2015 vs 2016 BMW X3

vs

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.

2015

Nothing that 2016 lacks.

2016

Nothing that 2015 lacks.

Both years

  • 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

  • Diesel EGR cooler and fuel pump recalls 2015–2017

    What to check: Make sure the EGR cooler and high-pressure fuel pump recalls were done.

    NHTSA lists an EGR cooler that can leak and melt the intake manifold, and a high-pressure fuel pump that may fail, on the xDrive28d.

    NHTSA

Recalls

2015

  • 14V648000 2015

    The driver's door mirror may have been made to another market's rules, so the car does not meet the US standard. Dealers replace the mirror. NHTSA

  • 16V683000 2015

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

2016

Nothing that 2015 lacks.

Both years

  • 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

  • 18V755000 2015–2017

    The EGR cooler can leak inside, and soot mixed with coolant can smolder and melt the intake manifold. Dealers replace the cooler as needed, and the manifold if it has leaked. NHTSA

  • 21V586000 2015–2017

    The high-pressure fuel pump may fail. Dealers replace it. NHTSA

  • 21V907000 2015–2017

    The EGR cooler can leak inside, and soot mixed with coolant can smolder and melt the intake manifold. Dealers replace the cooler and inspect the manifold. Cars fixed under 18V755000 need this repair too. 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

What changed between

After 2015, up to and including 2016.

No changes recorded between these years.

What it came with

2015

Nothing that 2016 lacks.

2016

Nothing that 2015 lacks.

Both years

Engines
2.0L turbo four (2013–2017) Edmunds, a published reference, 3.0L turbo inline-six Edmunds, a published reference, 2.0L turbo diesel four (2015–2017) Edmunds, a published reference
Transmissions
Eight-speed automatic Edmunds, a published reference
Drivetrains
xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds, Rear-wheel drive (2015–2017) 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, xLine (2015–2017) Edmunds, a published reference

Colors

2015

Nothing that 2016 lacks.

2016

  • Mineral Silver Metallic 2016 Edmunds
  • Space Gray Metallic 2016 Edmunds
  • Melbourne Red Metallic 2016 Edmunds
  • Carbon Black Metallic 2016 Edmunds
  • Black Sapphire Metallic 2016 Edmunds
  • Deep Sea Blue Metallic 2016 Edmunds
  • Glacier Silver Metallic 2016 Edmunds
  • Sparkling Brown Metallic 2016 Edmunds
  • Alpine White 2016 Edmunds
  • Jet Black 2016 Edmunds
  • Mineral White Metallic 2016 Edmunds

Interiors

2015

Nothing that 2016 lacks.

2016

  • Sand Beige and Black Nevada leather, 2016 Edmunds
  • Beige and Black SensaTec leatherette, 2016 Edmunds
  • Black with Gray stitching Nevada leather, 2016 Edmunds
  • Mocha with Orange stitching Nevada leather, 2016 Edmunds
  • Oyster Nevada leather, 2016 Edmunds
  • Ivory White with Red stitching Nevada leather, 2016 Edmunds
  • Saddle Brown Nevada leather, 2016 Edmunds
  • Beige SensaTec leatherette, 2016 Edmunds
  • Black SensaTec leatherette, 2016 Edmunds
  • Black Nevada leather, 2016 Edmunds
  • Sand Beige Nevada leather, 2016 Edmunds

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

2015

Nothing that 2016 lacks.

2016

Nothing that 2015 lacks.

Both years

  • 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)

  • Watch for: An xDrive28d without proof of a new timing chain 2015–2017 Walk away One source so far

    Euro Premium Parts says the diesel should be avoided unless the timing chain has recently been replaced, with documented proof, because the chain sits at the back of the engine. A seller's guide (unofficial)