Used BMW iX3 2021-2025 reliability
Category: Electric SUV
From its driving experience to its interior quality, the BMW iX3 is a class act and a good used buy.
What should I look for in a used BMW iX3 4x4?
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car buying checklist.
The iX3 will likely have been used on motorways and the school run, so check the bodywork for stone chips and parking scuffs, as well as for any damage to the alloy wheels. Make sure all the electrics are working as they should be, too.
What are the most common problems with a used BMW iX3 4x4?
At the time of writing, the iX3 has two recalls listed. To check whether they have affected your car, you can contact your local BMW dealer. You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.
Reason for recall
In rare cases due to a software error, the fast intermediate circuit discharge is triggered late.
How the manufacturer will repair: On the affected vehicles, software in the Battery Management Unit (BMU) will be updated by reprogramming.
Number of affected vehicles: 384
Date of recall: 19/10/2021
Reason for recall
A cable bridge connection connecting two circuit boards within the cell supervision circuit (CSC) might not have been installed properly.
How the manufacturer will repair: On the affected vehicles, the CSC inside the high-voltage battery will be replaced.
Number of affected vehicles: 28
Date of recall: 06/05/2023
Is a used BMW iX3 4x4 reliable?
The iX3 did very well in our latest What Car? Reliability Survey, finishing in fourth place out of 27 cars the electric SUV category, with a score of 95.5%. This placed it above the Audi Q4 e-tron and Jaguar I-Pace, but below the Tesla Model Y.
As a car brand, BMW did quite well, coming sixth out of 30 car makers ranked. This places it above most of its premium rivals, including Audi, Jaguar, Porsche and Mercedes.
Used BMW iX3 reliability: the owners' view
In our latest Reliability Survey, BMW iX3 owners said their cars had been generally dependable, with most owners reporting no major issues. Several respondents praised the electric SUV for its fault-free performance over their ownership period. However, a minority of owners mentioned minor software glitches, such as infotainment bugs and occasional warning lights appearing without a clear fault. These were usually resolved quickly with software updates or resets.
Dealer service feedback was mixed. Some owners highlighted prompt and courteous responses from BMW dealerships, particularly when arranging service appointments or addressing queries. However, a few reported delays in booking appointments and felt that communication from the service departments could be improved. One owner cited a frustrating experience involving a warning light that took multiple visits to resolve.
Overall, the iX3 shows good reliability for an electric SUV, but BMW’s dealer network could improve consistency in aftersales support.
