2011 BMW X3
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Body styles
- Xdrive28i 4 Dr SUV, Xdrive35i 4 Dr SUV
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 240–300 hp
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 19 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 183.1 in
- Curb weight
- 4,112–4,222 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
- Modest powerUp to 300 hp, versus about 555 hp for similar 2011 models.
- Many owner complaints107 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 21 for similar models — most often about the engine.
- 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 BMW X3 is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 183 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,112 lb (Xdrive28i 4 Dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway), 11% better than the 2011 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 107 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2011
- New body dimensions: 3.2 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engine added: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 X3 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Greer, South Carolina
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2011 X3 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xdrive28i 4 Dr SUV | 183.1 in | 74 in | 66.1 in | 110.6 in | 63.8 / 64.2 in | 4,112 lb | 50/50 |
| Xdrive35i 4 Dr SUV | 183.1 in | 74 in | 66.1 in | 110.6 in | 63.8 / 64.2 in | 4,222 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X3 xDrive28i | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +11% | $3,900 | 423 |
| X3 xDrive35i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 21 | +11% | $3,900 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 BMW X3.
Similar 2011 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 BMW X3 (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz G-Class | 13 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Porsche Cayenne | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 BMW X5 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 18 |
| 2011 Lexus RX | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2011 Volvo XC90 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2011 Audi Q5 | 22 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (5)
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Oct 20, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V707000 · 157,796 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
- Risk
- Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv) · Oct 30, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V683000 · 740,561 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Child Seat › Latch Strap · May 23, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V333000 · 188,668 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017, X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i and X3 xDrive35i, vehicles manufactured July 2, 2010 to April 14, 2016, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014 to March 31, 2016, and 2015-2017 x4 xDrive28i, X4 xDrive35i and X4 xDriveM40i vehicles manufactured March3, 2014 to April 15, 2016. The affected vehicles have lower anchor bars for securing child restraint seats that may become damaged when using the European-ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.
- Risk
- Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body, free of charge. The recall began on July 13, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Apr 10, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V176000 · 156,137 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
- Risk
- If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Jun 29, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V341000 · 51 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 27, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 8, 2011. A CONTROL MODULE IN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) UNIT MAY MALFUNCTION, RESULTING IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE.
- Risk
- SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2011 BMW X3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 BMW X3 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 34 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Engine And Engine Cooling — 20 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Power Train — 19 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 80,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 BMW X3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other X3 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 X3 | 29 | 187.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 22 |
| 2025 X3 | 29 | 187.4 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 38 |
| 2024 X3 | 25 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 42 |
| 2023 X3 | 25 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 15 |
| 2022 X3 | 25 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 84 |
| 2021 X3 | 27 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 113 |
| 2020 X3 | 27 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 16 | 110 |
| 2019 X3 | 26 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 171 |
| 2018 X3 | 25 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 11 | 76 |
| 2017 X3 | 24 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 6 | 92 |
| 2016 X3 | 30 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 5 | 82 |
| 2015 X3 | 30 | 183.1 in | Not rated | 7 | 104 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →