2013 BMW X3 F25

Overview

Engines

2.0L turbo four, 3.0L turbo inline-six

On record

5 warnings, 7 recalls

What changed for 2013

• A 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

Compare 2013 with 2012

Colors

No paint color is recorded yet.

Specs

Badges

• xDrive28i: 3.0L inline-six, 240 hp, 2.0L turbo four, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, a published reference
• xDrive35i: 3.0L turbo inline-six, xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds

Engines

• 2.0L turbo four N20 engine page Edmunds, a published reference

  240 hp and 260 lb-ft · 2013–2017

• 3.0L turbo inline-six N55 engine page Edmunds, a published reference

  300 hp and 300 lb-ft

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

Figures for the whole F25

• Built: At BMW's plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, from 1 September 2010 to August 2017 A published reference, a seller's guide (unofficial)
• First rear-drive BMW SUV in the US: The sDrive28i was the first BMW SUV sold in the US without xDrive A published reference
• Size: Almost as large as the first-generation X5 A published reference
• Diesel: The four-cylinder from the European xDrive20d, with a urea-injected catalyst for the US A published reference

Watch out

Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.

• N20 timing chain wear 2013–2017

  One source so far

  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

  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

  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

  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

  Check: Feel for harsh or hesitant shifts on an early car.

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

Recalls

Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.

• 2013–2017 Recall 24V608000

  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

• 2013–2014 Recall 24V527000

  The driver's airbag inflator may explode when it deploys, because of a manufacturing defect. Dealers replace the driver's airbag. NHTSA

• 2012–2013 Recall 17V495000

  The driver's frontal airbag inflator may have been welded badly. Dealers replace the driver's airbag module. NHTSA

• 2011–2017 Recall 16V333000

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

• 2013–2014 Recall 14V627000

  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

• 2013 Recall 13V570000

  The tear seam in the instrument panel for the passenger airbag was not made correctly. Dealers replace the instrument panel. NHTSA

• 2013–2014 Recall 13V454000

  The vacuum pump for the brake booster may not be lubricated enough and can fail. Dealers modify the cars to prevent it. NHTSA

Owning

What owners and buyers say

• 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)

Maintenance

• Engine oil and filter All years

  Replace every 5,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, whatever the car's computer says A seller's guide (unofficial)

  Ask the seller: Ask for oil change records.

  If it was skipped: Euro Premium Parts says long intervals are a main cause of N20 timing chain wear.

• Transfer case and differential fluid All years

  Replace every 60,000 miles, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Spark plugs All years

  Replace every 40,000 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says every 40,000 to 60,000 miles A seller's guide (unofficial)

• Brake fluid All years

  Replace every 2 years, per a parts seller A seller's guide (unofficial)

Warranty when new