2012 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.
Social links
Common 2012 Bmw X3 problems
The BMW X3, a luxury compact crossover SUV, has been manufactured since 2003 and is currently in its third generation. While BMW is known for its high-quality vehicles, some common problems have been reported by owners of the BMW X3, particularly for the 2012 model.
One common issue reported by BMW X3 owners is problems with the engine, specifically with timing chain guides. These guides help to keep the chain taut and moving around as it should be. When they break, they can cause the engine to fail or be unable to start. The average quote for a timing chain repair on the BMW X3 is £1,407.84.
Another issue reported by BMW X3 owners is faults with the braking system. Drivers have reported issues with a loss of power when applying the brakes, meaning they are having to apply increasing amounts of pressure to be able to get the car to stop. The most likely cause of this problem is due to a leak in the brake lines in the vehicle. When this happens, the brake fluid will begin to drain out until there is no longer enough left to transfer the pressure from your pedal to your tyres.
In addition to these issues, some BMW X3 owners have reported problems with the steering system, whereby steering has become increasingly heavy. This problem is most often linked to a malfunctioning power steering system, but it could also be caused by low tyre pressure. To rule this out, ensure that your tyres are fully topped up to the correct level. If the problem still persists, you’ve likely got a problem with your power steering on your hands. The average quote for a power steering repair on the BMW X3 is £63.30.
Drivers have also reported an issue with the automatic gearbox on their BMW X3 selecting the wrong gear for them. This is a highly common problem on X3 automatics, and is reportedly caused by an electrical fault. However, the only sure way to know what’s causing this problem is to take your car to a trained mechanic who can diagnose the fault for you. Depending on the cause of the problem, you may require the automatic gearbox to be reconfigured, or you may need an automatic gearbox repair. The average quote for an automatic gearbox repair on the BMW X3 is £225.75.
In terms of reliability, the BMW X3 scores generally quite highly amongst the competition. While the manufacturer finished in a mediocre 16th position out of 32 automakers in the What Car? Reliability Survey, the petrol X3 model finished in first place, and the diesel in third place out of a total 18 large SUVs.
In summary, while the BMW X3 is a high-quality vehicle, some common problems have been reported by owners, particularly for the 2012 model. These include issues with the engine, braking system, steering system, and automatic gearbox. However, the X3 scores well in terms of reliability and safety, and comes with a generous warranty.
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.
How many miles will a 2012 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. Our knowledgeable service team is standing by, ready to provide dedicated maintenance for your vehicle.
Does the BMW X3 have transmission problems?
Some of the most common issues reported by X3 owners include transmission failure, engine misfires, and electrical issues.
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.
How many miles will a 2012 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. Our knowledgeable service team is standing by, ready to provide dedicated maintenance for your vehicle.
Does the BMW X3 have transmission problems?
Some of the most common issues reported by X3 owners include transmission failure, engine misfires, and electrical issues.
What is the mileage of BMW X3 2012?
BMW X3 2006-2013 Mileage
The claimed ARAI mileage for the automatic variants: BMW X3 2006-2013 Diesel is 16.55 kmpl . BMW X3 2006-2013 Petrol variant has a mileage of 11.5 kmpl.
2012 Bmw X3 complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Bmw X3.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2012 Bmw X3 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2012 Bmw X3.
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i, X3 xDrive35i, and M6 Convertible vehicles and 2013 M6 Coupe vehicles. The affected vehicles have a driver's frontal air bag inflator that may have been improperly welded.
- Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator housing could separate from the base plate and result in metal striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's front air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 6, 2017. 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.
Negative 2012 Bmw X3 car reviews
Positive 2012 Bmw X3 car reviews
-
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.
-
I'm currently in month 10 of owning my BMW and while I absolutely love the incomparable handling, I do find myself getting frustrated with the unnecessarily complicated shifter and door locking system. If these issues were not present, I would definitely consider purchasing this car again. Unfortunately, I have been told by my dealer that the door locking system cannot be reprogrammed due to safety reasons. It's interesting to note that Lexus does not seem to have this concern. Additionally, I find the navigation display to be lacking. Street names are not clearly identified and the background colors make it difficult to read. In comparison, my wife's Lexus SUV has a dazzlingly clear and complete navigation screen.
-
True leather seats, as opposed to the Nevada leather which I find terrible, make a huge difference in the quality of this vehicle. I have experienced both and I highly recommend true leather. This vehicle handles exceptionally well and I believe it feels better built and more solid than some of the BMW cars I have driven. It handles and accelerates just as nicely as a BMW car, making it an absolute pleasure to drive. The size of the vehicle is just right, not too small or too large. While fuel economy is not great, I wouldn't want the solid feel and weight of the vehicle to be compromised in an effort to obtain better mileage. My only concern is BMW's track record with reliability and cost of repairs. Unfortunately, I am not in a position to handle the costs involved for the type of repairs I know come up for too many BMW vehicles. Therefore, I plan to trade the vehicle in after my extended warranty of 100,000 miles is up. I would consider going with another X3 with the extended warranty to cover repairs and maintenance.
-
Total redesign for 2011. The exterior strikes a perfect balance between sporty and luxurious. Driving impressions are solid and responsive, with a powerful V6 engine even for the 28i model. The interior design and technologies have been completely brought up to date, unlike many luxury car makers whose interiors look like they're from 1985. While iDrive has been improved, there are still too many sub-menus, making it somewhat difficult to adjust while driving. The price is slightly higher than competitors, but it's well worth the money. You won't be disappointed.
-
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 2012 Bmw X3 problems:
Buying Advice BMW X3 (F25) 2010–2017 Common Issues Engines ...
Aug 31, 2022 ... BMW #bmwx3 #f25 Buyers review of the second generation BMW X3 that was produced between 2010 and 2017 and has the internal code F25.
2012 X3 timing belt issue - XBimmers | BMW X3 Forum
Jul 23, 2022 ... 2012 X3 timing belt issue Second Generation BMW X3 (F25) General Forum. ... 2012 X3 timing belt issue ... BMW N20 Common Problems & Reliability ...
The Most Common BMW X3 Gen2 Problems (2010-2017) - YouTube
Dec 6, 2022 ... https://amzn.to/43i0HtT - All-in-One OBDII Car Scanner Please Subscribe - https://bit.ly/maxcar_sub We will discuss the most common BMW X3 ...
F25 Common problems - XBimmers | BMW X3 Forum
Only available in 2011-2012 model year cars. If you go w/4 banger motor I think you're good as long as it's a later model car, 2015 or later build date ...
2012 BMW X3 Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2012 BMW X3? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Other years of Bmw X3
Are you having problems with your 2012 Bmw X3?
Eleazar Conroy 2025-01-01
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.
Russel Lakin 2024-11-24
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.
Jose Reynolds 2024-11-14
I have owned my BMW X3 35i for 3 years now and unfortunately, I have had to spend almost $6500 in repairs during that time. While I am surprised by this given BMW's reputation for quality, I am currently looking to get rid of this car as soon as possible. I appreciate the features and performance of the car, but the reliability issues have been a major concern for me. Thank you for your understanding.
Kennedi Toy 2024-10-22
I have experienced some production problems with my 2012 X3, including continual drive train error messages and check engine light faults. Despite only driving a total of 20 miles, the car has spent 17 out of the 18 days that I have owned it in the dealer's service area. As a loyal BMW customer, I am disappointed with this experience and it may impact my decision to purchase another BMW in the future. I regret trading in my Q5 for this car.
Randi Barrows 2024-08-29
As a BMW enthusiast and someone who currently owns three BMWs, I have to say that the X3 is not my favorite model. While it has some good features, such as its spacious interior, I find it to be underpowered and the transmission can be clunky at times. Additionally, the seats are quite firm and the interior materials are not up to the usual BMW standards. I have also experienced some squeaks and rattles, which can be frustrating. The controls can also be a bit confusing, with some functions requiring multiple steps. Overall, I prefer older BMW models and would not recommend the newer ones. Stick to pre-2008 models and you'll be happy. That being said, everyone has their own preferences and experiences, so it's important to do your own research and test drive before making a decision.