2020 vs 2021 BMW X3
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G01
2018–2024
Sold as xDrive30i, sDrive30i, M40i, xDrive30e
- 5 warnings
- 15 recalls
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G01
2018–2024
Sold as xDrive30i, sDrive30i, M40i, xDrive30e
- 4 warnings
- 10 recalls
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.
2020
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2020 swivel bearing and steering rack recalls One source so far
What to check: On a 2020 car, make sure the front swivel bearing recall, and on an M40i the steering rack recall, were done.
NHTSA lists front axle swivel bearings that could break, with owners told not to drive, and M40i steering racks whose teeth could break.
NHTSA
2021
Nothing that 2020 lacks.
Both years
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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)
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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)
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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)
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Hybrid battery recalls and wear 2020–2021
What to check: Make sure the hybrid battery recalls were done, and have the battery's health checked.
NHTSA lists recalls for debris and loose weld beads in the battery cells. Euro Premium Parts says electric range can drop after 60,000 to 80,000 miles.
NHTSA, a seller's guide (unofficial)
Recalls
2020
- 19V678000 2020
The front axle swivel bearings may not have been heat treated properly and could break. Owners are told not to drive until dealers replace them. 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
- 19V738000 2020
The steering rack's pinion teeth can break under load, losing steering control. Dealers replace the steering gear. NHTSA
- 20V152000 2018–2020
The instrument panel casing may not have been fastened properly to the passenger airbag. Dealers replace the casing. NHTSA
- 20V164000 2020
The sensors in the front seat belt buckles may read a belted occupant as unbelted, which can affect the airbags and belt tensioners. Dealers inspect and replace the buckles as needed. NHTSA
- 20V443000 2020
The rearview camera software was not installed at the factory, so no picture shows in reverse. Dealers install it. NHTSA
- 21V598000 2020
At start-up the engine software can cause a loss of brake assist, though the brakes still work without it. Dealers update the software. NHTSA
2021
- 21V199000 2021
The weld on the fuel tank's inlet check valve can fail and let the filler pipe come away from the tank. Dealers replace the tank. NHTSA
- 26V056000 2021–2023
Wear inside the engine starter can make it overheat and catch fire. Dealers replace the starter. NHTSA
Both years
- 20V490000 2020–2021
Loose weld beads can bridge the hybrid battery's cells and short circuit them. Dealers inspect the battery modules and replace them if needed. NHTSA
- 20V598000 2020–2021
A small part of the reversing camera's picture may be obscured. Dealers inspect the camera and update its software. NHTSA
- 20V601000 2020–2021
Debris may have got into the hybrid battery cells when they were made. Drivers are told not to charge the car until dealers inspect the battery and replace modules if needed. 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
- 23V211000 2020–2021
The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails. Dealers replace the seat frame and backrest. 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
- 25V636000 2020–2022
The engine starter's relay can corrode, overheat and short circuit. Owners are told to park outside and away from buildings until a dealer replaces the starter. NHTSA
What changed between
After 2020, up to and including 2021.
No changes recorded between these years.
What it came with
2020
Nothing that 2021 lacks.
2021
Nothing that 2020 lacks.
Both years
Colors
2020
Nothing that 2021 lacks.
2021
Nothing that 2020 lacks.
Both years
- 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 Graphite Metallic 2019–2023 Edmunds
- Carbon Black Metallic 2019–2023 Edmunds
Interiors
2020
Nothing that 2021 lacks.
2021
Nothing that 2020 lacks.
Both years
- Cognac with contrast stitching Vernasca leather, 2019–2023 Edmunds
- Black SensaTec leatherette, 2019–2023 Edmunds
What owners and buyers say
Reputation: what owners and the press report
2020
Nothing that 2021 lacks.
2021
Nothing that 2020 lacks.
Both years
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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)
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Watch for: A high-mileage xDrive30e without hybrid service records 2020–2021 Less sought after One source so far
Euro Premium Parts advises checking battery health on any used xDrive30e and avoiding high-mileage cars without documented hybrid system service. A seller's guide (unofficial)