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2015 BMW X3

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.

BMW X3
Pictured: BMW X3 M (G01) FL IAA 2021 1X7A0001. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Body styles
Xdrive28d 4dr SUV, Xdrive28i 4dr SUV, Xdrive35i 4dr SUV
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Horsepower
181–300 hp
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
30 combined · 27 city / 33 hwy
Length
183.1 in
Curb weight
4,149–4,231 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
7 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 33% better than the average 2015 small SUV (22.6 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Modest powerUp to 300 hp, versus about 420 hp for similar 2015 models.
  • Many owner complaints104 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 19 for similar models — most often about the engine.
  • 7 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2015 BMW X3 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.

It measures about 183 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,231 lb (Xdrive28d 4dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (27 city / 33 highway), 33% better than the 2015 small SUV average of 22.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 104 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2015

  • New diesel version
  • Best combined MPG up from 24 to 30

Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 X3 →

Trims, performance & features

Engine241 hp2.0L
Engine181 hp2.0L 6-cyl
Engine300 hp3.0L 6-cyl
Engine241 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Engine–5.7L 8-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

xDrive28ixDrive28dxDrive35isDrive28iLaramie

Built in: Greer, South Carolina · Warren, Michigan

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2015 X3 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Xdrive28d 4dr SUV183.1 in74 in66.1 in110.6 in63.8 / 64.2 in4,231 lb50/50
Xdrive28i 4dr SUV183.1 in74 in66.1 in110.6 in63.8 / 64.2 in4,149 lb50/50
Xdrive35i 4dr SUV183.1 in74 in66.1 in110.6 in63.8 / 64.2 in4,231 lb50/50

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
X3 xDrive28d Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive27 / 33 / 30+33%$3,200345
X3 sDrive28i2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 240%$3,400375
X3 xDrive28i2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 24+6%$3,400375
X3 xDrive35i3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 21-7%$3,900416
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
22.6 MPG2015 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 BMW X3.

Similar 2015 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2015 BMW X3 (this car)30 MPGNot rated7
2015 Mercedes-Benz G-Class13 MPGNot rated0
2015 Land Rover Range Rover24 MPGNot rated11
2015 Porsche Cayenne23 MPGNot rated3
2015 BMW X527 MPGNot rated6
2015 Lexus RX29 MPGNot rated1
2015 Porsche Macan19 MPGNot rated7

Recalls (7)

Electrical System › Wiring › Connectors/Plugs/Receptacles · Aug 13, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V608000 · 720,796 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Risk
An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Fuel System, Diesel · Nov 19, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V907000 · 50,404 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon, 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV, and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV diesel vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
Risk
A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755. Vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on January 18, 2022. The remedy is expected to be available in June 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 6, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Fuel System, Diesel › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jul 29, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V586000 · 11,216 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, X5 xDrive35d, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, and 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
Risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) · Oct 25, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V755000 · 44,368 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot. The high EGR temperatures may result in these particles possibly smoldering and melting the intake manifold.
Risk
The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary. If a leak has already occurred, the engine intake manifold will also be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · Sep 21, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V683000 · 3,606 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 BMW X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, X3 xDrive35i, X3 xDrive28d, X4 xDrive28i and X4 xDrive35i vehicles, and model year 2014-2015 X5 xDrive35i, X5 sDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, and 2014 X5 xDrive35d vehicles. The affected vehicles have a driver's frontal air bag inflator that may have been improperly welded.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator housing could separate from the base plate and result in metal striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began on November 1, 2016. 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.
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior · Oct 16, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V648000 · 53 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 X3 and X4 Sports Activity Vehicles manufactured July 28, 2014 to July 29, 2014. The affected vehicles may have been produced with a driver's side exterior rearview mirror that was designed to meet non-US market requirements. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk
The driver may not notice that vehicles viewed in the mirror are closer than they appear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side exterior rearview mirror, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or [email protected].
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2015 BMW X3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

104Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
8Involved a crash
7Involved a fire
3Injuries reported
58,451 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine29
Electrical System21
Engine And Engine Cooling15
Unknown Or Other13
Fuel/Propulsion System13
Air Bags10
Fuel System, Diesel10
Power Train9
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/02: 123/04: 223/06: 123/10: 123/11: 124/01: 124/04: 124/07: 124/08: 324/11: 225/01: 525/02: 225/03: 325/04: 225/05: 225/06: 125/07: 125/10: 325/11: 125/12: 126/01: 126/02: 126/03: 126/06: 123/0223/1024/0424/1125/0325/0625/1126/02max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2015 BMW X3 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 29 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 21 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Engine And Engine Cooling — 15 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 58,451 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 BMW X3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other X3 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 X329187.4 inNot rated222
2025 X329187.4 in★★★★★938
2024 X325185.4 in★★★★★342
2023 X325185.4 in★★★★★415
2022 X325185.4 in★★★★★784
2021 X327185.4 in★★★★★10113
2020 X327185.4 in★★★★★16110
2019 X326185.4 in★★★★★10171
2018 X325185.4 inNot rated1176
2017 X324183.1 inNot rated692
2016 X330183.1 inNot rated582
2014 X324183.1 inNot rated683

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →