10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 9
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 0
Average Mileage:
95,970 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #10

Oct 302013

X3 6-cyl

  • 67,698 miles
23 month old toddler gained access to vehicle keys and locked himself in with the remote key. After several attempts of him trying to open the doors with the door levers, they would not open. We had a lock smith attempt to unlock the doors by pushing the door lock/unlock button located on the upper center console, but this also didn't unlock the doors. The driver side door finally opened after pushing the center lock/unlock button and then pulling on the door lever two times to actually be able to unlock and open the driver door. This entry system requires the use of electrics prior to the mechanical system becoming active. This situation could be very dangerous during high temperature days if a person is locked inside and dangerous in the event of an escape if the electric system fails with the doors in the locked position.

- Martinsville , NJ, USA

problem #9

Sep 012012

X3

  • 96,000 miles
The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving with the heated seat warmer activated, the contact smelled a burning odor. The heated seat warmer had burned a hole through the driver's seat and the contact's pant leg, burning the contact. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 96,000 and the current mileage was 100,000.

- Avoca , IN, USA

problem #8

Apr 092012

X3

  • miles
The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact stated that the battery and battery cables failed. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was advised that the battery cable connecters needed to be replaced. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage and current mileages were unknown.

- Calsvad, CA, USA

problem #7

Mar 082013

X3 6-cyl

  • 78,653 miles
Driving vehicle noticed a burning smell, at first thought it was coming from outside of car, then while in heavy traffic and unable to pull over felt a burning pain on thigh. Immediately turned off seat warmer and tried to pull over. Found that drivers side seat warmer had burnt a hole thru the leather seat cover and burned my pants. This could have very easily caused a wreck!

- Liberty Township, OH, USA

problem #6

Dec 172012

X3 6-cyl

  • 150,000 miles
I had car heating system on and felt some thing very hot under my thigh. I got down to inspect and found a hole in the car seat. I put off the heating system to reach home safely. I have sent pictures and my complaint to BMW ag and BMW usa.

- Cromwell, CT, USA

problem #5

Dec 042012

X3 6-cyl

  • 87,000 miles
Turned on heated seat on driver's side. After approximately 2 minutes, felt burning on left side of seat. Turned off the heated seat, turned on the light and the seat was smoking substantially. A small hole was burned through the leather seat (about the size of a dime) and through my pants. I have a small red mark on the top of the back of my leg. The vehicle smells like smoke. Luckily, I was in the driveway when this happened or an accident might have occurred. Very concerning and will likely be a costly repair. Have noted several other similar incidents repoted on-line.

- Hillsborough, NC, USA

problem #4

Dec 152011

X3 6-cyl

  • miles
Driver's side seat heater has malfunctioned and has burnt the leather and caused discomfort while driving. Heavy burnt smell in the cabin resulted from using the seat heater.

- Selah, WA, USA

problem #3

Feb 262010

X3

  • 21,000 miles
After multiple attempts to remedy the situation, BMW has been unable to resolve the transmission and the intermittent loss of power and most recently "limp-home" mode occurrence associated with the drivetrain on the 2007 BMW X3. The symptoms 1st presented itself as a loss of power from a start. Upon pressing the accelerator, the vehicle did not respond and then responded with a surge or lurching forward. This makes for unpredictable and dangerously erratic vehicle performance. After multiple visits (+4) and multiple complaints along with the sound of gear or differential noise, the dealership finally did some type of ECU update that appeared to resolve the problem. The noise never subsided and recently the car was inoperable forcing a tow after upon pressing the accelerator the vehicle went into transmission limp-mode. As usual, the symptoms "can't be duplicated" once codes are cleared yet the ECU is throwing multiple codes for transmission limp-mode and code 56be for clutch gears 2 and 6. I believe that this is a very dangerous situation to either press the accelerator and for it to be non-responsive then have a delayed vehicle surge not proportional to the input and timing of the accelerator depression and/or press the accelerator and experience significantly curtailed vehicle power due to the "limp-home" condition. This has been a recurring issue since the purchase of the vehicle on 5/31/2009.

- Carlsbad, CA, USA

problem #2

Feb 122009

X3

  • 30,000 miles
BMW X3 needs new computer system due to water damage allegedly emanating from a clogged drain in the sunroof. New computer costs appx $2,000. Dealer and BMW say the drain can't be seen or accessed by owner and it isn't cleaned as part of any servicing. Clear design flaw. I know of others who have had the same situation and bmws response is to try and file an insurance claim.

- Beverly Hills, CA, USA

problem #1

Nov 202008

X3

  • miles
The contact owns a 2008 (na) BMW X3. The contact stated that the brake lights illuminated automatically several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for service, but they found no failures. The light illuminated again and the contact was able to reset the system by turning off the vehicle. The light illuminated again and remained lit. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the electrical switch failed. In addition, the brakes failed while driving at an unknown speed. The contact drove onto a curve and crashed into a tree. There were no injuries. The gear shifter failed and stuck to the floor when it was pulled. The transmission is also failing. During acceleration, the vehicle pulls backwards violently and the contact's hands released the steering wheel. The instrument panel indicators also illuminate. A report was filed with the manufacturer and they stated that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. The vehicle has not been repaired. The current mileage was 7,300 and the failure mileage was unknown.

- Sarasota, FL, USA