Engine
2.5L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 103 of 103 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 89 of 103 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Seats
50 complaint records17 fire reports
"DRIVER'S SEAT AT LEFT LEG BOLSTER AREA HEATS UP WHEN SEAT HEATER ELEMENT IS ACTIVATED. SHOCKING OR BURNING SENSATION IS FELT DUE TO OVERHEAT PROBLEM. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse seats parts in the directory →
Air bags
32 complaint records1 crash report
"BRAND NEW 2005 BMW X3 3.0 PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON {MEANING IT IS DEACTIVATED} WHEN OCCUPIED WITH 110 LB OCCUPANT IS SITTING IN IT. *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Electrical system
18 complaint records7 fire reports
"VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED TO THE GROUND TAKING MY OTHER CAR WITH IT. THIS HAPPENED WHILE PARKED AFTER WASHING THE CARPETS...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA08001 opened Jan 2008 | closed Dec 2008 | Air Bags | BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION - led to recall 08V384000 BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. |
| PE07045 opened Sep 2007 | closed Jan 2008 | Air Bags | BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION IN CERTAIN MY 2005 THROUGH MY 2006 BMW VEHICLES, THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) FOR THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIRBAG MAY MALFUNCTION AND RENDER THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INOPERATIVE.IN JUNE 2006, BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SI B 72 02 06)... |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08V384000 | Air Bags | BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024392 2024-07-03 | Airbag | 44,131 | Issue: This recall applies to vehicles that may be equipped with a replacement sport or M-sport steering wheel that has a Takata airbag. |
| 2012129 2012-04-12 | Label | 67,771 | Certain vehicles fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Specifically, the compliance label does not indicate the wheel rim size, as required by the Standard. |
| 2008307 2008-08-26 | Seats And Restraints | 8,090 | On certain vehicles, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat can fatigue during field usage depending on the seat configuration, vehicle geometry, manner and frequency of front passenger entry/exit. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B410722 Apr 2024 | Structure | While driving the vehicle on normal roads at10mph and above, a "cracking" sound from the top of the B-pillar(s) is heard. | |
| B510819 Jan 2024 | Electrical System | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. | |
| B611305 Jan 2024 | Electrical System | The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. | |
| B521823 Dec 2023 | Seats | A noise can be heard from underneath the seat while the seat is being moved either forwards or backwards. This can occur to the driverâÂÂs and/or the passengerâÂÂs front seat. | |
| B540421 Oct 2023 | Visibility | This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B540421 Sep 2022 | Visibility | The front sunroof glass seal has shrunk, creating a gap which can cause wind noise or excess water entry. | |
| B662419 Sep 2022 | Equipment | Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. | |
| SIB010921 Aug 2022 | Equipment | Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Leak Diagnosis Module with hose assembly (NVLD, shown) to: 15 years/150,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's... | |
| SIB011219 Aug 2022 | Equipment | Component-Specific Limited Warranty Extension. For the eligible vehicles, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is extending the limited warranty for the vehicle's Radiator Grille Upper and Lower Active Air Flaps to: 15 years/150,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original... | |
| SIB510522 Jul 2022 | Suspension | BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective March 28, 2022) on certain Model Year 2022 BMW vehicles that were produced between March 1, 2022 and March 8, 2022 because the torsion struts may not have been installed at the plant. | |
| SIB840622 Jul 2022 | Electrical System | The 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. | |
| SIB650122 Jun 2022 | Air Bags | A check control message for the restraint system appears. In the instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently. | |
| SIB662419 Jun 2022 | Equipment | Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column. Note: Opening, closing and starting via the BMW Digital Key or the Digital Key Card are not affected. | |
| B611305 Oct 2020 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. | |
| B110208 Apr 2020 | Electrical System | Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. | |
| B013118 Apr 2019 | Air Bags | TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018. | |
| B011618 Jan 2019 | Air Bags | TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES. | |
| B011618 Oct 2018 | Electrical System | For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific? | |
| B650709 Jun 2018 | Equipment | NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance: | |
| B650709 May 2018 | Equipment | NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance: | |
| B080119 Feb 2018 | Air Bags | In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. | |
| B010118 Jan 2018 | Seats | FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY (OC3) MAT FOR SRS: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 15 YEARS/UNLIMITED MILES | |
| B070314 Nov 2016 | Electrical System | Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015.. | |
| B270216 Aug 2016 | Service Brakes | "REPAIRING TRANSFER CASE ACTUATOR (VTG SERVO-MOTOR). The Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Brakes and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warnings are on and there may also be a ""Drivetrain Malfunction"" warning on in the Control Display. | |
| B070314 Feb 2016 | Engine | This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. | |
| B650216 Feb 2016 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | SUBJECT Audio System Speaker Testing. For audio system speaker testing there is a NED (Non Electrical Diagnosis) Test Plan available. CAUSE We previously recommended use of the Audio Test CD (ATC) from BMW. This CD has been discontinued. | |
| B650709 Jan 2016 | Equipment | Whistling Noise Coming from the Center Vent - A/C is Off . A very high pitched whistling or beeping noise is heard coming from the center vents. The flow of refrigerant through the expansion valve at certain temperature differentials. | |
| B656906 Jan 2016 | Air Bags | "This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B65 69 06 dated June 2008. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Airbag Warning Lamp Illuminated, FC 93EB or FC 55 . | |
| B070314 Oct 2015 | Equipment | This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated May 2015. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. | |
| B270415 Sep 2015 | Wheels | Shudder from the Driveline on Vehicles with xDrive. There is a shudder or vibration from the driveline when taking off from a stop, or when accelerating at highway speeds. | |
| B070314 May 2015 | Electrical System | Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Analysis of FASTA data and repeat repair visit reports indicates that there are many fault codes that are stored in the above vehicles, but they are not diagnosed to identify their root cause. | |
| B360215 May 2015 | Tires | Valve Stem Replacement with Wheel Electronics. INFORMATION The valve stems are single-use only, and must be replaced every time the wheel electronics are replaced. If you loosen the nut (1), you must replace the valve stem. | |
| 070314 Feb 2015 | Electrical System | This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated February 2015. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. | |
| SIB-63-09-14 Oct 2014 | Exterior Lighting | BMW: SOME VEHICLES, WITH 552 OPTION, ARE EXPERIENCING A MALFUNCTION OF LED HEADLIGHT ON ONE WHERE IT FLICKERS ON AN DOFF DURING DRIVING AND THE CONTROL CHECK MESSAGE IS INDICATING DEFECTIVE DRIVING LIGHT OR PARKING LIGHT. *PE | |
| 070314 Oct 2014 | Equipment | Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Analysis of FASTA data and repeat repair visit reports indicates that there are many fault codes that are stored in the above vehicles, but they are not diagnosed to identify their root cause. | |
| SIB-61-18-14 Jul 2014 | Electrical System | BMW: IN SOME VEHICLES, WHEN THE K CAN2 WIRING IS SHORTED, NO COMMUNICATION WITH ANY CONTROL MODULES (BOX ELECTRONICS, TELEMATIC CONTROL MODULE,CAR ACCESS SYSTEM, RADIO/NAVIGATION, CENTRAL GATEWAY MODEL OR FOOTWELL MODULE) DURING VEHICLE TESTING, NO ENGAGEMENT OF TRANSMISSION... | |
| 610314 Jul 2014 | Electrical System | Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge During Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days with an outside ambient temperature of less than 15°F, customers may notice a check control message related to the battery that is displayed on the instrument cluster and the control... | |
| 610314 Apr 2014 | Equipment | Check Control Messages Related to Battery Charge During Cold Ambient Temperatures. On cold days with an outside ambient temperature of less than 15F, customers may notice a check control message related to the battery that is displayed on the instrument cluster and the control... | |
| 240413 Jan 2014 | Power Train | GM6 - 6L45R: Diagnostic Procedure for Shudder or Vibration Issues. A shudder or vibration can be felt under light acceleration or when driving at constant suburban speeds. This can be most noticeable in the 1700 - 2200 engine rpm range while in 3rd through 6th gears. | |
| 120913 Nov 2013 | Equipment | State Inspection and Emission (I/M) Test Fails Due To an Invalid VIN Number. The customer of an affected vehicle may fail to pass an I/M test due to a non-compliant 17digit vehicle identification number (VIN) stored in the DME (Digital Motor Electronic). | |
| 541309 Jul 2013 | Visibility | "?Panoramic Sunroof Repair Instructions. INFORMATION Sunroof Repair Instructions: The panoramic sunroof contains several ""mechanism sets"" which can be repaired and/or replaced independently in the event of a mechanical failure. | |
| 541309 May 2013 | Visibility | "Panoramic Sunroof Repair Instructions. INFORMATION Sunroof Repair Instructions: The panoramic sunroof contains several ""mechanism sets"" which can be repaired and/or replaced independently in the event of a mechanical failure. | |
| SIB-61-13-05 Mar 2013 | Electrical System | BMW: BATTERY HAS AN INCREASED DEMAND DUE TO DEVELOPEMENTAL PROCESS OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS IS CAUSING THE BATTER TO NEED TO UNDERGO AN ENERGY DIAGNOSIS. *KB | |
| SB-62-03-13 Jan 2013 | Electrical System | INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY IS INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE. BMW F25, AND F30 MODELS. *KB | |
| SIB270212 Dec 2012 | Power Train | BMW: DSC WARNING LIGHT IS ON. THE WARNING LAMPS FOR DSC, ABS AND BRAKE WARNING ILLUMINATED. THERE MAY ALSO BE A WARNING IN THE CONTROL DISPLAY FOR CHASSIS CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE. *JS | |
| SIB-65-75-06 Aug 2011 | Air Bags | BMW SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. THE AIRBAG WARNING LAMP (AWL) IS ILLUMINATED, TOGETHER WITH THE PASSENGER AIRBAG STATUS LAMP (POL). THE PROBLEM MAY BE INTERMITTENT. MICROCRACKS IN THE OC3 SEAT MAT. *PE UPDATED 9/30/11. *PE | |
| CSC-512911 Aug 2011 | Visibility | BMW: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. INFORMATION REGARDING THE DEFECT IN THE REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER THAT FAILS TO OPERATE PROPERLY. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE | |
| SIB-12-15-11 Jul 2011 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON. THERE ARE TROUBLE CODES STORED FOR THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. NO DRIVEABILITY ISSUES. *RM | |
| SI-B-12-04-05 Nov 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: CHECK ENGINE LAMP ILLUMINATED AND/OR VEHICLE OVERHEATS. MODELS E83, E85, E86, E70, E90, E91, E92, E93, E60 AND E61. *PE UPDATED 5/24/11. *PE | |
| SIB-63-02-01 Aug 2010 | Exterior Lighting | BMW: PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING AND REPLACING INCANDESCENT AND HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS UNDER WARRANTY. *RM | |
| SIB-11-08-03 Jul 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: SIX DIFFERENT MODELS EQUIPPED WITH THE M54 ENGINE COULD HAVE VALVE COVERS BREAK IN COLD WEATHER AND RUIN THE ENGINE. THIS IS DUE TO MOISTURE ACCUMULATION. *RM | |
| SIB-32-04-07 Jun 2010 | Steering | BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED FOR BMW TO IDENTIFY CAUSES OF STEERING COMPLAINTS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF MODELS. *RM | |
| SIB-16-02-09 Dec 2009 | Fuel System | BMW VEHICLES: FUEL LEVEL SENSOR REPAIRS. WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT SIDE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR DUE TO A FAILURE, THE ENTIRE PUMP AND HOUSING OR DELIVERY UNIT (SUCTION JET ASSEMBLY) DO NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. | |
| SIB-24-05-06 Dec 2009 | Power Train | BMW VEHICLES: DELAYED UPSHIFT MAY OCCUR UPHILL IN 3RD OR 4TH GEAR. THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT UPSHIFT, USUALLY AFTER GOING UP A SLIGHT INCLINE, AND STAYS IN EITHER 3RD OR 4TH GEAR TOO LONG. CALIBRATON SENSITIVITY IN THE HILL RECOGNITION PROGRAM OF THE EGS TRANSMISSION MODULE. | |
| SIB-12-07-06 Oct 2009 | Electrical System | BMW: SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP ILLUMINATED-FC 23F4 MAP THERMOSTAT. IN SOME VEHICLES HAVE INSUFFICIENT HEAT. E90, E91 (3 SERIES), E60, E61 (5 SERIES) 3/06 AND E83 (X3 SERIES) 9/08. *PE | |
| SI-B34-01-09 Sep 2009 | Steering | BMW: THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR MUST BE ADJUSTED AFTER CERTAIN REPAIR WORK IS PERFORMED, SUCH AS A WHEEL ALIGNMENT OR CODING/PROGRAMMING OF THE DXC MODULE. DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR OF THE STEERING ANGLE SENSOR, THE DXC WARNING MAY BE DISPLAYED AFTER THE ADJUSTMENT IS PERFORMED. | |
| SI-B-63-06-08 Jul 2008 | Exterior Lighting | BMW: THE BULB-OUT WARNING IS DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *PE | |
| SI B65-69-06 Jun 2008 | Air Bags | BMW: AIRBAG WARNING LAMP, FC93EB OR FC 55. MODEL E90, E91 (3 SERIES) AND E83 (X3) VEHICLES PRODUCED BETWEEN 8/31/05 AND 4/26/06. | |
| SI-B11-01-08 Apr 2008 | Equipment | BMW: REPLACE THE CHAIN TENSIONING RAIL BEARING BOLT THAT COULD COME LOOSE AND CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. MODELS E60 (5 SERIES), E70 (X5 SERIES), E83 (X3 SERIES), E9X (3 SERIES). *PE | |
| 360406 Apr 2006 | Tires | NITROGEN INFLATED TIRES. *TT |
Showing 60 of 62 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Run every power seat adjustment and check the seat frame.Motors that stall and seats that rock on their tracks are this vehicle's seat complaints.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this BMW X3 →