BMW X3 Common Problems and Solutions
Passenger Air Bag Light
Problem:
The passenger airbag light is illuminated, even when there is no passenger in the car.
Solution:
This is nothing more than a faulty passenger detection switch. It's a very simple fix, and you can find a new switch in the Breakeryard online store.
Difficulty level
Heavy Steering (All Models With Variable Sports Steering)
Problem:
The steering has become particularly heavy.
Solution:
The variable sports steering mode is great on the X3, but it can fail in some models. If that's the case, then you'll need to browse our parts list and order a new steering rack.
Difficulty level
Steering Rack
Wrong Gear
Problem:
Your automatic gearbox keeps selecting the wrong gear.
Solution:
Very common on X3 automatics, this is due to an electrical fault with your gear's computer. You're going to have to go to a BMW dealer for a system reconfiguration. The system may need to be completely reprogrammed.
Difficulty level
Stuck Sat-Nav
Problem:
On models that come with sat-navs, the screen folds straight into the top of the dash. Often, this fails, meaning that it's stuck either in or out of the dashboard.
Solution:
BMW is aware of this issue, but their only advice, for now, is to replace the entire sat-nav unit. We have the custom-designed sat-navs for the X3 available to buy if you want to do this work yourself.
Difficulty level
Sat Nav System
Power Window Fault
Problem:
One or more of your windows has stopped moving up or down.
Solution:
Although this is nothing more than a failed power window motor or regulator, it's still a labour-heavy job. That's because you need to remove the interior door panels, which can be a lot of hard work. However, once removed, installing a new motor and new regulator from BreakerYard is very simple.
Difficulty level
Window Motor
Grinding Noise From Engine
Problem:
You can hear a grinding sound coming from the engine and an overall drop in the car's performance.
Solution:
This will likely be an issue with your timing chain guides, which are extremely prone to fail on the X3. The longer that you leave this problem, the more damage it will cause to your engine and will eventually cause a complete engine failure. Order some new guides from our parts page and make sure that you correct the timing while you're doing the installation job.
Difficulty level
Overheating Engine
Problem:
The engine has started to overheat quickly, and there may be smoke coming from your engine. You will also see dark puddles of liquid on the road beneath the car.
Solution:
The X3 is very prone to oil leaks. This could be a damaged valve cover gasket or a crack in the actual valve cover. The gasket itself is a very low-cost part when you order from BreakerYard, and installation is a challenging but doable DIY job. A cracked valve cover is an easier job to do but is a little more expensive than the gasket.
Difficulty level
Unsecured Child Seat
Problem:
An installed child seat feels very loose and unsafe.
Solution:
This caused a recall on the X3 and due to a damaged lower child seat anchor bar. If you don't replace the bar with a new one from our parts list, then you will increase the risk of serious injury for any child using the seat.
Difficulty level
Seat Belt Anchor Centre
Loss of Brake Power
Problem:
You are having to apply more pressure to the brake pedal and the car is taking longer to stop.
Solution:
The brake vacuum pump on the X3 needs a lot of lubrication. If you fail to apply lubricant regularly, then it will start to lose power and will eventually seize. If your vacuum pump has seized, you can order a new one from BreakerYard and install it easily enough. You will also have to drain the brake fluid and replace that too.
Difficulty level
Vacuum Pump
Cup holders breaking
Problem:
The cup holders on the X3 are very fragile and are prone to breaking.
Solution:
Check the cup holders in the front and rear to see if any are broken. You need to purchase replacement cup holders to sort the issue.
Difficulty level
Sunroof problems
Problem:
If your X3 is fitted with the double sunroof, there are known problems particularly with the rear tilting sunroof. When you open the sunroof, are you having problems getting it closed again? If so, this is caused by some plastic pieces which break, making it difficult to close the sunroof again.
Solution:
Replacing these plastic pieces will fix the problem. Watch this video below to see how to sort this problem yourself and save a small fortune in the process:
Difficulty level
Vehicle pulling to one side
Problem:
Are you finding that the vehicle is pulling to one side? This will be most noticeable when braking. This will usually be caused by a problem with the tracking.
Solution:
You need to have the tracking adjusted to resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Turbo problems
Problem:
The turbo seal is known for blowing on this vehicle. If the turbo seal has blown on your X3 you will notice that there is a loss of power under acceleration and you will hear a graunching noise coming from the top of the engine. As the oil drips onto the hot exhaust you might also see blue smoke coming from the exhaust. If this is not fixed, it can result in damage to the turbo.
Solution:
Fitting a replacement turbo seal should rectify the problem. If the turbo is damaged, you will need to replace this which can be expensive. We can help you find your replacement turbo parts at very low prices.
Difficulty level
Outdated Sat-Nav
Problem:
Your sat-nav keeps giving you the wrong directions.
Solution:
BMW has become somewhat notorious when it comes to updating the sat-nav on the X3. You'll need to take it to a BMW dealer for an update. Annoyingly, this can be quite costly, which is why most X3 owners faced with this problem simply order a separate sat-nav and just ignore the installed one. We have sat-navs in stock at all times for quick delivery.
Difficulty level
Sat Nav System
Power Steering Fault
Problem:
The steering is getting heavier to do, and you can feel that you have lost all power steering functions.
Solution:
This is likely to be an electrical issue, and it's causing your power steering system to fail. The only real solution is to be to replace the entire power steering system. This is a big job, but there are online guides available. We always have power steering systems in stock for the X3 for rapid delivery.
Difficulty level
Power Steering Box
The Engine is Stalling
Problem:
The engine has started to stall a lot.
Solution:
If your X3 was built between August 2016 and January 2018, then it's likely that you have a problem with your fuel tank. It's causing a limited supply of fuel to the engine, causing that stalling. You'll need to have your entire fuel system inspected to find out the exact cause of the problem.
Difficulty level
High Wind Sound
Problem:
The sound of the wind is extremely loud and gets louder the faster you drive.
Solution:
This is a sign that your rear spoiler is about to fall off. If you don't address this quickly, then your rear spoiler is going to come off. You can secure the rear spoiler with some improved fixings, which you can order directly from our parts list.
Difficulty level
Problems Starting
Problem:
You are having difficulties getting the engine to turn over.
Solution:
Have a look at your battery cables on the 48V starter-generator. It's likely that they have not been sufficiently secured when the car was being built. You'll need to rework and secure the screw connection.
Difficulty level