2021 vs 2022 BMW X3
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G01
2018–2024
Sold as xDrive30i, sDrive30i, M40i, xDrive30e
- 4 warnings
- 10 recalls
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G01
2018–2024
Sold as xDrive30i, sDrive30i, M40i
- 3 warnings
- 7 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.
2021
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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)
2022
Nothing that 2021 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)
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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)
-
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
2021
- 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
- 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
- 23V211000 2020–2021
The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails. Dealers replace the seat frame and backrest. NHTSA
2022
- 22V070000 2022
The gearbox's mechatronics unit may have been assembled badly and leak inside. Dealers replace it. NHTSA
- 22V513000 2022
The high-pressure fuel rail can crack and leak fuel in the engine bay. Dealers replace it. NHTSA
- 25V106000 2022–2024
The rear door locking modules may let the doors be unlocked with one motion, so the car does not meet the federal door lock standard. Dealers replace the modules. NHTSA
Both years
- 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
- 26V056000 2021–2023
Wear inside the engine starter can make it overheat and catch fire. Dealers replace the starter. NHTSA
What changed between
After 2021, up to and including 2022.
- 2022A facelift brings new front and rear styling and a larger optional screen, the M40i gets a 48-volt mild hybrid system, and the xDrive30e is dropped. Edmunds, a published reference
What it came with
2021
2022
Nothing that 2021 lacks.
Both years
Colors
2021
Nothing that 2022 lacks.
2022
Nothing that 2021 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
2021
Nothing that 2022 lacks.
2022
Nothing that 2021 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
2021
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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)
2022
Nothing that 2021 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)