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BMW X3 III (G01) faults

1 fault documented by at least two sources, listed by version then by mileage at onset when known.

Buy with care
Reliability
not rated

1 known fault

xDrive20d 190

  1. Starter motor recall (fire risk)

    Manufacturer recall

    In 2025 BMW launched a worldwide recall for a starter motor whose sealing is inadequate: moisture can corrode it, prevent the engine from starting and, in the worst case, cause a short circuit and a fire, even when the car is parked. The X3 G01 is mentioned, but the model years and engines affected vary by market: only the VIN tells you whether a given car is concerned. The replacement is free at BMW; one French owner reports being without the car for three weeks while waiting for the part.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    xDrive20d 190, xDrive30d 265, xDrive30i 252, xDrive30e 292
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

xDrive30d 265

  1. Starter motor recall (fire risk)

    Manufacturer recall

    In 2025 BMW launched a worldwide recall for a starter motor whose sealing is inadequate: moisture can corrode it, prevent the engine from starting and, in the worst case, cause a short circuit and a fire, even when the car is parked. The X3 G01 is mentioned, but the model years and engines affected vary by market: only the VIN tells you whether a given car is concerned. The replacement is free at BMW; one French owner reports being without the car for three weeks while waiting for the part.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    xDrive20d 190, xDrive30d 265, xDrive30i 252, xDrive30e 292
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

xDrive30i 252

  1. Starter motor recall (fire risk)

    Manufacturer recall

    In 2025 BMW launched a worldwide recall for a starter motor whose sealing is inadequate: moisture can corrode it, prevent the engine from starting and, in the worst case, cause a short circuit and a fire, even when the car is parked. The X3 G01 is mentioned, but the model years and engines affected vary by market: only the VIN tells you whether a given car is concerned. The replacement is free at BMW; one French owner reports being without the car for three weeks while waiting for the part.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    xDrive20d 190, xDrive30d 265, xDrive30i 252, xDrive30e 292
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

xDrive30e 292

  1. Starter motor recall (fire risk)

    Manufacturer recall

    In 2025 BMW launched a worldwide recall for a starter motor whose sealing is inadequate: moisture can corrode it, prevent the engine from starting and, in the worst case, cause a short circuit and a fire, even when the car is parked. The X3 G01 is mentioned, but the model years and engines affected vary by market: only the VIN tells you whether a given car is concerned. The replacement is free at BMW; one French owner reports being without the car for three weeks while waiting for the part.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    xDrive20d 190, xDrive30d 265, xDrive30i 252, xDrive30e 292
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

Price and diagnose repairs

Read fault codes

An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.

Parts and maintenance

Compare prices of parts for the BMW X3 III (G01) (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.

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