How Long Do BMW X3 Last?

The BMW X3 has been in production since 2003 and is a product of German Automobile BMW. It is said to be the first compact premium crossover SUV globally.

The X3 is marketed with the X-line designation of Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), which appeals to luxury and SUV buyers.

You might be wondering “How long do BMW X3 last?”.

With an annual mileage of about 15,000 miles, the X3 can endure anywhere from 150,000 miles up to 200,000 miles or roughly 15 to 20 years of operation.

The X3 may be projected to survive over 200,000 miles with good servicing, frequent maintenance, and careful driving practices.

It can travel up to 300,000 miles as well on a single charge.

The BMW X3 might not have the longest lifespan compared to other luxury crossovers in the market, but people who drive it do everything to increase its lifespan.

If you want to purchase this vehicle, read this article until the end, as it will be beneficial for you and might help increase the longevity of your car.

I also included a frequently asked questions section, so make sure to read that!

What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of A BMW X3?

If you’re looking into the BMW X3, you may be curious about its typical lifespan and dependability.

As previously stated, a BMW X3’s average lifespan is between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers.

If properly maintained, the car may be able to travel much beyond the 200,000-mile mark.

You should follow certain maintenance methods to keep your BMW X3 functioning for the rest of its life expectancy.

For your information, it is worth mentioning that the BMW X3 may be projected to survive more than 200,000 miles with good servicing, regular maintenance, and careful driving practices.

It has a range of 300,000 miles. Besides that, many BMW X3 owners have reported driving their vehicles for over 150,000 miles without changing engines or transmissions.

The car’s longevity is determined by the owner’s driving patterns and routine maintenance. This is why be sure to always provide it whenever necessary.

Does BMW X3 Last Longer Than Other Similar Vehicles?

You need to compare the BMW X3 with other similar vehicles before purchasing it.

This information will help you make your decision more accurately as it will provide you with a clearer understanding of its longevity, reliability, and how many complaints it has.

As you know, the BMW X3 has a lifespan of 150,000 miles up to 200,000 miles, and in some cases, it can even exceed up to 300,000 miles.

To determine if the BMW X3 is worth purchasing, it must have a longer lifespan than other luxury crossovers.

This is why I have included the most popular crossovers that are also BMW X3 competitors so you can have a better idea.

So without further ado, let’s get started and see which one is better!

1. BMW X3 Vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC

Starting with the Mercedes-Benz GLC, it is worth mentioning that the Mercedes-Benz GLC outperformed the BMW X3 in two key tests conducted by MotorTrend, which are said to be acceleration and braking.

But before you decide which one is better, look into these important factors.

• The Mercedes-Benz GLC has a longer lifespan than the BMW X3. This is because it can last between 200,000 miles up to 250,000 miles but lasts only around 13 to 17 years which is less than BMW X3 as it can last from 15 to 20 years.
• The BMW X3 has higher reliability than the Mercedes-Benz GLC, with its predicted reliability rating of 81 out of 100, whereas the Mercedes-Benz GLC has a 78 out of 100.
• But according to Repair Pal, the BMW X3 has a rating of 2.5 out of 5, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC does not have sufficient data for ratings.
• According to reports, various consumers prefer the Mercedes-Benz GLC rather than the BMW X3 because BMW X3 has more problems and complaints.

Overall, it seems like the Mercedes-Benz GLC is much better than the BMW X3 when it comes to longevity, which many people focus on before buying a car.

It has fewer complaints than the BMW X3, even though the ratings are less for Mercedes-Benz GLC, but that’s because of insufficient data.

You must know that people still prefer buying the Mercedes-Benz GLC over BMW X3.

Related: How Long Does A Mercedes GLC Last?

2. BMW X3 Vs. Audi Q5

When it comes to the Audi Q5, you must know that it is one of the major competitors of the BMW X3.

Many say that the Audi Q5 is a conservative choice, but the BMW X3 offers better features. However, let’s compare the two to see which one is a better choice.

• Both the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5 have a lifespan of 150,000 miles up to 200,000 miles.
• In terms of reliability, the BMW X3 has more scores than the Audi Q5.
• According to Repair Pal, the BMW X3 has reliability scores of 3 out of 4, and the Audi Q5 has scores of 2.5 out of 5, which is low.
• Whereas the J.D. Power gave the BMW X3 a score of 81 out of 100, the Audi Q5 received 63 out of 100.
• The BMW X3 is safer to drive in than the Audi Q5 because it has fewer complaints and problems than the Audi Q5.

The BMW X3 seems like a fair choice because it is better in terms of reliability and safety and has fewer complaints.

Even though they both have the same lifespan, you must look into other aspects before you divide which one to own and drive since complaints are a major factor that can affect the longevity of a car.

Related: How Many Miles Will An Audi Q5 Last?

3. BMW X3 Vs. Land Rover Defender

Coming over to the Land Rover Defender, before comparing the two, you must know that both of these vehicles have a high-quality and efficient engine system that offers excellent performance.

But to decide which one is better, let’s look into these important factors.

• Both the BMW X3 and the Land Rover Defender have a lifespan of 150,000 miles up to 200,000 miles.
• When it comes to reliability, according to Repair Pal, both the BMW X3 and the Land Rover Defender have a reliability score of 2.5 out of 5, which is said to be below average.
• However, according to ratings provided by J.D. Power, the BMW X3 received 81 out of 100, and the Land Rover Defender received 70 out of 100.
• The BMW X3 has more safety features and fewer complaints than the Land Rover Defender.

It is pretty obvious to note which one is a better option. The BMW X3 has more reliability scores by J.D. Power, more safety features, and fewer complaints.

These factors are also really important to look into besides longevity before buying the vehicle.

Life Expectancy Of BMW X3 Car Parts

If you have made it this far, you must know that this is another important factor to look into before purchasing the BMW X3.

Drivers must take care of their car parts for their car to last longer. You are obliged to clean the parts regularly and go for regular maintenance to the mechanics to get the parts checked.

Do keep in mind that taking care of the car parts is also another motor factor that can enhance the longevity of the BMW X3.

Here I will be discussing the most important car parts of the BMW X3 and how you can increase their lifespan, and what problems can affect the lifespan so you can have a better idea.

Average Lifespan Of BMW X3 Brake Pads

Depending on driving habits, the brake pads on the BMW X3 should last between 30,000 miles and 70,000 miles, which also equates to 2 to 5 years.

It is beneficial for you to know that the brakes will wear out faster than they should if you have to drive through traffic with many stop-and-go signs.

The cost of replacing brake pads on a BMW X3 is between $150 and $300 for each axle.

It is worth mentioning that according to various reports, your brakes will last longer if you use smooth accountable braking.

Many people say that if you stop completely suddenly from an increased speed, it is the major cause of brake pads wearing out prematurely.

You must change your driving habits, so the brake pads can last longer and be stronger.

Average Lifespan Of BMW X3 Battery

The BMW X3 battery lasts between 3 to 5 years on average. It also fluctuates based on various circumstances such as driving patterns, weather, battery type and brand, and so on.

Short rides, as well as dramatic climate change, put a load on the batteries.

To reduce the possibility of any short circuits caused by car vibrations, it is highly recommended for the driver to keep the battery properly attached.

This is one of the major reasons why the battery loses its power quickly because the connections are not right enough.

Make sure that you are checking the battery and going for regular checkups with the mechanics, as your owner’s manual suggests.

Average Lifespan Of BMW X3 Tires

A BMW X3’s tires will last between 50,000 miles up to 60,000 miles before replacing.

It is highly recommended to rotate the tires every 5,000 miles to keep them in good shape and equally distribute wear and tear.

Besides that, it is also crucial to check the pressure and inspect the tires for any kind of noise or vibration to ensure that they last as long as possible.

Avoid driving in harsh road conditions because they can also cause the tires to wear out prematurely.

Moreover, checking the pressure of all the tires before and after driving is highly recommended.

You must know that if your tires are uneven, they can cause serious road accidents.

Average Lifespan Of BMW X3 Transmission

Now coming over to the transmission system of the BMW X3, it is said that the transmission can last between 150,000 miles up to 200,000 miles.

However, this will depend on how well you take care of its fluid level and if you go for regular maintenance.

One of the main things you want to take care of in the transmission system is its fluid level. Without that, it can start to malfunction, and as a result, it can damage other parts of the car.

It is worth noting that the first two generations of the BMW X3 were prepared with manual transmission systems and automatic transmission systems.

However, after the 2017 model year, the BMW X3 cars are regulated with the automatic transmission system.

Average Lifespan Of BMW X3 Spark Plugs

When it comes to the spark plugs of the BMW X3, it is said that every 60,000 miles, BMW X3 spark plugs must be replaced.

You must also know that the spark plugs will be examined during routine maintenance.

They need to be working efficiently because the car can also fail their test if the spark plugs are worn out.

If the mechanics notice anything wrong during the inspection, they will replace them immediately.

Make sure you clean your spark plush regularly and see the connections are placed accurately so it can provide sufficient power.

Average Lifespan Of BMW X3 Key Fob

The average lifespan of the BMW X3 key fob mainly depends on how well you use the key fob.

However, you must know that the key fob mainly operates by using a better, which can wear out sooner than the key fob itself.

In some cases, the battery can last up to years, and in some, maybe months.

But the key fob is usually said to last between 10 to 12 years, depending on how well you take care of it. It also depends on the battery type you use.

If you are someone who locks or unlocks the cars frequently, then the battery can but out sooner.

Besides that, it is highly recommended to keep your key fob away from the vehicle when it is turned off to last longer.

What Is Good Mileage For A Used BMW X3?

The BMW is regarded as high mileage class if it reaches 100K miles.

When the car begins to show its age, problems start to appear more frequently.

If you’re looking for a used BMW X3, stay away from those with many miles on them.

If you decide to buy one, though, you need to make sure you conduct all of the necessary inspections first.

It’s good to replace any malfunctioning parts before they become more expensive. Maintaining the maintenance schedule is very important.

It is said that the oil should be changed every 9000 miles to 12000 miles.

A BMW’s tires should be replaced after 55 000 miles. Every 5000 miles to 7500 miles, get your tires rotated as well as balanced.

Once every six months will suffice. BMW automobile batteries have a 3 to 5-year life expectancy. As a result, any essential replacements should be addressed as soon as possible.

How To Increase How Long Your BMW X3 Last

It is frequently possible to extend the life of automobiles by providing them with a certain amount of care.

Here I will be listing down some things that you must follow daily so you can increase the longevity of your BMW X3.

Here are some tips you must follow:

• Get your car serviced at the specified intervals and have the oil changed regularly.
• Inspect the transmission fluid, engine oil, coolant, as well as brake fluid levels in your car and top them off as needed.
• Take care of problems right away.
• Read the owner’s manual to learn where the important components are located and to familiarize yourself with the symbols and dashboard warning indicators.
• To preserve the interior from drying out and cracking, use a UV protectant.
• If at all feasible, keep the vehicle in a garage.

With good care and maintenance, your vehicle can live much longer than planned. The BMW X3 is a great car with a few flaws that are common in any vehicle.

Problems That Limit The Life Of Your BMW X3

Learning about the problems will help you handle them before they get worse and also help you decide on whether you should buy them or not.

So here are some problems that can limit the life of the BMW X3:

1. Rattling Sounds From The Engine

The rattling noises are well-known and pervasive. If your check engine light is illuminating and you hear a rattling from the engine, as well as poor ride quality and bad gas mileage.

2. Oil Leakage

This is a widespread issue with the BMW X3 and other BMW models. Gasket failure, specifically the valve cover gasket, is the most common cause.

Oil puddles and the stench of burning oil from the engine bay can be found when the X3 is situated.

3. Coolant Leaks

Radiator damage is most commonly caused by overheating, which leads to coolant leakage.

In certain circumstances, leaks can be rectified, but in the majority of cases, a new radiator is required.

If the damage is serious, it’s also a good idea to inspect the entire cooling system to see if any alternates are required.

4. Noise Issues

The worn-out clustering equipment that carries the glass in position causes this noise and squeaks.

It usually affects the back seat windows, which can be fixed. Rebuild the door stamps, lubricate the rattling region, and tape it with Teflon tape.

What To Look For When Buying A BMW X3

There are certain things you need to learn about perfectly before buying a new or especially a used BMW X3.

Here are some things you must do before buying:

• Take a test drive before buying a pre-owned BMW X3. Listen for creaks and rattles in particular.
• You must know that the maintenance cost of a BMW X3 is $1034.
• Inquire with the dealership or the previous owner of the used X3 about previous repairs.
• Check the safety features and safety ratings by the NHTSA.
• Make sure to check for complaints to see which components are most problematic on different sites.

With this information, you will have a pretty clear idea of the BMW X3, and it will help you make the right decision.

Related: Best And Worst Years For BMW X3

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is The BMW X3 A Reliable Car?

Yes, BMW X3 is a reliable car as it has pretty average reliability ratings of 4.5 out of 10 by Kelley Blue Book. It is also placed 10th out of 11 luxury compact SUVs.

Q2. Does BMW X3 Have A Lot Of Problems?

There aren’t a lot of problems with the BMW X3, but oil and coolant leaks, as well as timing chain guide difficulties, become much more common as certain BMW X3 models approach 100,000 miles.

Q3. Is It A Good Idea To Buy A Used BMW X3?

Yes, purchasing a used BMW X3 is a good idea because it is a lot cheaper and is likely to depreciate quickly as well. Be sure to buy the one with the least problems and good mileage.

Q4. Does BMW X3 Rust Easily?

Lucky for you, the BMW X3 does not have rusting issues like other vehicles.

However, only certain cars were reported with rust issues, but the majority of owners were instilled with its quality.

Q5. Is BMW X3 Expensive To Maintain?

During the first ten years of ownership, a BMW X3 will cost $17,711 in maintenance and repairs. This is $2,251 higher than the luxury SUV industry average.

Conclusion

I hope now you know the answer to how long do BMW X3 last. Overall, the BMW X3 is a great luxury crossover to own and drive as it has a lot of outstanding features to offer.

It is a long-lasting vehicle since it can last longer than 300,000 miles which is something most drivers look for.

Furthermore, it does not have a lot of problems either, so you will be less likely to pay a lot for repairs as well as replacements.

If you plan on purchasing a used one, then be sure to look for the one with reasonable mileage and fewer problems as well as complaints.