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BMW X3 Estate (2004-2010) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 2.5 out of 52.5

Written by David Ross Published: 6 June 2019

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

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Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 23 - 45 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

View mpg & specs for any version

If you opt for one of the diesel engines, you’ll find running costs reasonable – the xDrive18d model is the most fuel efficient and is capable of 46mpg . BMW servicing and parts aren’t cheap, but the firm does offer a package for those buying new called Service Inclusive, which covers you for five years/60,000 miles of servicing for one up-front payment.

The X3 does feature BMWs Efficient Dynamics technology but it’s limited to lightweight materials and active aerodynamics. The best model is the xDrive18d (launched in April 2009) which emits 165g/km of CO2 and is capable of 46mpg.

Build quality is superb, as you’d expect of a BMW, and the X3 is so far proving to be reliable, although a few minor problems have been reported by owners – particularly on early cars.