The Good
The 2009 BMW X3 boasts strong performance thanks to its inline-six engine, providing a fun driving experience. Its comfortable interior and classic BMW design appeal to emotional buyers, while its practicality as a small SUV and relatively decent fuel efficiency offer value for the practical minded. Solid build quality contributes to reasonable reliability for its age.
The Bad
Common weaknesses of the 2009 BMW X3 include potential issues with the cooling system (water pump, thermostat housing), oil leaks, and electronic malfunctions. Suspension components may also require attention due to wear and tear. Repair costs can be higher than average compared to non-luxury brands.
2009 BMW X3: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 3.0i: 3.0-liter inline-6
- 3.0si: 3.0-liter inline-6 (higher output)
- Horsepower:
- 3.0i: 215 hp
- 3.0si: 260 hp
- Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated):
- 3.0i: 16 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
- 3.0si: 16 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
- 0-60 mph Times:
- 3.0i: Approximately 7.6 seconds
- 3.0si: Approximately 6.7 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Up to 3,500 lbs (with optional towing package)
- Trim-Level Features (Typical):
- 3.0i: Leatherette upholstery, automatic climate control, premium sound system, power windows/locks/mirrors, alloy wheels, stability control.
- 3.0si: Adds leather upholstery, sport seats, upgraded trim, and potentially other optional features like a panoramic sunroof and navigation system.
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (xDrive) standard
2009 BMW X3 Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2009 |
| Make | BMW |
| Model | X3 |
| Trim | - |
| Style | 4-Door All-Wheel Drive |
| Type | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Category | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Germany |
| Manufacturing City | GRAZ |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 1844.76 kg |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 2290.19 kg |
| Overall Height | 167.39 cm |
| Overall Length | 456.95 cm |
| Overall Width | 185.42 cm |
| Wheelbase Length | 279.65 cm |
| Standard Seating | 5 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 3.0 |
| Engine Size | 3L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 6-Speed |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | 4-Wheel ABS |
| Steering Type | Rack & Pinion |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $39,700 USD |
| Invoice Price | $36,525 USD |
| Delivery Charges | $825 USD |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2009 BMW X3 Have?
How long will the 2009 BMW X3 last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Safety features included front and side airbags, as well as side curtain airbags for both rows.
Optional features like parking sensors were available to aid in maneuvering. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) were generally good for its class at the time. While it lacks the advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) of contemporary cars, it offered a solid level of safety for its era, with active safety systems designed to prevent accidents and passive systems to mitigate injury in the event of a collision. It's important to remember that technology and safety standards have advanced significantly since 2009.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2009 BMW X3 Prices and Market Value
2009 BMW X3 Cost of Ownership
2009 BMW X3 Fuel Efficiency
2009 BMW X3 Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
2009 BMW X3 Warranty
Basic
Powertrain
Rust
2009 BMW X3 Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2009 BMW X3 Compare to Other Sport Utility Vehicle?
Alternatives to the 2009 X3 could include a newer, more reliable non-luxury SUV like a Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 if reliability is a top priority. If a similar driving experience is desired with potentially lower maintenance costs, the Acura RDX could be a better choice, but consider its own set of potential issues. The Mercedes-Benz GLK offers a more comfortable ride but may also have its own reliability concerns.
Ranks #640 SUV
| 1 | 2023 Toyota 4Runner | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | (5.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus GX | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | (0.0★) |
| 5 | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | (5.0★) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW iX | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | (3.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2024 Chevrolet Trax | (5.0★) |
| 10 | 2023 Audi A4 allroad | (0.0★) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Kona N | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan ARIYA | (5.0★) |
| 640 | 2009 BMW X3 | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2009 BMW X3 a Good Sport Utility Vehicle?
Lakshman on October 16, 2019
Excelling driving experienceThis car has good performance and safety to get on the roads. Fun to drive and a more reliable car. I drove this car for 120k miles.
Yandel on June 6, 2019
For a Car 10 years old, its in Great Condition.This car took me to work 5 days a week and the only problem was a Spark plug getting old, so it was replaced immediately.
Skiprobill on May 19, 2018
Great suv, 3 liter had great power. Heated seats nWonderful car for travel and skiing. The heated seats and sterring wheel made the cold mornings in Vermont bearable. All wheel drive made Vermont winters a breeze.
Rev39 on April 30, 2018
Most reliable car I've ever ownedLove it love it love it couldn't ask for a better car best car ever so if you plan on getting one please do you will be so excited to have owned one believe mev
Bwanarick on April 23, 2018
Least reliable car I have owned.Lots of fun to drive, handles extremely well. However, the car is off the charts expensive to repair. Once out of warranty, BMW will not stand behind their product and BMW North America will not return calls or respond to correspondence, regardless of the severity of the problem.
Dhia on February 6, 2018
Highly versatileThe X3 is an SUV that almost convinces you it's a sedan. The NA inline-6 never feels overworked (2700-2800 RPMs at 120kmh), and the transmission always feels like it's in the right gear. The low center of gravity (for an SUV) and stability control allow it to take turns that would have others oversteering, and at times I forgot it's all-wheel drive with how well it handles. The steering is very precise but I don't think there's enough feedback. The suspension is harsh but I prefer that over an overly smooth one. My biggest gripe is the very soft brake pedal. The exterior is nicely styled save for the choppy looking tail-lights. The interior nearly feels like a full-blown luxury car; the only downside is the button layout on the dash is unintuitive. The navigation system I never use but I expect it to be outdated. Cargo space is top-notch, as well, and rear legroom is decent. Visibility is excellent and the sunroof makes the car feel very airy. Fuel economy is very decent; I average 8.9-9.2 L/100km. That being said, the car is somewhat overpriced, though in my experience it has had very few problems over nearly 40,000 kms driven.
Mohamad on November 6, 2017
Everything you need and want.This is a very fun sav to drive. It has everything I need. It has power, awd, panoramic sunroof, navigation, etc. It has it all.
CarolNC on August 8, 2017
Love to hateThis is a wonderful high performance car... holds the road better than any other car I've ever driven; the roving headlight feature is awesome for mountain driving at night. The downside is that this car is expensive to operate and maintain, not to mention repair! And repairs were something I got very tired of!
Kobus on December 4, 2014
A great little carIt is a solid car of good quality and very decent performance. Mine is the 3,0 litre diesel with six speed auto gearbox. Fuel consumption is around 11 l/100 km (21 mpg US, 26 mpg UK) around town, and 8 l/100 km (29 mpg US, 35 mpg UK). Die gearbox and engine are impressively smooth, and the car is perfectly stable at speed, making long distance travel a pleasure. There is, however, a noticeable turbo-lag: drive at low speed and suddenly open the throttle, and for a few moments very little happens before the high torque kicks in and propels the car forwards with a satisfying push.
can be used for any occasion on April 7, 2014
excellent handle and capability5 STAR VEHICLE ALSO IT'S A SAFE AND SOLID AUTOMOBILE; I WOULD RECOMMEND TO ANYONE, I HAD THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE BEFORE AND NEVER LET ME DOWN AT ALL.
Simon A
Simon is a contributor to VinCheck, where he provides articles and reviews on various automotive topics. His work focuses on delivering accurate and up-to-date information about used cars, helping readers make informed decisions.