2012 vs 2013 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 2013 lacks.

N20 timing chain wear 2013–2017 One source so far

What to check: Listen for chain rattle at a cold start, and ask for records of chain replacement.

Euro Premium Parts calls it critical, usually between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, and says a chain that skips or snaps can ruin the engine.

A seller's guide (unofficial)

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

Nothing that 2013 lacks.

13V454000 2013–2014
The vacuum pump for the brake booster may not be lubricated enough and can fail. Dealers modify the cars to prevent it. NHTSA
13V570000 2013
The tear seam in the instrument panel for the passenger airbag was not made correctly. Dealers replace the instrument panel. NHTSA
14V627000 2013–2014
The vacuum pump for the brake booster may not be lubricated enough and can fail. Dealers fit a locking ring to keep the camshaft's seal disk in place. This expands 13V454000. NHTSA
24V527000 2013–2014
The driver's airbag inflator may explode when it deploys, because of a manufacturing defect. Dealers replace the driver's airbag. NHTSA
24V608000 2013–2017
A badly sealed electrical connector on the water pump can let water in and short circuit. Dealers inspect and replace the pump and connector as needed and fit a shield. 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
17V495000 2012–2013
The driver's frontal airbag inflator may have been welded badly. Dealers replace the driver's airbag module. NHTSA

After 2012, up to and including 2013.

2013A turbo four replaces the six in the xDrive28i, and a power liftgate, auto stop-start and Driving Dynamics Control become standard. Edmunds, a published reference

Engines: 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 2013 lacks.

Nothing that 2012 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)