2011 vs 2012 BMW X3

Both years are the same generation, so most of what they offer is shared.

Watch out for

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

Nothing that 2012 lacks.

Nothing that 2011 lacks.

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

11V341000 2011
A control module in the electric power steering can fail and suddenly lose the steering assist. Dealers repair it. NHTSA
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

17V495000 2012–2013
The driver's frontal airbag inflator may have been welded badly. Dealers replace the driver's airbag module. 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

After 2011, up to and including 2012.

No changes recorded between these years.

Nothing that 2012 lacks.

Nothing that 2011 lacks.

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
Drivetrains: xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds
Trims: Sports Activity Vehicle A published reference
Packages: Premium Package Edmunds, Technology Package Edmunds, Dynamic Handling Package Edmunds, Cold Weather Package Edmunds, Sport Activity Package Edmunds, M Sport Package Edmunds, Driver Assistance Package Edmunds, Driver Assistance Plus Edmunds, Lighting Package Edmunds

Reputation: what owners and the press report

Nothing that 2012 lacks.

Nothing that 2011 lacks.

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)