How many miles should a BMW X3 last?

While some cars certainly last longer than others, none last forever, and the BMW X3 is no exception. As a luxury vehicle, you would expect the BMW X3 to last longer than many other brands or models would. If you are in the market for a new car, you should check out the X3 but not before you learn exactly how long it’s going to last you.

A BMW X3 can last for 150,000 to 200,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. That measures up to be about 15-20 years, or more, of use. However, every X3 model is driven under different conditions and may experience problems that decrease the number of miles it lasts for.

200,000 probably sounds like a lot of miles, and it is, but before you invest, you should know what else you’ll have to be dealing with. Read on to learn a few tips on keeping your X3 in good shape, fixing any potential issues, and some general pros and cons of owning one.

Maintenance: Making it Last Longer

As mentioned earlier, the average life expectancy of a BMW X3 is roughly somewhere around 150,000 to 200,000 miles. If the car is well cared for, it could continue driving well past the 200,000-mile finish line. Keeping your BMW X3 running for the entirety of its life expectancy requires certain maintenance practices you should follow. Here are some tips.

First of all, you should take your BMW X3 in for routine maintenance and necessary repairs. Car Edge, for example, has put together a maintenance schedule for X3 owners to follow. Oil and air filters ought to be changed every 15,000 miles, at the very least. Doing so will prevent your oil and fuel tanks from getting contaminated.

You should also rotate your BMW X3’s tires every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or so. Rotating the tires frequently is especially important if you are a regular traveler or off-roader. Doing so will ensure that your BMW X3’s tires wear evenly. 

BMW offers several maintenance programs to help keep your X3 in working order. The BMW Ultimate Care+ package costs $199 and covers the first three years of oil changes, brake pad changes, wiper blade replacements, and manual transmission clutch servicing. All this work is completed by certified BMW technicians, meaning your vehicle is being serviced by those most qualified to do the job.

Potential Problems and Solutions

Unfortunately, X3s have a few issues that impact how many miles they should last. When these problems arise, they need immediate attention. Below we will discuss the common issues in BMW X3s and ways to repair them.

Electrical problems are a frequent problem in BMW X3s. After the vehicle’s computer updates, services such as Apple CarPlay stop operating correctly. That, in turn, will cause the car’s entire infotainment system to malfunction. In some cases, the malfunctioning infotainment center has led to vehicle failure.

Not only is it inconvenient for the infotainment center and its services to malfunction, but it could also be an expensive repair if it shuts down the entire vehicle. Reboot your system if you notice any glitches in the infotainment center. If the problem persists, take your BMW X3 to a mechanic.

BMW X3s also experience problems with the gauges, tire pressure monitor, headlights, and other electrical components. If you have started to notice that the headlights won’t turn on (or off), the gauges are malfunctioning, or the tire pressure monitor shows incorrect information, then it’s probably time to take your car into the shop for a reboot.

Engine oil leaks are also a common problem with the BMW X3. This persistent problem is usually a result of excessive wear on the valve covers and engine gaskets. Luckily, this is a problem that is relatively easy to fix. The valve cover or gasket costs about $20 at your local hardware store.

If you have mechanical experience, this repair should only take an hour or two. Those without mechanical experience should take their X3 to a mechanic. While this will cost you $400 or more, you can rest assured that the repair was completed correctly.

BMW X3: The Pros and Cons

Now that you know how long an X3 will last, you should probably know the pros and cons of owning one.

Pros

The BMW X3 is a luxury vehicle, and that label is not without merit. One of the most prominent reasons for this is the sheer comfort of the cabin. The seats are upholstered with SensaTech leather and are power-adjustable. The SensaTech quality makes those seats very durable. Surprisingly, the durability of the seats does not make them any less comfortable. You and your passengers will enjoy every road trip taken in an X3.

BMW X3s use powerful, fuel-efficient engines. With better fuel efficiency, you can travel further for less. In other words, the X3 is an excellent road trip vehicle.

The BMW X3s infotainment center is both large and convenient. The controls are clearly labeled and easy to use.

Cons

Compared to similar vehicles, the BMW X3 is extremely expensive. Depending on the trim package and model year, you could pay as much as $70,000. If you’re purchasing a vehicle on a budget, the X3 is not the right choice.

BMWs are not known for being reliable. Their intense engines tend to create excessive wear on the mechanics of the vehicle. For this reason, BMWs such as the X3 tend to last for fewer miles than other vehicles. Even with proper maintenance, your X3 is likely to experience a variety of problems. 

Not only are these problems annoying, but they’re expensive to repair as well. Because BMWs are foreign-made, it’s harder for American mechanics to repair. The longer it takes them to repair the vehicle, the more it costs you. Another reason it’s difficult to maintain a BMW X3 is the cost of parts. All BMW parts are manufactured in Germany. If something breaks on your BMW the part has to be ordered from the factory, increasing shipping costs. 

All in all, keeping a BMW X3 running for the expected 150,000 to 200,000 will require lots of work and money.