BMW X3

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 18 model years from 197,060 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

85%

Total Tests

197,060

Highest Pass Rate

2021 (94%)

Years Covered

About the BMW X3

The BMW X3 was MOT tested 197,060 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 18 model years (2004 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 85%. That's slightly above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94% from 5,413 tests. The 2005 model has the lowest at 76%. With a 18 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer BMW X3s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2004) averages 123,849 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 24,798 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2998cc)

£1,958

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£2,413

Per month£201/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the BMW X3?

vs average of all models+3% (82% avg)

vs BMW brand average-3% (88% avg)

Best to worst year spread18 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

BMW X3 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	94%	5,413	24,798 mi
2020	92%	13,187	33,638 mi
2019	92%	32,937	42,303 mi
2018	92%	17,186	49,536 mi
2017	89%	16,666	61,118 mi
2016	88%	18,166	70,153 mi
2015	87%	14,189	82,377 mi
2014	85%	12,226	91,766 mi
2013	84%	15,082	98,171 mi
2012	83%	14,378	104,808 mi
2011	84%	8,272	111,744 mi
2010	84%	1,786	113,992 mi
2009	83%	2,902	117,342 mi
2008	81%	3,247	120,389 mi
2007	78%	4,940	130,152 mi
2006	78%	6,611	135,824 mi
2005	76%	5,434	140,749 mi
2004	78%	4,438	123,849 mi

Questions about the BMW X3

Is the BMW X3 reliable?

Across its 18 model years in our data (2004 to 2021), the BMW X3 averages an 85% MOT pass rate, from 197,060 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2021 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 94%.

Which year BMW X3 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 BMW X3 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 76%, a 18 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.