Should You Buy a Used BMW X3? (Test Drive and Review of F25 X3) 

Another excellent video, this channel is gonna go far!

I own a used F25 from 2013 since 2017 and had no Issues. Love that thing!

It's a very smart vehicle, but I've always been put off by reliability issues ..... yet another sensible, knowledgeable review. Thanks.

I owned an E83 for 7 years, and it was super reliable. Clocked up 150k before it went and the only issue I had was a clutch and DMF, which needed replacement at about 120k miles, and an issue with a blocked DPF due to a faulty vacuum switch. That occurred at about 140k miles. The paintwork was faultless at 13 years old and how many cars can you say that about. No, these cars weren't badly built, they were superbly built.

I’ve got a 2012 35d F25. Bought it 5.5yrs ago with 95k on the clock. Apart from servicing and tyres, only problem has been a broken spring. Now on 134k miles and still feels new. I’ve been taken aback by how impressive it is. Normally change cars every 3yrs but I’m in no rush to change this one. Wide, low profile, run flat tyres make it poor in the snow though - however, all season tyres have made in unstoppable

Absolutely spot on. After many mercedes models i bought my first BMW X3 3.0d m sport. Its now 5 years and 98000km and my motor plan has ended but I've decided to keep it. Its fun to drive, has morecthen enough power, frugal fuel consumption considering its size and as you say perfectly sized. Enjoyable to drive long distances and honestly one of the best and trouble free cars I've owned. An excellent buy for someone looking for a perfect family car.

A family member has a 2.0d F25 D20C xdrive is 10 years old and so far its never given a days problem. No oil leaks amazingly but the ride is firm. Quick enough, very fuel efficient. Change all the oils and I mean all of them (brakes, engine, differential, transmission, torque convertor at the right time) and replace parts when the kilometers are reached. Nice sized luxury family SUV and not to big. 210,000km and going almost like new. This particular one was made in Germany. It just depends what you land up with.

Another great video. The X3 is the car that killed my 20-year-long love of BMWs. They've never quite lived up to the hype - OK, they're road rockets with great handling - but they've always had serious (and massively costly) reliability issues. My X3 (plus a briefly-owned X5) handled OK on-road, were utterly useless off-, and both were wearingly 'crashy' on all but the smoothest surface. The main issue with both cars was the constant electrical issues. When one was resolved, another occurred - I was never even confident the car would even stay locked at night. BMW used to stand for quality - these days they just stand for pointless gimmicks at a stupid price. They are all skirt and no skeleton, let alone knickers.

I used to deliver new BMW's across England,from the import centre at Thorn,The X3 would be my used choice with full service history and extended warranty.The 3 ltr engine would give plenty of smiles per gallon

This car has been such a surprise and delight. It’s very spacious, comfortable and good performance

Just traded in my 08 X3 (owned for 7 years no issues) for the 14 X3 M Pkg vermillion Red. I love it. My older one felt the road better. But I’m enjoying the goodies in the newer one. I miss that I can’t open both sunroofs or opening the sunroof without the panel opening.

I absolutely love this color and interior combo. The X3 doesn’t make sense on American roads but watching it over there, I get it 100%.

Great channel, fantastic presentation, strange thing to say about a used car dealer but I think I would trust you. Look out for good Skoda Superb’s or Octavia estates. Been looking on and off but not many out there especially petrols. Keep em coming.

i would say yes cause we loved our 335i x3 comfortable, very reliable and fast. We love our xc90 now cause we needed a larger car but x3 is awesome

Good review and as a previous F25 owner I agree with everything you said. I tried a 20d msport but went with a 30d xline. Nicer ride quality, quicker and more refined but still returned 40ish mpg. Great all round cars. I'd also say the auto is a must, its superb. Keep the videos coming !

I'm glad that I subscribe this channel....actually next week I go to dealer the look one BMW X3 xdrive 2.0 diesel, automatic transmission and you convince me the buy....I never have BMW I was little bit sceptical. 20 years I drive vw but now it's the time that I jump on high level....thank you for this video 👍👏👏

Great review! No silly jokes etc., just straight talk and commonsense advice.

That's just exactly what I did. Bought a manual X3 2012 2D 100K miles 1 owner and I am start to love it. Although you're true the steering wheel is heavy. Well, I could build a biceps for this.

Dude, your articulation is so good! You sold me on this car.

Wow your channel has really taken off mate good job, reckon it’s your personality that dose it. About the X3 I never really like the first two generations but the new one is really nice in my opinion, can’t wait for the x3m

6k subs was mind blowing then! Now you got 142k subs! Excellent!!! This channel is really therapeutic 😌 Great reviews with lots of info and the Humour is excellent too 😀👌🏼

Almost 9k now. Great job mate. I love your vids. I am from CAN and love a lil touch of British Luxury with my day.

I had a 2008 BMW x3 3.0 SI with the ZF Steptronic transmission and the inline 6 petrol engine. That car was AWESOME. Strong and well built, contrary to your opinion. The ride was tighter and sporty, harsh even, but still a great car. They were easier to work on, if you wanted to replace your own plugs and things of this nature. Absolutely no issues. Just the valve cover gasket at 125K miles, which is regular maintenance. I have the 2014 X3 now which made advancements in ride quality, dampening, electronics, media etc. But as a pure car I believe the older models to be more quality built. Made in Germany too. Advances in electronics for modern day, means they have to take something out in build quality i.e., thinner material seats, thinner gauge body panels etc .....in order to make a profit and pay for all the new gadgets. I like both models but for different reasons. Sometimes simpler is better. I would never buy the sport models in either of these because you bounce all over the place. One salesman told us to put a bag of cement in the boot if we did buy an M.

This man is funnier than JC. I’m not looking to buy any of the cars he tested so far, but the reviews and analogies are brilliant. Get this man a million subs.

Out the gate honesty 🔥

Can you do a review of the BMW X1, if you get the chance. Your reviews are ace!

Best review on RU-vid. Honest, no nonsense and very informative 👍

I do love this channel..relaxed driving documentaries..love it

I actually prefer the very last tweaks to the Mark 2 than the latest version. Just about to get into my third 3.0d ( yes MSport:) as I flirted with other cars for a few years then test drove a very nice low mileage late 2016 and it felt like a different world , all at once a Regal /Sports / even estate car rolled into one! But I stress with a 3.0d .. and 8 speed box… it’s a special car, every drive an occasion.

Watching all the vids. They are full of good info and to the point. One don't need to race it against the boat to the edge of the globe to show if it is good or not.

Hi, another brilliant review and I watched it all even though I hate bmw's looking forward to the next video.

Hi, enjoy your reviews even though I'm not looking to purchase a car at the moment. Also enjoy picking out places I know as you drive round the peak district.

I like how well camouflaged you are. Bravo

Have just bought x3 3litre diesel 2016 partially on the strength of your review,so far I’m very pleased with it so thanks for your help.

Luckily I've watched this video because I almost bought old x3. Thanks for saving me headache 🙃 🙂

Congratulations on over 7K subscribers! Well deserved

Thanks Matt for another great honest review, glad it's got your must have cup holders, so with you there..😁

Gosh I love your honest and relatable opinions and views on vehicles. Cannot wait until I need to change my car, be straight on to googling high peak autos!

Congratulations for reaching 6k subs! Love your reviews. Watching your vids feels just like drinking beers with a mate who’s knowledgeable about cars. Cheers!

I always hated the 1st generation X3 with a passion and whilst I will never be an X3 fan, its a huge improvement.

Quality vid. Sensible and helpful without even being boring at all. Keep it up !!

6,000 in 2019, and look at you now! 👍

Came across the channel while searching for reviews on cars I'm considering to buy next. You are doing an excellent job. Everyone likes an honest review Keep it up and good luck on your online course👍

1 year ago you said you had 7k subs, now your heading for 100k ? As an ex Pat in Oz, your reviews are great , especially the jokes, keep it going 👍

really refreshing review. informative, and much different from the normal petrolheads. This is the type of info you want when considering potential purchases.

I have just got a 2017 x3 35d with 34.000 miles and it’s the best car I have ever owned, I traded in a 2017 530d RWD.

Congratulations on passing 7k man! Agree completely on the colour, British carparks look like an old black and white photo... Looking forward to more vids!

I own a 2013 Xdrive28i and I can say it’s an amazing car. You won’t get crazy power from it but I’ve had no problems with it. Also in the snow it’s the best vehicle I’ve ever driven when you activate traction control. Used ones are not that expensive. Just keep in mind how much they will be when doing maintenance.

The first generation used the same engine and transmission as the other six cylinder BMW's. The suspension is borrowed from the e46. All that is unique to the X3 itself is the body. It doesn't add up that the e83 would be any less reliable than any other BMW with the same equipment. The transfer case is unique to the X3 but other than the VTG gear stripping they are problem free. I just picked up a 2014 F25 with the N55, I'm hoping for similar reliability that we have had from our 2004 3.0, which currently has 204k miles and is still daily driven.

Good honest review. The 6 cylinder petrol is a real screamer in the 0 to 60 times running in the mid 5 second range.

Great to have a new review from you, Matt! I agree completely that the older BMWs seem to be fantastically unreliable for some reason. This one seems a bit better, though. Another superb video, thanks ever so much again!

X3 i28 engines from 2014 and prior are known to have issues with timing chain and guide. When the guide breaks (it is plastic and eventually will) the engine will suffer catastrophic failure. The fix of the guide and chain are expensive$3-5K. Engine replacement $9.5-15.5K.

I had an X3 2.0D SE with an auto box - a pretty good car but it was damned expensive to service at BMW and depreciation was huge over 18 months (from 2 years old to 3.5 years old).

You know, buddy, I much prefer yer Ted Baker jumper than yer car. I can honestly say, I have the same jumper. But I'd never been seen in the same car!!!! :) _Avoid Mks 1 and 2 X3._ Mk 3 X3 is so much better. *But you are becoming Matt Watson quality.* Super reviews. Well done. 8:11: The stereo is naff, though. In my view.

Good review as always. Re earlier builds of this model, as you say reliability issues, yet generally BMW have this persona of great manufacturing.

In fact I have to thank you because when you speak I 95% understand English. You speak culturally and clearly. Everyone else in the media creates difficulties for me because of the speed of speech and some even question the culture in the articulation of the words and expressions themselves. Taj x3 koji ti voziš veličinom i dizajnom mi se jako dopada. Šteta što je pobrao sve poznate i učestale BMW kvarove. Sretan rad.

As far as I'm aware there is speed sensitive steering on all second generation X3 models including my 3 litre diesel msport. I can turn the steering wheel using my little finger with ease. Love everything about the car.

Sir Renaulph line cracked me up mate you really are very good at this RU-vid business

Great review as always. My son has one like the car tested which works well with his young family. I preferred the sdrive spec and don't miss the bhp and appreciate the mpg on motorways.

Well done this seems such an honest review good work keep it up 👍🏻

OMG! I'm I seeing manual transmission? Totally love it😃 I hope vehicle manufacturers will not do away with these kind totally for some of us manual fanatics

Also for those that live in London the best “euro6” diesel cars value for money type of thing

Nice. But I think the best car to drive in the U.K. these days is a tank! Pothole riddled.

Literally zero issues from our 2011. Still have it

Hi, Saro from Malaysia. Liked the review. I heard what i wanted to hear actually. Well said.. Keep it up. 🙂

Everything you mentioned about why would you want an M-Sport is everything I want. In the US, there's maybe 5 wagons total to pick from. So if I want something sporty with cargo room, it's an M-Sport X Series.

As always another fantastic video, All the best ,here from sunny Arizona. Thank you kg

Nice review Matt!

I really enjoy these videos

Proud owner of an Armored F25 LCI 28i. It took the added weight without complains. And to be honest, i never expected to see an F25 with a manual gearbox.

Another great video! thank you.. The X5 (as ive mentioned) and this X3 (1st gen) are on my list for a daily driver to compliment the Smart Car the Mini Copper Countryman PHEV and the Toyota CHR in my family fleet...please.. PLEASE if and when you get the chance my final choice on my list is a mini cooper S but the AUTO.. I understand the Cooper S is not fitted with the dodgy auto box but a much more reliable one. thank you again.. great presentation again

Another fine job.... thanks Mr High Peak ! Getting rid of my A6... this could be the one..... may even go Burgundy / Beige :-0

Catastrophic Engine Failure Me: *vietnam-style skoda superb flashbacks*

Excellent video! IMO you're bang-on with regards to both M Sport spec, and black/grey/silver/white paintwork. I've had BMWs for 20-odd years and have never "got" Joe Public's fascination for Sport spec. I spent a year looking for the right F25, I saw plenty and for me - apart from a few minor details details - the SE is the nicer spec. I ended-up buying a blue 30d SE, with the same interior as your feature car. I've seen several of your videos. I don't normally subscribe, but I've made an exception here.

A great honest review , get him on top gear 👌

6000, no 7000 subscribers. And now it’s……? Awesome work as usual Matt.

Really excellent reviews time and time again from you! I am not going to lie, I would really like to see a series of videos or even a regular show with you collaborating with Mat Watson from carwow! Really different personalities and both super informative in your own ways. As with true Top Gear fashion, you'd need to find a third host in addition ;) Regardless of that, this channel is one of my favorite go-to channels when it comes to vehicles now, and there's no doubt in my mind that your youtube channel and your business ventures are going to bloom!

Great video! I'm looking at a 2014 M Sport this week, this was very helpful.

Another excellent review, although not a BMW fan but good to see other cars. Cheers

nice analysis. agree with spending the extra to get a 2014/15 car. you are not saving with older as maintenance will likely close the gap.

Excellent review, really enjoying your style of presentation, keep em coming 👍

Love the vid reviews, largely because you’re reviewing nice, premium cars which are at an age where they’re affordable. Keep them coming!

Never been a fan of SUV,s but this and the Mazda CX5 are exceptions in my mind so thanks for a great review and maybe you will get a CX5 at some point to give us your verdict.

Lovely looking vehicle the colour the interior look beautiful I can’t believe it’s a manual 😂

I have a 2012 X3 M Sport 20d Auto in carbon black. it’s a great car with lots of extras. (Xenons, wide screen sat nav, comfort access) I couldn’t afford a 30d in decent spec but the 20d is still a good engine.

I have a 2015 BMW X3 2.0 D Automatic M sport with 15 K mileage. Couple of things I want to mention if you are planning to buy one. They are stiff and no joy driving in the urban city roads. it stutters and hesitate on acceleration on low gears, especially during traffic signal stops, which is very annoying during urban driving (complained to BMW but they said its normal with no fault). You can hardly get 25-30 mpg on urban roads. However, it drives well on motorways and will give you 40ish MPG if you are heavy on the pedal or 45ish if you are easy on the pedals. HTH

A nice review. I have just sold my 2014 X3 20d XLine, which I was very happy with and will collect a new 2020 X3 on Monday. I am in Thailand though, where cars are double the UK price.

As always, a well-done presentation. I enjoy your vids, even when they feature vehicles that I would otherwise have no interest in. I know this is heresy coming from a resident of Spartanburg County, South Carolina, but I’m going to say it...I just don’t like what BMW has become. I understand that from a business standpoint, building mommymobiles in America is great for the bottom line, and has made BMW an automotive titan. BUT, I also understand the cost of that decision every time I see a vintage, 1980s 6 series coupe, 5 Series sedan, or even a 3 series from that era. Those cars still turn my head in appreciation. Even beat up, un-loved examples still exude a certain athleticism and cachet. That will never be said of these cookie cutter crossovers.

Very good review again , thanks !

Excellent review as always, I hope you get an F10 in soon as your views on that would be much appreciated

You've sold me, I've seen a nice white one might go for a test drive as these are cheaper to run then my daihatsu

Just traded my 2012 merc E250 estate for a 64 plate X3 3.0 xdrive xline good spec nice car

Nice move on changing the intro music. Enjoying your reviews. Great work. 👍🏼

hi mat just seen your vid on the x3 ive just purchased a x3 se model on a 13 plate with 55 k on the clock fsh and one former keeper love it cheers pete

Another great analysis, thanks mate 👍

I didn’t know the X3 comes in manual! I have a 2014 auto and drives like a charm ... no issues whatsoever. And at least has a CD player unlike the new cars.

Really helpful video. Great job

Oooh Lordy I've just got to the "Fatima" comment 😂🤣 you're hilarious without even knowing! Haha!

6,000 subscribers? 7.1k from where I'm sat - well done, surely many more to come if you keep this up. =)

Thanks for the review, very helpful..