BMW X3 F25
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
306–360 PS
3.0L Turbo Benzin
Six-Pot X3
Decent170–252 PS
2.0L Turbo Benzin
7 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The BMW X3 F25 is available with 6 engine variants — from 90 to 360 hp.
The BMW xDrive20d (Diesel, 177–190 PS) has the N47D20 (2.0L Diesel) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The BMW xDrive30d (Diesel, 258–265 PS) has the N57D30 (3.0L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The BMW xDrive35d (Diesel, 313 PS) has the N57D30 (3.0L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
The BMW xDrive20i (Benziner, 184 PS) has the N20B20 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The BMW xDrive28i (Benziner, 245–252 PS) has the N20B20 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The BMW xDrive35i (Benziner, 306 PS) has the N55B30 (3.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 10 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering Rack Defective (Pre-Facelift) The steering rack on pre-facelift models is reportedly undersized according to multiple workshops. Some BMW dealers log up to 20 enquiries per month; repeated replacement is often necessary. Symptoms: Play in the steering, rattling when turning at standstill, vague feedback from the wheel, heavy steering after a fault from 100,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 36 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW X3 F25 (2010–2017) — 29 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: N20B20 (2.0L Turbo), N47D20 (2.0L Diesel). Typical issues affect Steering, Suspension, Electronics, Gearbox.
X3 (N47D20, 2010–2014) — Stay Away!: Timing chain breaks — known serial defect, Water pump defective — overheating risk, High-pressure pump failure — metal swarf in the system. Power: 177–190 PS.
X3 (N57D30, 2011–2017) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage, EGR cooler leak — coolant loss. Power: 258–265 PS.
X3 (N57D30, 2011–2017) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage, EGR cooler leak — coolant loss. Power: 313 PS.
X3 (N55B30, 2010–2017) — Be Careful: Bearing wear from neglected maintenance, Electric water pump failure, High oil consumption. Power: 306 PS.
X3 (N20B20, 2012–2017) — Stay Away!: Timing chain and oil pump chain, Electric water pump failure, Oil pump chain / oil pump sprocket defective. Power: 184 PS.
X3 (N20B20, 2012–2017) — Stay Away!: Timing chain and oil pump chain, Electric water pump failure, Oil pump chain / oil pump sprocket defective. Power: 245–252 PS.
What to watch out for with the BMW X3? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the BMW X3 F25 have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee