Valve cover gasket leaks are common after 60,000 miles. Symptoms will include oil drips under the vehicle and burning oil smell from the engine compartment.
Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your BMW X3
BMW X3 Models:
BMW X3 Problems
Coolant Loss Due to Leak from Expansion Tank
Engine --
Verified
An engine coolant leak may develop from the expansion tank resulting in engine overheating. When a cooling system component fails the entire cooling system should be inspected. It is not uncommon to find additional component have failed or are leaking.
Overheating can cause severe engine damage. If the engine begins to overheat it is recommended to stop at the first available location and have your vehicle towed to a repair shop.
Noise From Top of Front/Rear Doors When Windows Are Fully Up
Miscellaneous --
Verified
A creak or squeak can be heard from the top of the front or rear doors. This noise is most noticeable when the windows are fully up. The noise is caused by the decay of the flocking material on the door seals. New door seals, Teflon tape, special lube, or a combination of all of these may be needed to eliminate the noise.
a/c not working properly
Heating & Air Conditioning --
texasx3driver
and 5 others
I noticed the a/c not cooling properly couple of weeks ago. 57k on the car. I charged it up with freon which took a whole can. Worked great after that, week later steam/smoke came out of the vents & since then the a/c is steadily becoming less cool. Read reports about faulty evaporators, hope I don't have to replace that, hoping it's something more simple like split "o" rings. any similar issues out there?
Check Engine Light and/or Engine Overheating
Engine --
Verified
The thermostat may fail resulting in engine overheating and/or illumination of the Check Engine Light. Replacement of the thermostat along with a complete inspection of the cooling system will be necessary to correct this concern.
Overheating can cause severe engine damage. If the engine begins to overheat it is recommended to stop at the first available location and have your vehicle towed to a repair shop.
BMW X3 Recalls (Recent)
BMW X3 Recall 08V384000
Body, Interior & Misc.
Summary: 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. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED.
Learn more »Aftermarket Hitch Style Bicycle Rack May Cause Injury
Body, Interior & Misc., September 13, 2007
RepairPal Expert Overview:
Certain aftermarket BMW bike carriers, P/N 82110393954, sold for use on 2005 BMW X3 and X5 vehicles. A pinch bolt exists between the bike arm bracket and the upright assembly of the hitch style bicycle rack. When moving the bike arm bracket to its down position, the pinch point has the potential of causing severe injury to the users finger or hand. BMW will provide a repair kit and instructions on repair. The campaign # is 07E069000
BMW X3 Questions and Answers
cbar, 2004 BMW X3, Croton On Hudson, NY
A few weeks back, I noticed condensation forming on the inside front windshield. I couldn't figure out why it was happening until I discovered the water leak in my trunk. I found the water a...
x3bmw, 2004 BMW X3, Conway, SC
how to get to the oil drain plug
squeaky, 2004 BMW X3, Haw River, NC
How do you access the rear hatch brake lights. Tail brake lights are working. Hatch light is not illuminating.
ctony, 2004 BMW X3, Reading, PA
heater fan noise when speed of fan is increased
clarkwinder, 2004 BMW X3, Naples, FL
I have 45,000 miles on my x3 and the evaporator core is leaking. I have a quote for $2,100.00. Any one else having problems with there air conditioning? Seams like low miles to be having these kind...
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BMW X3 Reviews
Terribly engineered vehicle. Sunroof system completely replaced ($4200), AC evaporator core system replaced twice at 30k miles (once under warranty $3400), AC compressor twice at 80k miles (once under warranty $800), CCV crank set failure at 104k ($2k, 4 engine oil leaks starting 70k miles(replaced failed gasket at 45k ($1600), numerous hoses and gaskets and still leaks randomly), Drivers seat nylon cracking, windsheild washer pump failed twice. Financially reckless owning this. I have always maintained this vehicle impeccably and there's NO reason at all for some many very expensive mechanical failures. This is my second BMW and my last. Never again! Trading this in for a Honda.
I love my 2007 X-3. Have only had to do routine maintenance and so far all is covered under warranty and extended warranty. I would recommend this vehicle (with a standard shift) for anyone who loves to drive.
I purchased this vehicle as a certified pre-owned from a BMW dealer in AZ in 2005 with 15,000 miles on it. It has been a wonderful vehicle! I love it! Just keep up the maintenance. I've had to replace some of the belts, but who doesn't living in the Arizona heat! Now in WA, still running strong with about 85,000 miles on it! This is my second BMW, I had a 325i sedan that I also purchased in AZ with about 12,000 miles on it, traded it in with 90,000 miles, and no problems with it either! Love BMW!
Where do I start...so far it's been a money pit...Only positive is it looks good. As soon as the warranty ran out the expenses mounted. i have had it for 1 1/2 years and already: Under warranty: Window trim flapping, Muffler flap loose, lower belt trim loose, both sides, light bulbs out, Without Warranty: Tires 450.00, Thermostat: 456.00 Water pump: 803.00 Windshield wiper pump 120.00, window lifter motor 590.19 Battery just died, at least 200.00...my advice DO NOT BUY!!!
I am getting ready to get rid of this POS...
Do not buy this car...problems after problems. Rattle in the interior at first, then come to find out the engine mounts went which tilted the engine to cause the rack n pinion bolt to puncture my electric water pump. Needlest to say a little repair estimate of $1700. The interior is cheap and the interior parts peel. Save your money buy another vehicle
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