All BMW X3 engines have timing chains from the model years 2004 to 2025. All BMW X3 engines from 2004 to 2025 are interference.
Scroll down to see specific data for your model year below.
The timing belt (or chain) maintains the proper synchronization between the various engine components in a combustion engine.
If the belt or chain stretches or breaks, it can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
Timing belts have a recommended replacement interval, while timing chains are generally rated for the engines lifetime, although they need to be inspected occasionally.
| Year | Engine | Belt Or Chain | Interference | Service Interval |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2.0L I4 Turbo Mild Hybrid 251 hp | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2025 | 3.0L I6 Turbo Mild Hybrid 376 hp | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2024 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2024 | 3.0L Straight 6 Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2023 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2023 | 3.0L Straight 6 Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2022 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2022 | 3.0L Straight 6 Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2021 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Hybrid Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2021 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2021 | 3.0L Straight 6 Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2020 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Hybrid Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2020 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2020 | 3.0L Straight 6 Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2019 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2019 | 3.0L Straight 6 Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2018 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2018 | 3.0L Straight 6 Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2017 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Diesel Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2017 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2017 | 3.0L Straight 6 Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2016 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Diesel Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2016 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2016 | 3.0L Straight 6 Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Diesel Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2015 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2015 | 3.0L Straight 6 Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2014 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2014 | 3.0L Straight 6 Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2013 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2013 | 3.0L Straight 6 Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2012 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2012 | 3.0L Straight 6 Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2011 | 3.0L Straight 6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2011 | 3.0L Straight 6 Turbocharged | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2010 | 3.0L Straight 6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2009 | 3.0L Straight 6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2008 | 3.0L Straight 6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2007 | 3.0L Straight 6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2006 | 3.0L Straight 6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2005 | 2.5L Straight 6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2005 | 3.0L Straight 6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2004 | 2.5L Straight 6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |
| 2004 | 3.0L Straight 6 | Timing Chain | Interference | Lifetime |