Start with the BMW you would actually buy
An X3 and an X5 can both belong on a used BMW shortlist, but the badge alone cannot tell you which fits your life. Start with the model year, engine, equipment and condition. A smaller purchase price is only one part of the decision when you also need room for passengers, luggage and the next round of maintenance.
This guide uses a 2019 X3 xDrive30i and a 2020 X5 xDrive40i as concrete examples of the configurations represented in Picasso Imports' inventory. It is a research comparison using published specifications. Check the current listings for availability and the details of each individual vehicle.
Compare fuel use with the correct engine and drivetrain
The EPA lists the 2019 X3 xDrive30i with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the 2020 X5 xDrive40i with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder. Both examples have all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic. Their combined ratings give you a consistent starting point for a fuel budget.
At an illustrative $4 per gallon of premium gasoline, the figures below work out to about $1,920 a year for the X3 and $2,182 for the X5 over 12,000 miles. Calculate your own estimate as annual miles divided by combined mpg, multiplied by fuel price. These are calculations, not current local fuel prices or a promise of real-world consumption.
| Vehicle | Combined mpg | Fuel cost per 100 miles |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i | 25 | $16.00 |
| 2020 BMW X5 xDrive40i | 22 | $18.18 |
Sources: EPA: 2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i · EPA: 2020 BMW X5 xDrive40i
Let everyday space decide whether to move up
Try your normal seating position before judging rear legroom. Load the stroller, suitcases or equipment you regularly carry, keeping the seats you need upright. Check the height of the loading floor and whether the liftgate clears your garage opening.
During a test drive, include the kinds of parking spaces and roads you use around Fishers or Westfield. Compare visibility, steering effort, seat support and cabin noise. Those observations are more useful to your decision than an unsupported comfort score.
Build a budget for the exact vehicle
Request a tire quote using the sizes fitted to the car, an insurance quote using its VIN and a maintenance review based on its records. Ask which services are documented, which are approaching and whether the vehicle has equipment that changes repair or replacement costs.
Use BMW's VIN-based owner's manual to check operating instructions and equipment. Have a qualified shop assess condition before you settle on a budget. A documented service history and a useful inspection tell you more about that purchase than assumptions about every X3 or every X5.
Sources: BMW USA: VIN-based owner's manuals
Which one should make your shortlist?
Start with the X3 example if its space meets your needs and you value the lower estimated fuel use shown here. Include the X5 if its cabin and loading arrangements work better for your passengers and you are comfortable with the full ownership budget. Compare condition and equipment before making the final choice.
Browse current BMW listings at Picasso Imports, then ask the team to confirm the showroom and availability before your visit.