Is the Bmw X3 reliable?

The Bmw X3 has an average MOT pass rate of 85% across 18 years, based on 197,060 tests in 2026. That's 3 points above the national average of 82%. The most reliable year is 2021 with a 94% pass rate.

Which year Bmw X3 is best?

The 2021 Bmw X3 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 2005 model has the lowest at 76%. There's a 18 percentage point spread between the best and worst years.

Bmw X3

Reliability, running costs, and MOT data across 18 years from 197,060 real MOT tests.

Avg Pass Rate

85%

Total Tests

197,060

Best Year

2021 (94%)

Years Covered

About the Bmw X3

The Bmw X3 has been tested 197,060 times in 2026 MOT data across 18 model years (2004 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 85%. That's slightly above the national average of 82%. Available as petrol and diesel.

Best and Worst Years

The 2021 model is the most reliable with a 94% pass rate from 5,413 tests. The 2005 model has the lowest at 76%. With a 18 point spread, choosing the right year makes a big difference to reliability.

Reliability Trend

Newer BMW X3s show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.

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)

£1,592

Road Tax

£195

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£2,042

Per month£170/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the Bmw X3?

vs national average+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