10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
55,008 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 BMW X3 engine problems

engine problem

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2008 BMW X3 Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #3

Oct 232013

X3

  • 30,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I noticed water on the garage floor about a week ago and that the coolant was low. I took it to BMW dealer expecting a radiator leak. I was told that all 4 aluminum support bolts had been sheared and that the engine was resting on the water pump causing the leak. The solution, while covered by my extended warranty, is still costing me $50 deductible and another $200 or so to flush and replace the coolant (which was caused by the water pump damage). If I didn't have the warranty and was forced to pay for the labor, bolts, support brackets and a water pump - I would be even more irate that BMW hasn't issued a recall on this well known issue.

- Geneva, IL, USA

problem #2

Aug 062013

X3 6-cyl

  • 59,000 miles
I brought my car into the dealership because it stalled and the check engine light came on briefly and shut off. The car was also hesitating on acceleration. The dealer determined the cause was a needed thermostat replacement. However, once under the car, the technician noted 3 of 4 engine mount bolts were "broken" and needed to be replaced. He said it was considered "wear and tear" and was not covered under warranty even though only one bolt was now holding the engine from falling out. This repair would cost approximately $400. Upon investigation, I noticed this website: www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?T=528870 where people post about their bmws. It seems that several others have had this serious problem around the same mileage point with the same make and model, and several complained that the repair was not covered under warranty, even though it appears to be a manufacturing defect as the bolts are made of aluminum, not a strong material, and one that easily breaks.

- Clifton Park, NY, USA

problem #1

Apr 082013

X3 6-cyl

  • 58,600 miles
While driving at about 25 mph on residential street, felt an unusual "bump", continued driving home with no apparent problem. Started car next morning and felt an unusual vibration and noise which disappeared when driving. Vibration at idle continued, two days later, after driving on freeway, I found a broken bolt under the car in garage, I immediately took car to dealer service department. Was told that several motor mount bolts had sheared and was lucky no serious damage occurred. Quick internet search indicated sheared motor mount bolts to be a problem with BMW X3 years 2007 & 2008. Broken motor mount bolts could result in serious accident and/or injury - again, I was lucky.

- Corona Del Mar, CA, USA

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