BMW X3 (2010-2018)
Well built and unfazed on the road, this is a great towing choice, says Euan Doig
THE FIRST FORAY that BMW made into the middleweight SUV sector was not what you’d call a raging success.
The original X3 was lambasted for having very odd looks and decidedly iffy quality, and to cap it all, it was some way short of BMW’S famous ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ advertising slogan of the time.
However, if the first car was off target, the all-new second version of 2010 landed in the bullseye, because this one was pretty much class-leading in every respect (A).
When the X3 was launched, there was just the one engine available: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel linked to the company’s xdrive four-wheel-drive system, which is, frankly, all any tow car buyer should ever need. Over the next couple of years, BMW added a couple of six-cylinder 3.0-litre diesels to the range, then a rear-wheel-drive 2.0-litre diesel model.
A six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic were available on the 2.0-litre models, while the 3.0-litre versions were auto-only. The good news for tow car users is that most buyers saw good sense and chose the smooth self-shifter over the ponderous and rubbery manual gearbox.
Come 2014, the X3 was given a mid-life facelift in which the 2.0-litre diesel was replaced with a new engine that complied with Euro 6 emissions regulations.
Model history
That first-generation X3 proved to be such a disappointment, the new car had to be better in every single way – and it was.
For a start, it drove better than every single rival of the time, proving to be both sporty and comfortable at the same time. It handled securely, steered quickly and managed to cosset on longer trips.
One caveat, though – yes, the M Sport models look cool with their bodykit and larger alloys, but the suspension is too firm. Stick with SE and you’ll enjoy your daily driving experience much more. Some cars were specified with the optional adaptive suspension system, but this isn’t worth paying extra for.
The 2.0-litre engine is strong, while the gearbox flicks up and down through the ratios unobtrusively, and does a good job of knowing which gear you need, just when you need it. Witness the fact the X3 will get from 0-60mph in just 8.1 seconds, and it’ll go on to a top speed of 130mph.
When you’re not driving around with the pedal flat to the mat, the official average economy figure is 54.3mpg. In reality, you can expect nearer 40mpg, which is still good for an SUV. The engine keeps itself to itself most of the time, too.
As a tow car, the X3 excels, proving both strong and stable in a straight line (B) and authoritative when towing along a twisty road. Its brakes, too, hauled everything up in very short order, to the extent that everything you own could end up in a pile at the front of your caravan.
In four of the seats, there’s a vast amount of space, ample even for passengers who are lanky of limb to stretch out in; although the middle rear occupant might find their seat a tad narrow, and they’ll be forced to straddle the central tunnel.
The 550-litre boot (D) is flat-sided and free from intrusions, and folding down the rear seats increases the space to 1600 litres, albeit with a slight slope in the floor.
All of the X3s had leather trim, dual-zone climate control and parking sensors at both ends (C). M Sport models also added a very sporty bodykit, larger alloys and Xenon headlights.
The options list was quite extensive, and contained all manner of high-tech and luxury kit, some of which is worth paying extra for if the car you’re looking at has it, such as the Business Media pack and Visibility pack – but don’t pay too much more.
Trouble spots
The 2.0-litre diesel engines have timing chains, so should be relatively trouble-free – in theory. However, in other models, this engine has had timing chain failures, so do have it checked out properly. The cost of a failure will be huge, and could write off the engine altogether. Post-facelift engines do not suffer this issue.
X3s have not been immune from the dreaded recall, either, although some concerned a very small number of cars.
First up, a power steering connection was found to be fragile, and could cause the assistance to dry up suddenly. Next, four models were recalled because their dashboards might not allow the airbag to deploy correctly.
Isofix mountings that were not strong enough caused another recall, followed by a problem with the exhaust gas recirculation cooler.
The fuel tank delivery module caused the next “We need it back” issue, followed by a rear spoiler that was incorrectly attached. The driver’s airbag was found to be faulty in a small number of examples, then the rear brakes were found to be faulty on a small number. Finally, a screw at the bottom of the steering column was incorrectly tightened on some cars. As always, we’d advise ‘caveat emptor’, which basically means it’s wise to shell out for a proper inspection; pay now, so you don’t have to pay later.
Verdict
The world has undeniably gone SUV mad, but with cars such as the secondgeneration X3 around, it’s no wonder.
It does pretty much everything very well. It’ll be great to drive when it isn’t hitched to a trailer, and it’s utterly unfazed when it is asked to tow.
The interior is beautifully put together, and if the first owner (or the company they worked for) has been relatively generous with the options, it’ll be filled with luxury and safety kit. On top of that, there’s loads of interior space for you and yours.