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We expect the 2025 X3 to be more reliable than other new cars. This prediction is based on BMW's brand score and the previous generation of the X3.
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 BMW X3 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
"check engine light came on and took to Eurotech garage for service plus oil change"
Anonymous, MA (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)"Charge pipe from the turbocharger to the intake."
Anonymous, TX (2016 BMW X3 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.
"Leather covering on glove compartment door curling away from door structure. Leather quality ok, but the leather cover on the glove compartment door is loose and cannot be fixed, other than to replace door. BMW wants to charge almost 1000 to replace a defective part. No one sits on passenger door side, so not caused by general wear and tear. In process of negotiating with dealership and BMW to fix, but nothing resolved yet."
Anonymous, NC (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)"Front Passenger seat controls stopped working. Took two visits to dealer. First, to diagnose problem. Second to remove the seat and complete the diagnosis. A shorted wire to the motor was found and corrected. Total cost about $500."
Anonymous, BC (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
"Sunroof leaked filling battery compartment with water and causing electrical issues"
Anonymous, MD (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.
"Rear tailgate switch not working, but kick sensor is working"
Anonymous, CA (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28d 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
"This started suddenly and I had to have the BMW dealer install a completely new system for over $4000"
Anonymous, MO (2016 BMW X3)Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
"Last week we had the rear differential on our 2016 BMW X3 replaced, a repair that cost us approximately $7500. This problem was a complete and unpleasant surprise to us. Since purchasing the car from you in 2019, weve had it serviced exclusively at your dealership believing there would be benefits in continuity of service. When I recently reviewed the service records for the last few years, I discovered that during the service on March 21, 2022, (mileage 53,889), which included a Peace of Mind inspection, the rear axle seal was observed seeping. The inspection at this time also said there was minor cracking on the thrust road bushings. No recommendation for action was made at this time. The vehicle service on May 18, 2023 (mileage 62,015) also included the Peace of Mind inspection. We assumed that your technicians would proceed from previous service records to monitor any potential concerns. The May, 2023 report said there were no leaks or problems in the under carriage and that all was fine except tires that should be replaced. On September 20, 2023 (mileage 65,021) I had the tires replaced at your dealership, as recommended, including a balance and wheel realignment. The technician at that time said the rear axle seals were leaking, and a diagnostic should be carried out. On October 5, 2023, I had the $200 recommended diagnostic carried out and the technician found that the leak in the rear axle seal had led to a failure in a bearing in the differential. Because it is a sealed unit, I was told the entire differential had to be replaced for an additional cost of $7,300. This problem clearly had its origins at least a year and a half ago. Why was it not identified during the May 2023 Peace of Mind inspection? If it had been addressed then, the seal could have been replaced for less than a thousand dollars rather than the seven thousand plus dollars that replacing the differential cost. (We also are concerned about the status of the cracked control arm bushings which were noted in March 2022 and not mentioned since. Are you waiting for these to cause the control arms and other steering components to fail and require another costly repair?) We placed our trust in your dealership to take care of our vehicle. In light of what appears to be a failure in inspection and servicing of our car, we feel that you should assume some responsibility for this problem and share the cost of the new differential with us."
Anonymous, BC (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
"Noise and steering wheel vibration when air conditioner force goes passed the 4th fan speed increase marker."
Anonymous, OH (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
"The system would engage on its own causing the car to slow dramatically. It took weeks to diagnose and fix the problem. The parts had to come from Germany. It cost almost $6000."
Anonymous, TX (2016 BMW X3 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.
Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.
Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
BMW X3
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"parking break would not disengage. The electronic module had to be replaced."
Anonymous, FL (2016 BMW X3 xDrive35i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)