Used 2015 BMW X3 SUV Consumer Reviews

Affordable to Buy, not so affordable to keep

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.

Top of the class

Purchased the X3 in February 2018 for approx. $27K with 17 months warranty remaining. Comparisons: Had recently purchased a 2015 Subaru Outback and really wanted to like it. Didn't. I I owned it for less than a month! Poor handling and no fun to drive, loud and with the 2.5 naturally aspirated 4 cyc, had acceleration of a minivan. Owned a Toyota RAV 4 years earlier and remembered feeling they were like driving a truck - which at that time was the sub-platform used. I didn't test drive a new one, although should have has I believe sub-platform now based on Camry.. I did test drive a Mazda CX-5 and expected to like it. Didn't. Next, Hyundai Tucson with 1.6 turbo. Liked it, but not enough. Was all set to drive the Audi Q5, but some how it never happened. Didn't matter. Once I test drove the 2015 X3 Xdrive28i, I was sold. Drives like a car and handles like a proper German car. Oh! You have to trash the run-flat tires, in my opinion. They make the ride stiff and handling is only mediocre (but for a BMW, that's great.) Threw some Michelin Primacy on and purchased an electric pump with sealant. Fantastic upgrade..

Only one problem with this car

The X3 is my second BMW, the other being a 330 CI. Absolutely love everything about this car with one major exception - the stereo flat out sucks. A car in this price range should come standard with a high end sound system. My 2003 330 has the Harmon Kardon upgraded stereo which is very good but the standard system on my 2015 X3 stinks. The stereo in my Honda Accord is actually better.

Worst BMW/Owner experience ever

Lots of road noise. Horrible ride over rough surfaces. Thumps and other noises that can't be located. Front end had to be reworked to the tune of $1700 at 57k miles. At latest inspection (75k miles) several lights needed to e replaced to the tune of $1500. Neither was covered by CPO warranty. Also the leather steering wheel has begun to delaminate - no dealer solution other than to replace the steering wheel at my expense. I've owned 6 BMWs, but this will be my last. UPDATE: Turbo failed at 95k miles and front end needed repairs. Total bill $10k. Traded the car for a Toyota Highlander. I've owned over 20 cars in my life. This has been the worst ever owner experience

Con/pro

Con - problematic, expect expensive repairs every year especially after warranty expires. Pro - eye catching design, rocket fast and absolutely a blast to drive Update- Spent additional $3000 in repair costs. All total we’ve spent over $5000 in repairs since warranty expired. Unfortunately, my wife will not consider another brand Update 12/2022 50000 mi No major repairs for now but service is due and I’m sure they will find something. Unfortunately for me wife still loves the car Update 6-12-24 No repairs in a year but I’ve noticed oil leak on garage floor. We were planning to trade up for M40i but now considering other brands Update 12/17/24. The Oil Pan began to leak leaking puddles of oil on garage floor. Needs new brakes, new tires and more. Total cost was going to be over $4000. We decided to trade in for a 2025 X3 M50. I tried to persuade wife to look at another brand but she stuck on BMW. She actually cried the day we left the POS 2015 on the lot. This one will be gone before warranty expires

Great SUV - design, handling, electronics, &safety

Update - still running great! Now over 10 years and a little over 70,000 miles. Replaced the 10 year old battery when it started giving warnings about low charge. Other than that - all normal maintenance and fluid changes. Thought I would miss the IDrive remote app stuff but don't. I mounted a magsafe charger center of the console so have more than that on my iPhone there. Was rear ended on a trip through Connecticut about five years ago - repair was done very well but it was so sad our pristine baby was injured. $6,000 reduced value in the settlement after pressing the insurance company. We keep it looking brand new inside and out. Original review. Bought our 2015 for delivery at the plant in South Carolina. That was a great experience driving a car exactly like ours on the track and through their rough terrain and water course. The instructors were great and really helped us understand what the vehicle could do. It was so impressive to see what a difference the traction control features made on the wet track. The professional driver showed us and then let us experience the difference spinning out and really pushing it. The four years of full warranty went by very quickly. We took it on every long trip and I drove it on my business trips but we didn't get very far past 36,000 miles of the 50,000 that were covered. We have really enjoyed the car and are contemplating keeping it or getting another car under warranty. My wife likes to change models but this is the best car we have ever had and it looks nearly brand new. You will enjoy the way it drives, the great visibility, the panoramic sunroof, the top down view for parking. My favorite is the dynamic cruise control for changing traffic speeds on congested highways. The car will even stop and go for you in the worst of traffic and adjust to changes on any road.

My X3 never disappoints!

Best SUV I have ever owned. Test drove VW, Subaru, Ford, Toyota and BMW. When it came down to it the BMW was superior in every category. Even though for the price point I could only afford a Certified Used vehicle it was one of the best car decisions I have ever made. The acceleration is fabulous and never let's me down. Unfortunately I drive fast and my X3 is responsive and hugs every curve and blast the straight away in collaboration with my speed demon desires. It brakes on a dime, has plenty of room for me (6'0), my spouse (6'4) and my 2 flat back retreivers. Love this car😇

Great reliable premium SUV

Execent SUV. It's a very reliable, luxury, confortable, spacious and fun ride to drive. An excelent quality interior materials. Only its gas mileage is not so good even on Eco mode, which I use most of the times.

Great Compact Luxury SUV

I’ve owned this SUV for Two years. It handles great. Rides well. Plenty of power with the 2.0 turbo. Even in the mountains when fully loaded, this SUV has plenty of Oomph! Fun on curvy roads. Very comfortable seats. Great cargo hauler. Headup display is great. Harmon Karden stereo is amazing. I can’t say enough about how much I’ve enjoyed this SUV.

Bought a three year old X3

Love this car! I drove a brand new Toyota Rav 4, and a brand new Hyundai Santa Fe, the feel and handling can not compare to this X3, even if it is a second car. (I did not write the above, and I do not own a Rav4 or a Santa Fe. However I do love my X3, even if it's a second hand card!!)

Best Ever SAV

This is by far the best SUV/SAV I have ever driven. Quick and agile. Nothing else compares.

Love my Bimmer

This is a great SUV to own, being a driving enthusiast I always dreamed to own one...BMW, even though on pricier side, this is an ultimate luxe SUV to own

Love love love this car!!!

Good so far

Perfect One for Me!

I love everything about this my BMW X3. Awesome technology package for this model. The leather trim also looks great.

Baby Raven BMW x3 35i XLine

This is a replacement vehicle for 2008 Lr2 Hse . This lil baby is Soo zippy. I got it bc it had low mileage 78k and Mainly Dealer Maintained. It’s too early to give a full review but from what I got , I luv it !! I did have to replace the radiator bc I had a leak. Stay on top of your maintenance. The truck had great brakes and brand new tires. My heads-up display does not work. But the drive is great. Leather interior with XLine just under M Sport . Heated leather seats cold package Comfort package. It is Black on Black.. sooo beautiful. I enjoy it. Hopefully for many years to come.