2013 BMW X3 Review

Price Range: $6,490 - $16,590

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BMW X3 model years

BMW X3 for Sale

Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Potent and reasonably efficient engines
high-quality cabin
generous passenger and cargo room
crisp handling
comfortable rear seat.

Cons

Priced higher than most rivals.

What’s new

For 2013, a new turbocharged four-cylinder replaces the old naturally aspirated straight-6 in the BMW X3 xDrive28i model. Every X3 gets a standard power liftgate, automatic engine stop/start technology and the previously optional Driving Dynamics Control, which also gains a fourth mode (known as Eco Pro) for its adjustable drive settings. A lane-departure warning system is added to the options list.

Edmunds says

The 2013 BMW X3 is a fine, but pricey, choice for drivers seeking sport-sedan dynamics in a crossover SUV.

For sale near Conyers, GA

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2013 BMW X3
xDrive28i 4dr SUV
$6,999
great price
$1,761 below market
- 124,800 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use
- 5 Seats, 21 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- Auto Expo Corp (37 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in Smyrna, GA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
24 Combined MPG (21 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5UXWX9C53D0D08286
Stock: D08286
Certified Pre-Owned: No
New Listing
2013 BMW X3
xDrive28i 4dr SUV
$8,990
- 110,332 miles
- 1 accident, 3 owners, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 21 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- Elite Automotive (39 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Bluetooth
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in Alpharetta, GA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
24 Combined MPG (21 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5UXWX9C59D0A09188
Stock: A09188
Certified Pre-Owned: No

See all for sale

Vehicle overview

A four-cylinder in a BMW SUV just sounds ludicrous, right? Such an engine might be good enough for Hondas and Kias, but a performance-luxury brand needs something with more guts. That certainly would be the conventional wisdom, anyway. But times, they are a-changing. The 2013 BMW X3 is the latest member of the Bavarian brand to lose its naturally aspirated inline-6 base engine in favor of a high-tech, turbocharged four-cylinder that produces equal power and more torque, yet returns significantly improved fuel economy. However ludicrous it may sound, this BMW crossover SUV just got better.

In addition to the turbocharged inline-4 found in the xDrive28i model, every X3 gets additional fuel-saving features. The now-standard automatic stop/start technology is something previously only found on hybrids, which kills the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop in order to save fuel. The engine refires when you remove your foot from the brake. The vibration at start-up can get annoying at times, but get used to it and you might start to notice all the gas being wasted by other cars at traffic lights.

Another new feature is the Eco Pro mode, which has been added to the now-standard Driving Dynamics Control adjustable drive settings. Eco Pro optimizes the engine, transmission, heating, air-conditioning and electrical functions for the best possible fuel efficiency, while also adding visual signals in the iDrive screen to encourage more economical driving habits. But really, if you're so worried about burning excess fuel in a supposedly performance-oriented crossover SUV, perhaps a different type of vehicle would be in order.

As it is, the 2013 BMW X3 is one of the most appealing small luxury crossovers. It is arguably the sportiest example, providing the sort of handling composure and buttoned-down ride you'd expect from a BMW sport sedan. While the new turbo-4 delivers average (though still swift) acceleration for the class, the xDrive35i turbo-6 goes above and beyond, offering a degree of get-up-and-go that nothing else in the class can match. Of course, that model also comes with a similarly above-and-beyond price tag.

Indeed, the X3's price is on the lofty side regardless of model, and puts it up against larger, midsize luxury crossover SUVs like the Acura MDX and Lexus RX 350. The X3 is indeed smaller, but its generous amount of passenger and cargo room betters that of "compact" competitors like the Audi Q50 and Mercedes-Benz GLK350.

This in-betweener size, paired with an engaging driving experience, well-crafted cabin, ample available features content and yes, that efficient new engine makes the 2013 BMW X3 a very appealing choice. There's nothing sacrilegious or ludicrous about it.

Performance & mpg

The 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 that produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are standard, along with an automatic stop-start system. The latter shuts off the engine when stopped and then starts it when you take your foot off the brake in order to save fuel. In Edmunds performance testing, this engine brought the X3 from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, which is essentially average for the segment. EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined.

The X3 xDrive35i gets a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that produces 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. It gets the same transmission and driveline as the 28i. In Edmunds performance testing, the 35i hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, which makes it by far the quickest vehicle in this segment. Its fuel economy stands at 19/26/21, which is actually better than less-powerful rivals.

Safety

Every 2013 BMW X3 comes standard with antilock disc brakes, automatic brake drying (useful in rainy weather), front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, active front-seat head restraints, stability control and hill descent control. Optional equipment includes front and rear parking sensors, rear- and top-view parking cameras and a lane-departure warning system. Also available is the BMW Assist emergency communications system, which provides automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle recovery and on-demand roadside assistance.

In Edmunds brake testing, an xDrive35i stopped from 60 mph in 123 feet, which is an average distance for the segment. An xDrive28i with the M Sport package stopped in 127 feet.

In crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the X3 received the highest possible rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset, side and roof strength tests.

Driving

Don't scoff at the notion of a four-cylinder in a luxury crossover SUV, because the new turbocharged xDrive28i model manages to be one of the quickest and most efficient models in the segment. You'd be hard-pressed to tell it only has four cylinders, and the X3 could easily get by with this excellent new engine alone. One minor gripe concerns the auto stop-start feature, however, as it can occasionally be a little abrupt upon restart. That feature can be disabled, thankfully.

Understandably, it'll be hard to say no to the xDrive35i and its turbocharged six-cylinder. Not only does it provide quicker acceleration than any other small luxury crossover, it returns decent fuel economy to boot.

Regardless of engine, the 2013 BMW X3 handles with the adeptness you expect from this German brand. The chassis feels light and the speed-sensitive steering gives the X3 a nimble quality that makes you really feel reasonably connected to the car. The ride is definitely on the firm side, but we think most people will still find it agreeable.

Interior

The X3's interior will be familiar to anyone who has spent time in a BMW product. Classic analog gauges, sensible ergonomics and a restrained overall aesthetic combine to create a pleasant driving environment. Occupants will feel cocooned within the high-quality materials covering the seats, consoles and dash. BMW's iDrive electronics interface gives you the opportunity to control things you never could before, though it can come off as rather complicated. Most rival systems are easier to use.

While still considered a small crossover, the current-generation X3 has swelled to proportions similar to the previous-generation X5. As such, room for front passengers is more than ample, while rear legroom is downright generous and pairs with a truly comfortable seat. Indeed, this is one of the most family-friendly vehicles in the class. Total cargo capacity with the rear seats folded is 63.3 cubic feet, which makes it one of the larger small crossovers.

2013 BMW X3 models

The 2013 BMW X3 crossover SUV is available in two trim levels that correspond to engine choice: xDrive28i and xDrive35i. The xDrive refers to its standard all-wheel-drive system.

The xDrive28i comes standard with 18-inch wheels, rear privacy glass, automatic headlights, foglamps, automatic wipers, a power liftgate, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats with memory functions, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, Bluetooth phone connectivity, the iDrive electronics interface and a 12-speaker sound system with a CD player, auxiliary audio system, HD radio and an iPod/USB audio interface.

Besides its more powerful engine, the xDrive35i adds adaptive and auto-leveling bi-xenon headlights, a panoramic sunroof and wood trim. These items are options on the 28i.

The Premium package includes keyless ignition/entry, auto-dimming mirrors, leather upholstery, rear manual side sunshades and cargo-area nets and tie-down points. The Cold Weather package includes heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and 40/20/40-split-folding rear seats. The Cold Weather II package adds heated rear seats and headlight washers. The Technology package gets front and rear parking sensors, rear- and top-view parking cameras, a navigation system, real-time traffic information and the BMW Assist emergency communications system. The Premium Sound package adds a 16-speaker surround-sound audio system and satellite radio. The Driver Assistance package adds automatic high beams, a lane-departure warning system and, on the 35i, a head-up display. The xDrive28i is eligible for the Convenience package, which adds keyless ignition/entry, manual rear side sunshades and adaptive bi-xenon headlights.

The Sport Activity package is largely cosmetic, featuring sport seats, a sport steering wheel, transmission shift paddles (35i only), special exterior trim, and on the 35i, 19-inch wheels. The Dynamic Handling package adds enhanced speed-adjustable power steering and a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system. The M Sport package essentially combines the two, adding on adjustable suspension dampers (available separately on 35i), M division 19-inch wheels, an M division sport steering wheel and its own special exterior trim.

Some of the above items are available as stand-alone options, including keyless ignition/entry, front and rear parking sensors, the 40/20/40 rear seats, side window shades, the head-up display, heated front seats, the rearview camera, the navigation system, satellite radio and BMW Assist.

Compare 2013 BMW X3 trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Georgia

$194/mo

$169/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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Reliability

The 2013 BMW X3 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 7 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3 out of 5, ranks it #16 out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

3 out of 5 stars3/5Average

#16 out of 18 among Luxury Compact SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

$741/yr

vs. $559/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Frequency

1.71x/yr

vs. 1.23x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Severity

13.6%

vs. 8.6%
for Average Luxury Compact SUV

Recalls

7 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 24V608000
Number of vehicles affected:: 720796
Defect Description:: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Defect Consequence:: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall Number:: 24V527000
Number of vehicles affected:: 1145
Defect Description:: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo, and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
Defect Consequence:: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Corrective Action:: The driver's front air bag will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall Number:: 17V495000
Manufactured from:: 2011-11-08 to 2012-04-20
Number of vehicles affected:: 6785
Defect Description:: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i, X3 xDrive35i, and M6 Convertible vehicles and 2013 M6 Coupe vehicles. The affected vehicles have a driver's frontal air bag inflator that may have been improperly welded.
Defect Consequence:: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator housing could separate from the base plate and result in metal striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective Action:: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 9, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall Number:: 16V333000
Manufactured from:: 2010-07-02 to 2016-04-14
Number of vehicles affected:: 188668
Defect Description:: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017, X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i and X3 xDrive35i, vehicles manufactured July 2, 2010 to April 14, 2016, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014 to March 31, 2016, and 2015-2017 x4 xDrive28i, X4 xDrive35i and X4 xDriveM40i vehicles manufactured March3, 2014 to April 15, 2016. The affected vehicles have lower anchor bars for securing child restraint seats that may become damaged when using the European-ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.
Defect Consequence:: Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Corrective Action:: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body, free of charge. The recall began on July 13, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall Number:: 14V627000
Manufactured from:: 2012-07-17 to 2013-08-05
Number of vehicles affected:: 8988
Defect Description:: BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.
Defect Consequence:: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall Number:: 13V570000
Manufactured from:: 2013-02-11 to 2013-02-27
Number of vehicles affected:: 3
Defect Description:: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 X3 xDrive 28i/35i vehicles manufactured February 11, 2013, through February 27, 2013. Due to a production process error, the tear seam on the instrument panel was not manufactured correctly.
Defect Consequence:: In the event of a crash, the air bag could improperly deploy, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the air bag's protection and increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger. In addition, parts or fragments from the air bag system could strike and injure the front passenger or other vehicle occupants.
Corrective Action:: BMW has notified owners and dealers will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Recall Number:: 13V454000
Manufactured from:: 2012-06-01 to 2013-08-31
Number of vehicles affected:: 76191
Defect Description:: BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
Defect Consequence:: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin in November 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 12 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / unlimited miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles

BMW X3 Owner Reviews

3.5

52 reviews

5(50%)

4(7%)

3(9%)

2(13%)

1(21%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Satisfied 2013 X3 Customer

07/18/2012

2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

I researched options for a "retirement" SUV that would satisfy my need for utility and enjoyable driving at the same time--the BMW X3 has met my expectations in every way. The car handles like a sports car, carries 5 adults comfortably and accomodates my bicycle as I find places to use my new free time. I was a bit concerned about the power of the 4 cylinder engine but it has ample power …

Never again.

Gerry, 07/09/2018

2013 BMW X3 xDrive35i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

We have had repeated "Drive Train Malfunction" warnings that our dealership has stabbed in the dark at fixing. Most recently they wrote on the repair receipt that they were "100 % Certain" that everything was fixed. We drove only FIVE miles when the same warning came on. The dealership is now saying it is the turbo charger and timing belt!! This is after $6000 of repairs on other …

Expensive, but you get what you pay for

tostig, 03/01/2013

2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

Traded in my old 2003 BMW X5 for a shiny new 2013 BMW X3 28i. It doesn't have quite the build quality of the X5, but on the other hand, doesn't cost $80,000 either. Road feel, handling, steering, and general sportiness/fun are outstanding. The 28i 4 cyllinder turbo is surprisingly powerful and capable. Absolutely love the interior and all the tech gadgets (sat nav, bluetooth, large …

BMW not standing behind its product

Steve Harroun, 04/22/2019

2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

Do not buy a BMW. BMW has had several issues with the N20 and N26 engines, between 2011 and 2015, prompting class-action law suits and BMW extending the warranty. The timing chain stretches, causing the timing chain rail guide (plastic) to break. The pieces go into the oil and limit how much oil flows to the engine and turbo, causing catastrophic engine failure. BMW extended the warranty …

See all 52 reviews of the BMW X3

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2013 X3 Highlights

Trim:

xDrive28i

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$38,850
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$194/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	27.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the X3 include:

Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Post-collision safety system

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2013 BMW X3 Review

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Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

For sale near Conyers, GA

2013 BMW X3xDrive28i 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2013 BMW X3xDrive28i 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Vehicle overview

Performance & mpg

Safety

Driving

Interior

2013 BMW X3 models

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Recalls

Warranty

BMW X3 Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Satisfied 2013 X3 Customer

Never again.

Expensive, but you get what you pay for

BMW not standing behind its product

2013 X3 Highlights

Safety

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2013 BMW X3
xDrive28i 4dr SUV

2013 BMW X3
xDrive28i 4dr SUV