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BMW · Mid-Size SUV · 2019–2025

BMW X3 M F97

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 5 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

480–510 PS

3.0L Biturbo Benzin

510 hp in a compact SUV — absurdly fast, 1.9 tonnes

Fun to Drive!

Engine Overview

The BMW X3 M F97 is available with 2 engine variants — from 116 to 510 hp.

3.0L Biturbo · Benziner· 480 PS
2019 2025
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
X3 M Competition · Benziner· 510 PS
2019 2025
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The BMW 3.0L Biturbo (Benziner, 480 PS) has the S58B30 (3.0L Biturbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.

The BMW X3 M Competition (Benziner, 510 PS) has the S58B30 (3.0L Biturbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
●Elevated Brake Wear Due to S58 Power and SUV Weight

The 510 hp S58 engine in the X3 M combined with the SUV weight leads to above-average brake wear. M Performance brake pads squeal heavily in cold conditions.

Symptoms: Brake pads consumed after 20,000–30,000 km, heavy squealing in cold weather, brake dust on wheels
from 25,000 km
Ad BMW X3 M F97 brake pad vornBMW X3 M brake discBMW S58 Bremse X3
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
245 complaints · 2019–2025
Electrical
57 ⚠ 2
Other
51
Engine
40 ⚠ 1
Body Structure
33 ⚠ 2
Powertrain
24

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (57 complaints)
⚠ Other (51 complaints)
⚠ Engine (40 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 43 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW X3 M F97 (2019–2025) — 38 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Brakes, Suspension, Electronics, Cooling.

X3 M (S58B30, 2019–2026) — Be Careful: Oil cooler leaking from stone impact, Connecting rod bearing wear with tuning, Main bearing shells recall (manufacturing defect 2021). Power: 480 PS.

X3 M (S58B30, 2019–2026) — Be Careful: Oil cooler leaking from stone impact, Connecting rod bearing wear with tuning, Main bearing shells recall (manufacturing defect 2021). Power: 510 PS.

What to watch out for with the BMW X3 M? 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 M F97 have? +
The BMW X3 M F97 has 38 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used BMW X3 M F97? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: S58B30 (3.0L Biturbo), B48B20 (2.0L Turbo), B58B30 (3.0L Turbo), B47D20 (2.0L Diesel), B57D30 (3.0L Diesel). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the S58B30 (3.0L Biturbo).
Which BMW X3 M F97 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW X3 M F97 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 510 hp and all-wheel drive in X3 format: faster in a straight line than an E92 M3, in a corner you feel every kilogram. The S58 revs willingly to 7,200 rpm, the adaptive chassis handles bumps surprisingly well. No replacement for a real M3 — but for those needing space yet wanting M performance, no better option exists.
Is the BMW X3 M F97 worth buying used? +
The BMW X3 M F97 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW X3 M F97? +
The BMW X3 M F97 is available with engine variants from 116 to 510 hp. Petrol: S58B30 (3.0L Biturbo), B48B20 (2.0L Turbo), B58B30 (3.0L Turbo). Diesel: B47D20 (2.0L Diesel), B57D30 (3.0L Diesel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee