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Used 2015 BMW X3 Consumer Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
50 reviews
1...

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2015 X3, so we've included reviews for other years of the X3 since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Great Compromise

poppy42, 08/30/2014
updated 09/04/2019
2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
106 of 110 people found this review helpful

My wife wanted a mid size SUV which was NOT front wheel drive or front wheel biased. This pretty much directed us to Audi Q5, BMW X3and Mercedes GLK350. Each had its strong points, but the BMW X3 had the most useable space and no real negatives. We're very happy with our decision. Ours was pretty well optioned and had the highest sticker price of the 3, but with USAA and BMW incentives, wound up the least expensive. The base engine has plenty of zip and is reasonably fuel efficient (not quite up to EPA estimates, but still not bad). It handles nicely on the road. If I did not drive a Mercedes E350 Sport, I'm sure I would be more effusive in my praise of the X3. After 2-1/2 years, my original review is still accurate. I have never had to take the car to the dealership except for routine maintenance. My wife is the principle driver and she loves the car--excellent visibility, crisp handling, super functionality. She uses the car typically as a "grocery getter", but on 4 trips of about 500 mi. each, the car performed flawlessly. We have had no second thoughts about this purchase. Two more years have passed and two more trips to the dealership for routine maintenance and two more trips to the beach. Our X3 has served us well. We've had the car for 5-1/2 years now and only one unscheduled trip for maintenance which was covered by a recall warranty. We also replaced the battery at a cost of $400.00. My wife has a special birthday coming up and a new car has been mentioned (sorta). I have looked again at Audi Q5, BWM X3, and Mercedes GLC300. There have been no significant improvements to any of these cars. Some of the new passive safety features and technology are enticing, but not worth the $30,000+ it would cost to replace the 2014 X3.

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

Affordable to Buy, not so affordable to keep

cterry66, 09/18/2019
2015 BMW X3 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
24 of 25 people found this review helpful

I bought a used 2015 X3 with about 40K on it. I think the previous owner decided to trade it in after the no longer offered 4 year warranty expired. It was in good shape and drove very nicely and we wanted AWD so we bought it. I am a DIY guy so what I have learned is even the simplest of repairs turn out to be complicated because there is always some code that has to be reset on the cars computer before the new parts will perform properly. This includes the battery, spark plugs, brake pads, etc. Parts, even non OEM parts are pricey. For example, a new battery was $200 plus $100 to have an independent repair shop reprogram the computer. Any way, we are going to trade this vehicle in and get a newer Japanese SUV before anything else goes wrong on the BMW.

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

Plenty of power and plenty of fun.

okruss@sbcglobal.net, 04/15/2016
2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
33 of 35 people found this review helpful

I recently bought a loaded, low-mileage, certified pre-owned 2014 X3 with the 4 cylinder turbo engine. I was concerned that the 4 cylinder engine would be short on performance. But, that is not the case at all. The car gets up and goes, especially when it's in Sport mode. You don't need the bigger 6 cylinder engine to have fun in this vehicle. I have taken my X3 up into the mountains along with 2 passengers and luggage. It went up the mountain without breaking a sweat. The turbo powered engine along with the 8-speed transmission works flawlessly and always keeps the X3 it's toes. Plus, the handling is amazing. I have owned some sporty coupes over the years, and this X3 feels just as sporty as any on them. I love it!

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
3 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Love averything but the tires

C Miles, 08/04/2016
2014 BMW X3 xDrive35i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
25 of 27 people found this review helpful

I have had this X3 for 2 years and love everything about it except the "run flat" nitrogen filled tires. Twice a year ALL my tires show low tire warning with the temperature change. I live 25 miles form the dealership, so it is a little disconcerting. The dealership ALWAYS takes care of it timely as long as they are open. That is my only complaint on the entire car. I love the comfort and convenience of everything on the inside. The headlights are amazing as I live outside the city and drive on long roads that I need to see the sides of the roads for deer etc, and a long way in front for any hazards. The mileage is great for the size of the engine I chose, which I love. Great pickup and great handling.

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

Loyalty lost to BMW

SET1012, 02/15/2020
2014 BMW X3 xDrive35i 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
17 of 18 people found this review helpful

I purchased as a certified pre-owned in Nov 2016 and loved everything about the handling and comfort of the vehicle. I'd owned a 2004 325xi for nearly 13 years previously and decided BMW would be my brand for life. I had annoying issues with the X3 like others experienced; low tire warning frequently coming on, battery life is short and expensive because it has to be registered so a lot of shops wouldn't do it, and the wiring of the trunk went bad so it would open but had to be manually closed. But the reason for my 1 star review is on Jan 26, 2020 just 25 days after my extended warranty expired my engine with 66k miles seized while I was driving up an exit ramp. After a tow and inspection by the dealership they found metal in the oil pan and told me I needed to replace the engine and turbo costing $29k. A chat with BMW NA got me nowhere, they wouldn't even give me a case number. I was told only my dealership could discuss with a rep from BMW NA. For an ultimate driving machine I am shocked first that a rod bearing would break at so low miles. Second that BMW would not stand up for their product especially due to the warranty timing (which based on first sale would be March 29, 2020), my diligent service record performed at the dealership as well as all my other maintenance (tires, breaks, batteries) done there. Needless to say, reliability is the most important thing to me which is why I chose BMW, but they've proven that cost does not equal reliability and neither does CPO. I'll be taking my money and loyalty elsewhere.

Safety
4 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
1 out of 5 stars
Value
2 out of 5 stars
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