BMW X3 reliability

On affected vehicles the screw connection of the positive battery cable onto the starter generator may not have been performed to specification.

Fix: On affected vehicles the starter generator will be replaced and positive cable will be reworked / replaced if required.

Recalled models: X3 · 81 vehicles

On affected vehicles the rear brake hoses may not have been crimped correctly during production.

Fix: Affected vehicles will have the brake hoses replaced.

Recalled models: X3 · 16 vehicles

On affected vehicles the 48v connection to the starter generator may not be secured to the correct specification.

Fix: Affected vehicles will have the connection checked and reworked if required.

Recalled models: X3 · 4 vehicles

For certain vehicles there is an adaptation measure for the emissions control system.

Fix: The vehicles will have some components of the emissions control system replaced with adapted parts and their control applications will be updated.

Recalled models: X3 · 20,093 vehicles

On affected vehicles the screw connection for the luggage lashing rails may not withstand the forces in situations of a rear end impact. This may result in the lashing rail to not crumple as expected in these situations.

Fix: On affected vehicles the luggage lashing rail screws will be replaced with revised screws.

Recalled models: X3 · 1,581 vehicles

For the affected vehicles the fabric of the passenger airbag may have been damaged during handling for airbag assembly.

Fix: Replacement of the passenger airbag.

Recalled models: X3 · 2 vehicles

Affected vehicles may have had a retrofit or conversion of the airbag using a previously recalled airbag variant which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury possibly fatal to people in the vicinity. The original factory fitment airbag for the vehicle is not affected.

Fix: Vehicles will have the airbag checked and if necessary replaced.

Recalled models: X3 · 43,121 vehicles

On affected vehicles the screw connection for the luggage lashing rails may not withstand the forces in situations of a rear end impact. This may result in the lashing rail to not crumple as expected in these situations.

Fix: On affected vehicles the luggage lashing rail screws will be replaced along with additional washers.

Recalled models: X3 · 15,628 vehicles

On affected vehicles overtime the aluminium screws can loosen or break on the adjustable variable camshaft timing (VANOS) units potentially resulting in engine emergency mode being activated.

Fix: On affected vehicles the eight aluminium screws will be replaced if evidence of faulty screws is found then the VANOS adjustment unit will also be replaced.

Recalled models: X3 · 8 vehicles

On affected vehicles a possible degradation due to age of the propellant tablets may lead to over aggressive combustion if the air bag is activated and cause the inflator body to rupture.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the drivers air bag will be replaced.

Recalled models: X3 · 2,223 vehicles

On affected vehicles the three screws connecting the electric motor to the steering gear are potentially not fastened correctly.

Fix: On affected vehicles the steering gear will be replaced

Recalled models: X3 · 46 vehicles

On affected vehicles ingress of transmission fluid may occur to the integrated transmission control unit within the mechatronic module

Fix: On affected vehicles the transmission mechatronic module will be replaced

Recalled models: X3 · 26 vehicles

On affected vehicles the steering wheel ground connection may have been insufficiently fastened during production which may result in the system detecting the hands are on the steering wheel even though they are not��

Fix: On affected vehicles the steering wheel ground connection will be checked and if required reworked.�

Recalled models: X3 · 1 vehicles

On affected vehicles risk of potential flooding could have occurred leading to salt water ingress whilst parked in port awaiting shipping

Fix: The affected vehicles will be thoroughly checked cleaned and reworked as required

Recalled models: X3 · 231 vehicles

On affected vehicles the bolted connection to the starter-generator may not have been tightened according to specifications.

Fix: Check and rework the ground connection to the starter generator if required.

Recalled models: X3 · 1 vehicles

On affected vehicles the bolted connection for the starter-generator may not have been tightened onto the body (ground) according to specifications.

Fix: Check and rework the ground connection for the starter generator if required.

Recalled models: X3 · 6 vehicles

The affected vehicles possibly have an inadequate laser weld seam on the seat mechanism/frame of the driver�s or front passenger seat.

Fix: Replace the defective seat mechanism and backrest frame on the affected front seat.

Recalled models: X3 M40d · 1 vehicles

A possible degradation of airbag propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.

Fix: On affected vehicles the drivers airbag module will be replaced.

Recalled models: X3 · 7,908 vehicles

Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.

Fix: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.

Recalled models: X3 · 322,745 vehicles

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the EGR cooler module will be replaced.

Recalled models: X3 · 319,399 vehicles

During a service visit the affected vehicles have been updated with software that could misinterpret certain input parameters for the engine management system.

Fix: The control units will be reprogrammed with an improved version of software.

Recalled models: X3 · 6,401 vehicles

The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Module could leak over time�and cause thermal incident.

Fix: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.

Recalled models: X3 · 18,330 vehicles

Leaking glycol coolant could create in combination with soot and oil sediments in the EGR module ignitable deposits.

Fix: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.

Recalled models: X3 · 63,888 vehicles

The battery cables on the 48V starter generator may not have been sufficiently secured during the production process.

Fix: Check the screw connection of the 48V positive / negative battery cables on the starter generator and rework if necessary.

Recalled models: X3 · 388 vehicles

A possibility of impurities contained in the HV batteries may cause short circuit.

Fix: Testing of battery charge cycles and replacement of the HV cells where necessary.

Recalled models: X3 · 2,665 vehicles

On affected vehicles seat belt mounting bolts may not be securely attached.

Fix: Check connections of both front seat belts and rework if necessary.

Recalled models: X3 · 88 vehicles

Deployment of the passenger air bag could damage the instrument panel

Fix: On the affected vehicle the instrument panel trim will be replaced

Recalled models: X3 · 1 vehicles

The cable lengths for the electric connection of the hall sensor integrated inside the seatbelt buckle could be too short.

Fix: R; The front seat belt buckles will be checked and replaced if they are found to be faulty.

Recalled models: X3 · 326 vehicles

The swivel bearing/s on the front axle of the affected vehicles may not have been produced to specification.

Fix: The swivel bearing/s on the affected vehicles will be replaced.

Recalled models: X3 · 13 vehicles

The front seatbacks may not have been welded to specifications by the sub-supplier.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the front seat structure will be replaced.

Recalled models: X3 · 1 vehicles

Vehicles may not have had the rear spoiler properly attached

Fix: The screw connection of the rear spoiler will be inspected and if necessary screws installed.

Recalled models: X3 · 436 vehicles

The screw at the bottom steering spindle connection may be tightened incorrectly.

Fix: The screw connection at the bottom steering spindle will be checked replaced and tightened to the correct specifications.

Recalled models: X3 · 53 vehicles

The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk

Fix: A visual inspection of the EGR cooler to check for leaks and excessive build-up of deposits. The EGR cooler will be replaced on all affected vehicles

Recalled models: X3 · 225,449 vehicles

The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk.

Fix: The EGR cooler will be replaced with an improved version.

Recalled models: X3 · 153,602 vehicles

The fault affects the brake system in particular the brake calipers on the rear axle. Because of a faulty coating hydrogen gas (approximately 10 ml) could be created in the coating of the piston of the brake caliper. This will be completely outgassed during the first 2 months after the production process causing longer brake pedal travel. Under certain circumstances the relevant brake pressure cannot be build up in the rear brake circuit. As a result the brake force of the system may be reduced by up to 30%. The driver may feel a soft brake pedal and a reduction of the brake performance. In certain cases the rear brake circuit could fail leading to increased risk of an accident.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the brake system will be bled.

Recalled models: X3 · 1,032 vehicles

The sealing cap of the pressure-limiting valve in the fuel tank delivery module may be damaged. This concern could lead to a reduction in fuel transfer from the left side to the right side of the fuel tank. Therefore it is possible for the engine to stall even though the fuel gauge would show fuel present.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the fuel pressure of the delivery module and the distance of the cap on the pressure-limiting valve. Where necessary the delivery module will be replaced.

Recalled models: X3 · 1,752 vehicles

The driver airbag module may not have been produced to specification. This could lead to excessive pressure building up inside the inflator causing the inflator to rupture resulting in metal fragments passing through the airbag cushion material into the vehicle interior at high speed. This could lead to injury or death of the vehicle occupants.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the driver airbag module.

Recalled models: X3 · 32 vehicles

The rear spoiler may not have been properly attached Wind noise and deformation of the spoiler may occur. Continued use may cause the spoiler to detach.

Fix: On affected vehicles inspect the attachment of the spoiler and where necessary install new fixings.

Recalled models: X3 · 2,397 vehicles

The electrical contact of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) is not sufficiently robust over the service life of the vehicle. As a result the power steering support may fail possibly leading to disconcerting driving situation for the driver. Additionally in a few cases a localised thermal event cannot be excluded.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the steering gear (EPS).

Recalled models: X3 · 41 vehicles

ISOFIX mountings are fixed to a cross member. As a result of vibrations and type of seat used it is possible for the ISOFIX mountings to become insecure and in rare cases break off.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and a metal angle bracket will be welded to each of the four ISOFIX brackets in the back seats to reinforce the mounting.

Recalled models: X3 · 45,154 vehicles

The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data the engine emergency mode will be activated. This will be indicated by a distinct change in engine running. The orange engine management warning lamp and a check message; On vehicles with N51/N52 engines this will appear at ignition recycle on N55 engine it will display immediately.

Fix: Repalce bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit

Recalled models: X3 · 2,967 vehicles

The defect concerns the front passenger air bag. The skin of certain instrument panels was not correctly scored. In case of accident with air bag deployment the predetermined breaking point will not tear open resulting in the air bag deploying in the instrument panel. This will lead to insufficient restraint effect and possibly release of parts of the air bag system into the passenger compartment.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the instrument panel.

Recalled models: X3 · 4 vehicles

Due to a fault with an internal connection within the Fuel Filter Heater (FFH) it is possible that during temperatures below freezing the FFH can remain permanently activated. This will normally cause the FFH to overheat which will result in the inability to start the vehicle due to a flat battery. This can occur even when the ignition is turned off. However in extreme cases it could cause a vehicle fire.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the FFH.

Recalled models: X3 · 21,502 vehicles

Moisture may enter the fuel filter heater at an electrical connection. Should this occur it can cause a discharge of the battery causing non starting of the vehicle. Also if it occurs whilst the vehicle is in motion it could result in a fire when the vehicle is left unattended.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the fuel filter heater.

Recalled models: X3 · 21,923 vehicles