2023 BMW X3: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2023 BMW X3s, from 293 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 293 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2023 BMW X3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres7% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Lights and electrics2% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors2% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Suspension1% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Seats and seatbelts1% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Steering, suspension and seatbelt recallsAll engines
Recalls covered a steering part that could work loose (2018), front suspension parts (2019), seat frames, rear spoiler, airbags, and front seatbelt buckles and seatbelts (2020).
At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
Source: Auto Express: used BMW X3 (Mk3, 2017-2024) buyer’s guide
- Battery recall (plug-in hybrid)xDrive30e plug-in hybrid
The xDrive30e was recalled in 2020 for short circuits in the battery pack.
At the viewing: Ask for proof the recall was done.
Source: Auto Express: used BMW X3 (Mk3, 2017-2024) buyer’s guide
- Run-flat tyres crackingAll engines
Some owners found the factory Bridgestone run-flats cracked or wore early.
At the viewing: Look at the tyre sidewalls for cracks.
Source: Auto Express: used BMW X3 (Mk3, 2017-2024) buyer’s guide
- Software crashesAll engines
Some owners report software crashes the dealer couldn't fix.
At the viewing: Use the screen and connect your phone.
Source: Auto Express: used BMW X3 (Mk3, 2017-2024) buyer’s guide
Looking at a BMW X3?
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 7,442 | Tyres 21% |
| 2021 | 10,679 | Tyres 23% |
| 2020 | 7,575 | Tyres 23% |
| 2019 | 15,681 | Tyres 24% |
| 2018 | 8,148 | Tyres 25% |
| 2017 | 8,054 | Tyres 26% |
| 2016 | 8,948 | Tyres 27% |
| 2015 | 7,025 | Tyres 26% |
| 2014 | 6,052 | Tyres 28% |
| 2013 | 7,109 | Tyres 28% |
| 2012 | 6,659 | Tyres 29% |
| 2011 | 3,844 | Suspension 30% |
| 2010 | 818 | Suspension 31% |
| 2009 | 1,181 | Suspension 31% |
| 2008 | 1,257 | Suspension 33% |
| 2007 | 1,787 | Suspension 40% |
| 2006 | 2,382 | Suspension 40% |
| 2005 | 2,022 | Suspension 45% |
| 2004 | 1,719 | Oil and fluid leaks 42% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2023 BMW X3s registered in 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score