2018 vs 2019 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.

2018

Nothing that 2019 lacks.

2019

Nothing that 2018 lacks.

Both years

  • Valve cover and oil filter housing leaks All years

    What to check: Look for oil along the top of the engine and around the oil filter housing.

    Euro Premium Parts calls valve cover leaks the most common issue on both engines, usually between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, and says a leaking B58 filter housing can drip onto the exhaust. CarGurus also names oil leaks.

    CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Cracked coolant expansion tank All years

    What to check: Look for hairline cracks in the plastic coolant reservoir.

    Euro Premium Parts says it commonly leaks on four-cylinder cars between 70,000 and 100,000 miles. CarGurus names cooling system issues.

    CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)

  • Cracked charge pipe All years One source so far

    What to check: Feel for a sudden loss of power and listen for a whoosh under boost.

    Euro Premium Parts says the M40i's plastic charge pipe can crack between 40,000 and 70,000 miles.

    A seller's guide (unofficial)

Recalls

2018

  • 17V719000 2018

    An error in the instrument panel software can stop the display lighting properly. Dealers update the software. NHTSA

  • 18V154000 2018

    The rear spoiler may not have been attached properly or may be missing screws, and could come off while driving. Dealers inspect it and fix its attachment. NHTSA

  • 18V431000 2018

    The outer rear turn signals light red while the inner ones light amber, so the car does not meet the federal lighting standard. Dealers inspect and replace the lamps as needed. NHTSA

2019

  • 19V291000 2019

    The instrument panel may have been made badly, which could affect how the passenger's front airbag deploys. Dealers replace the instrument panel. NHTSA

  • 21V096000 2019–2021

    Part of the reversing camera's picture may be blocked, or the screen may stay dark, when reverse is selected. Dealers update the camera software. NHTSA

Both years

  • 18V374000 2018–2019

    The steering wheel may not detect when the driver's hands are off it. Dealers inspect the wheel and replace it if needed. NHTSA

  • 18V453000 2018–2019

    The rear brake caliper pistons may not be coated enough, which could reduce rear braking. Dealers bleed the rear brake circuit. NHTSA

  • 19V563000 2018–2019

    The front seatback frames may have been welded badly, so a seatback could fold forward or back unexpectedly. Dealers replace the front seats. NHTSA

  • 19V684000 2018–2020

    The reversing camera's settings can be changed so its picture is no longer visible, and the car keeps that setting. Dealers update the camera software. NHTSA

  • 20V152000 2018–2020

    The instrument panel casing may not have been fastened properly to the passenger airbag. Dealers replace the casing. NHTSA

  • 21V521000 2018–2019

    The front passenger seat's occupant classification system may have been assembled badly and read the seat as empty, switching off the airbag. Dealers replace the seat foam with the system. NHTSA

  • 24V534000 2018–2023

    The mounting for the interior cargo rail can be damaged in a rear crash, letting the rail come loose. Dealers replace the mounting bolts. NHTSA

  • 24V764000 2018–2022

    The mounting for the rear cargo rail can be damaged in a rear crash, letting the rail come loose. Dealers replace the mounting bolts. NHTSA

What changed between

After 2018, up to and including 2019.

  1. 2019The rear-wheel-drive sDrive30i joins the range. Edmunds, a published reference

What it came with

2018

Nothing that 2019 lacks.

2019

Drivetrains
Rear-wheel drive (2019–2024) Edmunds, a published reference

Both years

Engines
2.0L turbo four Edmunds, a published reference, 3.0L turbo inline-six, 355 hp (2018–2019) Edmunds
Transmissions
Eight-speed automatic Edmunds, a published reference
Drivetrains
xDrive all-wheel drive Edmunds
Trims
Sports Activity Vehicle A published reference
Packages
Convenience Package Edmunds, M Sport Package Edmunds, Dynamic Handling Package Edmunds, Driving Assistance Package Edmunds, Driving Assistance Plus Edmunds, Parking Assistance Package Edmunds, Premium Package Edmunds, Executive Package Edmunds, Luxury Package Edmunds, Shadowline Package Edmunds

Colors

2018

Nothing that 2019 lacks.

2019

  • Phytonic Blue Metallic 2019–2023 Edmunds
  • Mineral White Metallic 2019–2023 Edmunds
  • Black Sapphire Metallic 2019–2023 Edmunds
  • Jet Black 2019–2023 Edmunds
  • Alpine White 2019–2023 Edmunds
  • Dark Olive Metallic 2019 Edmunds
  • Dark Graphite Metallic 2019–2023 Edmunds
  • Carbon Black Metallic 2019–2023 Edmunds
  • Terra Brown Metallic 2019 Edmunds
  • Glacier Silver Metallic 2019 Edmunds

Interiors

2018

Nothing that 2019 lacks.

2019

  • Cognac with contrast stitching Vernasca leather, 2019–2023 Edmunds
  • Canberra Beige and Black SensaTec leatherette, 2019 Edmunds
  • Black SensaTec leatherette, 2019–2023 Edmunds
  • Canberra Beige and Black with contrast stitching Vernasca leather, 2019 Edmunds
  • Mocha with contrast stitching Vernasca leather, 2019 Edmunds
  • Black with blue contrast stitching Vernasca leather, 2019 Edmunds
  • Black with contrast stitching Vernasca leather, 2019 Edmunds
  • Oyster with contrast stitching Vernasca leather, 2019 Edmunds

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

2018

Nothing that 2019 lacks.

2019

Nothing that 2018 lacks.

Both years

  • Sought after: The M40i All years One source so far

    Euro Premium Parts calls the M40i's B58 six the best balance of performance, refinement and long-term reliability, and names the 2022 facelift and a well-kept 2019 or 2020 M40i as the safest choices. A seller's guide (unofficial)