2011 BMW X3
BMW calls its X3 is an SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) rather than an SUV (Sports Utility
Vehicle) because the German maker realises that most people are looking for a
practical station wagon not a bush bashing off-road beast.
So, the suspension engineers have gone for handling and comfort. While not really in
the BMW 3 Series class in its on-road behaviour it’s impressive the way it handles. It
also provides the good feedback that keen drivers love.
The BMW X3, was one of the early players in the field and reached us Downunder in
July 2004. The second generation X3 that was sold from March 2011 is significantly
larger than the model it replaced. Indeed, it’s within a few centimetres of the first-
generation BMW X5.
The X3 received a major upgrade in July 2014. One of its biggest features in this
upgrade is the sophisticated BMW Connected Drive system.
Luggage space is pretty good and the area is well shaped and easy to load.
The 3rd generation BMW X3 arrived here midway through 2018. The bonnet, front
guards, and front doors are aluminium to keep weight down and performance up.
Interestingly its body was shaped by Australian Calvin Luk one of BMW’s highly
regarded stylists.
Significant attention was given to the underbody of this latest generation X3 with wind
deflectors to alter the flow around the suspension.
2015 BMW X3
There’s slightly more space inside than in the superseded X3 and it can carry four
adults with little need to compromise on legroom. BMW’s attention to detail was in
practical ways, one-litre bottles can be carried in the front door pockets and there are
numerous other stowage areas for smartphones and the like.
Four and six-cylinder engines are offered in petrol and diesel format. BMW has long
been a specialist in turbocharged engines and both the petrol and diesel units work
well. There’s some turbo lag, but it’s less with each new model.
Once the turbocharger is doing its thing the engines are beautifully responsive, making
them feel ‘very BMW’ and much loved by those who are longtime BMW drivers.
Though the diesels are the more economical we do have a preference for turbo-petrol
engines as they just love to rev, whereas the diesels start to fade in the mid to high
4000s.
2021 BMW X3
Even better are the naturally aspirated straights sixes – one of our all-time favourite
powerplants. These are offered in 2.5 and 3.0-litre capacity.
Automatic transmissions have eight forward gears in the all-new 2011. There are
manual overrides that give you a fair bit of control, but increasingly we find that these
automatics almost seem to read our minds.
BMW is long established in Australia and has a well organised dealer network. As you
would expect they are chiefly in the major metro areas but there is an increasing
number in country cities and large country towns.
Spare parts are relatively expensive, but no more so than others in this class. We
seldom hear of any l complaints about availability.
We’ve met several ex-BMW mechanics who are now working in private practice and
owners speak highly of them. Some may not have access to the very latest information
on changes to the X3.
Insurance costs aren’t low, but it’s worth shopping around. As always, we caution you
to make sure you’re doing an accurate comparison. Keep in mind that a long-term
relationship with one company can be very handy if a doubtful claim incident arises.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
The BMW X3 is generally trouble free, but it makes sense to buy a used one with a full-
service history.
The use of incorrect tyres can cause problems with the transfer case due to incorrect
rolling radii. Make a note of the details of tyres then contact BMW for a list of
recommended tyres.
If you suspect one has been off the beaten track examine the bumper corners, doors
sills and undertray for damage – or choose an X3 that hasn’t been beating about the
bush.
Make sure a petrol engine starts almost instantly, or a diesel within a couple of
seconds. Slow starting can indicate real problems.
An inspection of the condition of the cabin and load area of the BMW X3 will show if it
has been knocked around. If it has this can be a signal that previous owners haven’t
looked after it correctly, and possibly not had the servicing done on time.
HOW MUCH?
Budget on paying from $11,000 to $16,000 for a 2011 BMW X3 xDrive 20i; $13,000 to
$18,000 for a 2013 xDrive 20d; $16,000 to $23,000 for a 2014 xDrive 20i; $19,000 to
$28,000 for a 2014 xDrive 30d; $22,000 to $31,000 for a 2015 xDrive 28i; $28,000 to
$38,000 for a 2017 xDrive 20i; $36,000 to $48,000 for a 2018 sDrive 20i; $45,000 to
$60,000 for a 2019 xDrive 30d; and $54,000 to 71,000 for a 2021 xDrive 20d M Sport.
CAR BUYING TIP
Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying.
That way you can see the prices being asked and whether they are rising and falling as
dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.
RECALLS: To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at:
www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/
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