2016 BMW X3: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 BMW X3?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 BMW X3 than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Steering rack inner joints14.8× usual
  BMW X3

  8.9% All 2016 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Coil springs2.2× usual
  BMW X3

  7% All 2016 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Transmission oil leaks5.7× usual
  BMW X3

  2.3% All 2016 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2016 BMW X3 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 BMW X3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  27% 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.

• Suspension
  16% 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.

• Brakes
  16% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Steering
  9% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Lights and electrics
  6% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

Known faults on the 2016 BMW X3

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.

• EGR recall (diesel, fire risk)

  Diesel

  Diesels were recalled three times in 2018–19 for EGR system leaks that could cause a fire.

  At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Auto Express: used BMW X3 (Mk2, 2010-2017) what to look out for

• Fuel flow recall

  All engines

  A 2018 recall covered restricted fuel flow that could cut out the engine.

  At the viewing: Ask for proof the recall was done.

  Source: Auto Express: used BMW X3 (Mk2, 2010-2017) what to look out for

• Valve timing fault and limp mode

  All engines

  A variable valve timing fault could put the car into limp mode. There was a campaign in 2014.

  At the viewing: Watch for warning messages or a sudden lack of power.

  Source: Auto Express: used BMW X3 (Mk2, 2010-2017) what to look out for

• Rattles and creaks

  All engines

  Creaks and rattles from the doors, seats, tailgate and parcel shelf are quite common.

  At the viewing: Drive on a rough road and listen.

  Source: Auto Express: used BMW X3 (Mk2, 2010-2017) what to look out for

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 BMW X3

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Have the EGR recalls been done?
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 14.8× as often on the 2016 BMW X3 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2016 BMW X3 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the transmission oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 5.7× as often on the 2016 BMW X3 as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?