Basic maintenance costs?
I am trying to buy a 2102 X3 with 65,000 miles on it, what does the basic maintenance cost look like?
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2012 BMW X3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Except for a few minor cosmetic touch-ups, the 2012 BMW X3 stands pat after a complete 2011 overhaul. This 5-passenger luxury midsize crossover ute sports the agility of its sedan cousins, plus nearly 70 cubic feet of cargo space and a comfy, feature-laden cabin, not to mention V6 power and efficiency. A choice of either the base xDrive28i or turbocharged xDrive35i again constitutes this cool ute’s trim lineup, with both featuring full-time all-wheel drive (AWD), split-folding rear seatbacks and the new-for-2011 8-speed transmission. Called a Sports Activity Vehicle by Beemer, the X3 won’t take to the outback real well, but handles wintry roads and back-country lanes just fine and looks good doing it.
Competition includes Acura’s surprisingly versatile RDX, Audi’s potent Q5, the venerable Cadillac SRX and Infiniti’s oddly contoured EX35. Alas, the Beemer’s pricier than all of them, though performance, ride and refinement are about even across the board. If it’s European flair and agility that’s wanted, however, the X3 should fit the bill nicely.
Both X3 trims sport a 3.0-liter V6 powerplant and the aforementioned 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The xDrive28i settles for the normally aspirated six-banger, which puts out 240 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, while the xDrive35i’s turbocharged version of the V6 slams down 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The 8-speed shiftable automatic common to both trims boasts descent control and a brake hill holder, while a locking mechanical center differential ensures power to all four wheels all the time. Towing is maxed out at 3,000 pounds on the xDrive35i and then only with the proper equipment, and mileage is in the vicinity of 19 mpg city/26 highway. The normally aspirated xDrive28i, meantime, is estimated at 19/25.
Scads of standard appearance, comfort and convenience features are, as is traditional, a major part of the X3’s cachet. Both trims boast 18-inch alloys, a rear spoiler, power glass sunroof, fixed rear sunroof and heated power-adjustable mirrors just on the outside. Inside look for leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable front seats and a folding rear armrest, as well as leather and alloy cabin accents and a leather steering wheel. Standard gizmos include remote power door locks, power windows, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, cruise control, automatic dual-zone climate control and memory for driver's settings. Entertainment is provided by a 205-watt, MP3-compatible single-CD player with 12 speakers, bolstered by an auxiliary iPod/iPhone interface, with Bluetooth technology and the available BMW Apps smoothing communications.
Options in both 2012 X3 trims include the Premium Sound Package, with 600 watts of audio power, surround sound and satellite radio, as well as a Cold Weather Package, with heated front and rear seats. A Dynamic Handling Package, featuring electromagnetic shock absorbers and driver-selectable suspension firmness is also available to both X3 trims, as are standalone options like a power liftgate, head-up windshield display, hard-drive-based navigation and a panoramic power moonroof. Finally, power-adjustable sport bucket seats, a universal garage door opener, power folding outside mirrors and upgraded 18-inch alloy wheels are all additional options available in various packages.
Beemer’s snazzy 2012 X3 is equipped with standard 4-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags and side-mounted airbags. Additional standard safety features include front fog/driving lights, daytime running lights, a post-collision safety system and a remote antitheft alarm. Automatic high beams, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera with Top View, and xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights are each among the X3’s optional safety offerings.
A number of owners think little of the 2012 X3’s rather tepid mileage, hefty price tag and overall build quality, while others have a problem with turbo lag and some noticeable hesitation in the 8-speed automatic at low speeds. The potent turbocharged V6, however, combined with a finely wrought interior, wealth of standard features and out-of-this-world handling – as well as the BMW cachet – all combine to draw lavish praise from those fortunate enough to drive this handsome, Euro-styled crossover.
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2012 BMW X3
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by Oleksandr K
Aug 12, 2024
Бмв це дуже хороше авто потужне безпечне і надійне .Aug 12, 2024
by Miko T
Jan 17, 2024
The X3 is very well appointed but its too small for my needs. Ill be looking at the X5 next. Jan 17, 2024
by Anonymous
Jul 06, 2023
Ok vehicle, glove compartment problems , third rear light leakage, turbo engines always seem to be not well maintained. The four cylinder has an engine recall.Jul 06, 2023
User rating:
by Oleksandr K
Aug 12, 2024
Бмв це дуже хороше авто потужне безпечне і надійне .Aug 12, 2024
by Miko T
Jan 17, 2024
The X3 is very well appointed but its too small for my needs. Ill be looking at the X5 next. Jan 17, 2024
by Anonymous
Jul 06, 2023
Ok vehicle, glove compartment problems , third rear light leakage, turbo engines always seem to be not well maintained. The four cylinder has an engine recall.Jul 06, 2023
by Troy B
Apr 07, 2022
First of all, BMW are great vehicles. My last car was a X5 and I loved it. I would get another but the gas mileage not that great so I thought the X3 would work. I was hoping the the X3 would be the same as the X5 only small with better gas mileage. Now I only looked at 3 X3s, but I notice the quality was no nearly the same. The seats, dash and overall feel of the interior was not as luxurious as the X5. The X3 is the poor mans X5, but still better then most.Apr 07, 2022
by Anonymous
Jan 30, 2022
Overall one of the best suvs out in the market in my opinion. Very durable, safe and mostly reliable as long as you do your part and making sure the vehicle came from a good home prior to purchase if you are buying used. Jan 30, 2022
by Masato I
Oct 11, 2021
Great. It is very nice car with Confort and Safety.Oct 11, 2021
by Bridget B
May 10, 2021
ok i think it should be cheaper priced, the car value is too high for a 2012 and the mileage and its a 2012May 10, 2021
by Dan H
Mar 02, 2021
I think this SUV is one of the best in the market. German technology is the best in the world. Great options along with fine performance.Mar 02, 2021
by walt e
Sep 05, 2013
This X3 with the sport package is the way to travel. Lots of room, great seats for a long trip, great highway performance when you let the ponies rule. Great fun in the twisties so long as you keep your luggage or clubs secure. There is no body roll, and that gets tighter yet when you switch on Sport Mode. Only thing better would be a stick so my wife couldn't drive it.Sep 05, 2013
by Michael W
May 23, 2013
I like the stereo in this BMW X3 and that is about it. The brakes are pathetic in it for a BMW and yet they say it is "operating as designed". That being the case it just may well be my last new BMW if that is what they have come to. Then there was the acceleration problem that my local dealer acted as if they had never heard of the problem before. So I provided them with the BMW Service bulletin so they could fix my car! But the wife likes it so until financially practical we will keep it..... maybe!May 23, 2013
by Anonymous
Jul 07, 2012
Very excited to compare this new X3 to my old body style X3 with the same colours and options! This SAV has many of the attractive body lines and characteristics of the more expensive X5--but in a more responsive, economical package.Jul 07, 2012
What users have asked
My BMW X3 fob has stopped working to open/lock doors but the engine starts. Fob batteries are fine. What should I do next?
The Fob for my BMW X3 has stopped working however if I hold the fob to the steering column the engine will start. This has started since I had my car serviced. The service centre say's it is the battery and that needs replacing, however, I'd like to know why there is enough power in the battery to get the car started but not enough for my fob to work. Over to you and thanks in advance..
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blind spot protection on which models
Which models of BMW x3 can I put blind spot protection on?
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Bmw will replace my 2012 engine
I bought this car bmw2012 x3 i28 2 and a half yes ago The block is no good Bmw is going to replace my engine at no cost is this a fair deal I still have a car payment for the next three years
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2012 BMW X3?Compare this car
2012 BMW X3 Pricing
Original MSRP
$37,100 to $42,700Price range
$8,268 to $8,782Average price on CG
$8,399YoY price change
$8,380 to $8,399Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: ready · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 205 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: wood · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Sunshade: side window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Headlights: HID · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Parking sensors: front and rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Damper Control: electronic · Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Navigation wireless data link: Bluetooth · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: ready · Total Number of Speakers: 12 · 205 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Memorized settings: climate control · Multi-function remote: hands-free multi-function remote with keyless ignition · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Headlights: HID · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass · Roof rack color: black
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Parking sensors: front and rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: underbody · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Damper Control: electronic · Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Navigation wireless data link: Bluetooth · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed