2005 BMW X3

2 recalls, 144 complaints - 95 TSBs

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Defect Description

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 AI... Read more

Consequence

IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY EVEN IF A SUFFICIENTLY SEVERE ACCIDENT WOULD OCCUR AND OCCUPANT PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE SYSTEM WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REWORK THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT SO THAT EXTERNAL FORCE APPLICATION TO THE SEAT DOES NOT CAUSE A CRACK TO THE MAT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2008. BMW WILL ALSO EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THESE VEHICLES TO 10 YEARS FROM FIRST REGISTRATION WITHOUT ANY MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNERS... Read more

200,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

EQUIPMENT

Defect Description

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BMW BIKE CARRIERS, P/N 82110393954, SOLD FOR USE ON MY 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.

Consequence

WHEN MOVING THE BIKE ARM BRACKET TO ITS DOWN POSITION, THIS PINCH POINT HAS THE POTENTIAL OF CAUSING A SEVERE INJURY TO THE USER'S FINGER OR HAND.

Remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE A REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES TOLL-FREE AT 800-831-1117.

675 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Complaint Statistics

144 total complaints 8 crashes 25 fires 21 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
SEATS	43
AIR BAGS	25
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	18
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL	7
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER	7
ENGINE	5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	5
STRUCTURE	4
SEAT BELTS	3
POWER TRAIN	3

Incident date: Aug 10, 2020

The contact owns a 2005 BMW X3. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact read the owner’s manual and saw that the failure indicated that the driver’s side seat belt receiver was faulty. The dealer was made aware of the failure and orde... Read more

Incident date: May 25, 2020

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED TO THE GROUND TAKING MY OTHER CAR WITH IT. THIS HAPPENED WHILE PARKED AFTER WASHING THE CARPETS.

Fire

Incident date: Jun 3, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED ON MAY 28, 2019. LEITH PORSCHE (700 AUTOPARK BLVD, CARY, NC 27511) DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT IF... Read more

Incident date: Jan 28, 2019

RIVER'S SEAT HEATING UNIT OVERHEATS WHEN ON HIGH SETTING, TO THE POINT OF BURNING SKIN THROUGH THE SEAT AND CLOTHING. LOWER LEFT LUMBAR . PER SERVICE SHOP, THE SEAT HEATER GRID IS BROKEN, CAUSING 40 DEGREE HIGHER TEMPERATURES THAN NORMAL IN THE LEFT LEG AREA. ONGOING ISSUE, NOT A SINGLE OCCURRENCE

Incident date: Jun 3, 2016

ALL OTHER 2005 BMW X3 HAVE A RECALL EXCEPT FOR MINE. I HAVE HAD MY AIRBAG LIGHT COME ON TWICE. I HAVE HAD MY SEAT SENSOR ON MY PASSENGER SIDE REPLACED ONCE. I FEEL LIKE THE RECALL SHOULD COVER MY VEHICLE.

Incident date: Feb 1, 2018

THE DRIVER SEAT HEATING ELEMENT BURNT A HOLE THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAT. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND WEARING MY SEAT BELT. I FELT THE HEAT THROUGH MY CLOTHES AND I WAS AFRAID IT WOULD CATCH MY CLOTHES ON FIRE. I PULLED OVER UNSTRAPPED MY SEAT BELT AND EXAMINED THE SEAT TO FIND THE HOLE BU... Read more

Incident date: Mar 13, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT SEAT LUMBAR CUSHION OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Mar 13, 2018

Fire

Incident date: Jan 25, 2018

DAUGHTER TURNED ON VEHICLE, TURNED ON HEATED DRIVERS SEAT, AS SHE WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, BEGAN TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING, PULLED CAR OVER & GOT OUT, LEFT VEHICLE RUNNING, CONTINUED TO SMELL BURNING AND BEGAN TO SEE SMOKE. SAW THAT A BURN HOLE WAS FORMING IN THE LEFT SIDE, BOTTOM OF LEATHER ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jan 10, 2018

THE CAR IS HAVING A TRIAD OF LIGHTS WITH NO PROBLEM FOUND. KEEP GETTING 4X4, ABS, BRAKE, AND NOW MY PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG WARNING LIGHTS. AND RESEARCHING ONLINE I FOUND THAT SMILIAR YEAR MODELS WERE RECALLED FOR THE AIRBAG SENSOR.

Incident date: Jan 10, 2018

Incident date: Jan 1, 2014

IT LOOKS LIKE THAT THE SHIFTING OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION IN BMW X3, 2005 3.0L ARE KIND OF DELAYED. I NOTICED WHILE I PUSH THE GAS PEDAL AND SPEED IS ACCELERATING REAL WELL TO THE POINT WHEN GEAR SUPPOSED TO BE SWITCHED BUT IT DOES NOT HAPPEN. I HAVE TO TEMPORARILY, FOR ONE SEC, REDUCE THE GAS A... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2017

WHEN I TURNED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER, THE SEAT HEATER BURNED THROUGH AND BURNED A HOLE THROUGH MY CLOTHES

Incident date: Aug 1, 2017

WHEN I TURNED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER, THE SEAT HEATER BURNED THROUGH AND BURNED A HOLE THROUGH MY CLOTHES

Incident date: Mar 7, 2016

PASSENGER AIR SAYS OFF WHEN A PASSENGER IS IN SEAT ## VIN PASSED ## BMW X3 2005 ##

Incident date: Mar 7, 2016

PASSENGER AIR SAYS OFF WHEN A PASSENGER IS IN SEAT ## VIN PASSED ## BMW X3 2005 ##

Incident date: Nov 11, 2016

THE INTERNAL WIRING OF THE HID HEADLIGHTS HAS DETERIORATED TO THE POINT OF FALLING APART LEAVING BARE CONDUCTORS IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS. THIS HAS CAUSED THE HEADLIGHTS, ADAPTIVE MOTOR DRIVES, AND DECORATIVE LIGHTING TO BE INTERMITTENT AND FAIL. WITH THE BARE CONDUCTORS, AN APPRECIABLE FIRE HAZARD E... Read more

Incident date: Jul 4, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING ON LOOSE GRAVEL AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW SHATTERED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT HAND, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATT... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Mar 28, 2016

ACCORDING TO YOUR BULLETIN THERE ARE PROBLEMS WITH THE PASSENGER AIRBAG ( WHICH I AM HAVING) BUT THERE IS NO RECALL BY BMW. AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF.

Incident date: May 8, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS). THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND... Read more

Incident date: Feb 2, 2016

BOTH SEATS. PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE WITH 183K MILES. WAS GETTING COLD OUT, TURNED ON THE HEATED SEAT FUNCTION AND NOTICED A BURNING SMELL UPON DRIVING DOWN THE COUNTRY ROADS FROM MY HOUSE. THE SIDE OF THE DRIVERS SEAT MELTED THROUGH. COULD SEE IT GLOWING INSIDE OF THE SEAT. SOMEONE HAD DONE A SEAT R... Read more

Incident date: Feb 2, 2016

Incident date: Mar 2, 2016

I BOUGHT A BMW X3 IN 2005 AND NOTICED THAT WHEN THE MOTOR IS OFF THE HORN DOES NOT SOUND. MY HUSBAND BOUGHT A BMW 3 SERIES IN 2007, AND MY DAUGHTER/SON IN LAW BOUGHT AN X1 TWO MONTHS AGO. AND I HAVE ASKED FRIENDS WHO OWN BMW'S AND THEY SAY THE SAME THING - WHEN THE MOTOR IS OFF, THE HORN DOES NOT... Read more

Incident date: Nov 5, 2015

MY WIFE HAS A 2005 BMW X3 WITH AN AIRBAG WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH. THE PROBLEM/SYMPTOM IS THAT THERE IS A LITTLE RED LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT LOOKS LIKE AN AIRBAG IS DEPLOYED ALONG WITH A YELLOW LIGHT ABOVE YOUR HEAD THAT SAYS "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF". SO IN THE EVEN... Read more

Incident date: Jan 5, 2016

BOUGHT USED WITH 105,378 MILES. HUSBAND DROVE 55 MILES A WEEK FOR 16 WEEKS. PARKED IN LOT FOR 5 MONTHS (20 WEEKS). I DROVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP IT HAD 107 K ON IT. IN AN 8 HOUR PERIOD IT GAINED OVER 2500 MILES ON AN 8TH OF TANK OF GAS. WHEN I GOT IT BACK IT HAD 110K ON IT. DEALERSHIP BLAMED THE K... Read more

Incident date: Oct 23, 2015

THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HEATER HAS OVERHEATED AND BURNED THROUGH THE LEATHER AND MY PANTS. THERE APPEARS TO BE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE AND A NHTSA RECALL BULLETIN NUMBER 04V575000 FOR OLDER 5 SERIES VEHICLES. I THINK THIS INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE EXPANDED SINCE SO MANY PEOPL... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Oct 23, 2015

Fire

Incident date: Jan 20, 2015

MY CAR HAS HAD A ROUGH ILDE FOR A FEW MONTHS, OFF AND ON. I TOOK MY CAR, 78000 MILES, FOR A CV AXLE REPAIR. MY MECHANIC LET ME KNOW THAT I HAD MORE SERIOUS ISSUES WITH MY ENGINE MOUNT BOLTS BEING BROKEN OFF. ITS BEEN MAKING A ROUGH NOISE ALSO AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 60..I TRAVEL WITH MY CHILD IN THIS... Read more

Incident date: Oct 30, 2015

TWO MINUTES AFTER TURNING ON DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER, I BEGAN TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. LOWER LEFT LUMBAR SECTION OF THE SEAT WAS EXTREMELY HOT, FELT HOT INSTANTLY EVEN THROUGH A WINTER COAT AND SWEATSHIRT. IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE SEAT HEATER OFF. EXTREMELY CONSIDERED THE CAR WOULD CATCH FIRE. ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 6, 2015

THE ISSUE BEGAN WITH THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TURNING OFF AND ON RANDOMLY. THE ISSUE HAS ESCALATED INTO THE DRIVER AIRBAG LIGHT ON PERMANENTLY. THE DEALER AND BMW OF NA CLAIMED THERE WERE NO SERVICE BULLETINS FOR 2005 BMW X3 E83S. I WAS ACTUALLY ABLE TO FIND IT, HOWEVER THEY CLAIM THE VIN ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 28, 2015

AIR BAGS STARTED BLINKING LAST WEEK AND NOW IT JUST STAYS ON. BMW WEBSITE STATES MY CAR IS NOT COVER IN RECENT TAKATA AIR BAGS RECALL. ALSO, YESTERDAY WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN RAIN CAR'S WINDSHIELD WIPERS STARTED GETTING JERKY, STICKY AND NOT WORKING PROPERLY CREATING A DANGEROUS DRIVING. THE CAB... Read more

Incident date: Oct 28, 2015

Incident date: Sep 15, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

Incident date: May 14, 2015

I OWN A 2005 BMW X3, PURCHASED NEW 5-5-05. ON 12-19-11, WHILE AT THE DEALER FOR SERVICE, TECH ADVISED THAT DURING SHORT TEST, HE NOTED FAULTED PASS SEAT MAT SENSOR. DEALER REPLACED PASS SEAT MAT SENSOR AND ENABLED. AT NO TIME WERE PRIOR RECALLS ON THIS ISSUE MENTIONED NOR WAS I PROVIDED DOCUMENTATIO... Read more

Incident date: May 14, 2015

Incident date: Aug 21, 2014

THE BOLT HOLDING THE TIMING CHAIN TOGETHER BROKE CAUSING THE TIMING CHAIN TO BREAK WHICH RESULTED IN COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. THE ESTIMATE TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE ENGINE WAS $8322. BMW WAS CONTACTED TO HELP WITH THE REPAIR COSTS BUT REFUSED TO HELP REPAIR THE DAMAGED ENGINE. THERE ARE NUMEROUS R... Read more

Incident date: Apr 30, 2015

THE HEATED SEAT GOT HOT ENOUGH TO BURN A HOLE IN THE SEAT. WHEN I FELT THE HOT SPOT I TURNED OFF THE HEATER , THERE WAS NO FIRE. I UNDERSTAND FROM THE INTERNET THAT THIS ISN'T THAT UNCOMMON AND I WAS HOPING THE NHTSA COULD WORK TOWARDS A RECALL SO THOSE THAT HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM COULD GET IT WARRAN... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2015

I LEFT HOME AND TURNED ON THE SEAT HEATER FOR THE DRIVER SEAT. IN JUST A FEW SECONDS I FELT DISCOMFORT IN MY LEFT BUTTOCK. I REPOSITIONED THINKING SOMETHING WAS PINCHING ME AND THEN SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF THE ROADWAY AND GET OUT OF THE CAR. I SAW THE SEAT BOTTOM SCORCHING ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Feb 1, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE HEATED SEAT FUNCTION OVERHEATED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AND THE KEY BECAME DIFFICULT TO RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNO... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2012

Incident date: Dec 1, 2014

THE DRIVER'S SEAT (BOTTOM) CONTAINS A HEATING ELEMENT. WHEN ON, EVEN ON THE LOWEST SETTING, A HOT SPOT DEVELOPS NEAR THE LEFT REAR SIDE THAT IS SO HOT I HAVE TO SHUT OFF THE HEATER OUT OF FEAR OF A FIRE. *TR

Incident date: Dec 1, 2014

Incident date: Jan 8, 2015

URGENT URGENT URGENT - TOTAL LOSS ACCIDENT AND MAJOR INJURY SUSTAINED 2005 BMW X3 ? PICKED UP ON JANUARY 7, 2015, FROM TORONTO USED CAR DEALERSHIP MAJOR UNINTENDED ACCELERATION ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON JANUARY 8, 2015 AT APPROXIMATELY 10:30 AM. HAD NOT OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 24 HOURS OR PUT MORE THAN 1... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jan 8, 2015

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jan 8, 2015

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Nov 24, 2014

THE HEATED SEAT WAS SO INTENSE IT BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT AND BURNED MY LEG. I ORIGINALLY THOUGHT THE AREA AFFECTED WAS A BURN HOLE IN THE SEAT FROM A CIGARETTE, AFTERWARDS I REALIZED THAT THE BURN HOLE HAD BEEN CREATED BY AN HEATING ELEMENT THAT WAS EXPOSED IN THAT AREA AND BURNED THROUGH THE LEAT... Read more

Fire 1 injured

Incident date: Jan 20, 2015

WAS DRIVING WITH SEAT HEATER ON. THE SEAT FELT VERY HOT ON MY LEGS AT IT SMELLED LIKE SOMETHING WAS BURNING. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE SEAT HEATER. I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND EXITED THE CAR. I NOTICED A BURN MARK ON THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT. THERE IS A MATCHING BURN MARK ON THE WOOL COAT I... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Jan 20, 2015

Fire

Showing 50 of 144 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2005 BMW X3

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.5L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd (4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive)	15.0	22.0	18.0	Premium	$4,300
2.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5) (4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive)	15.0	22.0	17.0	Premium	$4,550
3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd (4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive)	15.0	23.0	18.0	Premium	$4,300
3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S5) (4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive)	14.0	21.0	17.0	Premium	$4,550

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2005 BMW X3

95 manufacturer communications from 51 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	16
350000 EQUIPMENT	11
140000 AIR BAGS	9
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	5
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	4
160000 STRUCTURE	3
134000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY	3
010000 STEERING	2

160000 STRUCTURE

While driving the vehicle on normal roads at10mph and above, a "cracking" sound from the top of the B-pillar(s) is heard.

133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

110000 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. This document covers important information for the dealer on ho

220000 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 driver??A?A?s and/or the passenger??A?A?s front seat.

160000 STRUCTURE

This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry

134000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

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.

134000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

The front sunroof glass seal has shrunk, creating a gap which can cause wind noise or excess water entry.

350000 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

350000 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 mil

160000 STRUCTURE

020000 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. Do not de

021400 SUSPENSION:FRONT:MACPHERSON STRUT

110000 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. For this purpose the SIM card must perform an IMS re

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

A check control message for the restraint system appears. In the instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following fault codes is stored in the ACSM (air bag control unit): 930949 - Knee airbag, d

140000 AIR BAGS

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 Digi

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 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. This doc

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 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 engi

100000 POWER TRAIN

140000 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.

140000 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.

140000 AIR BAGS

TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.

140100 AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE

TAKATA CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM. FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG MODULES.

140000 AIR BAGS

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 ?comp

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

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:

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

140000 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. This page will allow IRFs to check their customers VINs for

220000 SEATS

FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY (OC3) MAT FOR SRS: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 15 YEARS/UNLIMITED MILES

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015.. Fault codes stored in vehicles being serviced are not being diagnosed, leading to repeat repair

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

"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. There is also

104000 POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)

251000 ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)

010000 STEERING

This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Fault codes stored in vehicles being serviced are not being diagnosed, leading to repeat repair

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

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.

140000 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 . The red airbag warning lamp (AWL) in the instrument cluster is illu

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

350000 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. Fault codes stored in vehicles being serviced are not be

200000 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. CAUSE Possible multiple root causes related to the engine, wheels &

105000 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE

200000 WHEELS

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. Failure to repla

194000 TIRES:VALVE

110000 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

110000 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. Analysis of FASTA data and repeat repair visit repo

350000 EQUIPMENT

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

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

110000 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

114000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

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 TE

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

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 t

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

100000 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 whil

350000 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 Moto

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

"?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. When perfo

350000 EQUIPMENT

134000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

130000 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. When perfor

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

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

117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER DISPLAY IS INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE. BMW F25, AND F30 MODELS. *KB

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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

138200 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW

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

140000 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

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

BMW: THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON. THERE ARE TROUBLE CODES STORED FOR THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. NO DRIVEABILITY ISSUES. *RM

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

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

117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

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

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

BMW: PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING AND REPLACING INCANDESCENT AND HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS UNDER WARRANTY. *RM

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

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

015000 STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED FOR BMW TO IDENTIFY CAUSES OF STEERING COMPLAINTS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF MODELS. *RM

016000 STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED FOR BMW TO IDENTIFY CAUSES OF STEERING COMPLAINTS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF MODELS. *RM

072100 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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 WEL

103000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

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 P

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

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

061200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

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

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

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

010000 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 DISPLA

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

BMW: THE BULB-OUT WARNING IS DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *PE

125100 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

BMW: THE BULB-OUT WARNING IS DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *PE

122000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS

BMW: THE BULB-OUT WARNING IS DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *PE

140000 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. RED AIRBAG WARNING LAMP (AWL) IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS ILLUMINATED AND A FAULT CODE FOR EMERGENCY CALL FU

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

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

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TOP TIER DETERGENT GASOLINE IN BMW VEHICLES. *TT

190000 TIRES

NITROGEN INFLATED TIRES. *TT

141100 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE

AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED, AND FAULT CODE 71 (SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTOR) IS STORED IN MRS4RD. BMW E83 (X3). MODEL YEAR UNKNOWN. *TT

BMW X3 - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the BMW X3 across all model years (2004, 2026).

124 Total Recalls

2,766 Total Complaints

0 Investigations

152 Reported Crashes

130 Reported Fires

1 Reported Deaths

BMW X3 - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	1	24	View
2025	8	66	View
2024	2	47	View
2023	4	12	View
2022	7	103	View
2021	10	140	View
2020	16	136	View
2019	10	227	View
2018	11	102	View
2017	6	138	View
2016	5	117	View
2015	7	158	View
2014	6	127	View
2013	7	346	View
2012	2	67	View
2011	4	163	View
2010	4	41	View
2009	3	23	View
2008	3	93	View
2007	3	132	View
2006	2	178	View
2005 (current)	2	144
2004	1	182	View

Other BMW Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
X5	223	4,349	View
330I	122	1,050	View
X6	110	293	View
328I	108	3,743	View
M3	95	550	View
325I	83	1,809	View
Z4	83	1,439	View
5 SERIES	78	557	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2005 BMW X3

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 2005 BMW X3

Technical Service Bulletins, 2005 BMW X3

Most Affected Components

BMW X3 - All Years Overview

BMW X3 - Year by Year

Other BMW Models