The Lemon Index2011 BMW X3.
The 2011 BMW X3 is better than average by owner complaints: 19 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 59, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about steering, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 21 mpg combined. The best BMW X3 year is 2012.
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Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 126 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every BMW X3 year. 2011 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 48K to 97K miles on the car (78 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 60K–96K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 8K–82K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 4K–98K miles
Recalls 5
- engine 2023
The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
- engine 2017
The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
- child seat 2016
The affected vehicles have lower anchor bars for securing child restraint seats that may become damaged when using the European-ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.
Show all 5 recalls
- engine 2014
In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing f.
- steering 2011
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 27, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 8, 2011.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems BMW told dealers about
BMW sent dealers 364 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- The transmission warning light is on and the vehicle will not move forward or backwards
- Transmission oil is leaking because of a sealing cover located on transmission
- There may be multiple electrical malfunctions such as: high-beam headlight switches on when using
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW X3 Xdrive28I SUV 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
| BMW X3 Xdrive35I SUV 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
2011 BMW x3. Consumer states multiple drive train failures
2011 BMW X3 owner · NHTSA complaint 10409758
More owner reports
The vehicle is hesitating when shifting from first to second gear, causing a lag in acceleration, particularly on hills or when starting out from a stop.
NHTSA complaint 10398930
Quick answers
Is the 2011 BMW X3 reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.7× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 59; 100 is average, lower is better). The best BMW X3 year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2011 BMW X3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are steering (53%), transmission & drivetrain (32%) and electrical (26%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 BMW X3 have?
5 safety recalls (latest: engine). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 BMW X3 get?
21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2011 BMW X3 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 48,500 and 97,100 miles. The middle report was at 69,400 miles, from 78 complaints.
Does the 2011 BMW X3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 32% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2011 BMW X3 cost in fuel a year?
About $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 BMW X3 have?
3.0L 6-cyl.
What BMW X3 year is better than the 2011?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2018 and 2014.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works