Checklist: G01 BMW X3 2018–2024

What to look for on this generation, worst first. Tick each line as you check it.

The inspection sheet: mark up every panel, what is underneath and how it drives.

Look for 5

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Valve cover and oil filter housing leaks All yearsLook for oil along the top of the engine and around the oil filter housing. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)
Cracked coolant expansion tank All yearsLook for hairline cracks in the plastic coolant reservoir. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)
Cracked charge pipe All yearsFeel for a sudden loss of power and listen for a whoosh under boost. A seller's guide (unofficial)
Hybrid battery recalls and wear 2020–2021Make sure the hybrid battery recalls were done, and have the battery's health checked. NHTSA, a seller's guide (unofficial)
2020 swivel bearing and steering rack recallsOn a 2020 car, make sure the front swivel bearing recall, and on an M40i the steering rack recall, were done. NHTSA

Services to ask about 1

Scheduled work a seller can show records for. The G01's schedule has 5 more services, on its page. Buying shows which are due at a car's miles and age.

Engine oil and filter All yearsReplace every 7,500 miles, per a parts seller. Euro Premium Parts says most technicians advise every 7,500 to 10,000 miles rather than waiting for the car's reminder. Ask for oil change records. A seller's guide (unofficial)

Recalls to ask about 31

Recalls filed for these model years, newest first. Not every car is covered; check the vehicle identification number with NHTSA.

Recall 26V524000 2024–2026The steering spindle may have been attached to the steering column wrongly. Dealers inspect the connection and replace hardware, or the spindle and column, as needed. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 26V056000 2021–2023Wear inside the engine starter can make it overheat and catch fire. Dealers replace the starter. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 25V636000 2020–2022The 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 25V106000 2022–2024The 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 24V764000 2018–2022The mounting for the rear cargo rail can be damaged in a rear crash, letting the rail come loose. Dealers replace the mounting bolts. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 24V534000 2018–2023The mounting for the interior cargo rail can be damaged in a rear crash, letting the rail come loose. Dealers replace the mounting bolts. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 23V821000 2023A badly made weld on the gearbox control unit's cover can let transmission oil leak into the control unit. Dealers replace the mechatronics module and the fluid as needed. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 23V770000 2024The steering gear may not have been tightened properly and can loosen. Dealers replace the steering gear. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 23V211000 2020–2021The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails. Dealers replace the seat frame and backrest. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 22V513000 2022The high-pressure fuel rail can crack and leak fuel in the engine bay. Dealers replace it. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 22V070000 2022The gearbox's mechatronics unit may have been assembled badly and leak inside. Dealers replace it. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 21V598000 2020At start-up the engine software can cause a loss of brake assist, though the brakes still work without it. Dealers update the software. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 21V521000 2018–2019The 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 21V199000 2021The 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 21V096000 2019–2021Part of the reversing camera's picture may be blocked, or the screen may stay dark, when reverse is selected. Dealers update the camera software. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 20V598000 2020–2021A small part of the reversing camera's picture may be obscured. Dealers inspect the camera and update its software. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 20V601000 2020–2021Debris 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 20V490000 2020–2021Loose weld beads can bridge the hybrid battery's cells and short circuit them. Dealers inspect the battery modules and replace them if needed. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 20V443000 2020The rearview camera software was not installed at the factory, so no picture shows in reverse. Dealers install it. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 20V164000 2020The 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 20V152000 2018–2020The instrument panel casing may not have been fastened properly to the passenger airbag. Dealers replace the casing. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 19V738000 2020The steering rack's pinion teeth can break under load, losing steering control. Dealers replace the steering gear. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 19V684000 2018–2020The 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 19V678000 2020The front axle swivel bearings may not have been heat treated properly and could break. Owners are told not to drive until dealers replace them. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 19V563000 2018–2019The front seatback frames may have been welded badly, so a seatback could fold forward or back unexpectedly. Dealers replace the front seats. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 19V291000 2019The instrument panel may have been made badly, which could affect how the passenger's front airbag deploys. Dealers replace the instrument panel. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 18V453000 2018–2019The rear brake caliper pistons may not be coated enough, which could reduce rear braking. Dealers bleed the rear brake circuit. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 18V431000 2018The 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 18V374000 2018–2019The steering wheel may not detect when the driver's hands are off it. Dealers inspect the wheel and replace it if needed. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 18V154000 2018The 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. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA
Recall 17V719000 2018An error in the instrument panel software can stop the display lighting properly. Dealers update the software. Ask for proof the recall work was done. NHTSA

What buyers avoid 1

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

A high-mileage xDrive30e without hybrid service records 2020–2021Euro 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)

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