leeds
      • Leicester
      • Liverpool
      • London
      • Manchester
      • Newcastle
      • Norwich
      • Nottingham
      • Portsmouth
      • Reading
      • Sheffield
      • Southampton
      • Swindon
      • All locations
    • Browse by Body style
      Back Browse by Body style
      • SUVs
      • 7 Seaters
      • Sports cars
      • 4x4
      • Estates
      • Hatchbacks
      • Motorhomes
      • Family cars
      • Convertibles
      • Coupes
      • Saloons
      • Luxury cars
      • People carriers
      • City cars
      • Superminis
      • Supercars
      • Executive cars
      • All bodystyles
    • Browse by Fuel type
      Back Browse by Fuel type
      • Used diesel cars
      • Used electric cars
      • Used hybrid cars
      • Used petrol cars
    • Browse by Transmission
      Back Browse by Transmission
      • Used automatic cars
      • Used manual cars
    • Browse by Maximum price
      Back Browse by Maximum price
      • Used cars under £30,000
      • Used cars under £20,000
      • Used cars under £15,000
      • Used cars under £10,000
      • Used cars under £5,000
      • Used cars under £4,000
      • Used cars under £3,000
      • Used cars under £2,000
      • Used cars under £1,000
    • Buying advice
      Back Buying advice
      • Best used 4x4 cars
      • Best used 7-seater cars
      • Best used electric cars
      • Best used estate cars
      • Best used family cars
      • Best used first cars
      • Best used fuel efficient cars
      • Best used hybrid cars
      • Best used second-hand cars
      • Best used small cars
      • Best used sports cars
      • Best used SUV cars
    • Car checks and delivery
      Back Car checks and delivery
      • Used vehicle inspection
      • Car history check
      • Vehicle delivery
  • Used Vans
    Back Used Vans
    • Browse by Manufacturer
      Back Browse by Manufacturer
      • Citroen
      • Fiat
      • Ford
      • Isuzu
      • Iveco
      • Mercedes
      • Mitsubishi
      • Nissan
      • Peugeot
      • Renault
      • Toyota
      • Vauxhall
      • Volkswagen
      • Search all used vans
    • Browse by Model
      Back Browse by Model
      • Citroen Dispatch
      • Citroen Relay
      • Ford Ranger
      • Ford Transit
      • Ford Transit Connect
      • Mercedes Sprinter
      • Mercedes Vito
      • Mitsubishi l200
      • Nissan Navara
      • Peugeot Boxer
      • Peugeot Expert
      • Peugeot Partner
      • Renault Kangoo
      • Renault Trafic
      • Toyota Hi Lux
      • Vauxhall Combo
      • Vauxhall Movano
      • Vauxhall Vivaro
      • Volkswagen Caddy
      • Volkswagen Crafter
      • Volkswagen Transporter
      • Search all used vans
    • Van checks and delivery
      Back Van checks and delivery
      • Used vehicle inspection
      • Van history check
      • Vehicle delivery
  • Finance
    Back Finance
    • Car finance
    • Car finance calculator
    • Eligibility checker
    • Car finance explained
    • PCP car finance
    • HP car finance
    • Car loans
  • Leasing
    Back Leasing
    • Car leasing
      Back Car leasing
      • All car leasing
        • Search by make
        • Fiat
        • Hyundai
        • Nissan
        • Skoda
        • Vauxhall
        • Volkswagen
        • Search by type
        • Electric
        • Hybrid
        • Automatic
        • SUV
        • Hatchback
        • Estate
        • Search by price
        • Under £300
        • £300 - £400
        • £400 - £500
        • Above £500
    • Van leasing
      Back Van leasing
      • All van leasing
        • Search by make
        • Ford
        • Mercedes
        • Nissan
        • Peugeot
        • Renault
        • Volkswagen
        • Search by type
        • Luton vans
        • Crew vans
        • Pick-up vans
        • Tipper vans
        • Dropside vans
        • High-roof vans
        • Search by price
        • Under £300
        • £300 - £400
        • £400 - £500
        • Above £500
    • Business leasing
      Back Business leasing
      • All business leasing
    • Help and guides
      Back Help and guides
        • Leasing guides
        • How AA Lease works
        • What is a car lease
        • Pros and cons of leasing
        • Common lease misbeliefs
        • Returning your lease vehicle
        • View all leasing guides
        • Help
        • FAQs
        • Contact us
  • Sell
    Back Sell
    • Sell my car
    • Sell my van
    • Value my car
  • Aftercare
    Back Aftercare
    • Car warranty
    • Breakdown cover
    • Car insurance
    • Car servicing
    • MOT
    • Car smart care
  • Advice
    Back Advice
    • Buying a used car online
    • Car reviews
    • Buyers guides
    • Best cars
    • Driving advice
  • Your account
  • Find a dealer
Add your postcode for better results
  1. Reviews
  2. BMW
  3. X3

BMW X3 reviews

BMW X3
4.5 stars
(28) 4.5/5
Browse BMW X3 stock

Help others by writing a review

Is the BMW X3 a good car?

  • Performance 4.5 stars
  • Running Costs 3.5 stars
  • Comfort 4.5 stars
  • Reliability 4.5 stars
  • Space Practicality 4.5 stars

Best car on the market

Added: 15th of June 2023

  • 2012
  • 2000
  • Automatic
  • Diesel
  • Estate
  • 5
Performance
Running Costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality

This is the best car model I have ever owned and I have always had high uality brands, BMW, Mercedes,Landrover, Mini etcv

Bought another one

Added: 5th of July 2021

  • 2013
  • 2000
  • Automatic
  • Diesel
  • Suv
  • 5
Performance
Running Costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality

Just sold this car which my wife bought a year old and seven years ago. She loved the x3 for its driving position (high and good visibility ), safety and space ( she is a gardener by hobby ). I enjoyed its performance in sports mode ( where it could increasingly be found when she drove it ) and sun roof. It was very reliable and required no more than replacement brake pads and one set of tyres in 50,000 miles. Better built than my Merc if not quite as smooth. So impressed in fact that we replaced it with the latest M Sport version a week ago.

E83 X3 Auto

Added: 25th of September 2019

  • 2008
  • 1995
  • Automatic
  • Diesel
  • Suv
  • 5
Performance
Running Costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality

This is the second X3 I have had both being E83 and this one being the latest facelift with the uprated engine. It is extremely comfortable with M option so leather trim and heated seats. I particularly like the tow bar option which is lockable and is stowed neatly in the boot when not in use. On the road it drives superbly and I feel tyre choice is a big influence here I have a preference for Michelin Cross Climate so no complaints. Driving position is good and steering is light and positive. The suspension is on the firm side which is more apparent in the unladen condition. Power is good and the sports auto box functions extremely well. I will be keeping this one a while I think.

Recently acquired

Added: 16th of October 2016

  • 2008
  • 3000
  • Automatic
  • Petrol
  • Hatchback
  • 5
Performance
Running Costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality

Have not had the car for long but am very pleased with it. Love the driving position, it is like a 4 x 4 rather than a hatchback. Bit juicy and had a shock when I taxed it (£500) but overall very happy.

BMW X3

Added: 14th of October 2016

  • 2013
  • 1986
  • Automatic
  • Diesel
  • 4x4
  • 5
Performance
Running Costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality

Does "what it says in the tin" except for the fuel consumption which is exaggerated by the manufacturer.

BMW X3

Added: 13th of October 2016

  • 2013
  • 2000
  • Automatic
  • Diesel
  • People carrier
  • 5
Performance
Running Costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality

A good sensible car. Pity only diesel engines availble.

Excellent quality

Added: 12th of October 2016

  • 2005
  • 3000
  • Automatic
  • Petrol
  • 4x4
  • 4
Performance
Running Costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality

Superb car running costs higher than expected

BMW X3

Added: 12th of October 2016

  • 2011
  • 2993
  • Automatic
  • Diesel
  • 4x4
  • 5
Performance
Running Costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality

One of the two best cars I have ever owned in over fifty years of motoring in three different continents! So easy to drive and quite flexible for its size. Only drawback is length which makes it tricky to parallel park on occasion. Good in bad weather conditions.

BMW X3

Added: 12th of October 2016

  • 2014
  • 2000
  • Automatic
  • Diesel
  • 4x4
  • 5
Performance
Running Costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality

Things were going fine until the other day when the gearbox selected neutral on its own and cut out whilst in motion, upon restarting the engine was misfiring, I switched off again and restarted the engine which revved up to 5500rpm it gave me such a fright I switched off again. the engine was very hot and smelly. Once restarted it ran normally until the next day when the engine management amber warning light came on. I phoned the local dealer and explained what had happened and all they said was because the vehicle was due its 40000 miles service the following week and it had not lost power leave it until then. The vehicle is now in the Dealer and they have found the inlet manifold has a hole in it and there is a fault with the EGR valve. The vehicle is VOR because BMW cannot supply the parts in the UK and I have been waiting 5 days for the parts to arrive. In fairness BMW have given me a replacement vehicle in the mean time.

BMW X3.

Added: 11th of October 2016

  • 2013
  • 1998
  • Automatic
  • Diesel
  • 4x4
  • 5
Performance
Running Costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality

Loved this car. Such a pleasant experience to drive. Effortless and comfortable. Goes well when you need to pull away quickly. And I love the gadgets too.

bmw x3

Added: 11th of October 2016

  • 2014
  • 1989
  • Automatic
  • Diesel
  • 4x4
  • 5
Performance
Running Costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality

an excellent all round vehicle, equally at home in contested cities and motorways. stop/start makes it a good city car. good easy access load area. only downside is the vehicle is slightly heavy on tyres, done 20000 on set and last service warned will need replacing fairly soon but it is a heavy vehicle that can be driven enthusiastically!.

bmw x3 sport 2 litre.2005.

Added: 15th of March 2015

  • 2005
  • 1995
  • Manual
  • Diesel
  • Estate
  • 5
Performance
Running Costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality

hi the car was £5100 and was reduced to £4480.i came down to north wembley from dundee to pick it up.the car mileage is 164000,i am very happy with the car,it drove back to dundee with no problems.there is a few things to put right with the car.the major thing to fix is the panoramic sunroof will have to be repaired,does not work.and all wiper blades will have to be changed.the sun roof was pointed out to me when i bought the car.i supose that is why the car was reduced in price.it has very many extras on the car top of the range model.they gave me 3 month warranty with the car engine and gearbox.

Family X3

Added: 18th of November 2013

  • 2007
  • 2000
  • Manual
  • Diesel
  • 4x4
  • 5
Performance
Running Costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality

I have returned to 4x4 driving after owning a Range Rover Classic 20 years ago. I have found the X3 to be very pleasurable to drive as it feels closer to a saloon car experience (albeit a bulky one) rather than the 4x4 pitch and roll I remember. There's easily sufficient space for my family of 3, and 2 dogs, although the dogs miss the lower window levels of our last estate! The performance from the turbo-diesel is very good and economy is adequate from this earlier 150bhp engine. I have found that the car suffers from stone chips more than any car I've previously owned and I wondered if this colour - Highland Green - was 'soft'. The vehicle has been fitted with roof rails and stainless side-steps. The rails have taken a rack and roofbox easily when needed and the side steps is an extremely good way to protect the car from door dents and chips in car parks as it is the first point of contact for any clumsily opened door. I like this car a lot - I bought it as I was intending to move towards a long term ownership of a BMW model and I wanted to test the water. This suited me price-wise and in meeting my immediate motoring needs. I will seriously look at replacing it with another (more recent and more efficient/green) X3 rather than the 3 or 5 series I had in mind.

Rodent

Added: 16th of November 2013

  • 2004
  • 2500
  • Automatic
  • Petrol
  • Estate
  • 5
Performance
Running Costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality

Long lasting durable cross country vehicle, poor fuel consumption but excellent performance and comfort. Plenty of baggage space. After 90,000 miles replaced front brake assemby, drive shafts, differential bearings and air breather assembly, much improved quietness of ride and performance.

Accessibility

Added: 15th of November 2013

  • 2012
  • 3000
  • Automatic
  • Diesel
  • 4x4
  • 5
Performance
Running Costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality

Only issue is it is too high from the ground for access for my wife - short legs. Ideally it should be fitted with a step to ease access

BMWX3 review

Added: 15th of November 2013

  • 2011
  • 2000
  • Manual
  • Diesel
  • Hatchback
  • 5
Performance
Running Costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality

Very good car , no issues with it apart form high road fund tax .

320D X3 - A PLEASURE TO DRIVE

Added: 14th of October 2013

  • 2011
  • 2000
  • Automatic
  • Diesel
  • 4x4
  • 5
Performance
Running Costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality

My first 4x4 after debating between a Ford Kuga and BMW X3. The X3 is very comfortable and easy to drive and holds the road very well. (I found the Kuga's steering a bit too light). Great size, plenty of room inside and in the boot - with or without the back seats down. Having owned 3 previous BMW's I have always found them to be totally reliable, and so far this has not let me down, although I have only had it for a couple of months. I guess it has the same engine as a 320D 3 series as it performs the same - a little bit lacking when pulling away from a standing start, but I guess that is down to it being an automatic. Picks up very well when overtaking though. I think the X3 uses more diesel than my 3 series did, although it is supposed to average 50.4 MPG; as I seem to be filling it up more frequently. Noticed the vehicle swaying a bit when being driven in high wind, which made me slow down a bit. Don't know if this is the same for all SUV's. Decided to get a 4x4 because I hate driving in snow. Yet to find out if it helps or not and I really hope I don't have to lol.

BMW X3 2.0d

Added: 14th of October 2013

  • 2007
  • 2000
  • Manual
  • Diesel
  • 4x4
  • 5
Performance
Running Costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality

This car is capable and comfortable, and while the boot is shorter than my previous estate the volume is still there. It comfortably carries a family of 3 and 2 dogs and the only quibble is that the older 150bhp engine could provide a bit more economy. I'll seriously think about replacing it with the post 2010 model which guarantees better fuel consumption, especially when the automatic version is chosen.

BMW X3

Added: 14th of October 2013

  • 2012
  • 2000
  • Automatic
  • Diesel
  • 4x4
  • 5
Performance
Running Costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality

Significant improvement on previous version. Much improved fuel consumption (55mpg at 60mph) with better ride, particularly in rear.

My Model Review

Added: 13th of October 2013

  • 2008
  • 1996
  • Automatic
  • Diesel
  • 4x4
  • 5
Performance
Running Costs
Comfort
Reliability
Space Practicality

Although the new model is heavily revised I would not want some of the new features i.e.auto start/stop at lights or electric handbrake. I will hold on to this one for as long as possible!

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next

Browse our range of BMW X3s

BMW X3 stock

Help others by leaving your own review

Write a review

Read reviews of similar vehicles

BMW 316
BMW 316
4.0 stars
(13) 4.0/5
BMW X1
BMW X1
4.0 stars
(6) 4.0/5
BMW X5
BMW X5
4.5 stars
(35) 4.5/5

Connect with us

Facebook X YouTube LinkedIn
For customers
  • Customer terms & conditions
  • Our dealers
  • Motoring advice
  • Electric cars
  • New cars
  • Car delivery
  • Why AA Cars
  • Customer data request form
For dealers
  • Car dealer terms & conditions
  • AA Cars Standards code (trade)
  • Advertise with us
Other
  • Contact us
  • About us
  • Privacy notice
  • Cookie policy
  • Sitemap
Vehicle Inspections

The AA recommends an AA Cars Vehicle Inspection before purchase. Not all cars are mechanically checked by the AA.

  • Vehicle Inspection
  • theAA.com
© AA Cars 2025  | Company No. 4546950  |  VAT No. 188 0311 10