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2023 BMW X3 M Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
23 reviews

Pricing

Edmunds suggests you pay
$67,953
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 X3 M, so we've included reviews for other years of the X3 M since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Bargain Super SUV!

John, 06/22/2020
2020 BMW X3 M 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful

My last car was an Alfa Romeo Guilia Quadrifoglio and was fun and super fast. I traded it for this practical SUV that is just as fast in a straight line and handles turns better than most sport cars. It can haul stuff and I even go camping in this thing. Almost super car speed for a reasonable price! Out performs G Wagon for a fraction of the price and way more fun as a daily driver. Very nimble and has a great exhaust! Not quite the track animal the Alfa is but much more practical. Stick with the M over the M Competition for a little softer ride.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

2020 BMW X3 M COMPETITION IS A PERFECT MONSTER

Lord Todd L. , 07/25/2020
2020 BMW X3 M Competition 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful

I'm a life long Porsche guy and was ready for a change for a daily driver. I'm very brand loyal and had a Cayenne Turbo S that I loved but before getting a new one I wanted to see what else was out there to compare as I like performance. I looked at many options and let me say the x3M competition is scary fast and mind blowing. The technology it so impressive and then driving it I was sold its truly unreal the performance of this thing! DO yourself a favor dont think about it and just buy one!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

A surprisingly good value

Shawnski, 09/10/2020
updated 03/13/2023
2020 BMW X3 M Competition 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful

If you need an SUV for whatever reason, the X3M is a good compromise is you are used to sports cars/sedans. Its practical, good visibility and unlike to many cars today (I am looking at you 992 911) it has real character and is fun even when obeying traffic laws. I have to say its an impressive car for the money that is practical and a hoot to drive! Update 3/10/22: We still enjoy the car and fits our current needs. Fuel economy is averaging a little less than 19 MPG, that and expected tire life are the really 2 biggest demerits and worth it if driven the way it’s intended. A hardcore sports SUV that is comfortable.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Just plain awesome, practical too!

MB, 09/29/2020
2020 BMW X3 M 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

So much fun to drive and you really get a lot for the price! In addition, there is plenty of space in the rear and even more with the seats dropped. I have a car seat installed in mine and I can still fit three across the rear seat. Would buy this car again. The only minor complaint I have is that comfort suspension mode is still really stiff. But at the same time economy engine mode is still really quick. Engineers probably had to stiffen it all up to keep it from rolling when the throttle opens. Which, by the way, it hangs on the road like a high end sports car which is a really strange feeling in an SUV. Awesome vehicle!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Unrivaled blend of size/price/features/performance

Fred R, 12/13/2020
2020 BMW X3 M 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Before the first one was in the showroom, from looking at the metrics/dimensions of the X3M and comparing it online, this one was going to be very hard to beat. We got ours in September 2019 and now have about 10k miles on it (COVID has curtailed big chunk of commuting). The car is a blast to drive. It’s just that simple. Plenty of room for what you need (unless you have a large family) and the finishing touches are on par with a car costing in the mid 80s. The only thing I’d change would be to add at least 3 gallons capacity to the fuel tank. Designers should ensure their models, whatever they are, can go 400 miles or more on a single tank. It’s a me thing. Otherwise it’s great, and comparing it to similar Audis, MBs won’t get you anywhere but lesser performance. The Porsche Macan Turbo is comparable (or better in some areas), but then you’ll spend maybe another 15-20.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Car is a beast

A smith, 12/13/2021
2022 BMW X3 M 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Was worried that with a wife and 2 kids this would be too much as a daily driver. But car can ride in comfort mode which is pretty like any other BMW SUV. But if you put into sports or sports plus mode this suv turns into a sports car. Pure adrenaline and BMW THOUGHT out every square inch of this car….

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5 out of 5 stars

2020 BMW X3 M Comp.

J. Cosgrave, 02/28/2021
updated 09/21/2023
2020 BMW X3 M Competition 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I have owned many BMW's but this car will blow your socks off! The engine is a totally re-designed BMW 3L straight 6 cyl. with twin turbos that has been de-stroked and produces 507hp. It comes equipped with engine oil cooler and transmission fluid cooler, adjustable shocks, exhaust, transmission, steering. All these features can be customized (tuned) by creating two separate programs that are implemented by using the red paddle shifters on the left and right of the steering wheel. The only way to appreciate this unique vehicle is to drive one. One thing I should mention. The car is very stiff. I de-tune the shocks but it doesn't help much. I think it is the sway bars. I took a look and they are massive.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Amazing car

Ahuko, 05/19/2022
2020 BMW X3 M Competition 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

The X3M competition in my opinion is the best option when wanting an M car in a harsh winter environment. I have loved every second of ownership and has had almost no issues during my time of ownership.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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1 out of 5 stars

Bad X3

Ralph, 06/25/2021
2020 BMW X3 M 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
7 of 16 people found this review helpful

Had Auto 18,months Dead battery first week. Software failure 14 months. A/C failure 17 months

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3 out of 5 stars

Review Update 2 years later

Cash Lewis, 09/13/2023
2022 BMW X3 M 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful

Okay, so here we are. 2 years later, 35000 miles. I’m pretty disappointed but greatfull at the same time. Positives: The interior is still so awesome. It still looks new although my daughter has gotten ink on the seats, spilt milkshakes etc. The type of material is exceptional as I was able to use a little soap and water and fully remove the ink. Love the ability to change the interior lights. It’s really cool especially when driving at night. The options to choose between BMW and Apple Car Play is great bonus for phone connections. The sound system plays great. I have NOT had any issues with speakers. I am disappointed that you can’t hear as well when the windows are open. The music almost get completely phased out by the wind. That may be impossible to fix so I won’t hold BMW accountable. What I don’t like about the audio: the hand signals work then want to. I’ve mastered the hand motions, but detection is disappointing. Connecting to my phone of choice is upsetting. I can be connected just fine. When I connect my back up phone or my Children’s phone they can take over effortlessly however, reconnecting my phone back becomes extremely dramatic. Sometimes, I have to travel a good 100 miles before it will re-recognize my phone. Even if I delete my phone entirely and re-add it, it still won’t connect regardless of BMW or Apple Car play. It is very frustrating. Therefore, please note that the sound system connecting via my phone and hand gestures are my greatest disappointment. Sometimes, I wonder if it’s my car or everyone else’s. The glove box I feel can be a little bigger but, the center console makes up for that. I love that this v4 engine especially when in Sport mode drives land feels like v8. It still feels good when I pull off at a light. Takes off fast, no lag. I’ve had tire issues since the very first month. One, I was told that backing out I was going to always hear that squeaking noise until the car got adjusted. 2 years later it’s still a pain to hear. It always sounds like I have bad breaks. Absolutely aweful!!! My back right tire was going down every single month. I had taken it to them and was told it’s probably just the heat. 8 months in the tire was replaced. Now it’s the back left tire. Same exact issue. I purchased the tire replacement package which was around a good 3k. But, guess what? Being silly I didn’t read the full contract. It only covers nails or major damage. Replacing 2 tires were a good 800 plus tax. No bueno BMW. My package should have covered atleast 1 tire change per tire regardless of the reason. The air conditioner pumps really great. Zero issues there. 2 years later and still getting great air flow even on the hottest days. My wheels, breaks and rotors are still in excellent condition. Wierdly enough, when the car sits the wheels appear rusted, but when I take it to the car wash it goes away. That may be normal but at first site it was a concern until I saw a car wash as any easy resolution. I have had 3 instances where the exterior mirrors (side mirrors), didn’t pop out unlocking, at start up or when the car moved. That’s no good. I was driving maybe a mile or two and realized it when I went to switch lanes. Pushing the mirrors out was a little scary at first because it’s very stiff. It almost felt like I was going to break them or push them off track. And when you push them even 1 knotch, when it’s ready to self correct it’s off track. I don’t like that all. The panoramic sunroof is awesome. I really love the ability to self start from the keys in the house and the ability to shut it down. The car starts out pretty loud but be very careful. There’s been times when it didn’t actually cut off and I’ll come out to leave again a couple hours later and the car was still running. There is no indicator or auto shut down even if after there is no movement for a couple hours. I don’t like that. But, a great bones. I was about 15 miles watching dinner on the beach while my car was at the hotel. My son had to get into the car. I was able to unlock and lock it back from that great distance using the phone app. Now, when present at the car. The keys have to be in exact range and you have to kick exactly in the middle back for the trunk to unlock. I love the 2 position access on all four doors. It allows you to unlock or lock with a touch. The inside screen is very large, but I wish it allowed you to play movies when tailgating at the ball park. I’m sure there is a way to lock the feature when driving. What a waist of this beautiful large screen and you can’t watch a movie when hanging out at the football field or beach. The trunk has additional space under the board. What a delight. I’ve been able to store clothes, shoes and back up personal items which remains. If I don’t feel like packing a suitcase everything I need is already stored in the car. I can literally hop in and be gone with atleast 5 days worth of stored clothes, shoes and accessories. The seating positions are great when done manually each time. For some reason the programming doesn’t automatically recognize my chosen selections. I’ve programmed it repetitively until I just gave up and do it each time. Does that make it inconvenient when I get in after my very tall football player child and feel like I just got slumped down when I initially sit. Yessss, it’s aweful. I should be able to push a button or have an auto setting on my key so the car can know it’s me about to drive and it auto puts my seat into the correct position. I wish the front had all of the options for connecting charger ports. There are two variations. One up front and the other in the center console. My cord gets smashed some times or if my daughter needs to charge she has to lean forward using a standard cord. So there should be one in the back also. I love the grill. I was able to change out my grill plates simply using some magnets or plastic grill pins to give the look an upgrade. That was great designing and is appreciated. The touch screen has not given me any issues at all. I’m use to BMW coming with a tool kit. This car didn’t have any tools at all. Very disappointing. Also, I personally believe someone at the dealership or when I’m route removed some of the small upgrades like the rear protective mesh for the trunk. I’m like how can that not be included? Makes zero since. You don’t recognize these things until it’s time to use them. I was able to lay the seats down and transport a 70 inch TV so spacing is pretty good. Originally the car felt like an x5 but after some time you realize it’s not and you stop living in the fantasy. The heads up display is a great addition. While it’s not really needed, because interacting with the very large screen seems to be by natural selection. Like, even though the display is there I naturally look at the screen, I still like having it. I can change music, get the miles, speed etc.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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