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Used car guide
Used BMW X3: the years to buy and the years to skip
Every BMW X3 from 2011 to 2025, across 2 generations: what each year typically sells for (about $7,500 to $49,000), its crash rating, and whether it's a year to target or skip. The best bets are 2011, 2016–2018, 2020–2025. Look harder at or skip 2012–2015, 2019.
2018–2025 BMW X3
A roomy, well-built compact luxury SUV with strong turbo engines and a comfortable ride.
Years to target: 2018, 2020–2025. Look harder at or skip: 2019. It has an average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | $15,000 | Target | 4 of 5 | ~75,000 |
| 2019 | $18,000 | Look harder | 4 of 5 | ~65,000 |
| 2020 | $20,500 | Target | 4 of 5 | ~55,000 |
| 2021 | $24,500 | Target | 4 of 5 | ~50,000 |
| 2022 | $28,000 | Target | 4 of 5 | ~40,000 |
| 2023 | $33,500 | Target | 4 of 5 | ~30,000 |
| 2024 | $40,000* | Target | 4 of 5 | ~25,000 |
| 2025 | $49,000* | Target | 4 of 5 | ~15,000 |
* Estimated from nearby years, since few were listed for sale.
Worth knowing
- 2019: owner complaints spike (170, mostly the electrical system).
- Run-flat tires ride firmly and are costly to replace. Maintenance and repair costs are higher than mainstream SUVs.
- It requires premium fuel.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Target an xDrive30i with the Convenience or Premium Package: it adds keyless entry, heated seats and lumbar support. The M40i is a strong performance upgrade if budget allows.
On the test drive
Pay for an inspection at an independent shop that specializes in the brand. Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: standard from the start of this generation (2018).
- Adaptive cruise control: optional from 2018, never standard in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Toyota RAV4 2022–2025 · $29,000–$34,000
- Toyota Venza 2022–2023 · $29,000–$33,500
- Lexus RX 2018–2021 · $27,500–$33,000
Find one near you
2011–2017 BMW X3
A sporty compact luxury SUV with turbo four or turbo six power and a diesel option.
Years to target: 2011, 2016–2017. Look harder at or skip: 2012–2015. It has a below-average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | $7,500* | Target | 5 of 5 | ~145,000 |
| 2012 | $8,000 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~135,000 |
| 2013 | $9,000 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~125,000 |
| 2014 | $10,000 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~115,000 |
| 2015 | $11,000 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~110,000 |
| 2016 | $12,000 | Target | 5 of 5 | ~100,000 |
| 2017 | $13,500* | Target | 5 of 5 | ~90,000 |
* Estimated from nearby years, since few were listed for sale.
Worth knowing
- Skip 2012–2015. The 2.0-liter turbo in these years is prone to timing chain guide failure, which can destroy the engine.
- Oil leaks from aging gaskets are common. The six-cylinder and later four-cylinder models are generally the safer choices.
- It requires premium fuel.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Look for an xDrive28i with the Premium and Cold Weather packages: they add a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and heated seats. 2015 and newer received a refresh.
On the test drive
Pay for an inspection at an independent shop that specializes in the brand. Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: optional from 2015, never standard in this generation.
- Adaptive cruise control: optional from 2012, never standard in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Toyota Venza 2011–2013 · $9,500–$11,000
- Acura RDX 2013 · $11,000
- Honda CR-V 2012 · $11,000
Find one near you
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Prices are typical dealer and private asking prices from used listings, collected in September and October 2026, for an average-mileage car. Years with too few listings are estimated from nearby years. Crash ratings, recalls and owner complaint counts come from NHTSA public records. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy. Spot something off? Let us know.