Generation history

BMW X3 generations and next redesign.

The BMW X3 has been through 2 generations, starting in 2003 and 2010. The gaps were 7 years, an average of 7.0. The pace has been steady. The current generation began in 2010. On that cadence the next full redesign points to 2016 through 2018, centered on 2017. This is a projection. It comes from the model's own past redesign years, not from the manufacturer. A mid-cycle refresh usually lands in between. Public records describe the current generation this way: The F25 is the second generation of BMW X3. Specifications, trims and the NHTSA safety record are on the BMW X3 model page.

Every generation

The BMW X3, generation by generation.

Generation	Code	Years	What changed
First generation	E83	2003–2010	The first-generation BMW X3, internally designated as the E83, was produced from 2003 to 2010 and based on the BMW 3 Series platform.
Second generation	F25	2010–present	The F25 is the second generation of BMW X3.

The BMW X3 spent 7.0 years per generation on average. The current one is 16 years old. Treat 2016 to 2018 as a range, not a date.

Source: BMW X3 (Wikipedia). The estimate is our arithmetic on those start years.

Open the BMW X3 model page for specifications, trims, safety record and answers.

In more detail

What each BMW X3 generation changed.

First generation, 2003 to 2010

The first-generation BMW X3, internally designated as the E83, was produced from 2003 to 2010 and based on the BMW 3 Series platform. The E83 was designed by BMW in conjunction with Magna Steyr of Graz, Austria who also manufactured all first-generation X3s under contract to BMW.

Second generation, 2010 to today

The F25 is the second generation of BMW X3. The vehicle was unveiled in 2010 at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. For this generation, production moved from Magna Steyr in Austria to at BMW's United States plant in Greer, South Carolina. Production started on 1 September 2010, and ended in August 2017.

Generation notes adapted from BMW X3 (Wikipedia).

Today's BMW X3

What the current generation is, and how it has held up.

BMW X3 at a glance

Production: 2003–present
Class: Compact luxury crossover SUV (D)
Body style: 5-door SUV

NHTSA rated the 2025 BMW X3 overall 4 of 5 stars, front crash 4 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.

Recent recalls (11 campaigns across the latest model years)

August 2026, Steering:Linkages:Knuckle:Spindle:Arm. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024-2026 X3 sDrive30i, X3 30 xDrive, and X3 M50 xDrive vehicles. The steering spindle may have been incorrectly attached to the steering column. Consequence: An incorrectly attached steering spindle can lead to a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
December 2025, Steering:Steering Control Module. BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2025-2026 X3 vehicles. While the vehicle is stationary, unexpected steering wheel movement (rotation) may occur. Consequence: Unintended steering wheel movement while the vehicle is stationary increases the risk of an injury and on the road, a crash.
April 2025, Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 X3 30 xDrive vehicles. The front brake discs may have been damaged during transport before they were installed on the vehicle. Consequence: Damaged front brakes may not function properly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Owners filed 35 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 BMW X3, most often about electrical system (12), steering (8), forward collision avoidance (8).