BMW X3 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The BMW X3 is a large suv; the latest version we cover is the G45 (2024–). In 2024 MOT tests it scored 130 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 111 of 442, and 20.5% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is coil spring (2.3% of tests). Boot space is 570 litres (1,700 with the seats folded).
BMW X3 key specs (G45 (2024–), 5-door SUV)
Price new
£53,620 to £64,640
Boot
570 litres (1,700 seats folded)
Seats
5
Size (L × W × H)
4,755 × 1,920 × 1,660mm
Power
197–299 PS
0–62mph
6.2–7.8 sec
Euro NCAP
5 stars (2025)
2024 on models; figures vary by version. Prices from the July 2026 price list. Sources: bmw-brochure-downloads.co.uk, press.bmwgroup.com, euroncap.com.
Ranked 111 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 13 of 24 large SUVs
In 2024, 100,997 BMW X3s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 20.5% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the BMW X3 is 23% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 11.0% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
20.5%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
11.0%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
9,100
Typical age at test: 7 years
BMW X3 MOT failure rate by age
Most common BMW X3 MOT faults
- Coil spring: fractured or broken2.3% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.1% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.0% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0% of tests
- Side repeaters: not working1.6% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed1.6% of tests
What the BMW X3 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 7.0% | ▼ 28% less often |
| Tyres | 6.2% | About average |
| Suspension | 4.6% | ▼ 40% less often |
| Visibility | 3.6% | ▼ 17% less often |
| Brakes | 3.4% | ▼ 46% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 1.4% | ▼ 50% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.0% | About average |
| Body and structure | 0.8% | ▼ 73% less often |
| Steering | 0.5% | ▼ 74% less often |
| Wheels | 0.4% | About average |
How big is the BMW X3's boot?
The G45 (2024–) BMW X3 has 570 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,700 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the 6th biggest of the 8 large SUVs we compare; the Land Rover Discovery has the most, at 922 litres.
What MPG does the BMW X3 do?
Official economy for the BMW X3 ranges from 23.3 to 60.1mpg across the 111 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2006–2025). A typical petrol version manages 39.2mpg and a typical diesel 53.3mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a BMW X3?
Any BMW X3 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). Versions with a list price over £40,000 pay an extra £440 a year in years two to six; every current version is over that. A BMW X3 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £170 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carBMW X3 specs and running costs
Official figures for 111 versions sold in the UK between 2006 and 2025.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid
Official economy
23.3–60.1 mpg
CO2
64–293 g/km
Power
197–398 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X3 X3 20d xDrive xLine197 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Diesel | 46.3 mpg | 154g | £200 | 37% |
| X3 X3 20d xDrive M Sport197 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Diesel | 46.3 mpg | 155g | £200 | 37% |
| X3 X3 20 xDrive xLine208 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 39.2 mpg | 156g | £200 | 37% |
| X3 X3 20 xDrive M Sport208 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 39.2 mpg | 159g | £200 | 37% |
| X3 X3 M50 xDrive398 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 35.3 mpg | 175g | £200 | 37% |
| X3 X3 30e xDrive xLine299 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Plug-in hybrid | 94.2 mpg | 64g | £200 | 19% |
| X3 X3 30e xDrive M Sport299 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Plug-in hybrid | 94.2 mpg | 64g | £200 | 19% |
| X3 Series F25, From November 2010 X3 xDrive20d - 8J x 17'' wheelsM6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 55.4 mpg | 135g | £200 | – |
| X3 Series F25, From November 2010 X3 xDrive20d - 7.5J x 17'', 18'' & 19'' wheelsM6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 52.3 mpg | 142g | £200 | – |
| X3 Series F25, From November 2010 X3 xDrive20d - 20'' wheelsM6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 51.4 mpg | 145g | £200 | – |
| X3 Series F25, From November 2010 X3 xDrive20d - 8J x 17'' wheelsA8 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 57.6 mpg | 129g | £200 | – |
| X3 Series F25, From November 2010 X3 xDrive20d - 7.5J x 17'', 18'' & 19'' wheelsA8 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 54.3 mpg | 136g | £200 | – |
| X3 Series F25, From November 2010 X3 xDrive20d - 20'' wheelsA8 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 53.3 mpg | 139g | £200 | – |
| X3 Series F25, From November 2010 X3 xDrive30d - 8J x 17'' wheelsA8 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 49.6 mpg | 149g | £200 | – |
| X3 Series F25, From November 2010 X3 xDrive30d - 7.5J x 17'', 18'' & 19'' wheelsA8 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 47.9 mpg | 156g | £200 | – |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 111 versions.
What a BMW X3 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 39.2mpg…
- diesel, typical official 53.3mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a BMW X3Buying a used BMW X3?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the BMW X3 with other large SUVs
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other BMW models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the BMW X3 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the BMW X3 is 23% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 130 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the BMW X3?
The most common MOT fault is “Coil spring: fractured or broken”, found in 2.3% of tests.
›How big is the BMW X3's boot?
The G45 (2024–) BMW X3 has 570 litres of boot space with the rear seats up and 1,700 litres with them folded, according to the manufacturer. That's the 6th biggest of the 8 large SUVs we compare; the Land Rover Discovery has the most, at 922 litres.
›What MPG does the BMW X3 do?
Official economy for the BMW X3 ranges from 23.3 to 60.1mpg across the 111 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2006–2025). A typical petrol version manages 39.2mpg and a typical diesel 53.3mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a BMW X3?
Any BMW X3 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). Versions with a list price over £40,000 pay an extra £440 a year in years two to six; every current version is over that. A BMW X3 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £170 to £790 a year.
›How many BMW X3s fail their MOT?
20.5% of BMW X3s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 11.0% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the BMW X3 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.