2022 BMW X3: What It’s Like to Live With | BMW X3 20,000-Mile Long-Term Test Wrap-Up

The compact luxury SUV segment is one of the most hotly contested in the industry, so it's important that vehicles in this segment are as well rounded as possible. The BMW X3 is one of the most popular offerings - and BMW’s best-seller - so we got behind the wheel of a 2022 X3 xDrive30i model for more than 20,000 miles to see if it’s deserving of those high sales figures. In this video, Edmunds’ Lauren McCay gives you the rundown on our experience, from tech to fuel economy to utility and everything in between.
00:00 Intro
01:07 Long-Term Overview
03:13 The Pros
05:50 The Cons
07:30 Maintenance
07:41 Edmunds' Take
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[@edmundscars]

As one of the industry's most hotly contested segments, does the BMW X3 stand-out to you among other Compact Luxury SUVs? Let us know in the comments below!

[@donr8773]

What stood out to me was the availability of a power train that doesn't use an electric motor, i.e. a mild-electric hybrid or hybrid. It complicates an already complicated car. All the Mercedes- Benz SUV's in this category are mild hybrids. Porsche Macan does not use mild hybrid in the comparable entry level model, but is around 10 grand more, and has a dual clutch transmission. The X3 30i, 4 cylinder is turbocharged only (B48 engine), no electric motor and the ZF 8HP transmission is fabulous. It is smooth and quick shifting. I prefer the ZF (which is a "normal" torque converter transmission) to a dual clutch transmission, I have owned 2 DCT cars.(Porsche 911, PDK and VW with a DSG. I feel DCT are not as durable, cost more to maintain and replace or repair.

[@A.R.B.J.]

I'd like to see a video detailing what the X3 is like 20,000 miles AFTER the warranty expires.

[@kamilb8232]

BMW has been doing pretty good recently. Consumer Reports ranks them third behind Toyota and Lexus. I'd argue right now they are their peak before they transition to fully electric and new unknown issues arise. Most of their current platforms and especially powertrains are mature and incredibly robust. Also arguably best BMW has ever been historically.

[@rishijai]

They are dead in the water. Too expensive as a daily driver

[@ItsAlive111]

@@kamilb8232 how did BMW do bad last year in consumer reports and all of a sudden this year it went up? What does it mean for a used BMW? If I buy a , say 2015 BMW, would its reliability change every year depending on CR ratings ?!?!? 😅

[@ItsAlive111]

@@layne4376 soon the cheapo BMW engine plastics and o-rings will make their presence known 😢

[@toptanupat]

@@ItsAlive111 Why? They surveyed the real owners and they answered it this way and got 3rd overall. Is not like CR doesn’t have any creditability. Besides if you did bad last year doesn’t mean you can improved this year.

[@mattspeer01]

Just bought a fully loaded 2023 X3 M40i, love it so far. The thing is insanely quick (0-60 in 4.1 secs) with the 6-cylinder and I’m still averaging 25 MPG overall. The thing is super quiet inside and feels incredibly solid on the road. The wireless CarPlay has been flawless so far.

[@ibrahimsale3029]

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[@bensonwu1238]

Are you buying a nightmare for me?

[@sbacon92]

the 30i does 0-60 in 6.3 seconds. do those 2.2 seconds saved make the difference?

[@normanzeng8539]

⁠@@sbacon92dude 4.1 vs 6.3 is a huge difference in terms of how it feels and how much space you can pass in the span of time. I can tell you even at 3.4 vs 2.0 I can physically feel the difference.

[@davevolz6138]

.86 lat G lol

[@brooksr4013]

Bought this for my wife didn’t have any of the phone connection issues so far had it for one year now but only 7000 miles. My wife loves it

[@jeffjardine8411]

We have a 2019 X3 with zero problems- CarPlay works, everything works, 24000 miles- very happy with it.

[@bilalahmed2123]

The tester that Edmunds was driving has a software issue that needs to be updated and or needs to be looked at by BMW service.

[@RealKevGotEm]

I want an X3 but afraid of something going wrong

[@donr8773]

@@RealKevGotEm I get it. My wife traded her 80K mile 4Runner 4WD SR5 for an X3, MSport package in Brooklyn Grey and 20" black wheels. It is a totally different driving experience from the 4Runner. The BMW is smooth, quiet and handles great. And gets better milage. The Toyota is a truck after all. I too fear problems compared to the Toyota. Toyota was trouble free. If the BMW starts to "act up" I would encourage her to go back to a 4Runner or its Lexus counterpart. But, in the meantime it is way more fun to drive. So far my only regret is not getting AWD. I really don't need it where I live, it is just a piece of mind thing.

[@beaches2mountains230]

Would love to know if these new BMW can make it to 100k without something in the drivetrain needing serious repair.

[@NafaratMiyaMiya]

Excellent review as always!

[@batworksstudios7069]

I have a 2024 X3 30i so far absolutely perfect. I got most of the popular options including 21" wheels.

[@stephengiles8526]

Had a straight 6 330 for 5 years - 1 light steering lock £90 to sort. Now have a straight 6 X3 love it, hence owned for 9 years - 1 rear suspension spring £55. Both on top have had normal service and tyres replacements. Can’t fault them really and the X3 does 0-60 in under 6 seconds. I’m in no rush to sell. 👍

[@joeylangschultz53]

My 2022 BMW X3 is excellent! It’s brakes perfect it has perfect excelleration and handles curves perfectly. I ordered the upgrade on screen and navigation and it is great! I also have the luxury package my tide is comfortable and quiet! The best car I ever owned!

[@toptanupat]

OS7 user here, almost 2 years now. I rarely (not never) faced the glitch you guys talking about. The only thing that will get the CarPlay froze is when I charged my phone on the wireless charging pad (Please, just don’t use it. It’s rubbish. It keeps overheating every damn time. Just use the cable ) Other than that I don’t have any problem.

[@baolowude]

I have not had any issues with my phone connecting or staying connected via wireless android auto..I wonder if it is specific to the iPhone and Apple CarPlay? Google voice works every time.

[@mbertono7568]

The 2022 X3 Xdrive30i msport is my 2nd Bmw with operating system idrive7. I have never had any issues with the wireless android auto or the Apple car play which my fiance uses. I drive in sport+ 70% of the time and drive it hard most days and yet I still average 28mpg since ownership began lastyear. Also between the X3 and my 2019 330i xdrive the reliability has bin perfect. Only needed normal oil changes every 10k. I feel like BMW has stepped up the reliability on the newer cars a whole lot.

[@doomsday9973]

Same here. Zero issues amongst multiple phones. iDrive 7 has been rock solid. Dont know why they were having issues.

[@On2wheels94]

Bmw's tend to have issues with tech when multiple people are all trying to connect phones. Not an issue for normal 1 or 2 owner cars. But a group of people like Edmunds all sharing a car and trying to connect will experience issues, in my experience with the brand.

[@mov744]

I can't remember the last time Edmunds actually bought a car themselves to review 😂

[@joymccracken1939]

Great review!!

[@sasothestrategizer]

Great video

[@user-ws2sp4ey2d]

@edmundscars how are the headlights? This is a big factor as so many headlights are subpar. Yet not one word about them. And why did the EPA MPG go down for 2022 versus previous years?

[@NileshR12]

The Tanzanite Blue II looks incredible!

[@donr8773]

That, is a fabulous color.

[@viacheslavkrasin3119]

I want to make a note. 1. It Would be great to know the reviewer's daily or current car before they jump into the test sample. 2. ISOFIX is a standardized way of connecting children's chairs only in a group aged 0/0+ or max 33 kg for chair and passenger on it. It's required a proper mechanical connector. When the reviewer tried to tie something to it... He installed an incompatible chair to it which is a source of problems but not for the maker as it's the wrong usage. ISOFIX hooks are part of a car safety system and can't be freely used like any we do for transport container fixings in a trank.

[@bimmer4755]

I had a 2021 x3 30i and had it for 40,000 miles. Never had a single problem with the phone connection. Did have some issues with the car remembering certain settings .

[@ibrahimsale3029]

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[@theMLBfan]

The Lexus RX is a competitor?! Come on guys, it's the NX

[@naveenthemachine]

Even so both the nx RX can’t compete w the x3 or even x1 😂

[@schxn]

Price wise, it’s the RX, but size wise, it’s the NX. Lexus’ lineup doesn’t really lineup with the Germans. Also Naveen, take a look at the new RX. As an X3 owner myself, I’d actually consider the new RX, might actually even prefer it.

[@MrPrinceclinton123]

@@naveenthemachine in what ways? 0-60? Or reliability? 😊

[@naveenthemachine]

@@MrPrinceclinton123 every way you can think of. Any relevant metric the RX fails badly

[@naveenthemachine]

@@schxn I’d consider a cx9 or a telluride or palisade or a genesis gv80.

[@johnburke568]

Idrive7 is stellar. It’s consistent, mastered at this stage, and intuitive. Maybe having 15 people drive it was the issue

[@On2wheels94]

yes, this is the issue.

[@Kneecapppp]

lol legit that’s the issue

[@fleshrocker]

BMW must have fixed the phone connection issues. Mine works like a dream.

[@bilalahmed2123]

Love the X3, only issue is that it’s too narrow and the seat doesn’t go back as much. I would get the X5. I feel, even the X1 has more front interior room.

[@bensonwu1238]

Shane Filan said that he would rather drive the X5, and never want to drive on the X1.

[@abc2cratec]

Recent x1 2023 got a bit bigger tho

[@bilalahmed2123]

@@abc2cratec I haven’t been in it yet.

[@cogaz]

I have a 2018 X3, before that, had two 3 series back to back (each drove past 80k miles)… this has been my favorite! The “negatives” mention in the video are minor to me… this small SUV is perfect for road trips and everyday use… looking forward to the full refresh in 2024.

[@johnsambo9379]

2024 wasn't a full refresh at all. Maybe 2025.

[@mk5224]

I also had a 2022 X3, I now have a 2022 NX350 and I feel the interior is so much nicer in the Lexus. I liked the outside of the BMW better, but I prefer my NX.

[@arshrehal_]

bmw is more aligned towards performance while the NX focuses on comfort

[@jacobstrouble6631]

@@arshrehal_ Imagine liking a Toyota more than a BMW because of the interior. I'm not buying it.

[@davevolz6138]

Won t break too.

[@curseknight5]

how do you feel about the drive? I can feel that some suv's resist making turns through the steering wheel haha... the only reason id pick the x3 over the NX is the handling

[@davevolz6138]

@@curseknight5 True the NX handles like a truck. The x3 handles OK but remember its a lil top heavy

[@naveenthemachine]

The only con for this vehicle is that there’s too much plastic used. It’s the benchmark. It’s the Honda of luxury SUVs

[@michaelgodard3998]

To be fair all cars use lots of plastic, but point taken.

[@jfcustomfab]

That’s my car .. 2022 X3 blue with cognac interior 26k miles (this one is not cognac)

[@Truthh4040]

Any brand new car u drive will be just fine for the first year and two !! Will get an 8 .. so if it’s German I’m pretty sure will be perfectly fine in first couple years

[@chrislamport4801]

I bought a used 2019 BMW X3 XDRIVE30i back in December 2023 and it has been fantastic. I will agree the infotainment/tech didn't wow me, but the power from the 4 cylinder B48 Engine and the smooth shifting transmission is excellent. I would highly recommend anyone to purchase a BMW X3 XDRIVE30i you won't be disappointed.

[@mack-uv6gn]

What about the x6?

[@Alex-ss4bk]

U Drag 23 Z06 vs GT500 pleeeeeeease

[@ibrahimsale3029]

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[@Desaved]

It will be 2024 in one day and I still can't find a 2022 at $37,000!

[@batworksstudios7069]

All my electronics are fine and very easy to use. Not overdone.

[@jzfz6871]

When you borrow from a manufacturer you are not perceived objective, or at least not as objective as when you buy.

[@nonuora]

Did she ever compare it to the X5?

[@ibrahimsale3029]

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[@bensonwu1238]

BMW X5 is a nightmare for me because on the 4th of January I had a nightmare that Shane Filan called the police on my mom, and then Shane Filan sent me to his house using his white 2022 BMW X5(plate number CTXR539).

[@Edsheahan]

It looks so plain. I have the M trim package on mine and it’s worlds ahead of the base model in terms of looks.

[@gigi9467]

1 year and 20m miles Doesn’t tell us much at all, give this thing 2 year or 30k more miles to really see the nightmare they become lol

[@ajdeange]

Mine started to rattle after a week. Seats. Headliners and dash always made strange noises. Too much plastic on build quality. 55k. Not worth it

[@Webhead787]

Bring My Wallet

[@mannygomez154]

Sounds like a lot of user error with car seats and tech.

[@trevorjohnson16]

These people don't deserve to review cars. They can't even figure out how to use the phone system. Talking about Apple Car Play, when they didn't even try to use the factory system is so much better.

[@bensonwu1238]

On the 4th of January, I had a nightmare that Shane Filan drove me on a white 2023 BMW X5, so the BMW X3 may cause a nightmare for me as well because these days I dream that Mark Feehily drove me on a grey 2023 BMW X3.

[@Slimecrazy234]

IDK about spending this kind of money on a 2.0L 4 cyl and still getting 24mpg tops.

[@edwardg9695]

I would not recommend the X3. The car has been in the shop 4 times in the first 4000 miles due to electronics. The sound system crashes (radio, bluetooth, blinker sounds) monthly around the time the Sirius legal notice screen comes up. Secondly, the driving assistant stops working. The other observation is too many tie ins to the infotainment system, cluster, and car inputs. A driver's seat position or steering heat is a cluster message. The infotainment is on the cluster and the head unit. This car will not age well. For instance, if you get slush on the forward sensors, the driving assistant disables AND Apple car play does not work. We do not plan on keeping it past the warranty. One major design flaw is sound damping. There is so much road noise, the first day I drove on wet roads, I was pulling the window switches because I thought one was open. Small annoyances such as needing to glue a piece of felt on the B pillar because the passenger seatbelt buckle rattles on the trim and the backup camera does not retract so we are wiping it twice a week in winter. Also, BMW has a Passive AWD system so the rear wheels need to break free before the front grab. It is the worst of the AWD cars we have had (Quattros, 4 Matics, X Drives). You have to slow down or it will understeer in snow or hit the gas and oversteer until the front pulls. We are at 5000 miles and just received a Drivetrain Malfunction code and recommendation that we go to the dealer (will be our 5th time). I have a 2007 Kia Sedona with 150k miles and it has dropped off our new Mercedes for a failed steering column, our 1 year old Audi for a new transmission, and this car 4 times for electronics.

[@Wisdom7I]

I prefer the BMW without the x drive as it seems to be quieter and more fun to drive. I would be curious about the experiences of others. I have never had maintenance issues with BMW or any other brand.

[@in4chandru]

You buy the X3 to appreciate Mechanical engineering not Technical Engineering. Also, Q5 is compared to MDX and RX not X3 or GLC300.

[@ibrahimsale3029]

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[@mjacksonjones]

Would never buy it new anyway. Get it 2-3 years old and you save, and get a better warranty.

[@user-hs7ps3egdkdkd]

Can a gifted manufacturer loaner review really be honest.. no offense,but… no.. “you want more loaners… you damn well better reciew us well..”

[@AaronLovegren]

Did you conclude that losing 27.5% of the value at the end of 1 year, 'that's not bad'. In the current market that's horrendous. My 2020 Forester increased 20% (30->37K) after 2 years; my current 2022 has a fair market value 1k less than I paid 10 months ago. Resale is not one of the benefits of driving this BMW.

[@krzzzy19]

Who cares? You drive bmw for comfort. Cars are all depreciating assets anyway.

[@doomsday9973]

@@krzzzy19 exactly. Anyone who buys a car as an "investment" is a moron.

[@johnsambo9379]

Only lesbians drive Subaru's.

[@jacobstrouble6631]

Anyone looking to purchase a BMW isn't worried about depreciation as if it's an investment. Keep believing someone will pay that for your Forester and keep those miles low.

[@EasyTechTrading]

cmon edmunds cut the BS at the introduction. lets get straight to the point. the review shouldn’t be more than 5 minutes long.. 😒

[@ibrahimsale3029]

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[@mfbikle]

Well that was confusing.. “we use our own money” and “we borrowed” and “didn’t purchase”.. gave it back!? It’s called a 1 year lease.. My 23’ Lexus NX350h is way better than this X3 in almost every way!

[@mattspeer01]

LOL… Lexus doesn’t make any competitive vehicles in any class these days. All their vehicles are pretty much dead last compared to the competition.

[@Diatonic5th]

The 23’ Lexus NX350h is seriously ugly. It's the "buttaface" of luxury SUVs.

[@doomsday9973]

LOL you mean your dressed up Rav4 with a gigantic grille, some faux leather and an "L" slapped on the front?

[@ayrplanes]

I hate the Lexus grille. It's like the front end ruptured from too much pressure.

[@bensonwu1238]

I think Shane Filan is gonna feel extremely sad when reading your comment.

[@PK-uk3gh]

No good Apple car play for 50K 😂😂😂😂 useless bmw

[@robertomangioni9272]

what a BAD review

[@pryshrng]

What a waste of a video! How does one say nothing in spite saying so much?

[@amit_dhami]

Panoramic roof is most overrated feature and ventilated seats is most underrated or completely ignored feature.

[@NileshR12]

A panoramic sunroof isn't an overrated feature, & I'm one of the people who wants my car to have ventilated/ cooled seats, so I would only consider cars that have that feature either optional or standard

[@samscott9121]

Not a fan of the host

[@rishijai]

Don't buy

[@preoksaha4504]

Lol someone’s a hater, I’ve had my 2018 X3 since it was new and never had any issues and drives like a champion.

[@rishijai]

@@preoksaha4504 It will generally drive well for the first 5 years then it becomes expensive junk

[@JeffPetit]

@@rishijai Remember preventive maintenance? If you wait until something breaks to fix then yes it will be a junk, most modern engines need preventive maintenance.

[@bensonwu1238]

You are being rude to Shane Filan.

[@mnjb91]

Interior looks so outdated