2010 BMW X3 — Full Specifications
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The 2010 BMW X3 is an SUV powered by a 3L 6-cyl premium gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 24 mpg (UK) / 20 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 23–24 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a BMW X3 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 3L 6-cyl |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 24 combined / 20 urban / 29 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 20 combined / 17 city / 24 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 276 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $4,100 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2010 BMW X3, all with the 3L 6-cyl engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 19 to 20 mpg (US), or 23 to 24 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (17/24) | 276 | $4,100 |
| 3L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (17/24) | 291 | $4,350 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2010 BMW X3
Running Costs: 2010 BMW X3
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2010 BMW X3 at 24 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,515 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $4,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2010 BMW X3 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2010 BMW X3 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Engine and engine cooling (2), Air bags (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Engine and engine cooling — campaign 23V707000, reported 20 October 2023. Risk: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Air bags — campaign 20V017000, reported 15 January 2020. Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Engine and engine cooling — campaign 17V683000, reported 30 October 2017. Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
- Air bags — campaign 17V605000, reported 28 September 2017. Risk: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Owners have filed 85 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 BMW X3. The most-reported areas are Air bags (35), Engine and engine cooling (16), Engine (14). Complaints include 3 reported crashes, 4 reported fires, 1 reported injury. That is close to the median of 85 complaints across the 17 BMW X3 model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2010 BMW X3
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (2 recall campaigns · 35 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Engine cooling (2 recall campaigns · 16 owner complaints) — Check coolant level, look for leaks and make sure the temperature stays steady in traffic.
- Engine (14 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Electrical system (11 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the BMW X3 compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 24 mpg figure is 3 mpg below that average. Its 276 g/km CO₂ figure is 23 g/km higher than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
BMW models in our database average about 28 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2010 BMW X3's 24 mpg is 4 mpg below that make average. Its 276 g/km CO₂ figure is 36 g/km higher than the 240 g/km BMW average.
Of the 17 BMW X3 model years we cover, the 2010 ranks 17th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (24 mpg UK combined, against a high of 36 mpg). See every BMW X3 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2010 BMW X3 have?
It's fitted with a 3L 6-cyl premium gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (s6) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2010 BMW X3?
The most efficient configuration returns around 24 mpg (UK) combined, or 20 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 23 to 24 mpg.
How much does the 2010 BMW X3 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $4,100 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2010 BMW X3 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2010 BMW X3 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Engine and engine cooling (2), Air bags (2). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2010 BMW X3?
Among the 85 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Air bags (35 complaints), Engine and engine cooling (16 complaints), Engine (14 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the BMW X3's fuel economy good for an SUV?
It returns around 24 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.