Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of BMW X3 - part 1

While driving, noticed smoke coming from under the hood. Immediately pulled in a parking lot where the smoke turned to fire and burned the entire car by the time fire dept arrived. I was the only person in the car and was luckily able to exit the vehicle before the actual fire started. Incident reported to insurance company and they are investigating. There were no dash warning lights of any kind.

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Coolant leak. Oil filter housing coolant leak. Water pump leak. Coolant leaked while driving, and vehicle was not driveable after arriving at the dealership when all the coolant purged out of the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2018 BMW X3 🔎.

BMW has not been able to offer a repair for the engine coolant pump recall issued in August 2024. I wanted to register a formal complaint because I would like to get this repaired and off my vehicle record. I have not experienced any problem with the recalled part yet.

See all problems of the 2016 BMW X3 🔎.

The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

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The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, smoke was noticed leaking from under the hood. The contact stated that after she opened the hood, the vehicle caught on fire. No warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that she and a neighbor had extinguished the fire utilizing a fire extinguisher. No police report was filed. The fire department did not arrive on scene. The vehicle was not towed. The vehicle was not deemed a total loss. The contact was burned on her hand however, she did not seek medical attention. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that spark plug wires and other unknown parts were burned. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously seen by a local dealer for recall repair; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed with any recall-related failures and was diagnosed as needing a timing change replacement. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

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The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

2019 BMW X3 VIN # 5uxtr7c53klr50002 odometer - 70,000 miles dealer - united BMW, 11458 alpharetta hwy, roswell GA 30075 I purchased my 2019 BMW X3 from united BMW in October 2022. The car had a little over 22k miles at the time or purchase. My vehicle suffered catastrophic engine failure on August 2, 2025, just 48 hours after a BMW service technician topped off coolant in response to a warning light. The vehicle has been properly maintained, including repairs from united bwm service and a BMW certified independent mechanic. The engine failure occurred under normal driving conditions, rendering the engine inoperable. I have received a full diagnostic from BMW and they acknowledged that the independent mechanic was not at fault. Previous contact with BMW consumer relations and the united BMW service manager has not resolved the issue. The repair estimate from united is $40,000. Since I purchased my vehicle from united, they offered to reduce my repair cost to $33,000. I still owe $25,000 on this vehicle. Given the sudden failure shortly after BMW's service, this appears to be a serious reliability and potential safety defect. I have copies of my service records. Kindly advise. Kyle sellers 678. 427. 9124 akylesellers@gmail. Com.

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Light indicator showed low coolant levels. Car was leaking coolant slowly. Filled up coolant but levels continued to go down. Brought to mechanic and they had to remove oil filter housing to replace failing gasket. Car is about 113k miles.

I am unable to drive my 2017 BMW X3 VIN number 5uxwx9c37h0t22306 anymore I recently took my vehicle to a mechanical and they told me that my engine coolant pump is no longer good. I checked for any recalls, and the recall is engine coolant pump which the description explains everything that's happening to my vehicle. This issue has been ruled non fixable, and I will like a responsible solution to this problem.

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Engine light diagnostic crankcase ventilation hose defective. There was a recall on this but not for my VIN #, why not I'm having the same issues a described in the recall.

On 7/3/25 took 2019 BMW X3 in for service & received a call that the engine mounts had collapsed and the repair would be $2,098. 50 and to me a car with only 68k miles should not have this issue - first time in any car I've owned. The service advisor, sheri holtz of century BMW, 2934 laurens road, greenville SC informed us that this was a common issue but no recall currently. Went on to research and youtube had information that this is a known issue and one of the top 10 problems with the BMW X3. Contacted BMW client care to seek reimbursement and claim was denied. Also sent a letter to BMW customer relations and no response. A 6 year old car should not have motor mounts collapsing and this is obviously an issue with BMW. Most consumers do not know how to report this complaint but if there is a way for you to search BMW dealers for how often this repair is happening, you will most likely find this is an issue.

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Motor mounts are now replaced every 30k miles the part fails. This is quality and safty hazard. This is not covered by BMW shame.

On may 26, 2025, after I arrived home and parked my 2025 BMW X3, the vehicle caught fire approximately 30 minutes later. The fire started due to a known recall issue (NHTSA recall no. 25v202) related to the electrical/starter-generator connection, which can cause overheating and fire. I contacted BMW multiple times before the incident — on April 19, may 9, and may 25 — requesting help to fix the open recall, but they failed to take action. The fire was sudden and violent, putting my life and property at risk. Firefighters and police responded; case number: 25/200048976. I filed a claim with progressive insurance and have photos and documentation available.

The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the vehicle lost motive power. There was an abnormal winding sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake was inoperable. The contact activated the parking brake to stop the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to technical service bulletin: sib: 11-03-17. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the timing chaining needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

I own a 2011 BMW X3 with an n55 engine and am experiencing vanos-related issues consistent with TSB sib 11 02 13 and recall 23v-707. While my VIN isn’t currently listed, my vehicle falls within the affected model years, and I’m seeing identical dme fault codes (130e11, 120408) and drivability symptoms. I’m concerned about potential engine damage and request an inspection and consideration for goodwill repair or inclusion in the recall.

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The contact owns a 2015 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 40-50 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated and the message "engine overheated -stop vehicle immediately" was displayed. The contact parked and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was later restarted, but the message "engine overheated stop - vehicle immediately" was displayed again. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the water pump had overheated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who also determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

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The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle, and there was oil leaking from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine gasket was faulty and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact was informed that the subframe of the vehicle was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000.

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21v586000 (fuel system, diesel); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

Coolant is leaking and empty every week. Engine overheating warnings! I purchased this vehicle used on [xxx] from autofair in manchester nh 1 week after purchase coolant warnings and engine light came on. Dealer is refusing responsibility and responding to multiple trips, phone calls and reports. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

On April 26, 2025, while driving my 2022 BMW X3, the vehicle suddenly emitted smoke and caught fire. Fortunately, all five passengers, including myself, were able to exit the car before it became fully engulfed in flames. The car was destroyed and is a total loss. The BMW app later displayed a “drivetrain malfunction” message, which did not appear until after the fire had already started. The vehicle was still under the manufacturer’s 48-month new vehicle warranty and had no open recalls at the time. Routine maintenance and service had been performed at authorized BMW dealerships. I am concerned this fire may have resulted from a manufacturing defect, especially in light of similar reports and recalls involving fuel rail cracks or leakage in this model/year. No injuries were sustained, but this was a terrifying and traumatic incident, and I am now left with significant financial loss. What I am requesting: I ask that NHTSA investigate whether this fire was caused by a manufacturing defect common to the 2022 BMW X3 and whether a broader recall or corrective action is warranted.

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

I am reporting an unresolved safety recall (NHTSA recall number: 25v202) on my 2025 BMW X3 (VIN: [xxx] ). The recall is related to a defect in the electrical connection between the starter-generator and the positive battery cable. This could lead to engine stalling while driving, or in extreme cases, a fire due to overheating and smoldering. The defect creates a serious safety risk to both driver and passengers. I purchased this vehicle under financing, and I am still making monthly payments while being unable to safely use it. There is currently no remedy available, and BMW has not provided a timeline or solution. I am afraid to drive this car due to the potential danger. I am requesting urgent action from NHTSA to escalate the resolution of this safety issue. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a rattling sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 158,897. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2011 BMW X3. The contact stated that "engine temperature" message was displayed on the instrument panel with the temperature gauge indicating that the engine was hot(h). Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact discovered that steam on the radiator, and a coolant leak. The contact removed the cooling fan and shroud and discovered that the wiring from the electric water pump was burned and inoperable. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system); however, the year and model vehicle was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN nor the vehicle was included in the recall for the electrical connector. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 188,000.

I was entering 4-lane highway from a side street. While accelerating, the engine suddenly stopped. The dashboard went black, except for a red outline of the car. In the second or two that I was looking for a place to get off the highway, the car restarted, and all indicators returned to normal on the dash. I completed my errands without incident. Since the original incident on Monday, [xxx], I have driven the car on several short errands without incident. I believe this incident may be related to your recall 25v-202. Thank you [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

In 2021, my car broke down due to the vanos gear brackets; the bolts had snapped off. The only way I found out what was wrong was by taking the car to multiple places and paying for diagnostic services, but nobody could identify the issue. Eventually, I brought it to BMW, where they were the only ones who diagnosed the problem. However, they quoted me an exorbitant amount to fix it. I felt I had no choice but to take the car home and handle it myself. I discovered that three bolts were broken, and I suspect the other two had fallen into the oil pan. I managed to acquire both parts for the two vanos gears and installed them myself since dealing with this issue. After reinstalling the gears, I encountered a problem with the valve cover; I wasn't sure if one of the broken bolts had hit the top of it, but I knew I needed to replace it as well. To get an update on the situation, I took my car to the first BMW dealership in hartford. There were complications regarding the loaner car, a $200 deposit on my credit card, and coverage under my full insurance. I contacted BMW headquarters to file a complaint, and during that conversation, the BMW manager told me not to come back, to which I agreed. After filing the complaint and discussing the situation with BMW headquarters, I scheduled an appointment at the waterbury location. When I took my car there yesterday, April 1, 2025, they refused to address the issue because they claimed they could not see the broken bolts. I explained that the bolts had already broken off and that I had previously brought the vehicle to BMW for a diagnosis, which confirmed that the problem involved the gear brackets and the bolts. I also mentioned that the broken bolts had damaged my valve cover, which I had to replace. However, all they did was inspect the car and dismissed the work I had done as if it were performed by them. My car hasn’t felt the same since, and I’ve been struggling with this ongoing issue. Damage that already a cured to my car.

BMW uses plastic coolant pipes which become brittle and crack causing huge issue with entire coolant system. It’s a known issue for BMW repair facilities including engine failure.

BMW b58 engines have been having issues with oil pumps, common symptoms are the oil level not being able complete above 20%. Which indicates a failing oil pump upon a lot of research it’s a very common issue b58 owners know about, many report having seized engines, low oil pressure warning lights. Lots of complaints have been opened with BMW, with Bmws response being to replace oil pump. I have this issue on my car and now have to look into getting the oil pump replaced.

See all problems of the 2021 BMW X3 🔎.

The lower radiator blinds had to be replace and was causing the engineer light to come. I feel that this is a big problem with the BMW and should be cover under warranty.

See all problems of the 2020 BMW X3 🔎.

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2014 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact received notification of the NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was not available. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v608000 (engine and engine cooling, electrical system); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.