2010 vs 2011 BMW X3

vs

Each year's own entries sit side by side, then what both share. Warnings of different generations are listed apart even under the same name, because what to check can differ.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

2010

  • Electric water pump failure 2007–2010 One source so far

    What to check: Ask whether the electric water pump has been replaced, and watch the temperature gauge.

    Euro Premium Parts says the N52's pump fails without warning, usually between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, and calls it the most important preventive replacement on post-2006 cars.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Transfer case actuator faults All years One source so far

    What to check: Feel for vibration or binding at low speed, and look for an all-wheel-drive warning.

    Euro Premium Parts says the transfer case's clutch actuator can fail on high-mileage cars, and that fluid changes every 50,000 miles reduce the risk.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Oil leaks All years

    What to check: Look for oil at the oil filter housing and around the alternator.

    CarGurus names oil leaks on high-mileage cars. Euro Premium Parts names the N52's oil filter housing gasket and the M54's crankcase ventilation membrane.

    CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Automatic gearbox problems All years One source so far

    What to check: Feel for slipping, harsh or late shifts on the test drive.

    CarGurus names automatic transmission problems on the first generation.

    CarGurus

  • Airbag and seat sensor recalls All years

    What to check: Make sure the airbag and passenger seat sensor recalls were done.

    NHTSA lists passenger seat sensor mats that can crack and switch off the airbag, and driver's airbag inflators that can rupture on 2007 to 2010 cars.

    NHTSA

2011

  • Electric water pump and thermostat All years One source so far

    What to check: Watch the temperature gauge, and ask whether the water pump has been replaced.

    Euro Premium Parts says both fail between 60,000 and 90,000 miles on the four-cylinder, and calls the pump a common failure on the six as well.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • High-pressure fuel pump All years One source so far

    What to check: Feel for a rough idle, misfires or hard starting.

    Euro Premium Parts says the N55's pump can wear between 50,000 and 90,000 miles.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Oil leaks All years

    What to check: Look for oil at the valve cover and oil pan.

    CarGurus names oil leaks and occasional electrical faults, and Euro Premium Parts calls the valve cover gasket a near-universal job past 70,000 miles.

    CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Early automatic gearbox problems All years One source so far

    What to check: Feel for harsh or hesitant shifts on an early car.

    CarGurus says early cars of this generation had automatic transmission problems.

    CarGurus

Recalls

2010

  • 16V071000 2007–2010

    The driver's frontal airbag inflator can rupture. Owners are told not to drive until dealers replace the airbag module or inflator. NHTSA

  • 17V605000 2006–2010

    The front passenger seat's occupant detection mat can fatigue and crack, so the passenger airbag may not deploy as it should. Dealers replace the mat. NHTSA

  • 20V017000 2007–2010

    The driver's airbag inflator can rupture. Dealers replace the driver's airbag. NHTSA

  • 22V119000 2007–2010

    The heater for the crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit. Dealers fit a wiring harness with a fuse. This replaces and expands 17V683000 and 19V273000. NHTSA

2011

  • 11V341000 2011

    A control module in the electric power steering can fail and suddenly lose the steering assist. Dealers repair it. NHTSA

  • 16V333000 2011–2017

    The lower anchor bars for child seats may not be strong enough. Dealers weld a reinforcing bracket to the bars and the body. NHTSA

Both years

  • 14V176000 2010–2011

    The bolts holding the VANOS housing can loosen over time and break. Dealers replace them. NHTSA

  • 17V683000 2007–2011

    The heater for the crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit. Dealers replace it. NHTSA

  • 23V707000 2010–2011

    The aluminum bolts holding the VANOS housing can loosen over time and break. Dealers replace them. NHTSA

What changed between

After 2010, up to and including 2011.

  1. 2011F25 begins.
  2. 2011The redesigned X3 arrives with an eight-speed automatic and an optional turbo six. Edmunds

What it came with

2010

Engines
3.0L inline-six, 260 hp (2007–2010) Edmunds, a published reference
Transmissions
Six-speed manual Edmunds, Six-speed automatic Edmunds, a published reference
Packages
Sport Package Edmunds

2011

Engines
3.0L inline-six, 240 hp (2011–2012) Edmunds, a published reference, 3.0L turbo inline-six Edmunds, a published reference
Transmissions
Eight-speed automatic Edmunds, a published reference
Packages
Technology Package Edmunds, Dynamic Handling Package Edmunds, M Sport Package Edmunds, Driver Assistance Package Edmunds, Driver Assistance Plus Edmunds, Lighting Package Edmunds

Both years

Drivetrains
xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds
Trims
Sports Activity Vehicle A published reference
Packages
Premium Package Edmunds, Cold Weather Package Edmunds, Sport Activity Package Edmunds

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

2010

  • Avoid: A facelifted 2007 to 2010 car without records 2007–2010 Less sought after

    CarGurus says the facelifted 2007 to 2010 cars have the worst reputation of any X3, though Euro Premium Parts calls them the most refined E83 and says to avoid high-mileage cars with no service history in any year. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

2011

  • Sought after: An xDrive35i, ideally from 2015 on All years One source so far

    Euro Premium Parts says most experienced buyers favor the xDrive35i's six as smoother and more durable, and calls the 2015 to 2017 cars the best choices. A seller's guide (unofficial)