[Mamasgotkids]

I currently drive a 2013 328i, but in the spring we are considering trading my husbands Mini for something bigger. He would drive the 328 (since its leased and already over miles but he mostly uses vanpool to get to work) and I'd get the new car.

I'm wondering if the x3 has had any real problems or issues. My f30 has been to the dealer for various problems in the 9 months we've had it (taillight falling out, random resetting from miles to km, issues with ASS).

I'm a little put off by the whole experience thus far with my car - which is our 4th bmw- and am wondering if we should even consider the X3. (I'm looking at the Nissan Pathfinder, Lexus Rx350, or Audi Q5)

Have there been a plethora of issues with the X3?

[richard in NC]

Only 7 months and 7500 miles but zero issues so far om my X3. I also have an e92 335is, 1 1/2 years and zero issues.

I try to avoid a first year of a new design because of more likely issues but the current X3 has been out several years so I feel any teething problems are worked out.

[dreamspeed]

Well, if you want trouble free get the Lexus.

BMWs have been pretty hit or miss across the range as far as I can tell. But the I6 turbo cars seem to have the most problems in recent memory.

[PeteX3MWhite]

I have a 2013, got it in November 2012, around 11k miles on it now, no real issues to report so far. The NAV is useless, but that seems to be typical for all BMWs.

Looks are subjective, but of the vehicles you mentioned I prefer the X3 to the others. The Lexus has the ugly pinched grille, the new look of all their cars (yuck!), the Pathfinder is just bleh, not even in the same ballpark. The Audi is nice, drive it and decide - be sure to drive similarly optioned cars, like a V6 Audi to a 335 X3. Also look at the Volvo XC60.

What I do like on my X3... the M Sport package gives it a nice look, the ride is sporty without being harsh, and the 8-speed transmission is outstanding - good gas mileage but enough oomph when needed. Some little things are great, like the comfort access package for keyless entry, and the power liftgate. And I really appreciate the rearview camera, and the side view camera / view from above. The rain sensing wipers are convenient too.

[02420X3]

Originally Posted by Mamasgotkids

Have there been a plethora of issues with the X3?

Not really. Each model year has had a few issues, but there have been no major issues (other than hesitation off the line) that have crossed model years.

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by Mamasgotkids

I currently drive a 2013 328i, but in the spring we are considering trading my husbands Mini for something bigger. He would drive the 328 (since its leased and already over miles but he mostly uses vanpool to get to work) and I'd get the new car.

I'm wondering if the x3 has had any real problems or issues. My f30 has been to the dealer for various problems in the 9 months we've had it (taillight falling out, random resetting from miles to km, issues with ASS).

I'm a little put off by the whole experience thus far with my car - which is our 4th bmw- and am wondering if we should even consider the X3. (I'm looking at the Nissan Pathfinder, Lexus Rx350, or Audi Q5)

Have there been a plethora of issues with the X3?

Rather if the X3 you buy will be reliable or not is really pot luck, some BMW are more relaible than others. The X3 share many components with the 328i, but the 328i for the most part is consider a pretty reliable car, I guess thats not the case with your 328i. There are no wide spread issues with both the X3 and the 328i as far as I know.
On the average, Nissan and Lexus will be more reliable than BMW and Audi, but thats not to say the Nissan or Lexus that you might buy will be reliable. I have had one Lexus that has been in the shop more times than all 3 of my BMW in total. In the end, if your top priority is reliability, follow by performance and material quality, then you should really consider buying Japanese.

[nonagon]

I can guarantee your taillight will not fall out. After that, no guarantee. That said, mine has been quite reliable.

[Mamasgotkids]

Originally Posted by nonagon

I can guarantee your taillight will not fall out. After that, no guarantee. That said, mine has been quite reliable.

Woohoo! Guaranteed! I can assure you that was one problem I was not expecting on an early Monday morning.

[ryanburk]

I've had my my14 x3 for a month and it has been amazingly solid. you need to get used to the iDrive, but everything in the build has been great. better than expected - a friend just got a new tesla and has been in the shop 3 times in the first month, got me scared for what the new car experience would be like.

[lbjgh]

Plethora? Nop.

Few niggles? Sure.

My car has 28,000 kms and has been trouble free and fun to drive.

Originally Posted by Mamasgotkids

Have there been a plethora of issues with the X3?

[njman83]

Our x3 is a 2014 and so far has been trouble free!

[RhoXS]

Originally Posted by dreamspeed

Well, if you want trouble free get the Lexus.

That is probably true but it also means you will be driving a vehicle that drives and feels exactly like my Dad's 1950/60 heavy metal Buicks.

I have a 2009 RX350 and it is indeed a reliable car but it handles like crap. It bounces, it is unreasonably top heavy, corners like a soft turd, and must be carefully and actively kept under control if suddenly giving it full throttle. It is not a pleasant car to drive if not on a well paved Interstate. The nav system is mostly worthless and locks out most functions once the car starts moving. I hate the damn thing and would certainly not recommend it to anyone that is even slightly interested in a car that has some sembalance of competent handling.

No contest or hesitation for me, the X3 is clearly my choice. Maybe in another 25 years when I am in my nineties I might consider a Lexus.

[kozzi]

If I could do it all over again, I would still get the X3 but would have waited for msport to come out. 25k+ miles and still no major issues.

[liverman]

A lot will depend on if you are buying used or new. There have been a variety of issues reported with the 2011, 2012, 2013 cars. Based on a survey of forums. Some, like the hesitation issue and nav complaints appear to be fixed by a TSB or a nav software update.

If you are buying used, do a thorough search of these forums on that year and make very sure the vehicle is up-to-date on all the fixes.

The 2014 has had no congenital issues that I have seen reported and it's been shipping since April. The 28i is a very competent engine and gets around quite nicely. The 35i is a beast. Maybe not as much of a beast as the 135 or 335, but for it's weight, it's a beast.

I had a '05 E83 X3 and loved that car. I have a '14 F25 X3 35i and I love this car. No issues with nav, no issues with hesitation, no issues period so far.

I'm takin' mine to the Rocky Mountain BMW Fall Driving School later this month to see how it handles at speed on the track. I highly recommend these schools - guaranteed great fun no matter what you drive and the best way to really get to know how your vehicle handles and how to become a better driver.

[Tipsy McStagger]

Ours spent almost five weeks at the dealership spread over two separate visits. Three weeks trying to diagnose (and waiting for) an oxygen sensor, and two weeks waiting for a new radiator from Germany after it bled out on the driveway (freak manufacturing defect). It happens, that's what warranties and loaners are for. Our 09 328i was flawless, and we haven't had a problem with the x3 in about 7k miles.

I'd still make the same decision again but with a couple minor option changes from the factory. Hitch, dog separator, apps/extended bluetooth. And different color interior. Oyster interior + Belgian Shepherds turned out to be a bad combination.

[Tipsy McStagger]

Btw, our ONLY niggling regret is that the XC60 R Design has rear seats that fold down completely flat. The dogs struggle a bit with the slanty X3 seats, though they are nowhere near as bad as the Q5 which are at about a 45 degree angle. Looks pretty damn good too.

I'd still buy the X3 again.

[brissim]

When we bought our X3 30d in 2011 I broke one of my own "golden rules" concerning never buying a new model in the first year of its release. This was our first BMW after a (satisfying) run of Volvos. At the time I took the precaution of purchasing an extended 5-year warranty (and maintenance package). After two years and nearly 50,000 km (~30k miles) we have had no problems with the car and - to date - are very happy with our decision.

As has been mentioned above, don't forget to look at Volvo's XC60. Certainly not disgraced in the presence of such vehicles as the X3 and Q5.

Tony

[dreamspeed]

For the most part I find "German" reliability to be acceptable. If you buy new you get 4 yrs of warranty and if you buy used I would recommend getting 1-2 yr old car so you still have ~2 yrs of warranty. Or get a 3-4yr old car with the extended/certified warranty.

[Mamasgotkids]

Thanks everyone. I was hesitating on the XC60 because of price with everything I need (I have to have the navi which seems to make you buy every single option that's available). And their gas mileage isn't very good (which is important to me) I like the looks and have been considering the XC70 wagon as well since I need the ability to fold down seats to get chairs, small furniture etc in there (I have a habit of refinishing furniture).

All three of our previous bmws (06-08 models) we only had one problem in 4 years. I don't know why my f30 is so plagued by issues. No car is ever perfect but X3 seems like it should make the short list, even if I personally think its the least attractive of the group.

[CBS]

My Wife drives our '13 X3 with the Sport Activity Package and absolutely loves it. 15K miles and no issues. 4 cylinder sounds like a lawn mower on cold start up BUT it pulled (with power to spare) a packed U-Haul to Boston last weekend with all of our Daughter's College stuff so I can't complain.

Wife loves her X3, calls it her Sport Run About because with its adjustable suspension it's actually quite nimble.

Good Luck!

[stumblingtrout]

Originally Posted by Mamasgotkids

Thanks everyone. I was hesitating on the XC60 because of price with everything I need (I have to have the navi which seems to make you buy every single option that's available). And their gas mileage isn't very good (which is important to me) I like the looks and have been considering the XC70 wagon as well since I need the ability to fold down seats to get chairs, small furniture etc in there (I have a habit of refinishing furniture).

All three of our previous bmws (06-08 models) we only had one problem in 4 years. I don't know why my f30 is so plagued by issues. No car is ever perfect but X3 seems like it should make the short list, even if I personally think its the least attractive of the group.

If it helps, we've got a MY14 X3 35d and our MY14 XC60 D5 arrives next week.

I see you are over the pond, but you are right about the gas mileage if Volvo petrol engines compare similarly to their diesel offerings. The BMW will be faster, more economical and offer a higher level of tech overall. The Volvo will be more comfortable, aimed at comfort rather than sports and so will offer a softer ride. I would place the quality of the interior as BETTER on the XC60 than on the X3. The Volvo will be safer, and offers good safety systems as standard such as city safety.

In terms of price, you should be able to negotiate 20% off the list price if the same deals are available to you there as are available in the UK.

If you waited perhaps 6 months or less, Volvo are releasing the VEA engines - 4 cylinder turbocharged engines, coupled with the 8 speed gearbox to replace the 6 speed Geartronic transmission. This will make the XC60 very economical.

If you want a drivers car that you can really throw around and have fun in, get the X3. If you want a super safe comfortable cruiser with the ability to spec radar guided cruise control get the XC60. Both are great cars. The XC60 looks and feels quite sophisticated and is perhaps less 'shouty.' I love the new integrated tailpipes and the repositioned DRL's.

In terms of reliability, if you buy new you get 3 years warranty and we paid for 5 years of servicing up front for £500. Any problems will be Volvo's, not ours/yours.

[Mamasgotkids]

Originally Posted by stumblingtrout

If it helps, we've got a MY14 X3 35d and our MY14 XC60 D5 arrives next week.

I see you are over the pond, but you are right about the gas mileage if Volvo petrol engines compare similarly to their diesel offerings. The BMW will be faster, more economical and offer a higher level of tech overall. The Volvo will be more comfortable, aimed at comfort rather than sports and so will offer a softer ride. I would place the quality of the interior as BETTER on the XC60 than on the X3. The Volvo will be safer, and offers good safety systems as standard such as city safety.

In terms of price, you should be able to negotiate 20% off the list price if the same deals are available to you there as are available in the UK.

If you waited perhaps 6 months or less, Volvo are releasing the VEA engines - 4 cylinder turbocharged engines, coupled with the 8 speed gearbox to replace the 6 speed Geartronic transmission. This will make the XC60 very economical.

If you want a drivers car that you can really throw around and have fun in, get the X3. If you want a super safe comfortable cruiser with the ability to spec radar guided cruise control get the XC60. Both are great cars. The XC60 looks and feels quite sophisticated and is perhaps less 'shouty.' I love the new integrated tailpipes and the repositioned DRL's.

In terms of reliability, if you buy new you get 3 years warranty and we paid for 5 years of servicing up front for 500. Any problems will be Volvo's, not ours/yours.

Thank you! That's an excellent comparison and speaks to the things that matter most in my decision. We plan to wait until spring (which sounds like there will be a good benefit for the xc) since the Mini we will be trading is a convertible, a tough sell heading into the current Seattle rainy season.