Are you in the market for a BMW X3 and wondering what king of mileage you can get out of it? We will answer that question for you in this article. How long do BMW X3s last really?
Appealing to luxury and SUV consumers, the X3 is market with the X-line descriptor of Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). It has been in production since 2003 and has gone through 3 generations to date.
On average, with regular maintenance, good servicing and driving in moderate conditions, the BMW X3 should last you between 150 000 miles and 200 000 miles. That means with a yearly driving average of 12 000 miles it comes up to about 15 years tops.
The BMW X3 first went into production in 2003 when the first generation was released. It has gone through various improvements and is now on the third generation.
With each release, they have managed to make improvements leading the current version. Though not a perfect vehicle, they have managed to work out the kinks over time leading to a relatively more reliable version of the vehicle than when first launched.
Common Complaints with the BMW X3
Let’s look at the most common issues that have been reported with the X3 over the years so you get a clearer picture of what to expect.
When it goes over 70 000 miles some of the more irritating and sometimes very costly issues start to surface with the BMW X3.
The Broken Timing Chain Guide is an issue that could cost you around $ 7000 to take care of, depending on whether you replace the engine or just the timing chain module. The depreciating valve cover gasket can result in leaks. This is because of normal wear and tear, resulting in the smell of burning oil.
The older BMWs are more likely to have these kinds of leaks. The issue is more prevalent at about 80 000 miles. Thankfully, it cost about $50 to fix. Another common issue with the X3 is the engine overheating and coolant leaking.
This is usually because of the coolant expansion tank and the radiator causing problems. And these are the kind of problems that can cost hundreds of dollars to fix. Or preferably replacing the radiator or expansion tank altogether.
Related: How long do BMW X5 Last?
BMW X3 Problem Year
The 2013 X3 is arguably the worst of not only its generation but also the whole line. It is recorded as having the most number of complaints. Its problems come from engine issues as a result of low oil pressure.
Another complaint with this one is a timing chain failure that would need replacing the whole engine. The 2013 will cost you about $3 400 to fix all its issues.
How Much Mileage Can I Get From the BMW X3?
Once the BMW goes over 100K miles it is considered in the high mileage range. This is when the vehicle starts to show just how worn it is, issues begin surfacing more often.
If you are planning to buy a preowned X3, it is best to avoid ones with high mileage. However, if you decide to buy one it is best to do all the checks. Replacing any problematic parts before they become more costly is a good idea. Make sure to also keep up with the maintenance schedule.
Oil should be changed every 9 000 to 12 000 miles. Tires on a BMW last about 55 000 miles then they should be replaced. Tires should be rotated and balanced every 5000 to 7 500 miles. This comes down to once every 6 months. BMW car batteries have a lifespan of about 3 to 5 years as well. So it would be worthwhile to address any necessary replacements on time.
Final Thoughts on How Many Miles can a BMW x3 Last
The X3 BMW has 3 generations of wonderful cars except for the second generation’s 2013 model which offers a few challenges.
However, if the X3 undergoes regular maintenance, servicing while being driven in moderate conditions it can last its 15 years. Taking the car through a few tune-ups and addressing the major common issues with the X3 can have you getting to 17 or 20 years with it.