Making its debut in 1998, the BMW X3 was one of the first premium SUVs to hit the auto market.
The luxury compact crossover is both practical and comfortable whilst offering a sporty driving experience.
If your in the market for a top-of-the-range SUV then researching the X3 makes sense.
In this article we’ll cover exactly where this vehicle is produced, read on to find out!
Table of Contents
Where Are BMW X3 Being Made?
The BMW X3 is made in three locations: the Spartanburg plant located in the city of Greer, Southern California U.S.A., Plant Rosslyn in Pretoria, South Africa and the Dadong Plant in Shenyang China.
Most BMW X3’s will be produced in the U.S.A at the Spartanburg plant – the largest BMW production facility in the world.
The U.S. based plant is the only supplier for X3s in North America and it also exports X3’s internationally.
Similarly, X3’s produced in South Africa supply the local market as well as exporting internationally.
The Chinese plant in Shenyang however, is responsible for local distribution only and is the only place in which BMW’s electric iX3 is being produced where it is shipped to 39 countries and districts, mainly in Europe.
Are BMW X3s for the U.S. Market Produced in the U.S.?
All BMW X3 models sold in North America are produced in the U.S. at the Spartanburg plant in Greer, Southern California. The facility is BMW’s largest plant in terms of production volume and has been in operation for over 25 years.
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city of Greer is home to BMWs Spartanburg plant.
From here the X3 is distributed to more than 300 suppliers across the country, as well as exporting BMW X3s globally.
Spartanburg plant facts:
- Employs 11,000 people
- Covers 7 million square feet
- 70% of production is exported to world markets
- Over 1500 vehicles produced daily
- Over 5 million BMW’s have been produced here
- The X6, X4, X3, X7, X5 are also built here
Please also see our article: BMW X3 in snow and winter driving
Are they Being Assembled in the U.S.?
Most BMW X3’s are assembled in the U.S., at the BMW manufacturing facility in South Carolina. The Spartanburg plant in the U.S. produces the majority of the world’s X series vehicles, including the X3.
The Rosslyn Plant, in South Africa, also produces and assembles the BMW X3.
Additionally, there are several assembly plants throughout the world that put the SUV together from parts received from either the United States or South Africa.
These are known as ‘Complete Knock-down Assembly Plants’.
Complete knock-down assembly plants for the BMW X3 are located in:
- Araquari, Brazil
- Shenyang, China
- Chennai, India
- Kaliningrad, Russia
- Jakarta, Indonesia
- Rayong, Thailand
How Can You Check Where a Specific BMW X3 Was Produced?
Finding out where a BMW X3 is produced is a relatively easy process, but the difference between manufactured and assembled should be noted.
Production is limited to 3 manufacturing plants in the U.S, South Africa and China – however, assembly takes place around the world.
To determine where a specific BMW X3 was produced, the easiest way is to check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
The X3 VIN is can be found:
- Inside frame or jamb of the driver-side front door
- In the dashboard near the base of the windscreen on the driver’s side
- In the owner manual
The VIN is a string of digits given to each automobile to identify, origin, make, model, type, and more.
The first three digits are known as the vehicle identifier and show the country of origin, as well as the plant that the vehicle was produced in.
There are many free VIN lookup tools available online.
You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do BMW X3 Last?
Are Japanese or European Built BMW X3’s Better?
The BMW X3 is not produced in Europe or Japan.
Where is the BMW X3 Designed?
The BMW X3’s design is managed by the corporate design office, in Germany.
However, each new generation has included elements and ideas from different designers.
The 2017 X3 was designed by Calvin Luk, one of the youngest ever BMW designers.
Over the years, Designworks a subsidiary of the BMW Group, have been deeply involved in the design and development of the X3, their HQ is based in Los Angeles.
Where Are BMW X3s Made for the Australia Market?
BMW X3s made for the Australian Market are produced in the U.S., at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina.
BMW X3 models available in the Australian market include:
- BMW X3 xLine
- BMW X3 M Sport
- BMW iX3 PREMIER EDITION (Made in China)
Where Are BMW X3s Made for the Canada Market?
BMW X3s made for the Canadian Market are produced in the U.S., at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina.
BMW X3 models available in the Canadian market include:
- BMW X3 xDrive30i
- BMW X3 xDrive30e
- BMW X3 M40i
- BMW X3 xDrive30i Essential
- BMW X3 PHEV
Related: 21 Best & Worst BMW X3 Years (With Facts & Stats)
Where Are BMW X3s Made for the UK Market?
BMW X5s made for the UK market are produced at the U.S. plant, Spartanburg. The plant is located in Greer, South Carolina.
BMW X3 models available in the UK market include:
- BMW X3 SE
- BMW X3 xLine
- BMW X3 M
- BMW X3 M Sport
- BMW iX3 PREMIER EDITION (Made in China)
X3 Models available in the UK include options for gas, diesel, and hybrid.
Is BMW Planning to Move Its Production?
BMW is not currently not planning to move its production, although it has expanded in recent years with new plants in Mexico and China.
The Spartanburg plant will remain as the main production facility of the X3.
Is BMW Hiring or Firing in the U.S.?
Whether you are looking for a corporate position, a career as a sales representative, a technician, or a mechanic, BMW is always looking for talented people to join its team.
There are often positions available at the production facility in South Carolina, the headquarters in New Jersey, and many of the official dealerships and service centers across the country.
Career opportunities can be found on the BMW website and also on popular job sites such as glassdoor and indeed.com.
Is BMW an American Company?
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG otherwise known as BMW in not an American company and is in fact is a German multinational corporation which operates in over 140 countries around the world.
Of those 140 countries, 31 host production facilities.
The BMW Group’s sales HQ is located in Woodcliff Lake, in New Jersey.
BMW Manufacturing Company, in operation since 1992, is located in Greer, South Carolina.
The Spartanburg Plant is responsible for producing the X series to much of the world.
You might also be interested in our article: where are BMW X5 made
BMW Spartanburg Tour
References
https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/company/leadership-and-governance.html
https://www.bmwgroup-werke.com/spartanburg/en.html
https://www.bmwgroup-werke.com/spartanburg/en/our-plant.html
https://vincheck.info/check/vin-check.php
https://www.vehiclehistory.com/
https://enginepatrol.com/bmw-good-first-car/
https://www.caradvice.com.au/bmw/x3/
https://www.futurecar.com/4254/BMW-is-Exporting-its-China-Made-iX3-Electric-SUV-to-39-Countries
