2006 BMW X3

2 recalls, 178 complaints - 114 TSBs

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Defect Description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2010 BMW X3 2.5i, X3 3.0i and X3 xDrive30i Sports Activity Vehicles. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if, and how, the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which cou... Read more

Consequence

Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. A second notification letter will be sent when parts are available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-8... Read more

85,302 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

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

Complaint Statistics

178 total complaints 8 crashes 20 fires 19 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
AIR BAGS	66
SEATS	40
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	13
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL	12
ENGINE	6
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	4
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	4
STRUCTURE:BODY	4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	3

Incident date: May 28, 2026

I was dive down the road and it sound like a gun go off I seen the right side air bag was out and that scared me I did not comperhend what had hppen and I end up sliding down a ditch in bake ment

Incident date: May 28, 2026

My steering is a big issue. Yes it is available for inspection if only someone would actually listen and want to truly inspect my complaint. I have a 2024 honda accord ex with just over 18000 miles. I just got the car when it had 16390 miles , just bought it last month. The following day after purc... Read more

Incident date: Dec 20, 2022

Dealer states my occupancy detection mat was already reworked, however the original mat is still in the seat and no evidence exists to show what was done to prevent future fatigue of the mat. The date code on the mat is 2005 and the dealer stated it only needed replacing if it showed visible crackin... Read more

Incident date: Aug 26, 2022

The contact owns a 2006 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the front passenger's side air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign N... Read more

Incident date: May 5, 2021

I can smell a burning smell at times coming out from my blower and the heat and air condition is not functioning properly. Also my rear hatch lights on the interior are always on and when I hit bumps they flash off and on.

Incident date: Dec 14, 2021

The contact owns a 2006 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the contact rear-ended another vehicle. All the air bags except for the passenger’s side air bag deployed upon impact. The contact suffered a migraine from the collision but did not receive medical attention but plann... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Dec 11, 2021

I turned on my heated seat and within about a minute and a half I smelled a burning smell. Pulled over as I started to feel a burn on my leg because the seat heater has burnt through the leather in my car. This is a known problem at BMW and they have not issued a recall for this.

Incident date: Dec 11, 2021

Incident date: Mar 1, 2021

FAULTY CLOCK SPRING BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ON HORN DOESN'T WORK BMW STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS DON'T WORK, PADDLE SHIFTER NOT WORKING, FAULT CODE: DRIVER SQUIB CIRCUIT OPEN OR HIGH RESISTANCE, CODE B1049 AND B1054.

Incident date: Mar 1, 2021

Incident date: Sep 28, 2018

NHTSA WEBSITE CLAIMS THAT MY VEHICLE HAS HAD AN UNREPAIRED RECALL. THE RECALL IS FOR: FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT: THIS SAFETY RECALL INVOLVES THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. DEPENDING ON SEAT CONFIGURATION AND VEHICLE GEOMETRY, THE MAT CAN FATIGUE DURING FIELD USAGE... Read more

Incident date: Jan 25, 2016

DRIVER SEAT HEATER COIL BURNED UP WHILE I WAS SITTING IN THE GARAGE PREPARING TO LEAVE CAUSING HOLE IN THE SEAT AND MY PANTS.. I SEARCHED ON YOUTUBE AND IT SHOWED THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL INCIDENTS OF THIS HAPPENING. SHOULDN'T THERE BE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM

Incident date: Dec 16, 2019

WHILE DRIVING, WITH DRIVER'S HEATED SEAT SET ON HIGH (3 LIGHTS FOR HEATED SEAT CONTROL), DRIVER NOTED A BURNING SMELL. DRIVER TURNED OFF CABIN HEAT, HEATED SEAT AND PULLED OFF THE ROAD TO IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF THE STRONG BURNING SMELL. HEATED SEAT HAD BURNED THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAT AND THE EXTE... Read more

Incident date: Dec 9, 2019

HEATED SEAT GETTING TOO HOT TOO FAST. BURNING SMELL.

Incident date: Nov 12, 2019

WITHIN TWO MINUTES OF DRIVING, ON A CITY STREET, THE CAR WITH THE HEATED SEATS ON, I SMELLED A BURNING SMELL AND THOUGHT IT WAS COMING FROM ANOTHER CAR. BUT THE SMELL GOT STRONGER AND IT DIDN'T SMELL LIKE A CAR-RELATED SMELL. EVENTUALLY, THE SMELL GOT SO STRONG AND PUNGENT AND I SUDDENLY HAD A SHARP... Read more

1 injured

Incident date: Oct 29, 2019

WHILE USING DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER, ELEMENTS OVERHEATED BURNING THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAT AND BURNING THE LEFT SIDE/HIP OF THE DRIVER. CAR WAS IN MOTION AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE HEATER IMMEDIATELY AND HAVEN'T USED IT SINCE.

Fire

Incident date: Jan 9, 2019

BMW OF DALLAS ,TX SAID PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT BACK ORDERED, IT HAS BEEN OVER 6 MONTHS. WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO USE THIS SEAT SAFELY. THEY SAID THEY WOULD CALL WHEN AVAIL.

Incident date: Sep 28, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V605000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BMW CONCORD (1967 MARKET ST, CONCORD, CA 94520, (925) 682-3577) WAS CONTACTED AND... Read more

Incident date: Jun 6, 2019

WHEN A PERSON IS SITTING IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THE "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" LIGHT COMES ON AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT SHOWS ON THE DASH LIKE THE SENSOR ISN'T REGISTERING THAT SOMEONE IS SITTING THERE, THEN AFTER A FEW MINUTES IT GOES OFF AGAIN AND DOES THIS FREQUENTLY.

Incident date: Jun 6, 2019

Incident date: Apr 15, 2019

ON APRIL 15 THE VEHICLE WAS IN A COLLISION WITH SEVERE FRONT END DAMAGE. THE TEAR DOWN ESTIMATE WAS OVER $10,000. FUNNY THING WAS THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.

Crash

Incident date: Apr 1, 2010

ELECTRICAL AND HAS BEEN AFFECTED SINCE THE CAR WAS LESS THAN 5 YEARS OLD, RADIO WOULD SUDDENLY GET LOUD IF VOLUME WAS ADJUSTED. AFTER THE ELECTRICAL ISSUES STARTED ABOUT 2 YEARS LATER MY A/C STARTED HAVING ISSUES THOUGHT IT MAY BE A LEAK BUT NOW AFTER SEEING THE RECALL ON ELECTRICAL ISSUES ON SOME M... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2010

Incident date: Aug 30, 2018

THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON, THERE IS A RECALL ON AIRBAG SENSORS. DEALER WANTED ME TO PAY $170 FIRST BEFORE THEY CAN LOOK AT THE PROBLEM. I TOLD THEM THE AIRBAG SYSTEM HAS A RECALL ON AIRBAG SENSORS, BUT THEY REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM OR EVEN DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM BEFORE I PAID THEM $170.

Incident date: Feb 13, 2019

HEATED SEATS GETS TOO HOT AND BURNT ME ON THE LEFT BUTT CHEEK. DEFINITELY A FIRE HAZARD AS I COULD ALSO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING IN THE CAR.

Incident date: Nov 1, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS FLUID LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE COOLANT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE COOLANT RESERVOIR, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A D... Read more

Incident date: Oct 12, 2018

HEATED SEAT MALFUNCTIONS CAUSING "HOT SPOT" THAT BURNS SKIN ON REAR UPPER LEG.

Fire 1 injured

Incident date: Nov 20, 2018

PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATING MAT. PROBLEM WITH DETERMINING THE CAUSE OF ERRORS POSTED ON THE PHOTO

Incident date: Nov 20, 2018

PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATING MAT. PROBLEM WITH DETERMINING THE CAUSE OF ERRORS POSTED ON THE PHOTO

Incident date: Nov 20, 2018

PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATING MAT. PROBLEM WITH DETERMINING THE CAUSE OF ERRORS POSTED ON THE PHOTO

Incident date: Oct 20, 2017

THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD TO US WITH AN AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ACTIVATED. PER OUR SALES AGREEMENT DEALER WAS TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. WHEN WE TOOK IT BACK TO THEIR MECHANIC HE STATED THERE WAS AN OPEN RECALL FOR AIRBAG AND TAKE IT TO A BMW DEALER SO THEY CAN REPLACE THE MAT. THAT WAS LAST OCTOBER AND NOW OVE... Read more

Incident date: Mar 15, 2016

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER WIRE BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT, MELTED A SPOT ON MY VINYL RAINCOAT AND SUBSEQUENTLY BURNED MY BUTTOCK. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET AT THE TIME.

Fire 1 injured

Incident date: Sep 28, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V605000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT NO FURTHE... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2017

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT FROM BMW APPROXIMATELY A YEAR AGO. THE NOTICE FROM BMW STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE MAT. TO THIS DATE, THEY HAVE NOT REPLACED IT.

Incident date: Oct 1, 2018

I AM REACHING OUT TO YOU TO SEE IF YOU COULD HELP ME. MY HUSBAND AND I HAVE A BMW X3 2006 AND GOT THE LETTER FOR THE RECALL ON THE AIRBAG. I JUST NOT SURE WHAT I DO NOW. IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR AND STILL HAVE NOT GOT ANYMORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEXT STEP. I HAVE CALLED THEM AND WAS TOLD NOTH... Read more

Incident date: Nov 20, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V605000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER (BMW OF DENVER DOWNTOWN, 1040 S COLORADO BLVD, DENVER, CO 80246) CONF... Read more

Incident date: Aug 20, 2018

BMW X3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT SAFETY RECALL. *LD *JS

Incident date: Aug 20, 2018

BMW X3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT SAFETY RECALL. *LD *JS

Incident date: Aug 20, 2018

BMW X3. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT SAFETY RECALL. *LD *JS

Incident date: Nov 1, 2017

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN NOVEMBER 2017. I TOOK MY CAR TO BMW MYRTLE BEACH FOR THE REPAIR IN DECEMBER 2017. THEY GAVE ME A LOANER WHILE THE WORK WAS BEING DONE. THEY LATER TOLD ME THE REPAIR COULD NOT BE DONE BECAUSE THEY HAD ORDERED THE WRONG PARTS AND THAT THE REPAIR PARTS ARE NOT CURRENTLY AV... Read more

Incident date: Sep 28, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V605000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (LAUDERDALE BMW,... Read more

Incident date: Sep 28, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V605000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT ST... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V605000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER W... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V605000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. BMW OF FREEHOLD (4225 U.S. 9, FREE... Read more

Incident date: Nov 1, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V605000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. BMW OF FREEHOLD (4225 U.S. 9, FREE... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD BEFORE RECEIVING NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V605000 (AIR BAGS). A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS FOR THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT OR R... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X-3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V605000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REA... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V605000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN OCTOBER OF 2017. AFTER CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER AND THE LOCAL DEALER SOUTH MOTORS BMW LOCATED IN PALM BAY, FL, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEED... Read more

Showing 50 of 178 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2006 BMW X3

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
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, 2006 BMW X3

114 manufacturer communications from 58 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	17
350000 EQUIPMENT	11
140000 AIR BAGS	10
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	10
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	5
061200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL	4
353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)	3
117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL	3

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.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

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.

134000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

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

160000 STRUCTURE

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 Leak Diagnosis Module with hose assembly (NVLD, shown) to: 15 years/150,000 mil

160000 STRUCTURE

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

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

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

100000 POWER TRAIN

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

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

110000 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 ?comp

140000 AIR BAGS

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

251000 ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)

"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

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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

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

105000 POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE

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 &

200000 WHEELS

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

194000 TIRES:VALVE

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

200000 WHEELS

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

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

350000 EQUIPMENT

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

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

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 15F, customers may notice a check control message related to the battery that is displayed on t

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

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

134000 VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

"?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

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

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

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

BMW VEHICLE: THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON (MIL) LAMP IS ILLUMINATED AND A POWER REDUCTION IS CLEARLY PERCEPTIBLE. THIS SITUATION MAY OCCUR AFTER DRIVING FOR SOME TIME WITH THE ENGINE ALREADY AT FULL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. IF THE IGNITION IS C

061200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

091100 FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

BMW: THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A PROGRAMMING ISSUE. *RM UPDATED 1/4/12. *PE UPDATED 4/24/12. *PE

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

BMW: THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A PROGRAMMING ISSUE. *RM UPDATED 1/4/12. *PE UPDATED 4/24/12. *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

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

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

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

BMW VEHICLE: WATER HAS ENTERED ELECTRONICS BOX BECAUSE THE LID IS NOT PROPERLY FITTED. ONCE IT IS VERIFIED THAT WATER HAS INDEED ENTERED THE ELECTRONICS BOX, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO REPLACE BOTH THE LOWER PART OF THE ELECTRONICS BOX AND T

061200 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

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

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

BMW: A SOFTWARE ERROR IS CAUSING THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT OR CHECK GAS CAP LIGHT TO COME ON ALONG WITH STORED TROUBLE CODES. *RM

071110 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

BMW: A SOFTWARE ERROR IS CAUSING THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT OR CHECK GAS CAP LIGHT TO COME ON ALONG WITH STORED TROUBLE CODES. *RM

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

BMW: A SOFTWARE ERROR IS CAUSING THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT OR CHECK GAS CAP LIGHT TO COME ON ALONG WITH STORED TROUBLE CODES. *RM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

BMW VEHICLES: SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP OR CHECK GAS CAP WARNING ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. SOFTWARE ERROR IN THE DME FOR THE TANK LEAK DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM. MODELS E60, E61 (5 SERIES); E70 (X5); E71 (X6); E82, E88 (1 SERIES); E83 (X3); E90,

071110 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

BMW VEHICLE: VEHICLES MAY BE DIFFICULT TO START, RUN ROUGH AND HAVE THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VANOS SOLENOID VALVE IS JAMMED OR STICKING. *PE

Showing 100 of 114 bulletins.

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 (current)	2	178
2005	2	144	View
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

2006 BMW X3

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 2006 BMW X3

Technical Service Bulletins, 2006 BMW X3

Most Affected Components

BMW X3 - All Years Overview

BMW X3 - Year by Year

Other BMW Models