BMW X3 Problems and Repair Histories

BMW X3 problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys

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BMW X3

BMW X3s for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the BMW X3 problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.

For BMW X3 problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the BMW X3 problems and repair histories that follow it.

Year	Make/Model	Trips/Year/100 Cars	Compared to all models for the same year
2012	BMW X3		18 X3s, 7.8 months of data per X3, average 8900 miles Small sample size. Join or 18 X3s, 7.8 months of data per X3, average 8900 miles Small sample size. sign in to view	see reported repairs
2011	BMW X3		23 X3s, 9.2 months of data per X3, average 12100 miles Small sample size. Join or 23 X3s, 9.2 months of data per X3, average 12100 miles Small sample size. sign in to view	see reported repairs
2008	BMW X3		13 X3s, 7.9 months of data per X3, average 47200 miles Small sample size. Join or 13 X3s, 7.9 months of data per X3, average 47200 miles Small sample size. sign in to view	see reported repairs
2007	BMW X3	29 X3s, 9.5 months of data per X3, average 63700 miles65	Fewest Trips Most Trips	see reported repairs
2006	BMW X3		14 X3s, 8.1 months of data per X3, average 70400 miles Small sample size. Join or 14 X3s, 8.1 months of data per X3, average 70400 miles Small sample size. sign in to view	see reported repairs
2005	BMW X3		12 X3s, 9.3 months of data per X3, average 79900 miles Small sample size. Join or 12 X3s, 9.3 months of data per X3, average 79900 miles Small sample size. sign in to view	see reported repairs
2004	BMW X3		16 X3s, 9.8 months of data per X3, average 91500 miles Small sample size. Join or 16 X3s, 9.8 months of data per X3, average 91500 miles Small sample size. sign in to view	see reported repairs

BMW X3 in Connecticut, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jun	2012	0		First odometer entry
Apr	2013	8000	0	Sunroof squeaked badly when cold. Dealer added felt tape and problem is gone.

BMW X3 in California, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2013	3000		First odometer entry
Mar	2013	4000	0	oil level indicator malfunction

BMW X3 in Minnesota, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jun	2012	1000		First odometer entry
Aug	2012	7700	0	Malfunction Light Came On. Dealer checked Code and said it had to do with the transfer case. Couldn't find a problem. REset light. No problem since.
Nov	2012	15000	0	Creaks in seat and panoramic roof.
Mar	2013	20000		Most recent odometer entry.

BMW X3 in Tennessee, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2012	0		First odometer entry
Feb	2013		0	many lights on the dashboard malfunctioned, including the check engine, tire pressure monitor, and parking brake lights. the entire control module had to be replaced.
Mar	2013	4000		Most recent odometer entry.

BMW X3 in Ontario, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2013	0		First odometer entry
Apr	2013	620	0	Power Trunk occassionally fails to latch. Dealer could not replicate problem. Subwoofer "pops" upon main ignition. Could be a problem with the start up sequence of the amplifier and the subwoofer. (Should be amp, then sub, not backwards or same time). Dealer asked BMW Canada but no solutions offered.

BMW X3 in Florida, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2011	1000		First odometer entry
May	2012	5000	0	Engine yellow light came on due to a faulty sensor and charcoal canister
Aug	2012	7500	0	Installed parts to fix yellow light issue. Fuel charcoal canister replaced and some sensors. Yellow check engine light came back on over a week later, replaced knock sensor.
Mar	2013	13000		Most recent odometer entry.

BMW X3 in Norway
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2011	0		First odometer entry
May	2012	4620	0	Did get this error message: NO ACOUSTIC SOUND. They have to change the whole AUDIO system. Must go back next week when the get the system.
Apr	2013	14260		Most recent odometer entry.

BMW X3 in Great Britain
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2012	11000		First odometer entry
Jan	2013	11000	0	Clonking noise every 45 deg of steering wheel movement

BMW X3 in North Carolina, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2011	4000		First odometer entry
Sep	2012	21000	0	elec. short in auto rear hatch opener. rear hatch would open when any door was opened after being locked or left standing moring than 10 minutes and or just open when placed in gear.
Feb	2013	27000	0	reset brake pads. Replaced all wipers
Apr	2013	31000		Most recent odometer entry.

BMW X3 in Victoria, Australia
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jun	2012	10540		First odometer entry
Nov	2012	19200	0	My car has been having all type of problems such as sunroof replacement, water leaks, windscreen replacement, trims etc etc etc since I first bought it. None of these problems have been fixed. I hate to say it, but I will never buy a BMW again!
Dec	2012	22940	0	Wind screen has problems. Dealer unable to fit it properly.
Jan	2013	22940	0	Dealer has booked the car in to change parts inside car since lights are not working. Dealer will also have another attempt to fix windscreen trims....

BMW X3 in Kentucky, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Apr	2012		0	The Tire Pressure Monitor Malfunction warning was going off. They said they replaced the right front wheel pressure sensor. While driving home from the repair to TPM malfunction on 4/10/12, the warning for TPM malfunction went off EIGHT times. On 4/19/2012 replaced all tire pressure sensors besides right front due to previous replacement.
Jun	2012	5000	0	The visor/shade on the sunroof would not open. After several separate attempts, finally got this to open, then it wouldn't close. The sunroof itself would go up and down (not open fully), but the shade would not move. While talking on my Bluetooth, I arrived home. To disconnect the call, I had to walk quite a distance. The vehicle was completely shut off. When I walked closer, the phone reconnected to the Bluetooth. Happened 3 separate days/calls. Not every time, but frequently, when I push the button the second time to turn the vehicle off, the windshield wipers "jump" from the resting position. The windshield wipers have not been on when this happens. My memory seats do not "remember" the settings. This has happened a few times, but not all of the time.
Jul	2012	5000	0	Memory on seats fixed. Replaced combox to fix Bluetooth. My phone wouldn�t pair when got home. Sent someone to my house to assist. After several attempts (and 2 phone calls), he was able to successfully pair the phone. Have had a couple of problems with it since then. Dealer saying both that the wipers "jump" by design, to keep them from dry rotting to the windshield, and that they can't replicate this. Which?
Sep	2012	5000	0	Went through BBB, got car bought back by BMW. Continuing problem with Bluetooth, new one with RDS feed.

BMW X3 in Florida, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2011	31000		First odometer entry
Apr	2011	33300	0	Leaky sunroof seal and wind noise. Replaced seal and reprogrammed. Apparently, whenever they replace the seal, they must re-program something that detects when to stop the motor based on the pressure of closing the sunroof. Right rear reverse (white) light was not functional. It was replaced with a new bulb. Exhaust Camshaft valve lifter replaced which were causing a ticking sound.
Jun	2011	36000	0	fault code 2A87 for DME exhaust VANOS mechanism. Performed SIB 110208 and performed Test Plan B1214. replaced both VANOS solenoids and changed oil and filter.
Mar	2012	49000	0	There was oil leaking from the eccentric shaft & valvetronic motor gaskets. The dealer originally thought it was coming from the valve covers based on initial appearance. Windshield washers not spraying properly (2nd time in a year) Passenger side rearview mirror no longer tilts down when going in reverse. Passenger side rearview mirror motor stopped tilting down upon going into reverse. This was addressed in previous repair visit, but part was not in stock. The motor was replaced on this visit and is now working.

BMW X3 in New York, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jul	2011	32000		First odometer entry
Sep	2011	33000	0	Water leak into rear passenger compartment. Dealer discovered sunroof drain was clogged and left-rear vapor barrier was torn. Sunroof was removed to clear its drains, new left-rear vapor barrier installed, and other 3 were resealed.
Oct	2011	33000	0	Loud ticking noise from engine after not being driven for several days which went away after several minutes of driving. Turns out it is a common problem and there is a service bulletin that requires replacing the engine head.

BMW X3 in Colorado, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Sep	2009	39000		First odometer entry
Nov	2009	39000	0	Steering wheel trim pieces and shift knob flaking. Parts ordered. Ordered parts replaced. Radio goes out on AM and FM, comes back on automatically. New radio ordered under factory warranty.
Dec	2009	40000	0	Transmission reflash needed, now shifts smooth.
Jul	2010			Most recent odometer entry.

BMW X3 in Indonesia
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Oct	2011	620		First odometer entry
Nov	2011	920	0	Replacing mechanism for floating headliner Checking function of soft top sunroof Slid. parts Mech. system
Jan	2013	5580	0	Driver's side window screeching upon opening/closing
Mar	2013	5580		Most recent odometer entry.

BMW X3 in Massachusetts, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Oct	2011	2000		First odometer entry
Apr	2012	7700	0	The tire pressure monitor was giving malfunction notifications.
Sep	2012	13000	200	The tire pressure monitor was giving malfunction notifications.
Mar	2013	16000	0	Tire pressure monitor reported failure

BMW X3 in New Mexico, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jan	2013		0	Air conditioner evaporator replaced under warranty. A/C was losing charge and not cooling every couple weeks. Only took dealer 1 day to fix after getting all parts.

BMW X3 in Maryland, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Feb	2011	41000		First odometer entry
Oct	2011	50300	0	Portion of steering wheel hub worn smooth - replaced.
Mar	2013	70000		Most recent odometer entry.

BMW X3 in Wisconsin, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Oct	2009	39000		First odometer entry
Nov	2009	39000	0	harsh shifting in standard automatic mode - especially from 3rd to fourth gear - not present in steptronic mode.
Apr	2010	41000	0	bad O2 sensor
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

BMW X3 in Alabama, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Jun	2009	54000		First odometer entry
Jul	2010	65000	744	Went in for 15,000 miles service interval. I found out that the front rotors were worn to 4 mm. I was told that 3 mm they would be dangerous and so decided to have the front brakes redone.
Nov	2010	69700	50	Vents on the passenger side were blowing air that was noticeably warmer than that from the driver's side. The AC evaporator was replaced. Repair was covered by CPO warranty.
Nov	2011	81500	380	Had problems with hot starts. Dealer identified as bad fuel pump. During repair, dealer found that fuel check valve/filter was also bad. Fuel pump was covered under warranty ($50 deductible), valve/filter cost $330 P&L.
Jan	2012	83000	858	Crankcase ventilation valve went out. Dealer replaced valve and attached hoses.
Feb	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

BMW X3 in Ohio, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Dec	2009	51000		First odometer entry
Mar	2010	56000	0	wind and water leak from sunroof - rear passenger area faulty fuel injector causing hesitation at wide open throttle. One replaced
Apr	2011	76700	50	DISA valve failed, causing lean condition report from both O2 sensors but a normal condition from the MAF, so it threw two faults - P0170 and P0171 Drivers heated seat only working on back, not seat. Part would have cost $650 if not under warranty!! Included the leather seat because the heater is bonded to the leather. Dumb.
Mar	2013	110000		Most recent odometer entry.

BMW X3 in Virginia, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Apr	2011	88000		First odometer entry
May	2011	92000	1000	Tie rod bushings were cracked and worn causing knocking noises and were replaced
Aug	2011	98000	1100	Failed safety inspection. Bad thrust rod bushings - not covered under CPO warranty. Rear spring coils covered under CPO.
Jan	2012			Most recent odometer entry.

BMW X3 in British Columbia, Canada
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2011	60760		First odometer entry
Dec	2011	61380	850	Replaced left front wheel bearing and hub.
Jan	2012	62000		Most recent odometer entry.

BMW X3 in Georgia, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Nov	2009	67000		First odometer entry
Dec	2009	67000	0	The rear differential is bad. The repair shop fill it with oil but stated that the problem would still exist. They couldn't tell how long the temporary fix would last without replacing the differential and $2200 bucks.
Jun	2011			Most recent odometer entry.

BMW X3 Problems and Repair Histories

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BMW X3 Reliability through December 31, 2012

2013 BMW X3

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2012 BMW X3 4dr SUV

2012 BMW X3 4dr SUV

2011.5 BMW X3 4-door

2011 BMW X3 4dr SUV

2011 BMW X3 4dr SUV

2011 BMW X3 4dr SUV

2009 BMW X3 4dr SUV

2008 BMW X3 4dr SUV

2008 BMW X3 4dr SUV

2008 BMW X3 4dr SUV

2007 BMW X3 4dr SUV

2007 BMW X3 4dr SUV

2006 BMW X3 4dr SUV

2005 BMW X3 4dr SUV

2005 BMW X3 4dr SUV

2004 BMW X3 4dr SUV

2004 BMW X3 4dr SUV

2004 BMW X3 4dr SUV

Expert BMW X3 Repair Advice

What People Are Saying about Problems with the BMW X3

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BMW X3

BMW X3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Month	Year	Odometer (in miles)	Cost	Problem/Repair Description
Sep	2009	41000		First odometer entry
Dec	2009	43000	50	emissions sensor malfunction-- sensor replaced
Apr	2010	45000	0	Have had engine noise since April 2008. Dealer stated no problems shown on computer. Have had independent oil analysis done & have given dealer results several times showing excess bearing wear or a cracked head or casting.
Jun	2010	45000	0	engine bearing noise-- dealer says nothing wrong-- oil analysis says problem much worse & bearing is ready to fail