2011 Bmw X3 problems
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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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Common 2011 Bmw X3 problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the BMW X3 2011 model, several common problems have been reported:
- Braking System Faults:
- Owners have reported issues with a loss of power when applying the brakes, requiring increased pressure to stop the car. This problem is often caused by brake fluid leaks in the vehicle, leading to a decrease in brake fluid levels and reduced braking efficiency. The average cost for a brake fluid change on the BMW X3 is £60.72.
- Power Steering System Malfunction:
- Some drivers have encountered heavy steering, which can be linked to a malfunctioning power steering system or low tire pressure. If topping up the tires does not resolve the issue, it likely indicates a problem with the power steering. The average cost for a power steering repair on the BMW X3 is £63.30.
- Automatic Gearbox Selection Error:
- An electrical fault in the automatic gearbox has been a common issue, causing the system to select the wrong gear. This problem often requires reconfiguration or repair of the automatic gearbox. The average cost for an automatic gearbox repair on the BMW X3 is £225.75.
- Other Reported Problems:
- Additional complaints from owners include tailgate and pano roof rattles, acceleration delay (addressed with ECU upgrades and ignition solenoid changes), headlamp condensation issues, and mechatronic unit malfunctions requiring replacement and reprogramming.
These problems highlight some of the key issues faced by owners of the BMW X3 2011 model, ranging from engine-related concerns to issues with steering, braking, and gearbox functionality. Owners have reported these problems, shedding light on the common faults experienced with this particular vehicle model.
What is the most common problem with 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.
Is X3 2011 reliable?
Owns this car
I had no major issues besides replacing the coolant tank which was a quick fix and one of the gasket covers regular maintenance is just expensive but you know that before you buy. Great first car and super safe and reliable.
How many miles will a 2011 BMW X3 last?
As long as you're properly taking care of your X3, it's typical to be able to hit 150,000 or 200,000 miles on the odometer in a BMW.
What year is the best year for BMW X3?
Early media reports were overall positive for the X3 model. And in 2005 the Canadian Automotive journalist Association Crown it the best SUV of the year a year later the X3 was face lifted with a
What is the common problem with 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.
Is X3 2011 reliable?
Owns this car
I had no major issues besides replacing the coolant tank which was a quick fix and one of the gasket covers regular maintenance is just expensive but you know that before you buy. Great first car and super safe and reliable.
How many miles will a 2011 BMW X3 last?
As long as you're properly taking care of your X3, it's typical to be able to hit 150,000 or 200,000 miles on the odometer in a BMW.
What is the mileage of BMW X3 2011?
2011 BMW X3
It is available in 2 variants, 1995 to 2993 cc engine options and 1 transmission option : Automatic. Other key specifications of the X3 [2011-2014] include a ground clearance of 212 mm. and The X3 [2011-2014] is available in 8 colours. BMW X3 [2011-2014] mileage ranges from 16.09 kmpl to 16.55 kmpl.
2011 Bmw X3 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2011 Bmw X3.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2011 Bmw X3 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2011 Bmw X3.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
- Consequence: Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
- Consequence: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: CHILD SEAT:LATCH STRAP
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017, X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i and X3 xDrive35i, vehicles manufactured July 2, 2010 to April 14, 2016, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014 to March 31, 2016, and 2015-2017 x4 xDrive28i, X4 xDrive35i and X4 xDriveM40i vehicles manufactured March3, 2014 to April 15, 2016. The affected vehicles have lower anchor bars for securing child restraint seats that may become damaged when using the European-ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.
- Consequence: Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body, free of charge. The recall began on July 13, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
- Components: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
- Summary: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 27, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 8, 2011. A CONTROL MODULE IN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) UNIT MAY MALFUNCTION, RESULTING IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE.
- Consequence: SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Negative 2011 Bmw X3 car reviews
Positive 2011 Bmw X3 car reviews
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I drove my previous car for 12 years because I never found anything else that I liked enough to buy. I waited for the X3 to become available, hoping that I would like it. I am thrilled to say that I absolutely love it! I opted for the loaded version with the sport, tech, convenience, and cold packages. With 6000 miles on it, I haven't had any problems. Although, as someone else mentioned, I do have a broken spring in one of the cup holders, but that is a minor issue. I adore all the technology and the comfort that this car provides. I did have a tough time deciding on the color, as I thought they could have had better options to choose from. However, I ultimately went with Mineral Silver with Beige Leather, and I am very happy with my choice.
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This car is the ultimate driving machine that will take you anywhere you need to go, and it will add a knowing chuckle to your urban life. It's spacious enough to comfortably accommodate four adults with a child seat in the middle and a dog in the back, making it perfect for a wine-tasting trip outside the city. Despite its size, it's still small enough to fit into a parking spot between two curb cutouts. The car's shape is short, wide, and tall, making it perfect for a variety of terrains. After a successful wine excursion, you can test your luck in the mountains and take a 600-mile road trip camping around the state. This car is as fast as any vehicle on the open road, and it's sure to put a smile on your face. Try driving 40 miles of winding, narrow, potholed back roads going 40-50mph, which would be crushingly fast and scary in your Subaru, but feels so sublime and calm in this beast that the dog remains asleep and the wife is chatting and looking at her phone like nothing is happening - you're just laughing inside. After that, head up 3 miles of gnarly, washed-out, and rutted, steep backcountry dirt forestry roads - everyone is paying attention now, as the traction control quietly helps the 5000-pound behemoth on 45 series tires, up an 18-degree slope to the perfect campsite. The car is very capable off-road, has good clearance, but has almost no suspension travel, so it's not exactly a cushy ride. Spend a night under the stars using the relatively high flat open tailgate like a picnic table to prep and cook, and then head out the other side of the mountain range for some high-speed 110-130 MPH desert dueling with a Porsche. Crash a night in a hotel and then head back up boring I5, where the car settles down into a comfortable 90 MPH cruise. You can easily join the fastest-on-the-road left-lane group. Other experiences abound over time. You chuckle quietly as some kid in a Dodge muscle car noisily blasts by on a mountain pass, only to see them pump the brakes and get scared as you take the inside lane at 95 around a big G corner - that smooth engine and tight steering barely break a sweat.Occasionally, you might take a break from being a soccer parent and switch to sport mode to race a couple of motorcyclists. It's quite a thrill to pass them and accelerate from 40 to 80 mph in just 2 seconds, even uphill. The brakes are very reassuring, but the transmission is so clever that you hardly ever need to use them, even when driving aggressively. While it may not be a track car, who really enjoys driving those besides car reviewers? Try fitting your family or dog in one for a ski trip or hike. The ultimate driving machine is one that can go anywhere, do anything, and do it quickly, safely, comfortably, and with a lot of fun. And this car ticks all those boxes. For reference, we have the X3 M-Sport, which Edmunds does not list separately for some reason. It has different aerodynamics and a different wheel package with 19-inch wheels and 40-45 series tires that make a considerable difference when pushing its performance limits. It also has a bunch of M emblems that will surely make your neighbors curious. We've driven it for about 15k miles, and it's almost at 100k. It's been reliable, but like all BMWs of this age and mileage, it requires regular maintenance. The engine is very dependable, and we haven't had any issues with it. Some minor electronic problems have arisen, such as the tail light LED boards going bad and the heated passenger seats not working, but overall, it's definitely worth it. Just keep in mind that maintenance costs can range from 2-3K a year.
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We recently took delivery of our new X-3 at the BMW Performance Center in Greer, SC. If you're in the market for a new X-3, I highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity. The experience was first-rate. Our X-3 came equipped with the convenience, premium, tech, and sports packages. While I do wish BMW made more use of buttons instead of relying on the Idrive, it works well with such a cutting-edge car. In the past, I've test-driven several X-3's and found the ride to be choppy and the cabin less than comfortable. However, all of that has changed for 2011. At the performance center, we had the opportunity to drive the X-3's (theirs) at the edge of their performance envelope, which demonstrated just how well these cars can perform. Best of all, pricing was negotiable!
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I recently switched from a '07 Subaru Forester to a 2011 BMW x3 35i. Although I like Subarus, the Forester I had was never my favorite car, and it was starting to leak oil. I decided to look for a new car and ended up buying the BMW x3 35i. I was initially drawn to its compact SUV style, which is perfect for carrying things around, but still easy to park. During my test drive, I was impressed by the car's 6 cylinder turbo engine, which provided a much faster and smoother ride than my previous car. The car's sleek black exterior, leather seats, and nifty features make it a joy to drive. Despite having 147k miles on it, the car's history is solid, and it was well-maintained by its previous owner, a doctor. I love driving this car and enjoy its smooth ride, nice acceleration, and cold AC.It sounds like you're really enjoying your car! I'm glad to hear that you haven't had any major issues with it so far. Although there are a few minor things that could be improved, it seems like you're not too bothered by them. It's great that you find the car to be sharp and a joy to drive. While the console software may be a bit dated, it's good to know that it still connects to your phone and plays music. It's also good to hear that the car is comfortable and quiet, making it perfect for long road trips. I hope that your car continues to serve you well, and that you get to enjoy it for many more miles to come!
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The SUV that stood out to me was the turbo X3. It had a smooth yet sporty ride, was very quiet, had a nice engine note, and excellent cargo space. The engine and transmission worked flawlessly together, and its acceleration is unmatched by any in the class. I also test drove the Mercedes GLK, which was a nice SUV, but the styling inside and out felt a little old-fashioned. The Audi Q5 had excellent exterior looks and a very nice interior, but the steering felt odd with an unusual firming up, making it my second choice. The Acura RDX was very agile and had a nice steering feel, but it needs to be quieter on the highway. Overall, the turbo X3 was the clear winner for me.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2011 Bmw X3 problems:
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Any 1st year problems with the 2011 X3? - XBimmers | BMW X3 Forum
I am thinking about buying a used 2011 X3. Since its a 1st year design, are there any known problems with the car such as design issues or rattles?
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I just bought 2011 BMW X3 90k miles for 13k and it gave problems ...
Apr 18, 2022 ... When you do your research these are pretty common problems at that mileage with these cars. I would do the oil filter housing first and ...
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Numerous X3 35i problems- did I get a lemon? - XBimmers | BMW ...
So in August I purchased a 2011 x3 35i with m sport, about 46k miles. Car has been at BMW for almost a total of 2 months between 3-4 visits spread out over ...
2011 BMW X3 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2011 BMW X3? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
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Any known bad/big problems with the X3 30i to be aware of ...
Apr 15, 2023 ... Any known bad/big problems with the X3 ... BMW X3 (G01) / X4 (G02) Forum Any known bad ... My 2011 328xi was a great car, but suffered from 3 known ...
Jermey Muller 2025-02-23
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.
Bernie Beatty 2025-02-22
The issues I have experienced with my $55K X3 are unacceptable. Despite the high price tag, I have encountered several problems such as a broken cup holder, a malfunctioning heater button, a gas cap that is labeled incorrectly, consistent alignment issues, a missing first aid kit, a persistent squeaking noise, and a jerky start. These issues are not indicative of the quality and performance that I expect from a luxury vehicle. As a confident consumer, I expect BMW to address these issues and provide a satisfactory resolution.
Waino Gutmann 2025-02-17
I purchased a brand new 2011 BMW X3 XDrive 35i from Autorgemana in Medellin, Colombia, but unfortunately, I have had some issues with it. Firstly, the sunroof did not work and it took 6 months to replace everything. Although it still makes a clunking noise when it opens, I am grateful that it is now functioning. Secondly, the car shakes when I step on the brakes, and despite the dealer's efforts, they were unable to provide a permanent solution. They replaced all 4 disc brakes, pads and sensors, but the issue still persists. Thirdly, the headlights fog up inside even if it doesn't rain, and the dealer has been unable to figure out why this happens. They said it is normal, but it is still a bit frustrating. Lastly, the steering system was broken and it took 8 months to replace it after 3 visits to the shop. As I write this, my car is 14 months old, has 14,800 kms and is currently in the shop for the twelfth time. I named it St. Joseph because it goes from the shop to the house and the house to the shop. Despite these issues, I am hopeful that the dealer will be able to resolve them soon.
Hardy Kuphal 2024-11-05
Car breakdowns and repairs can be exhausting. However, the BMW has some great features such as its interior design, navigation, and dash screen. It is important to note that regular maintenance is required, including major repairs every 6 months. Some common issues include the wheel sensor for chassis stability, TPM sensors, sunroof malfunctions, and major oil leaks. It is worth noting that the warranty is only 3 years and 40K miles. Despite these challenges, I have decided to keep my BMW since it is almost paid off. In the future, I may consider a luxury alternative such as Mercedes, Lexus, or Acura. It is worth noting that my older C250 has been in for repair only once despite having more miles.
Hilbert Rau 2024-10-26
Has anyone else experienced issues with the handling stability of this SUV? I used to own a 2008 X3 with great performing stiff hydraulic power steering. However, this X3 comes with some kind of 'electric' assist on steering which may or may not be the cause for an unstable ride when driving on uneven pavement, especially wheel gutters from Nordic states spring thaw. The car feels simply unstable in its direction, and it feels like you constantly need to fight the direction with an opposing move on the steering wheel to prevent it from swaying to the right or left. Does this sound familiar to anyone? I would greatly appreciate any help. Overall, this car is great, and I hope to resolve this issue soon.