Used 2023 BMW X3 SUV Consumer Reviews

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4.7

11 reviews

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The little engine that could!

E. Lin, 11/08/2022

updated 11/09/2023

2023 BMW X3 xDrive30i 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

95 of 99 people found this review helpful

2023 X3 xDrive30i Parking Assistance Package Premium Package Remote Engine Start Wireless Charging This is my first post-Pandemic auto purchase and it has been an eye opener for sure! If you haven't gotten a car since COVID started, be prepared to be disappointed by offerings and package deductions due to supply chain issues. For some background, I cross shopped this against a Mercedes GLC. From reviewing various GLC window stickers where some packages were called "Lite", it was obvious that some critical components would not be included (such as the hands-free liftgate, which was a deal-breaker for me). Let me dive into the Highs/Lows with some thoughts on each after owning the car for 3 weeks. Highs: 1) Performance - this car has a Sport mode that will make you fly like a bat out of hell if you want to! Although the default driving mode is "Comfort" every time you start the car, everybody does this for fuel economy advantage when the car is tested/reviewed to match EPA numbers. I normally drive in ECO-PRO for max fuel economy but have that Sport mode on-demand when entering a highway or for passing. I'm getting about 27 mpg on mixed driving, which is actually better than the large, heavy TLX I turned in. Did I think about upgrading to the 6-cyl M40i? Only for a split second! A fully optioned M40i is easily X5 money and I don't need the speed of the M40i nor the size of the X5. BMW makes great engines that are fuel econ friendly and perform when you need it to! 2) Cargo space - I believe it's top 2 or 3 in its luxury class. Plenty of room and allows me to put my golfbag in sideways along with a foldable push cart. The available handsfree liftgate (waving your foot) made this easy over the GLC (missing in the "Premium Package Lite"). 3) Door ajar warning - if one of the doors is slightly ajar, you will get a pulsating red light on the guilty door. This is extremely handy if you have kids rushing out that may not have closed the door completely! 4) Infotainment - this is my first car with wireless CarPlay and it works really well! BMW also gives you a choice of either using the touchscreen or the physical dial located near the shifter. Some functions do require drilling down into the menus but I have no issues with this. 5) Surround Cameras - my first car with surround cameras and it makes parking a breeze! There is also the added bonus of a Remote 3D Camera feature on the MyBMW app that lets you see your car's surroundings in case you forgot where you parked or possibly as info to police if your car's been stolen. Lows: 1) No HUD available - due to the chip shortage, the HUD is only available on the M40i for $$$. I was hoping to get one this time around but I've never had it so not as big a deal right now. 2) Audio system - the standard HiFi sound system is garbage. I easily went from one of the best (3D ELS in the TLX A-Spec) to one of the worst. I read that the Harman Kardon package isn't that much better (and why I didn't look for this package). I may end up changing out the amp and/or speakers down the road when the warranty is expired. Audiophiles may want to stay away from BMW. 3) Brake feel - after 3 weeks, I'm still trying to dial in how to brake properly in this car. As you slow down, I often find the car lurching forward for the final second. Braking under Sport mode is pretty aggressive and why I only reserve that drive mode for special situations where I need speed. This may or may not be a deal breaker for some so a test drive is highly recommended! 4) Choice of ambient lights - there are only about 6-8 color combos to choose from. Red is not an option, most likely due to it being reserved as the "door ajar" color. 5) Wireless charger - a waste of $500. Although it comes with a BMW digital key which allows you to program your phone as a key, the charger itself only keeps the phone charge neutral (don't expect rapid charging here). I ended up buying a MagSafe charger and plugging that into the USB C port located in the driver side valet box. This could be a "High" instead of a "Low" if you dislike carrying the keyfob as you could use the digital key exclusively. Digital key is included in the package because you can't activate the digital key w/o the wireless charging pad (done by a BMW Genius during car delivery). Final thoughts: I could have waited for the fully redesigned 2023 GLC coming next April but there is a significant price increase and I have no idea if those stupid "Lite" packages will continue. I'm not a fan of getting the first year of a new gen car anyway so that made the decision easier. Note that BMW is still trying to sell plenty of 2022 X3s and they only have recently arrived after much delay. If you are a fan of the gesture controls, you will want a '22 model as it's not available on the '23 models. You'll also have to weigh the cheaper MSRP/sale price of a '22 vs a '23 against future resale value of the car. One Year Update: a year later, the car runs great and not much to complain about. Fuel economy has been great and the drive still brings a smile to my face. I don't recommend long trips (3-4 hours) as the seats can be uncomfortable (YMMV as everyone's body type is different). I really wish I had adjustable side bolstering since sliding in the seat can happen on tight turns. If buying used, highly recommend the Parking Assistance Package and make sure to get Harman Kardon (I didn't and regret it!). I didn't get the Driving Assistance Package but I hear good things about it. Hope this helps!

Safety: 4 out of 5 stars

Technology: 4 out of 5 stars

Performance: 4 out of 5 stars

Interior: 3 out of 5 stars

Comfort: 4 out of 5 stars

Reliability: 4 out of 5 stars

Value: 4 out of 5 stars

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Safety!!

Ranger Lindy, 10/25/2022

2023 BMW X3 sDrive30i 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

32 of 33 people found this review helpful

Safety features are phenomenal. We had a 2020 X3 that was totaled by someone who caused our accident. The doors of our X3 automatically unlocked, so that the emergency help could get to us immediately, without us having to think to open the doors. My husband's arm was broken, and I was bruised by the airbags and seatbelts; however, our X3 kept us from being totally incapacitated and seriously injured. I recommend BMW, not just for just their wonderful safety features, but it drives like a dream. It is so easy to handle and is quick to move, when needed. The car that caused our accident made an illegal left turn, on an off ramp, directly in front of us, traveling between 35-40 mph. He came out of nowhere and it happened so quickly, we didn't have time to hit our brakes. The other car drug us approximately 15 feet. It could have been a lot worse, had our BMW X3 not been so superbly built with awesome safety features. I don't think I will ever have any vehicle other than a BMW.