Bmw X3 problems
The BMW X3 is an SUV manufactured by BMW since 2003, based on the BMW 5 Series platform. Now in its third generation, BMW markets the car as a Sports Activity Vehicle, the company's proprietary descriptor for its X-line luxury vehicles.
The first-generation X3 was designed by BMW in conjunction with Magna Steyr of Graz, Austria—who also manufactured all X3s under contract to BMW. BMW manufactured the second-generation X3 at their Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, United States. Starting with the third generation, BMW South Africa's Rosslyn plant began production of the X3, alongside the Spartanburg plant, after the facility underwent a major upgrade to prepare for the X3 production, replacing the long-running 3 Series production in the plant. About 76,000 units will be manufactured there annually.
The car was the first mid-size, premium SUV on the market. In 2008, BMW started competing with the Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class (renamed GLC-Class since 2016), and numerous other SUVs in this segment. The X3 is smaller than the X5 and X6, and bigger than the X1 and the X2.
An all-electric variant is sold as the BMW iX3.
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Bmw X3 model years
Common Bmw X3 problems
The BMW X3, a luxury compact crossover SUV, has been praised for its design, performance, and technology. However, like any vehicle, it is not immune to problems. Here are some of the most common issues reported by BMW X3 owners, based on the provided search results:
- Electrical Problems: The BMW X3 is equipped with many advanced electronics, which can sometimes lead to issues with sensors, power windows, or the iDrive infotainment system. These problems can result in warning lights on the dashboard, malfunctions, or inconvenience for the driver. Regular maintenance and software updates are essential for addressing electrical problems. If issues persist, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic with expertise in BMW electronics for a thorough diagnosis and repair.
- Oil Leaks: Oil leaks are a common problem in BMW X3s, often attributed to gasket failures or problems with the oil pan. These leaks should be addressed promptly, as neglecting them can lead to engine damage and costly repairs. Repairs may involve gasket replacements or oil pan repairs, which should be performed by a qualified technician.
- Transmission Problems: Transmission problems, such as rough shifting, slipping gears, or failure to engage properly, can occur in BMW X3s. Regular transmission maintenance, including fluid changes and inspections, is crucial for preventing these issues. If problems persist, early diagnosis and repair are essential to maintain the transmission's integrity.
- Suspension Components: The sporty handling of the BMW X3 can strain suspension components, leading to issues with shock absorbers, control arms, or sway bar links. Regular inspections and replacement of worn parts can maintain ride quality and safety.
- Cooling System Problems: Overheating can be a concern in the BMW X3, often due to failures in the cooling system. Regular maintenance and addressing leaks are crucial for avoiding engine overheating and potential damage.
- Brake Issues: Due to its spirited driving nature, brake wear is a common problem for the X3. Timely replacement of brake pads and rotors is essential for safety, ensuring optimal braking performance.
- Engine Problems: While BMW engines are generally reliable, some X3s may encounter issues such as misfires, oil consumption, or problems with the timing chain guides. These issues can lead to engine failure or inability to start.
- Steering System Problems: Some drivers have reported problems with the steering system on their BMW X3, whereby steering has become increasingly heavy. This problem is often linked to a malfunctioning power steering system but could also be caused by low tire pressure.
- Automatic Gearbox Issues: Drivers have reported an issue with the automatic gearbox on their BMW X3, where it selects the wrong gear for them. This issue is reportedly caused by an electrical fault and requires a thorough diagnosis by a trained mechanic.
- Rear Spoiler: The rear spoiler fitted to some cars made between 14 July 2017 and 22 February 2018 could fall off, causing additional wind noise when it starts to come loose.
- Restricted Fuel Supply: A problem in the fuel tank of examples made from 16 August 2016 and 21 January 2018 could lead to restrictions in the fuel supply and cause the engine to stall.
- Isofix Restraints: The rear Isofix restraints on cars constructed between 1 August 2010 and 15 April 2016 could work loose over time.
- Front Passenger Airbag: A small number of X3s built before 2013 could have a problem with the front passenger airbag not deploying correctly in a collision.
- Power Steering Failure: An electrical issue with the power steering system could cause it to fail on X3s built between 19 September 2011 and 8 December 2015.
- EGR Cooler: There have been three recalls for leaking EGR coolers, which apply to various models built between 5 August 2010 and 24 October 2017.
To ensure the longevity and reliability of a BMW X3, it is essential to adhere to routine maintenance schedules, address any issues promptly, and consult professional mechanics with expertise in BMW electronics and mechanics when necessary.
What are problems with the BMW X3?
Q: What are common problems across BMW X3 models? A: Common issues include broken timing chain guides, sunroof leaks, rattles, oil leaks, overheating engines due to coolant system problems, faulty window regulators, steering problems, problematic EGR systems in diesel engines, and more.
Are BMW X3s reliable?
BMW X3 Reliability Rating Breakdown. The BMW X3 Reliability Rating is 2.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 10th out of 11 for luxury compact SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $1,034 which means it has poor ownership costs.
What is the weakness of the BMW X3?
Some common problems with the BMW X3 include:
- Steering problems.
- Gearbox problems.
- Engine problems.
- Brake problems.
Are BMW X3 expensive to maintain?
What Is the Estimated Average Cost to Repair an X3? Per Your Mechanic, the estimated average cost to repair a BMW X3 is $318, which includes the average cost for maintenance. Maintenance and repair costs range from $80 to $4473, with oil changes being the most common service you'll likely pay for on your vehicle.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw X3 years
We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw X3 cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Bmw X3 model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw X3 model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw X3 years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Bmw X3 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Bmw X3 , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Seats problems
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw X3 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by X3 model years
A total of 84 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by X3 model years
There were a total of 113 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by X3 model years
There were a total of 121 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 1798 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw X3 . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw X3 vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Bmw X3 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: 5UXTR9C56KL
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Headlights cycle on and off. Does this frequently. Checked on BMW site Bimmerpost and other people have had the same problem. Google 2019 BMW x3 headlights tuning off and on after shut down.
Bmw X3 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: 5UXWZ7C56G0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not unavailable.
Bmw X3 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- VIN: 5UXWX9C50G0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Bmw X3 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-22
- VIN: 5UXTR9C59JL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V534000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Bmw X3 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-21
- VIN: 5UX53DP03N9
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2022 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V534000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Bmw X3 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-20
- VIN: 5UX53DP06R9
- Components: STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Whenever the vehicle is driven, despite the temperature, the panoramic moon roof cracks and creaks and sounds like it is going to break. The dealer said numerous people have also complained about this happening and BMW will NOT do anything about it. This is my 3rd X3 of this body style and my other two did not have this issue because BMW didn't "cheapen" out on the window sealant and materials of the lining and mounts in the sunroof until the LCI redesign or 2023. I am afraid that one of these days it will crack and break downward, causing a major safety hazard while driving and I want BMW to fix and/or remedy the problem(s) ASAP.
Bmw X3 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5UXTS1C08L9
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The accident happened at Noon on [XXX] at the Amazon Fresh/Post office parking lot’s far right exit lane facing [XXX] The address is [XXX] . We were leaving the parking lot and I stopped at the exit lane with 2 cars in front of us. After the first car exited, the second car, a black Ford Explorer, moved forward. I released the brake slightly but my foot was still on the brake pedal. At this moment, my car suddenly accelerated and quickly approached the Explorer. I immediately pressed the brake pedal hard but was unable to stop my car and hit the back of the Explorer. The Explorer was forced out in front of the stop sign but the driver was able to turn right to park at the roadside. With my foot still firmly on the brake pedal, my car kept on accelerating into [XXX] , crossing 5 lanes of traffic until we hit the roadside curb of westbound [XXX] . The car then swerved left and hit a roadside tree, turning sideways into [XXX] middle turn lane. During this entire time, I did not press the accelerator and the car was violently shaking and jerking right and left. As the car slowed down, I was able to steer the car to the right eastbound lane of [XXX] , next to the parking lot near Bank of America’s ATM sign. After I got out of the car, I noticed the front and right sides of the body and tires were damaged including crushing, dents, and significant scratching. The problem I believe is as follows: 1.Sudden Unintended Acceleration and Control Circuit Malfunction. 2.Airbags did not deploy even though we hit a car, curb and tree. 3.Onboard Data Recorder should have the information needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Bmw X3 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 5UX53DP0XN9
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The front passenger seats warmer is not working. In spite of multiple attempts to get it fixed from BMW of Denver Downtown has not fixed the issue. This can have serious impact during winter weather
Bmw X3 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-15
- VIN: 5UXTR7C52KL
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2019 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V534000 (STRUCTURE) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Bmw X3 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-14
- VIN: WBX47DP09NN
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: BMW has a safety recall on my vehicle for over two months now with no fix available. I am in the process of moving to Japan and need to sell the vehicle. BMW is prohibiting a lease transfer or sale until the vehicle is fixed, but they cannot fix it. Meanwhile I lost a potential buyer and BMW wants to charge me an early lease termination fee of over $6000 but they will not fix the vehicle and they will not allow me to sell or complete a lease transfer. BMW should accept this vehicle back without charging me extra money for a lease termination fee on a defective vehicle.
Bmw X3 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-31
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-08
- VIN: 5UXTY5C02M9
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: This complaint is not due/regarding an accident. It is a complaint about the response time to remedy a recall which has been months long now. In July 2024, BMW recalled 291,112 X3 models from 2018 to 2023 due to a risk of the interior cargo rail detaching in a crash. The attachment bolts for the rail could become damaged, increasing the risk of injury to passengers. What is taking so long to get this fixed? Seems the remedy is to simply replace bolts. I am unable to use this car while it has a safety recall outstanding. Please expedite this fix, it has been several months and in the meantime this car sits being unproductive.
Bmw X3 2017
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-08
- VIN: 5UXWX9C34H0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Bmw X3 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-07
- VIN: 5UXTR7C56KL
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Safety recall involving rear cargo rails hasn’t been rectified for 3 months now.
Bmw X3 2021
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-07
- VIN: 5UXTY5C07M9
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V534000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Bmw X3 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-06
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-06
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WBX57DP02PN
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: As I was driving today in the freeway my sunroof exploded. As far as I can tell, It was not caused by rocks or other cars, it just exploded putting my wife and I in a dangerous situation having to park on the side of the freeway. We first thought someone shot at us. We stopped the car and it took us a minute to feel safe to go out, trembling, to check car for gun fire. We looked the entire body while the freeway was full, even for a Sunday, and discovered nothing wrong. As we entered the car and closed our door, we heard the noise of shared glass, so we both left the car again to reinspect it putting our lives in danger as other drivers were passing by. We re-enter the car again and the same thing happened, left the car again to inspect the tires at this time, each time exposing our lives to the freeway traffic. Upon entering the car for the third time, heard freeway noise and thought window was probably opened. It was then that we realized our sunroof was probably broken, upon checking, we were shocked when saw hundreds of pieces of glass on top of our car. It was then that we realized we would have to clean the top of our car with the wind blowing glass everywhere, risking an eye injury, and we were worried another car would be hit with the glass or even worse than that, it would be someone riding a motorcycle which is common on Sunday afternoons and get blind from glass flying from our car to their face. So we spent a while cleaning most of the glass to be able to drive off the freeway, again exposing our lives. During our cleaning of the glass, we put it inside of our car on the floor by the back seats so we would not leave that on the freeway exposing other people to get hurt. During this cleaning time, my wife cut her hand with glass that entered her skin. Not understanding why the accident happened, I’ve decided to research online, only to find that BMW’s x3 having problems with sunroof exploding since 2018, but no recalls! Very upsetting! My car is 2023.
Latest 5 recalls Bmw X3
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 106 recalls for different components of the Bmw X3.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Bmw X3 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-10-15
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2022 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
- Consequence: Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously remedied for this issue under recall number 24V-534 and will need to have the new repair completed.
- Model: Bmw X3 2020
- Report Received Date: 2024-10-15
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2022 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
- Consequence: Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously remedied for this issue under recall number 24V-534 and will need to have the new repair completed.
- Model: Bmw X3 2021
- Report Received Date: 2024-10-15
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2022 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
- Consequence: Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously remedied for this issue under recall number 24V-534 and will need to have the new repair completed.
- Model: Bmw X3 2019
- Report Received Date: 2024-10-15
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2022 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
- Consequence: Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously remedied for this issue under recall number 24V-534 and will need to have the new repair completed.
- Model: Bmw X3 2018
- Report Received Date: 2024-10-15
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2022 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
- Consequence: Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously remedied for this issue under recall number 24V-534 and will need to have the new repair completed.
Latest negative Bmw X3 car reviews
Latest positive Bmw X3 car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2024
There weren't many X3s in inventory near me, so I ended up with a base model without any options. Although it's still a great car in the base model, I highly recommend getting one with at least the Convenience package, which includes many features that should be standard (such as comfort access remote keyless entry).
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Vehicle year: 2007
The compass in my car does not function properly when the temperature reaches 100 degrees. Despite taking it for repair twice, the issue has not been identified as it does not show up on the computer. However, I have personally observed the problem occurring at high temperatures. It is important to note that our warranty will expire next month with only 17,000 miles on the car.
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Vehicle year: 2004
I have owned the X3 for almost two years. Currently, I am experiencing several issues, including the need to replace the compressor at 67k, replacing the front brakes, and requiring new rear brakes. Additionally, I am facing problems with the locking system, and the rear lighter cover won't stay closed. Despite these issues, I have thoroughly enjoyed driving this SUV, which still provides a sports car feel. In hindsight, purchasing the extended warranty would have been a wise decision.
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Vehicle year: 2012
This is the review I wish I had when I bought my BMW X3. I bought a preowned 2011 X3 35i in October 2019 and it’s been an absolute joy to drive every day. If you're considering buying a BMW, I think you'll love it too! However, it's important to negotiate the lowest purchase price possible and have about $3,000 saved for repairs. Repairs are inevitable, but with the right preparation, you won't be caught off guard. Before this, I drove a Toyota for 17 YEARS, almost 300k miles and sold it. It’s STILL out there going strong. Then, I had a Subaru Impreza for 1 year and I never liked it. Also sold it and it’s still out there going strong. I strongly debated buying a BMW. They are simply not as reliable as Toyota. BMWs require consistent care, whereas a Toyota will basically never die no matter what you do. When I was a young and foolish 20-year-old, I drove my Toyota for like a month with no oil and it Did. Not. Die. I only took it in when I heard a sound from under the hood, which turned out to be the 100% dry dipstick rattling in the empty oil reservoir. Now that I'm older and more responsible, I decided to buy the car I REALLY wanted this time because life is short. I chose the more reliable X3 35i engine over the 28i that has terribly expensive timing chain failure issues. If you're considering a 2011-2014 28i, I would advise against it. It's less reliable, less luxurious, and less fun to drive. If you're buying from a private seller, make sure to have your X3 inspected by a BMW shop pre-purchase. The car had solid maintenance history too. Although I did everything right, the starter died 5 days after I bought it, which was a $650.00 repair. Surprising repairs can still happen, so it's important to save a repair fund in advance so you aren't going into debt. It's also important to know in advance which mechanic you'll use. Keep in mind that on a preowned BMW, control arm replacement is going to happen to you, which will cost about $1200. Other common repairs after 70k miles include the water pump ($750), new battery ($300), and oil pump or oil pan ($650).You're going to absolutely love driving a turbo BMW! The luxury features and comfort are truly amazing. Of course, when it comes to buying any car, there's always a risk of ending up with a lemon that will cost you a lot of money. But don't worry, there are steps you can take to minimize that risk. Make sure to research the maintenance record and number of previous owners for any car you're considering. It's also a good idea to have it inspected before making a purchase. Don't rely solely on the dealership to do all the work for you. And remember, only spend what you can afford to lose in case the car doesn't meet your expectations.
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Vehicle year: 2010
Update on maintenance issues: With 113k miles, I have more information. The transfer case went out on schedule at about 100k, which was very expensive at around $3000. The radiator fan also went out around that time, costing another $800. I have been warned that the water pumps do fail on these cars, and replacing the spark plugs and ignition coils was another $1000. Despite these issues, I still love the car. However, there are a lot of things that tend to break around 100k miles. This particular car is a pretty stock version with a premium package and leather seats. The ride is stiff, but I prefer it that way. The acceleration is great. I replaced the brake pads and rotors with slotted, drilled rotors and ceramic pads, and now the braking is great with no dust on the rims. The automatic transmission is a little rough shifting at times, which I read was a possibility. It is a good, solid ride, though previous owners have had to do some surprising maintenance on it. I would advise caution. On my first factory-ordered X3, I found out the hard way that the rain drains on the panoramic roof can clog, causing water to kill the Bluetooth unit in the rear cargo area. The dealer said that drain maintenance was $400, which is pricey but less than a replacement Bluetooth. It is not part of any maintenance package, so you must ask and pay them to do it periodically, especially if you park outdoors near trees.
Are you having problems with your Bmw X3?
Chet Johnston 2025-01-08
Vehicle year: 2013
I had a really bad experience with my 2013 BMW. After only 50,000 miles, I was told to purchase an extended warranty for over $3000 to cover up to 70,000 miles. Unfortunately, my engine's timing broke at 74,000 miles, just 5 days after my warranty expired. When I asked for help, they told me to take it to a BMW dealership for diagnosis before they could assist me. After doing so, I was told it would cost $6000 to fix it. I was only offered $1000 in assistance, which was disappointing. It's funny because I was actually considering going to another car dealer to buy a car, but my son, who has purchased 5 cars from BMW, told me to go to them because they would take care of me. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Their customer service is the worst I have ever experienced. I have to park my car at home and find other ways to get to work. When I asked to speak to a representative to see if they could help me, I was told that they don't talk to customers. It's really unprofessional and they need to treat people better. I won't stop until someone from the North American headquarters reaches out to me. BMW needs to consider their customers as family, because when you purchase a car, you're investing a lot of money and trust in them.
Eleazar Conroy 2025-01-01
Vehicle year: 2012
I purchased this car used from CarMax and opted for the MaxCare warranty. Unfortunately, after a year of use, the transmission malfunctioned and required a replacement, which came at a cost of $9000. Despite my warranty, MaxCare refused to cover the cost of a new transmission and instead offered a used one. The repair process took much longer than expected, causing me to pay for a rental car for an extended period of time. While MaxCare only covered 7 days of rental, I had to pay for the rest due to their fault. Initially, there was some disagreement between CarMax and the BMW dealer, but eventually, a supervisor was sent to resolve the issue. Although they tried to cut corners by offering a used transmission, I appreciate that they eventually resolved the issue. In the future, I will consider purchasing a CPO from Lexus, which is known for its reliability. While the BMW X3 is an excellent car, it has proven to be unreliable in my experience.
Samson Lindgren 2024-11-28
Vehicle year: 2023
We have owned 5 BMW vehicles in the past 7 years. Unfortunately, we have experienced issues with the alignment of each vehicle, which has resulted in the need to replace tires frequently. Even with local driving, we have had to replace tires on each vehicle before they reach 29,000 miles, which is less than two years old. This is in contrast to other vehicles we have owned, where tires have lasted up to 50,000 miles. We believe that the electronic alignment controls on BMW cars may be contributing to this issue. As someone who has owned 42 cars in my life, we have decided not to purchase another BMW. We hope that BMW will address this issue in the future.
Russel Lakin 2024-11-24
Vehicle year: 2012
Congratulations on your first BMW! It's been 5 months since you got it and it's great to hear that you're enjoying the solid feel on the road. The heated steering wheel is a nice touch, although it would be better if the button was in a more convenient location. Perhaps BMW could improve their ergonomics and sound system. It seems like the iPod connection system could use some work, but it's good to know that you still prefer the look of the car from the front. It's a shame that the trailer hitch costs over $1200, and it's also unfortunate that Yakima and Thule don't have a roof rack compatible with this vehicle. Although the initial acceleration can be a bit slow at times, it's still a great car that provides the Ultimate Driving Experience.
Kiley Kreiger 2024-11-24
Vehicle year: 2004
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to share my experience with the BMW vehicle that I purchased for my wife back in 2004. Overall, we have had a good experience with the car and it drives well, as expected from a BMW. However, we did experience an issue with the upholstery on the front driver's seat. Although it was replaced under warranty during the 4th year of ownership, it started cracking again barely a year later. It's worth noting that my wife weighs only 105 lbs and the car has only been driven for 52,000kms (30,000 miles).