BMW X3

"The motor failed twice under warranty leaving us stranted. Both times, the repairs took more than a week to complete. Both repairs were under warranty. It broke down again after the warranty expired. The dealership said it was total engine failure again, price for a new engine + labor to install it was $12,000. The FMV of the vehicle was $11,000."

"oil pump failure required engine replacement"

"The vehicle suddenly showed "Drive Train Malfunction" on a morning commute when the engine oil was replaced the previous day. Took it to the dealer who did the oil change and they brushed it off saying it is not because of their workmanship . Tried to talk to BMW corporate but not much help. Anyway apparently the oil pump failed and caused the engine to sieze. I had to buy a new engine which costed me about 1/3rd of the original vehicle cost which I bought as a CPO. Seems the engine failure for this model are ubiquitous when checked online. The vehicle was functioning fine while being serviced at previous dealers but since we moved, I had to pay money every time I took it to dealer. So much for "Certified Pre-Owned". I am at loss if I should buy what the dealer or if I was just fooled. End of day BMW is not reliable, no corporate empathy and fraudulent dealerships. I really loved the vehicle when it worked and my experience degraded over time."

"Flaw in 2013 x3 28i engine. Chain guide broke in engine. Known defect, warranty was extended to 70K miles."

"Engine timing belt was going bad again. First time was around 50K miles, second time was 88K miles. Still under extended warranty at 2nd time (11 days left) and BMW decided to replace engine and turbos for free."

"BMW has known about the timing chain problem with the N-20 motor since 2014/2015, and has changed the design since then. BMW extended the warranty on the timing chain to 70,000miles/70 years well after I reached that mileage. I had just passed 100,000 miles when I became aware of the problem. While having the vehicle serviced in prior years at BMW of the Woodlands(TX) and BMW of San Antonio, no one advised me of this problem and the subsequent recommendation to change the oil more frequently than was in the original specs. I was advised by a private garage that specializes in BMW service. I went ahead and replaced the timing chain at a BMW dealer because I could tell that it was very loose. The BMW technician said it was about to fall off. The cost of the repair was $3700. I was very pleased with BMW of Austin TX who was very truthful, caring and also deeply discounted the cost of the repair. I understand there is a class action suit against BMW for the timing chain. We greatly enjoy driving this vehicle, and it is in mint condition otherwise, but is has virtually no trade-in value. So I would have to say that the overall cost to operate is huge. I am deeply disappointed with BMW and how little they have done about this problem. I think BMW should extend the warranty to at least 150,000 and cover the cost of my repair."

"The SUV literally died while driving with no warning to me. It had been operating fine and I had all the scheduled maintenance and oil changes done previously. After having it towed to the mechanic and having to take the engine apart, it was determined the cams were scored and compression almost completely gone. Solution was to replace the engine for $12,000!!! So disappointing this would happen to a car with only 103,000 miles. I have elected to sell the car for $750 and let new owner replace the engine. The warranty from BMW expired after 70,000 miles. The BMW dealership where I purchased the car was also not very sympathetic or helpful."

"Experienced a warning that there was a Drive Train Malfunction. Mechanic discovered oil leak from valve cover due to a plugged PCV valve. While fixing the oil leak, a very loose timing chain was discovered and ultimately replaced. Very expensive repair - almost $7,000 CDN"

"Engine oil pump fail causing timing belt to break and scatter pieces into engine"

"Started May 2019 at about 103000 miles. Took vehicle in for oil change and technician found that the timing chain was becoming loose. He alerted me to the extension of the warranty to 70000 miles but I was already passed it. I took the vehicle back to BMW who confirmed the timing chain was loose, and they said it was about to fail when they opened up the engine. They replaced it for about $2500. There is currently a class action suit against BMW for the timing chain failure on the N20 motor. BMW should extend the warranty to at least 150000 miles for this part. In all the previous times I had BMW service the vehicle while it was under an extended warranty, they never alerted me to the timing chain issue."

"The timing chain guides failed, causing chain slack and jammed the oil pump resulting in no oil pressure. the low pressure alert came on while cruising down an interstate, a few seconds later a drivetrain malfunction error message, followed by the engine shutting down, but not before the engine was irreparably damaged, requiring replacement. Some research indicated that apparently there was an issue with the timing chain guides from 2003-2015, and they were redesigned for 2016 and beyond. The same engine is used in multiple models of BMW's lines. Must be why the dealer absorbed 85% of the cost of the engine replacement. Still $2200 and the need for a rental vehicle to travel 450 miles home, and then return 2 weeks later to get the car was a royal pain. We did the math and couldn't afford to scrap the car, so we had it fixed. Modern vehicles have gotten too complex, too much computer control and integration, rendering even the simplest thing - leaking valve stems - a several hundred dollar proposition."

"This was a problem known by BMW. They put in defective timing chain and tensioners...I got a warning at 48,800 miles and BMW did no repairs at that time. I was told it was a programming error but it was the start of the timing chain becoming loose and ultimately failing on me. The chain was replaced at 73400."

"Timing chain started to fail at 87300 miles. Known problem that BMW extended the warranty to 7 yrs/70000 miles. Engine shouldn't fail at 87k! Should have been a recall. BMW covered parts, I paid for labor at $2k."

"Timing chain guides failed during a 7 hour drive. Made the return trip without repair and experienced significant loss of power. Total repair was completed within 3 days and all costs were borne by BMW. Consequently I am a loyal BMW customer."

"It started as an issue found by a technician during an oil change and took 3 tries to get it right. The first time, they broke a sensor which left the car disabled and after fixing that, a gasket was damaged. It seems that it is such a complicated repair that the dealer technicians broke other components twice. All work was done at a Bmw dealer"

"While the X3 was in the dealership for brake maintenance, the mechanic determined the timing chain was failing. Replaced under warranty"

"Got Drivetrain Warning message repeatedly when driving uphill. It took a couple thousand dollars worth of troubleshooting, where they solve each problem along the way (including changing the battery and several other parts) to finally determine it was the turbo engine, which was replaced under warranty."

"Warning light comes on telling that there is a problem with the transmission and go to a dealer. Dealer says a solenoid on the turbo charger is defective and charges $750 to replace. Said if this doesn't fix need new turbo charger about $4,000 (did not fix)."

"Oil leak in turbo line."

"There was a valve in the turbo charger that was sticking slightly and caused a warning indicating there was a drivetrain malfunction. This problem persisted for more than a year and eventually BMW diagnosed the problem and the turbo charger was replaced."

"Oil line to Turbocharger was leaking causing oil smoke from exhaust. Was supposed to be covered under extended warranty, BMW denied repair costs. Had fixed at independent shop."

"Drivetrain Malfunction Warning came on a number of times over 2 year period and they only recently attributed it to low turbo boost pressure due to a faulty waste gate."

"Developed loud noise while driving. Took to dealer. Determined it was the turbo bearing. Dealer ordered replacement. Installed replacement and covered 90% of cost. Warranty was up by less than a month. Turbo was completely worn out. Impeller rubbed on case......... After repair, X3 performs like new.."

"Message on the dash lit up: Engine Problem Drive Moderately. The dealership attempted two fixes, the first costing us $800. The second was free under warranty of the first. Neither attempt fixed the problem. The turbo chargers had to be completely replaced. $4,000!"

"The vehicle began emitting blue smoke and turbo started to whine. Under extended warranty. Dealer refused to replace, saying it was normal. Found ample evidence online that this is not uncommon problem. Pressed dealer, who finally replaced turbo, solving the problem."

"Drivetrain malfunction warning came on often when accelerating after being at speed. Vehicle was at the dealership for the entire month of Feb and over $2000 to fix the issue. On drive home from dealership, the warning light came on again. Took it back twice for them to try and fix. Currently at the dealership replacing the Turbo charger for another $2400 or more fix."

"About two months after the timing chain was replaced, there was an audible alarm of a power reduction problem. It went away for a week or so then came back on. I took the vehicle to BMW and they diagnosed the turbocharge bearings were shot. They replaced the turbocharger for another $2500. Vehicle has run well since, but I have lost confidence in the vehicle and the BMW brand."

"Drive train malfunction error message lead to a two days in shop diagnostic visit to track down a vacuum leak causing the error, that rendered the car undrivable."

"Lack of power. Told by BMW that Turbo "wears out" with higher milage."

"Exhaust smoke on start-up. Turbo had to be replaced"

"Smoking and burning oil. Was seal on turbo. BMW fixed it even though it was outside warranty"

"one of the Turbos completely malfunctioned at 58000 miles and had to be rebuilt"

"The turbocharger was leaking oil into the exhaust side which caused the engine to smoke heavily on startup. BMW replaced the turbo under warranty"

"Turbo fuel inlet was corroded. Dealership thought it was caused by the salt from ocean air"

"Plugged/failed valve in the turbo that they replaced under warranty. However, due to their engine trouble shooting methodology, I had to take the car in twice and they kept it several days each time, although BMW does provide a "loaner" vehicle, so I"

"when driving fast, it sounds like air is coming in the passenger window"

"I find water on my driver side footwell after hard rains."

"Numerous sub-frame bolts were loose and had to be tightened. Additional tie-rod was worn and making noise"

"When it’s cooler outside (under 50 F) the panoramic roof squeaks loudly. The electric panel that covers the roof muffles the sound well but it it’s open while the panoramic roof is still closed, the noise is quite loud."

"I have to find out what is causing rattle on startup. More money to spend for diagnosis....."

"The sunroof/moonroof squeaks and rattles and it only gets worse when its cold. I did a fair bit of research on the problem and it seems fairly common. It has to do with the seals as the glass isn't completely secure in the closed position and unfortunately there is only 1 dealer within 50 miles of my house and they are not reputable in my opinion."

"squeal in drivers power window - up and down"

"It concerned the sun roof"

"The sunroof squeaks at temperatures below 45 F"

"Panoramic roof rattles in the winter"

"dealer explained to me it is the fuel pressure pump and will not repair..also the engine is very noisy and again they will not repair"

"The rear seat had a squeak or noise and when we took it to the BMW dealer it was some sort of suspension in the seats. They fixed it it took about 3 days to do it"

"The sunroof makes a squeaking noise"

"Sunroof squeaks in closed position while driving. More so in cold weather"

"Rattle coming from moonroof when driving over minor road imperfections"

"Mild squeaking coming from the cross-bar between the glass roof and the sun roof. With the moon roof closed (the fabric covering) it is not annoying. With it open it can be distracting"

"it sounds like the rearview mirrors are not particularly aerodynamic"

"There was air noise from the sliding glass roof opening. This was repaired successfully by the BMW dealer who replaced a seal."

"on highway wind and road noise not repairable"

"For such an expensive vehicle, I am able to use Lexmark USBs but not SANDISK brand"

"All problems fixed under warranty - replaced all modules"

"directions sometimes indicate a left turn when a right is the correct need. Also, if phone rings while using the backup camera, it overrides the camera. Dangerous!"

"Occasional completely erroneous directions occur"

"does not respond to voice commands"

"loses iphone paring"

"My 2013 BMW X3 has been in/out of service at BMW Northwest Fife, WA for bluetooth pairing failures 4 times since purchasing this vehicle. Last (March 2015) bluetooth pairing would jump from calls or music to a radio station. The last service require"

"Intermittent problem, sometimes the radio will not turn on, usually in hot weather. The amp needs to be replaced."

"sat radio loses signal off and on while driving...like I drive under a bridge many times even though I am not"

"loses radio station tuned in after turning vehicle off and then re-starting"

"Radio picks up static and electronic interference to the point I often turn the radio off"