2006 BMW X3 Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
344
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
AIR BAGS
146 complaints
Dealer states my occupancy detection mat was already reworked, however the original mat is still in the seat and no evidence exists to show what was done to prevent future fatigue of the mat. The date code on the mat is 2005 and the dealer stated it only needed replacing if it showed visible cracking during inspection. They stated it wasn't required to replace it but the date of warranty started from date of inspection.
Dec 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the front passenger's side air bag warning light illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V605000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.
Oct 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2006 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the contact rear-ended another vehicle. All the air bags except for the passenger’s side air bag deployed upon impact. The contact suffered a migraine from the collision but did not receive medical attention but planned to go to urgent care afterward. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not totaled. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Prior to the failure, the dealer serviced the recall under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V605000 (Air Bags). The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Dec 14, 2021
NHTSA WEBSITE CLAIMS THAT MY VEHICLE HAS HAD AN UNREPAIRED RECALL. THE RECALL IS FOR: FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT: THIS SAFETY RECALL INVOLVES THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. DEPENDING ON SEAT CONFIGURATION AND VEHICLE GEOMETRY, THE MAT CAN FATIGUE DURING FIELD USAGE DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT. SPECIFICALLY, OVER TIME MICRO-CRACKS COULD DEVELOP IN THE SIDE FLANKS OF THE MAT. IF A MICRO-CRACK LEADS TO A BREAK OF A CONDUCTIVE PATH, THE SYSTEM WILL RECOGNIZE A FAILURE. CONSEQUENTLY, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM WILL BE DEACTIVATED.
Jan 03, 2021
BMW OF DALLAS ,TX SAID PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT BACK ORDERED, IT HAS BEEN OVER 6 MONTHS. WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO USE THIS SEAT SAFELY. THEY SAID THEY WOULD CALL WHEN AVAIL.
Sep 30, 2019
+ 141 more complaints for this component
SEATS
32 complaints
DRIVER SEAT HEATER COIL BURNED UP WHILE I WAS SITTING IN THE GARAGE PREPARING TO LEAVE CAUSING HOLE IN THE SEAT AND MY PANTS.. I SEARCHED ON YOUTUBE AND IT SHOWED THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL INCIDENTS OF THIS HAPPENING. SHOULDN'T THERE BE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM
Aug 28, 2020
WHILE DRIVING, WITH DRIVER'S HEATED SEAT SET ON HIGH (3 LIGHTS FOR HEATED SEAT CONTROL), DRIVER NOTED A BURNING SMELL. DRIVER TURNED OFF CABIN HEAT, HEATED SEAT AND PULLED OFF THE ROAD TO IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF THE STRONG BURNING SMELL. HEATED SEAT HAD BURNED THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAT AND THE EXTERNAL LAYER OF THE DRIVER'S DOWN FILLED WOOL COAT. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET, MANUAL TRANSMISSION IN 3RD GEAR, STRAIGHT ROAD. OCCURRED ON 12/16/19. INCLUDED 2 PICTURES OF THE BURNT LEATHER SEAT AND 1 PICTURE OF THE DRIVER'S BURNT COAT. SEAT AND COAT WERE BURNED, NO LIVE FLAME.
Dec 17, 2019
HEATED SEAT GETTING TOO HOT TOO FAST. BURNING SMELL.
Dec 10, 2019
WITHIN TWO MINUTES OF DRIVING, ON A CITY STREET, THE CAR WITH THE HEATED SEATS ON, I SMELLED A BURNING SMELL AND THOUGHT IT WAS COMING FROM ANOTHER CAR. BUT THE SMELL GOT STRONGER AND IT DIDN'T SMELL LIKE A CAR-RELATED SMELL. EVENTUALLY, THE SMELL GOT SO STRONG AND PUNGENT AND I SUDDENLY HAD A SHARP PAIN ON MY LEFT HIP AND I REALIZED IT THE HEATED SEAT WAS BURNING ME. THE PAIN WAS SO ACUTE I HAD TO LIFT MYSELF OFF OF THE SEAT, WHICH WAS DANGEROUS AND COULD'VE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT, AND I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE HEATED SEATS. ONCE I TURNED THE HEATED SEAT OFF THE PAIN AND SMELL DISSIPATED. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND THERE WAS A CLEAR BURN HOLE BOTH ON THE SEAT AND ON MY PANTS. THE SMELL OF BURNT FABRIC LASTED IN THE CAR FOR SEVERAL DAYS AND FOR THE REST OF THE DAY I EXPERIENCED SHARP PAINS ON MY LEFT HIP AS IF IT WAS GETTING BURNED AGAIN.
Dec 02, 2019
WHILE USING DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER, ELEMENTS OVERHEATED BURNING THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAT AND BURNING THE LEFT SIDE/HIP OF THE DRIVER. CAR WAS IN MOTION AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE HEATER IMMEDIATELY AND HAVEN'T USED IT SINCE.
Oct 30, 2019
+ 27 more complaints for this component
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
13 complaints
VEHICLE ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS (ACTUATORS) DO NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. UNABLE TO EXIT DRIVER'S DOOR FROM INSIDE OF VEHICLE BY PULLING HANDLE. IF THERE WAS A CRASH AND/OR FIRE, THERE WOULD BE NO WAY TO EXIT QUICKLY. COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE ACCORDING TO BMW FORUM IN THE INTERNET (BIMMERPOST). *TR
Jan 31, 2014
DOORS FAILED AND CONTINUE TO FAIL TO UNLOCK. PASSENGERS WERE STUCK IN VEHICLE. DRIVER'S DOOR WAS UNLOCKED BY OPENING WINDOW. FRONT PASSENGER HAD TO CLIMB OVER CONSOLE. *TR
Jan 17, 2011
WENT TO UNLOCK DOORS IN 2006 BMW 330I AND THERE WAS A RAPID CLICKING SOUND IN THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR. THE POWER LOCKS FAILED TO RESPOND AFTERWARDS AND ALL DOORS REMAINED LOCKED. THE FOB, NOR THE INTERNAL UNLOCK BUTTON WOULD ALLOW THE DOORS TO BE UNLOCKED AND ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM THE INSIDE DID NOT WORK EITHER. ONLY THE DRIVER'S DOOR CAN BE MANUALLY UNLOCKED BY PHYSICAL KEY OR BY PULLING THE HANDLE FROM THE INSIDE. AN INITIAL ATTEMPT HAS BEEN MADE TO FIX THE PROBLEM BY REPLACING THE FUSE #57 WITH A 20A FUSE OVER THE ORIGINAL BLOWN 15A FUSE. *TR
Nov 25, 2010
I HAVE A BMW 320D. A FEW DAYS AGO MY WIFE WAS OUT SOMEWHERE AND SHE LOCKED THE CAR IT WEREN'T LOCKING SO SHE OPENED THE DOOR AND THEN PRESS LOCK, IT LOCKED. WHEN SHE CAME BACK SHE WAS TRYING TO UNLOCK IT BUT IT WEREN'T UNLOCKING. SHE HAD TO USE THE TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE FOB AND OPEN IT MANUALLY, THEN THE ALARM STARTED GOING OFF SO SHE HAD TO TURN THE CAR ON SO IT WOULD STOP. NOW ONLY THE DRIVERS SIDE OPENS BUT YOU HAVE TO OPEN IT MANUALLY WITH THE KEY, HE REST WON'T OPEN OR CLOSE. I HAVE BEEN TO THE BMW GARAGE AND THEY SAID IT WILL COST AROUND 600 TO REPLACE THE LATCHES. I'VE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 3 YEARS AND YOU DON'T EXPECT THAT TO HAPPEN TO A 27,000 CAR AFTER ONLY HAVING IT FOR 3 YEARS. ALSO IF THEIR EVER WAS AN ACCIDENT AND THE DOOR LATCHES STOPPED WORKING NO ONE WOULD BE ABLE TO GET OUT, THEY WOULD ALL HAVE TO RUSH OUT THROUGH THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. *TR
Nov 19, 2010
THE DOOR LOCKS ON MY CAR FAILED RESULTING IN NOT BEING ABLE TO UNLOCK ANY OF THE DOORS WITH THE KEY FOB. I CAN UNLOCK THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WITH THE VALET KEY. NONE OF THE OTHER DOORS CAN BE UNLOCKED AND CAN NOT EVEN BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. IF SOMEONE GOT LOCKED INSIDE THE CAR, THEY COULD BE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE. NOT TO MENTION THE FACT THAT IF IN AN ACCIDENT ANY PASSENGERS IN MY CAR WOULD HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET OUT BECAUSE THE DOOR LOCKS MALFUNCTIONED. *TR
Nov 10, 2010
+ 8 more complaints for this component
STEERING
12 complaints
STEERING WHEEL LOCK UP LIGHT COME ON AND LOCK UP SOME TIME.
Oct 28, 2017
I JUST CAME BACK FROM A LONG FAMILY VACATIONS, I WAS DRIVING THIS VEHICLE ALL OVER THE STATES! I WAS SO LUCKY! THIS HAPPEN TO ME WHEN I GOT HOME , MY 2006 BMW 330I WHICH HAD A STEERING COLUMN MALFUNCTION AND FAILURE. MALFUNCTION OF INTEGRAL LOCK SENSOR IN STEERING COLUMN NECESSITATES REPLACEMENT OF ENTIRE STEERING COLUMN, IT IS A SAFETY PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE COVERED BY A BMW CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN. BUT IS NOT!!! THE WARNING INDICATOR IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SHOWED AN ICON OF A STEERING WHEEL AND A LOCK AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START, I HAD TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I CONTACTED BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE, EXPLAINED MY PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING TO COVER THIS VERY COMMON QUALITY PROBLEM AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER A MANUFACTURERS CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN. ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE, THERE ARE MANY CASES REPORTED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM! AND THAT'S WHY! I AM REPORTING THIS INCIDENT TO NHTSA IN HOPES THAT BMW WILL DO SOMETHING FOR OTHER OWNERS AS THE REPAIR BILL WAS $1000 AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY BMW. ALL I THINK ABOUT IS! IF THIS PROBLEM HAPPENED TO ME WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH ALL MY FAMILY ON MY CAR! I THINK I GOT SO LUCKY! LOOK AT; SERVICE BULLETINS. YOULL SEE! SERVICE BULLETIN NO.: SIB-32-04-07 COMPONENT(S): STEERING BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED FOR BMW TO IDENTIFY CAUSES OF STEERING COMPLAINTS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF MODELS. *RM ((((SO! THEY KNOW! ABOUT THIS!!!)))) MAKE THIS A RECALL! BEFORE! THIS GETS LOCK WILE SOME ONE IS DRIVING AND GETS HURT!!!! *JS
Jul 29, 2014
RECEIVED YELLOW STEERING WHEEL AND LOCK ICON WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR. ATTEMPTED USING DIFFERENT KEYS, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND THE STEERING WHEEL REMAINED IMMOBILE. I EXITED THE CAR AND WAITED ABOUT 30 MINUTES TO TRY AGAIN, BUT RECEIVED YELLOW STEERING WHEEL WITH LOCK ICON AGAIN WHEN PUTTING THE KEY FOB INTO THE VEHICLE. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS QUOTED ABOUT $1200 AS SOON AS I DESCRIBED THE YELLOW STEERING WHEEL AND LOCK, WITHOUT THEM HAVING SEEN THE VEHICLE. THE SA ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE NEWER MODELS DON'T EVEN HAVE THIS FEATURE AT ALL. I WAS ALSO ADVISED THAT IT IS NOT A BMW RESPONSIBILITY OR DEFECT, AND THAT I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL SHOP REPAIRS AND TIME. DOING RESEARCH ABOUT THIS ISSUE, I FOUND THIS IS A VERY WELL DOCUMENTED AND KNOWN ISSUE. THIS SEEMS TO BE DUE TO POOR DESIGN BY THE AUTO MANUFACTURER, SO MUCH SO THAT THE "FEATURE" ISN'T EVEN INCLUDED ON NEWER MODELS OF THE VEHICLE AT ALL. *TR
Sep 11, 2013
STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTIONED AS EVIDENCED BY WARNING LIGHT. VEHICLE WAS IMMOBILE AND REQUIRED TOWING. COST FOR REPAIR = $1100.00. REPAIR SHOP SAID THERE WAS A CORE CHARGE FOR THE REPLACED UPPER STEERING COLUMN. THIS MEANS THAT BMW IS BUYING BACK THE MALFUNCTIONED UNITS TO EITHER DIAGNOSE, OR THEY'RE REBUILDING THEM AND MAKING MORE MONEY. EITHER WAY, IT'S AN KNOWN PROBLEM AND BMW ISN'T TAKING THE PROPER ACTION TO ENSURE OWNERS SAFETY. *TR
Jul 04, 2013
I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN TO BMW AND STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK LIGHTS COME ON AND THE CAR WILL NOT START UNTIL A FEW TRIES. BMW COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM, SINCE THEN IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORST AND READING FORUMS, THERE SEEN TO BE A LEGITIMATE PROBLEM WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR
Mar 21, 2013
+ 7 more complaints for this component
TIRES
11 complaints
MY WIFE DRIVES A 2006 BMW 325XI SPORT WAGON. THE CAR CAME EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTON TOURANZA E42 RUNFLAT TIRES. DUE TO RAPID TREAD WEARING, ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP AT 15000 MILES. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH THE SAME BRAND AND MODEL "TOURANZA E42". WITH APPROXIMATELY 10,000 MILES ON THESE TIRES, WE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME WEAR PROBLEMS. THE CAR DRIVES VERY LOUD, AND DOESN'T SEEM STABLE. BMW REFUSES TO TAKE ANY FURTHER ACTION, CLAIMING IT IS THE CONSUMER'S PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP HAS "ACKNOWLEDGED" OTHER BMW DRIVER COMPLAINTS WITH THE BRIDGESTON TOURANZA E42. *TR
May 07, 2008
I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING TO BMW FOR 20,000 MILES ABOUT NOISY TIRES. THEY KEPT TELLING ME THAT IT NEEDS ROTATION AND DID SO. THERE WAS ALOT OF ROAD NOISE COMING FROM THE TIRES AND BMW DID NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY. THEN MY HUSBAND GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT (JUST A FENDER BENDER) ON SEPT 8 OR 9TH OF 2007 WHEN THE TIRES WERE MAKING ALOT OF NOISE AND HIT A CEMENT POLE. INSURANCE COMPANY TOLD US THERE IS A DEFECTIVE PROBLEM IN THE CAR REGARDING THE "TOE ADJUSTMENT" AND TO WHY THE TIRES ARE WORN SOOO BADLY. IT IS A CHASIS PROBLEM AND NOT A TIRE PROBLEM. THE FRONT 2 TIRES WERE ON THE VERGE OF A BLOWOUT. I HAVE CONTACTED BMW AND HAVE FAILED TO COMPLY AND SAID I HAVE TO PAY FOR NEW TIRES AND ALIGNMENT. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE WHILE I WAS RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET. BMW NEEDS TO FIND THE PROBLEM AND REPLACE MY TIRES AND FIX THE PROBLEM IN TOE ADJUSTMENT. *TR
Sep 20, 2007
I HAVE 2006 BMW 325XI WITH ONLY 15,000 MILES. THE CAR HAS BAD BATCH OF TIRES PUT ON AND IT MAKES LOUD ROAD NOISE. AND DEALER ASKS ME TO PAY 50% OF ITS COST TO REPLACE. I THINK BMW SHOULD PAY FOR WHOLE THING. *TR
May 30, 2007
I PURCHASED A BMW 330I IN MAY 2006. SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE THE TIRES WERE MAKING NOISE. INITIALLY, THE NOISE WASN'T TERRIBLY OBJECTIONABLE, BUT IT CONTINUED TO WORSEN. I TOOK THE CAR TO HENDRICKS BMW IN CHARLOTTE, NC ,AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TIRES WERE CUPPING OR FEATHERING. THEY OFFERED A 50% DISCOUNT ON THE PURCHASE OF 4 NEW TIRES AT 11,500 MILES. I CALLED BMW CONSUMER AFFAIRS, AND WAS TOLD TO CONTACT BRIDGESTONE FOR A RESOLUTION OF THIS PROBLEM. LATER, ON THE WEB I FOUND BMW TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN SIB 36 06 06 WHICH ADDRESSED THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM. HOWEVER, THE INFORMATION IN THIS BULLETIN WAS NOT MADE AVAILABLE TO CONSUMERS THAT PURCHASED A VEHICLE WITH BRIDGESTONE TURANZA EL 42 RFT TIRES. BMW WAS STILL RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, I AM NOT OPTIMISTIC THEY WILL ADDRESS IT.*AK
May 07, 2007
NOISE CAUSED BY TIRES WHILE DRIVING MAKING UNCOMFORTABLE IN 2006 3 SERIES BMW.*AK
Mar 23, 2007
+ 6 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
10 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS FLUID LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE COOLANT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE COOLANT RESERVOIR, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Feb 04, 2019
ENGINE BOLTS - ALUMINUM BOLT HEADS WERE FOUND BY MECHANIC IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ALTHOUGH MECHANIC HAS STATED THIS DOES NOT POSE SAFETY RISK, SEEMS NUMEROUS CUSTOMERS WITH A BMW 3 SERIES 2006 HAVE EXPERIENCED THE ALUMINUM BOLT SHEERING OFF ISSUE.
Sep 26, 2017
ON 8/4/2016 AROUND 7:20AM. I PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AT WORK. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND WAS A COMPLETE STOP. SHIFTING FROM DRIVE TO PARK. THE CAR EXCELERATED THROWING ME BACK INTO MY SEAT. I KEPT PUSHING THE BRAKE AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. THE CAR WENT AIRBORNE AND EXCELERATED A SECOND TIME. I HIT A FIRE HYDRANT AND LANDED IN THE STREET. I WAS THEN ABLE TO STOP THE CAR. THE DISTANCE FROM THE PARKING STOP TO THE ROAD WAS ABOUT 20 FEET. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A BMW DEALER. BMW HAD MY CAR FOR 8 WEEKS. THEY HAD 2 DIFFERENT TECHS COME IN TO LOOK AT THE CAR. THE OUT COME WAS THAT THE BRAKES ARE FINE AND IT DID NOT HAVE ANY CODES. NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. I TOLD THEM THAT I DIDN'T WANT THE CAR BACK. SINCE THEY DIDN'T SEE AN ISSUE I TOLD THEM I WOULD TRADE IT IN AND THEY COULD BE LIABLE FOR SOMEONE ELSE GETTING HURT. FUNNY HOW ALL OF THE SUDDEN THEY TOTALED OUT THE CAR. I ENDED UP GETTING A CONCUSSION AND WHIPLASH AND WILL BE DOCTORING FOR A WHILE. THE PERSON AT BMW THAT WAS TAKING CARE OF THIS IS MICHAEL AND HIS PHONE NUMBER IS 201-571-5820. WE WERE TOLD BY AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE PERSON THAT GOING AFTER BMW TO GET THE REPORTS FROM THE TECHS WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT. WE REALLY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT THE REPORTS SAY. I FEEL LIKE WE WERE GIVEN THE RUN AROUND. I WANT BMW TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THEY HAVE ISSUES WITH SUDDEN EXCELERATION. I AM VERY ANGRY ON HOW I WAS TREATED. THEY GAVE US NO INFORMATION AND WE WERE WITHOUT A CAR FOR 7 WEEKS. THE LAST WEEK THEY FINALLY GAVE US A RENTAL. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS FOR ME.
Oct 09, 2016
MY BMW X3 HAS HAD ITS ENGINE MOUNT BOLTS SHEARED OFF. THERE ARE NO INDICATIONS OF THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE HAVING BEEN HIT BY ANY OBJECTS. THE VEHICLE'S MILEAGE IS IN THE LOW 90,000 MILE RANGE. AN INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM HAPPENING TO MANY BMW X3'S, AT LOW MILEAGE. THEY ALSO CLAIM THAT THE BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS, COULD RESULT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE BMW SERVICE MANAGER, I TALKED TO, INDICATED THAT HE HAS SEEN THIS SIMILAR ISSUES, BUT WAS NOT AWARE HOW WIDE SPREAD THE PROBLEM IS. HIS GUESS OF WHY THIS MAY BE HAPPENING IS DUE TO DIFFERENT THERMAL EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION OF THE 3 DIFFERENT METALS INVOLVED IN THE MOUNTING SYSTEM. THE WAY I DISCOVERED THE PROBLEM WAS THAT THE ENGINE OIL DRAIN PLUG WAS MISALIGNED WITH A PROTECTIVE SHROUD. I HAVE BEEN OCCASIONALLY NOTICING A THUMP COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I HAD MY BALL JOINTS AND FRONT-END CHECKED OUT ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT FINE. I SUSPECT NOW, THAT THE THUMP SOUND IS DUE TO THE SHEARED ENGINE MOUNT BOLTS. IF THAT'S INDEED THE CASE, I WOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE VECHILE WITH THE ENGINE MOUNT BOLTS SHEARED OFF FOR ABOUT 1-1/2 YEARS, UNAWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE ENGINE MOUNTS ARE NOT EASILY INSPECTABLE, WHICH IS PROBABLY WHY THE MECHANIC THAT CHECKED OUT MY FRONT END SUSPENSION DIDN'T CHECK THE ENGINE MOUNTS AT THAT TIME.
Aug 08, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO OVERHEAT AND STALLED CAUSING THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE THERMOSTAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.
Feb 13, 2015
+ 5 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
9 complaints
I can smell a burning smell at times coming out from my blower and the heat and air condition is not functioning properly. Also my rear hatch lights on the interior are always on and when I hit bumps they flash off and on.
Mar 09, 2022
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE GLOVE BOX DEPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE.
Feb 09, 2019
RECALL 17V-676: BLOWER MOTOR WIRING BURNING HOT AIR FROM THE VENT IS IN WITH OR WITHOUT FAN ON (MOTION OR PARKING). IT IS OVERDUE AND NO RESPONSE FROM BMW OF AMERICA, LLC AS I KEPT ON CALLING THE OFFICE MANY TIMES SINCE 12/16/2017 LETTER RECEIVED. 1/19/2018 6/5/2018 8/20/2018 10/12/2018 TO NHTSA 11/5/2018
Nov 05, 2018
COMPLETE LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER WHILE DRIVING, USUALLY FROM 30 TO 70 MPH, ON A CITY STREET, COUNTRY ROAD AND INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE BUYING THE CAR SECOND HAND IN JULY 2017 TO THE PRESENT JANUARY 2018. WE WILL NO LONGER DRIVE THE CAR SINCE IT IS QUITE FRIGHTENING TO LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC. ALSO, SEVERAL TIMES THERE IS NO ELECTRICAL POWER AT ALL IN THE CAR AFTER STOPPING THE CAR AND TRYING TO RESTART IT. THE BATTERY HAS BEEN TESTED AND IS CHARGED AND WORKING NORMALLY. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE POSITIVE BATTERY CONNECTION AND CABLE TO THE TERMINAL CONNECTION AT THE CABIN FUSE BOX WHICH CAN WEAR OUT AND FAIL FOR BMWS STARTING IN 2007 THAT CAUSE THE SAME PROBLEMS. OUR CAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM BUT WHY IS IT NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ?
Jan 31, 2018
CAR HAS AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS, USES A FOB. PARKED THE CAR, LOCKED THE DOORS WITH THE FOB. WHEN I TRIED TO UNLOCK THE DOORS WITH THE FOB, IT ONLY CLICKS - DID NOT UNLOCK. USED THE KEY TO UNLOCK THE DRIVERS DOOR, BUT FOUND THAT ONCE LOCKED, NO DOORS WILL UNLOCK, NOT EVEN MANUALLY FROM INSIDE THE CAR. THE ONLY DOOR THAT WILL LOCK OR UNLOCK IS THE DRIVER'S DOOR, AND THEN ONLY WITH THE KEY FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE POST THAT POPS UP AND DOWN TO INDICATE THAT THE DOOR IS LOCKED IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PULL UP, AND PULLING THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE DOES NOTHING. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY VERY DANGEROUS. AT THE VERY LEAST, THEY SHOULD REDESIGN THE LOCKS SO THAT THEY CAN BE OPENED FROM INSIDE MANUALLY IN CASE OF AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE!!!! *TR
Nov 16, 2014
+ 4 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS,SEATS
7 complaints
HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM WAS DEACTIVATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED AND THE AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP ILLUMINATED AS WELL. AFTER PURCHASE THERE WAS NO ILLUMINATION OF THESE LIGHTS AND THEN ABOUT 2 YEARS LATER WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY AT ABOUT 45 MPH, BOTH LAMPS ILLUMINATED WHEN MY SON AND I WERE HEADING TO THE STORE. I CALLED BMW AND THEY TOLD ME THEN THAT IT WAS PROBABLY DUE TO A CRACKED SEAT MAT SENSOR AND A RECALL ON THOSE SENSORS WAS BEING EXTENDED FOR 2006 X3 MODELS. I CALLED OUR LOCAL BMW TODAY TO SCHEDULE A REPAIR OF THE SEAT AND HAVE THE CAR PARKED IN THE GARAGE SINCE AUGUST 2017 DUE TO A POSSIBLE VEHICLE SAFETY ISSUE WITH A SYSTEM FAILURE OF AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT. MY SON HAS BEEN UNABLE TO USE THE CAR FOR COLLEGE WHICH IS 4 HOURS AWAY. NOW I WOULD LIKE TO UNDERSTAND WHY THIS VEHICLE IS NOT CONSIDERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY NOTICES OF 08V384000 OR 17V605000.
Jan 08, 2018
TAKATA RECALL- MY AIRBAG IN THE STEERING WHEEL HAS BEEN REPLACED. THE PASSENGER SEAT MAT SENSOR HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED 2X(1X UNDER WARRANTY) 1X I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET AND NOW A 3RD TIME (OUT OF POCKET) IT HAS BROKEN AGAIN. I BELIEVE THIS IS A FAULTY PART AND SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY EACH TIME THIS HAS BROKEN.
Sep 15, 2017
RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION FOR FRONT PASSENGER CODE 93C3. MY VIN IS NOT A PART OF THE RECALL BUT THE PARTICULAR MODEL HAS RECALL FOR THE SAME ISSUE. THE CODE IS FOR THE AIRBAG WHICH WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT IF A PASSENGER IS SITTING IN THE FRONT SEAT OR NOT.
Aug 19, 2017
THE AIRBAG AND SEATBELT LIGHTS CAME ON MY CAR WHEN A PASSENGER WAS IN THE FRONT SEAT AND WE WENT OVER A DIP IN THE ROAD.
May 22, 2015
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM BMW IN JANUARY 2014 (RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V-564: FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT). THE RECALL NOTICE STATES THAT IN THE CURRENT CONDITION, THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE RECALL NOTICE STATES THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR ARE SCHEDULED TO BE AVAILABLE IN MARCH 2014. IT IS NOW MAY 6, 2014 AND BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS HAS INDICATED THAT THE PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN ESTIMATE ON WHEN THEY WILL BE. IT HAS NOW BEEN NEARLY 5 MONTHS SINCE RECEIVING THE ORIGINAL RECALL NOTICE. DURING THIS TIME I ESSENTIALLY HAVE A VEHICLE THAT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. BMW DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE TAKING THIS ISSUE SERIOUSLY AND PROVIDING A PROMPT RESOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE PLACED REPEATED CALLS INTO BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND CONTINUE TO BE INFORMED THAT NOTHING CAN BE DONE UNTIL THE REQUIRED PARTS ARE MADE AVAILABLE. ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN PROVIDE IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. *TR
May 06, 2014
+ 2 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
7 complaints
THE AIR BAG AND SEATBELT SENSOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS ON WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE INDICATOR LIGHTS ARE ALWAYS ON. *TR
Dec 22, 2014
CAR STARTED SHOWING "PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION". I RESEARCHED THE MATTER, AND FOUND THAT THERE IS A RECALL. WHEN I CALLED BMW AND GAVE THEM MY VIN, THEY CLAIMED THAT THERE IS NO RECALL. ALMOST EVERY OTHER BMW FROM THAT SERIES/MODEL WAS RECALLED AND GOT THE ISSUE RECTIFIED UNDER THE RECALL. PLEASE ADVISE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Aug 12, 2014
I AM AN OWNER OF 2006 BMW 330I SEDAN WITH SPORTS SEAT (MANUFACTURE DATE: 5/2005). RECENTLY, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR BECAME MALFUNCTION, AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS INDICATED AS 'PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF' AS THE RESULT. AFTER RESEARCHING ON NHTSA WEBSITE, I NOTICED THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE, AND BMW IS ISSUING A RECALL ON AFFECTED VEHICLES. HOWEVER, IN FURTHER REVIEWING THE RELATED DOCUMENTS ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE, ALTHOUGH BMW HAS RECALLED 2006 330I SEDAN WITH SPORT SEATS, THE MANUFACTURE DATE OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES THAT ARE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ARE FROM DEC 2005 TO SEPT 2006, AND BECAUSE OF THIS, IT EXCLUDES MY VEHICLE. WITH OTHER COMPLAINTS LISTED, IT IS CLEAR THAT THE SAME ISSUE HAS IMPACTED A LOT OF OWNERS OF 2006 330I SEDAN WITH SPORT SEAT PRIOR TO THE MANUFACTURE DATE THAT BMW HAS SPECIFIED ON THE RECALL. DUE TO THIS REASON, THE RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED TO INCLUDE EARLIER MANUFACTURE DATE OF THE MODEL CONSIDERED THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED ISSUE. *TR
May 13, 2014
THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT/AIR BAG LIGHT WENT ON INTERMITTENTLY FOR MONTHS, FINALLY THE DEALERSHIP WAS ABLE TO GET THE ERROR CODE. IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THIS AND BMW HAS KNOWN ABOUT IT SINCE 2008. PER THEIR WEBSITE THEY WERE GOING TO SEND OUT RECALL NOTICES TO OWNERS, WE NEVER RECIEVED ANYTHING. BMW NEEDS TO MAKE THIS RIGHT AND FIX THE PROBLEM AT NO COST TO OWNERS. *TR
Jun 26, 2013
FOR NO REASON THE PASSENGER AND REAR DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT AND AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING AND STAYED ON FOREVER. MY 2006 BMW 325I HAS STANDARD SEAT. *TR
Mar 26, 2013
+ 2 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
7 complaints
PASSENGER DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK. ALL PASSENGERS NEEDED TO EXIT THROUGH THE DRIVERS DOOR. THIS WOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE IF IN AN ACCIDENT AND PASSENGERS COULD NOT OPEN DOOR TO EXIT VEHICLE. *TR
Sep 07, 2014
I WENT TO PICK UP MY DAUGHTER FROM MARCHING BAND PRACTICE ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON. WHEN I PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT AT HER HIGH SCHOOL AND GOT OUT, I WENT TO LOCK THE DOORS. I HEARD A STRANGE SOUND AND NOTICED THAT THE DRIVERS DOORS WERE LOCKED, THE PASSENGERS DOORS WERE UNLOCKED. THE KEY FOB WOULD NOT WORK ANYMORE ON ANY OF THE DOORS BUT WOULD WORK ON THE TRUNK. I GOT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND CRAWLED OVER TO THE DRIVER SIDE AND TRIED THE DOOR AND IT WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. THE CENTRAL LOCK BUTTON ALSO WOULD NOT WORK. I CRAWLED OUT AND TRIED THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WITH THE KEY. IT DID UNLOCK WITH THE KEY. NONE OF THE OTHER DOORS WOULD RESPOND FROM THE INSIDE. AFTER I GOT THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR TO UNLOCK WITH THE KEY, MY KEY FOB WOULD WORK ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR ONLY. BECAUSE MY KIDS DECIDED TO "HELP MOM" BY PUSHING THE LOCKS DOWN MANUALLY - NOW ALL OF THE DOORS ARE LOCKED AND WON'T BUDGE EXCEPT THE DRIVERS SIDE. I EFFECTIVELY CAN'T USE THE CAR FOR ANYONE EXCEPT MYSELF BECAUSE NO ONE CAN ENTER - AND MORE IMPORTANTLY EXIT FROM THE CAR EXCEPT FOR CRAWLING OVER SEATS. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THERE SHOULD BE SOMEONE WAY TO OPEN THE DOORS MANUALLY. JUDGING BY THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS - BMW IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE BUT CHOOSES NOT TO ISSUE A RECALL. *TR
Sep 30, 2012
DOOR LOCKS MALFUNCTIONED AND DRIVER BECAME LOCKED IN CAR. DOOR LOCKS COULD NOT BE DISENGAGED INSIDE THE CAR WITH KEYS, INTERNAL BUTTONS, OR DOOR HANDLES. *TR
Jun 01, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 3 SERIES. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE DRIVER?S SIDE DOOR USING THE ELECTRONIC KEY FOB BUT THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. THE CONTACT EVENTUALLY OPENED THE FRONT DRIVER?S SIDE DOOR WITH THE HANDLE AND WAS ABLE TO ENTER THE VEHICLE. THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED ON ALL OTHER DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE DOOR ACTUATORS ON ALL DOORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,700. UPDATED 05/31/12 *BF THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE OR THE INSIDE DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE ACTUATORS. A MECHANICAL OVERRIDE FAILED AND THE DOOR HANDLES WOULD NOT WORK. THE KEY ONLY WORKED IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR.
May 08, 2012
DOOR ACTUATOR HAS FAILED TO WORK. ALARM ALSO BEING EFFECTED. KNOWN PROBLEM TO MANUFACTURER, BMW. SAFTEY CONCERN IF UNABLE TO EXIT VEHICLE IN CASE OF EMERGENCY . *TR
Feb 13, 2012
+ 2 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
6 complaints
I turned on my heated seat and within about a minute and a half I smelled a burning smell. Pulled over as I started to feel a burn on my leg because the seat heater has burnt through the leather in my car. This is a known problem at BMW and they have not issued a recall for this.
Dec 11, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH WITH THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE HEATED SEAT ACTIVATED, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE SEAT. AS A RESULT, A HOLE WAS BURNED THROUGH THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT AND THE CONTACT'S COAT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Jan 05, 2015
HEATING ELEMENT FOR FRONT DRIVER SEAT SHORTED, CAUSING IT TO BURN THROUGH THE LEATHER. FORTUNATELY, I CAUGHT IT IN TIME BEFORE FIRE OR INJURY. SEARCHING THE INTERNET REVEALS THAT THIS HAS OCCURRED FOR MANY OTHERS AS WELL, SOMETIMES WITH MORE DAMAGING RESULTS. *JS
Apr 20, 2012
DRIVER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE WHEN SEAT WARMER WAS ENGAGED. LEATHER SEAT HAS VISIBLE BURN MARK. FIRE BURNED DRIVER. WHEN SEAT WARMER WAS DISENGAGED, SMOKE BEGAN BILLOWING FROM SEAT, FILLING THE VEHICLE WITH SMOKE. SEAT WARMER WAS ENGAGED UPON VEHICLE START IN OWNER'S GARAGE. VEHICLE WAS MOVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPS (1-2 MINS LATER) WHEN FIRE BEGAN. *TT
Jan 30, 2012
06 BMW X3 3.0 DRIVER SEAT HEATER GETS EXTREMEMY HOT IN ONE SPOT. HOT ENOUGH TO CAUSE A BURN IF NOT TURNED OFF QUICKLY. *TR
Jan 11, 2011
+ 1 more complaint for this component
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaints
ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK. THIS IS IN THE STEERING COLUMN WHEN IT FAILS THE CAR WILL NOT START. IT SEEMS TO BE A PRETTY COMMON PROBLEM. I WAS HOPING THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT CAN NOT FIND ONE.
Jul 27, 2018
ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE AND RENDERS THE CAR INCAPABLE OF STARTING. A YELLOW STEERING WHEEL ICON (OR RED IN SOME INSTANCES) APPEARS IN THE INFORMATIONAL PANEL ON THE DASHBOARD. THE ACCOMPANYING ERROR CODE IS CC-ID 187. THIS CONDITION WHEN IT OCCURS, WILL NOT ENERGIZE (DISABLES) THE IGNITION SYSTEM AND PREVENTS THE CAR FROM BEING STARTED. DRIVERS WILL BECOME STRANDED WHEREVER THEY HAPPEN TO BE ONCE THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AS THE ERROR NOTIFICATION APPEARS ONLY WHEN THE CAR IS SWITCHED OFF OR BACK ON. THERE ARE LITERALLY HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR AND IDENTICAL CASES ON THE INTERNET WHEN PERFORMING A GOOGLE SEARCH ON THIS ISSUE.
May 23, 2016
I OWN A 2006 BMW 330XI. I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK WHICH PREVENTS THE CAR FROM STARTING. THE PROBLEM STARTS WITH A YELLOW WARNING LIGHT THAT INDICATES THE STEERING COLUMN IS LOCKED. THE STARTING PROBLEM IS CONSTANT. WE ARE CONCERNED WE MAY GET STRANDED OR AS SOME HAVE REPORTED THE STEERING MAY LOCK WITH LITTLE OR NO WARNING . FROM WHAT I CAN FIND ON THE INTERNET IT APPEARS BMW IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. COMMENTS ARE BAD STEERING COLUMN. THE PROBLEM STARTED IN FEB. OF 2012 WHEN THE CAR ONLY HAD 9000 MILES AND MY EXTENDED WARRANTY HAD JUST EXPIRED. THE CAR NOW HAS 11000 MILES.THE DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO HELP AND SUGGESTED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THAT I CONTACT BMW DIRECT. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE COMMON FROM THE COMMENTS POSTED ON LINE BY BMW OWNERS OF 2006 ON. I RECENTLY CONTACTED BMW AND THEY SUGGESTED I HAVE THE DEALERSHIP PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TEST.THE TEST RESULT WAS DEFECTIVE STEERING COLUMN.THE FEE FOR THIS TEST WAS $145.91. THE ESTIMATE THEY PROVIDED TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN IS $1,467.86 PLUS DIAGNOSTIC FEE OF $145.91. TOTAL COST $1,613.77. YOUR INVESTIGATION WILL SHOW THE DEFECTIVE STEERING COLUMN IS A COMMON PROBLEM. AS THE PROBLEM PERSIST THE SAFETY CONCERNS BECOME GREATER. IS A RECALL COMING AS THIS IS SERIOUS HIGHWAY SAFETY CONCERN? *TR
Jul 17, 2014
WILL NOT START BECAUSE OF STEERING IN LOCK POSITION. AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT ERROR (RED ICON) IN PASSENGER SIDE. *TR
Mar 28, 2012
STEERING LOCK LAMP IS AMBER AND NOW RED. SAYS CAR WILL NOT START BECAUSE STEERING LOCK MECHANISM COULD ENGAGE. COULD POSSIBLY LOCK WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Jan 05, 2012
STRUCTURE
5 complaints
DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK, SERIOUS HAZARD IN EMERGENCY SITUATION IF DOORS WON'T UNLOCK. DOORS LOCK/UNLOCK PROBLEM, I'VE HAD TO EXIT THRU WINDOWS. NO MANUAL UNLOCK FROM INSIDE VEHICLE. MECHANISM IS OPERATIONAL, MUST BE COMPUTER PROBLEM. FUSE REPLACED,CKD MANY THREADS WITH SAME ISSUE. WWW.BIMMERFEST.COM / 3 + TIMES HAPPENED TO ME.
Jun 30, 2018
AS I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND TRIED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. I PULLED THE HANDLE AND TRIED THE KEY FOB AND NOTHING WOULD MAKE IT UNLOCK. I HAD TO CRAWL TO THE PASSENGER SIDE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED AND IT IS A KNOWN FUSE PROBLEM THAT IS FAULTY AND VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN AN ACCIDENT AND NEED TO ESCAPE YOUR VEHICLE QUICKLY. HAVING A DRIVER DOOR THAT ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT OPEN IS A COMPLETE DISREGARD FOR COMMON SENSE AND PUBLIC SAFETY. *TR
Oct 09, 2014
MY BMW IS 8 YEARS OLD WITH APPROXIMATELY 125 THOUSAND MILES AND BOTH REAR COIL SPRINGS ARE DAMAGED. THIS IS A BMW, THE FRAME OF THIS VEHICLE SHOULD NOT BE DAMAGE IN THIS TYPE OF CAR. BMW ARE BUILT TO EMBODY THE HIGHEST QUALITY AND SAFETY STANDARDS BUT ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE CAR BODY IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THERE MOST BE A DEFICIENCY ON THIS PART AND AS FAR AS I KNOW IT SHOULD BE A BMW ORIGINAL PART. WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2009, IT WAS A PRE-CERTIFIED CAR, WHEN I ASKED WHAT THAT MEANT THE SALES PERSON STATED "THAT ALL PARTS WERE CHECKED AND ARE ORIGINALS BMW PARTS". I BAD OTHER TYPE OF VEHICLE FOR OVER 10 YEARS AND NEVER HAD THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM, SO NEVER EXPECTED THIS FROM MY BMW. I WILL APPRECIATE YOUR ASSISTANCE ON THIS MATTER, I BELIEVE THIS PART IS DEFICIENT AND BMW SHOULD BE PAYING FOR THE REPAIRS. I DO EXPECT MORE FROM THEM AS THEY ADVERTISE THEIR CARS TO BE MORE DURABLE AND HIGHER QUALITY. PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS. *JS
Apr 14, 2014
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330XI (NA). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PAINT ON THE LEATHER WAS PEELING ON THE DOOR HANDLES, GEAR SHIFTER, CENTER CONSOLE AND THE RADIO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO TOLD HIM TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER; THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED HIM BACK TO THE DEALER TO TAKE PICTURES AND THEY WOULD HAVE A REGIONAL MANAGER CONTACT HIM. THE MANAGER STATED THAT THEY WOULD PAY FOR THE PARTS BUT NOT THE LABOR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 36,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 40,200.
Oct 14, 2010
FUSE BLOWN AND DEFECTIVE FRONT DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY LED TO DOOR LOCKS REMAINING ENGAGED. OPENED THE DRIVER DOOR WITH THE METAL KEY. DOORS WERE NOT ABLE TO BE OPENED BY USING THE INSIDE HANDLES. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED IN A CRASH, THE OCCUPANTS WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAPPED. *TR
Aug 05, 2007
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
5 complaints
PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULT. RECEIVED WARNING MESSAGE WHEN PASSENGER SITS IN FRONT SEAT. LIGHT STAYS ON MOST OF TIME.
Oct 24, 2017
GETTING A HARD WARNING FOR "PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION". APPARENTLY THIS HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH A SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT GOING BAD. THIS CAN CAUSE INJURY OR FATALITY AS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS BUT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED.
Sep 14, 2017
FAULTY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT ALWAYS BREAKS
Jun 18, 2016
WHEN A PASSENGER SITS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THE AIRBAG FAILURE LIGHT ILLUMINATES, THE SEAT BELT LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND REMAINS LIT, AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT ILLUMINATES. THIS IS APPARENTLY DUE TO MICRO-CRACKING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTION MAT, HOWEVER BMW ONLY INCLUDES A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF AFFECTED CARS IN THE 2008 RECALL. BMW NA REFUSES TO FIX THIS SAFETY DEFECT FOR ALL 2006 BUILD YEAR 330I MODELS WITH SPORT SEATS. THE SAME SEATS WHICH ARE AFFECTED BY THE IDENTICAL ISSUE FOR 2005 BUILD YEAR. IT SEEMS GIVEN THE NUMBER OF CARS AFFECTED BY THE SAME ISSUE THAT THE DEFECT WAS NOT CORRECTED FOR THE 2006 BUILD YEAR. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING IN A COLLISION WHICH IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. *TR
Mar 06, 2012
THE OC3 MAT (PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT) HAS FAILED. THIS ISSUE, AS DESCRIBED IN MORE DETAIL BELOW (4.), INVOLVES THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT OF CERTAIN BMW VEHICLES, AND HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF NHTSA PE07-045 AND EA08-001. IN SHORT, A FATIGUE FAILURE OF THE MAT CAN OCCUR AND WOULD CONSEQUENTLY LEAD TO THE DEACTIVATION OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WITH EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM. THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WOULD ILLUMINATE IN SUCH CASE. BMW STATES THAT MY VEHICLE DOES NOT FALL UNDER THIS RECALL SINCE IT WAS PRODUCED AFTER 11/2005. YET, THE PROGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS OF THE RECALL. *TR
Mar 05, 2012
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
5 complaints
I HAVE A 2006 325I SEDAN WITH 55,856 MILES ON IT. I TOOK IT IN FOR A ROUTINE SERVICE ON 4-18-2013. IT HAS BEEN MAINTAINED BY ONLY BMW DEALERSHIPS IN ITS LIFETIME WITH ALL REQUIRED MAINTENANCE DONE ON SCHEDULE. THEY CALLED TO NOTIFY ME THAT UPON INSPECTION THEY HAD FOUND THE HEAD BOLT BROKEN BEHIND THE OIL FILTER HOUSING, THE OIL FILTER HOUSING GASKET LEAKING AND THE DRIVE BELT TENSIONER LEAKING. I HAD NOT BEEN EXPERIENCING ANY OUTWARD S+S OF THIS PROBLEM. THEY QUOTED ME $3400 TO REPAIR THIS. I WAS SHOCKED THAT A CAR IN SUCH GREAT CONDITION WOULD HAVE SUCH A PROBLEM AT THIS MILEAGE. I ASKED WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN AND ESSENTIALLY WAS TOLD IT IS UNUSUAL BUT DOES HAPPEN. THEY ADVISED A REPAIR IN THE FUTURE. I WENT HOME AND RESEARCHED THIS AND FOUND IT HAS BEEN A COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS MODEL AND THAT SUBSEQUENTLY BMW HAS CHANGED THE TYPE OF BOLT THEY USE. SO I THOUGHT I WOULD CALL THE CUSTOMER SERVICE LINE TO FOLLOW UP ON ANY ASSISTANCE FROM BMW. LONG STORY SHORT THEY TOOK THE COMPLAINT BUT BECAUSE I HAVE A LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY FOR 3+ YEARS THEY WOULD OFFER NO HELP. YOU KNOW SHAME ON BMW THIS IS MY 4TH BMW AND VERY LIKELY MY LAST DUE TO THIS. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL, THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TOOK TO GET TO THE 50,000 MILE + RANGE WHERE THIS PROBLEM SHOWS ITSELF. *TR
Apr 19, 2013
JAN 16 - CHECK ENGINE SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON - CAR RUNNING SLUGGISH. IMMEDIATELY TOOK TO DEALERSHIP - THEY DETECTED OIL SEPARATOR FAILING. CAR STARTED SMOKING AT DEALERSHIP. THEY REPLACED THE OIL SEPARATOR AND SEVERAL PARTS DUE TO DAMAGE - COSTS $2400. MARCH 22ND - SAME SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON - TOOK CAR BACK TO DEALERSHIP - THEY HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR 1 WEEK AND STILL HAVE NOT TOLD ME WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT OTHER THAN THERE IS OIL EVERYWHERE AND I MAY HAVE HEAD GASKET OR ENGINE DAMAGE. POSSIBLY LOOKING AT ANOTHER $1K TO $5K. THERE IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT WITH THIS PART CAUSING SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. THIS IS WIDELY KNOWN AND WELL DOCUMENTED ALL OVER THE INTERNET. THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY BMW AND CONSUMERS SHOULD BE GIVEN RELIEF ON THE COSTS. BMW SHOULD SUPPORT THE CORRECTION OF THIS DEFECT AND PAY FOR THE COST OF REPAIR. DEALER (CHATTANOOGA BMW) SHOULD HAVE ALSO INFORMED ME ABOUT THE BROADER ISSUE VERSUS ME FINDING OUT ON MY OWN RESEARCH. *TR
Mar 30, 2013
MY BMW 300 SERIES WAGON (2006) HAD A BRAKE AND EMERGENCY WARNING LIGHT TURN ON. THERE WAS ALSO A SMELL OF BURNING OIL. MY MECHANIC IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS BROKEN ALUMINUM BOLTS ON THE CYLINDER. HE SAID HE PERSONALLY SEES THIS ALL THE TIME ON 2006 MODELS, THAT BMW IS AWARE, AND THAT THEY REDESIGNED THE PART FOR LATER YEARS. LIKEWISE, MY BMW DEALER IS AWARE OF IT AND A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH FINDS AT LEAST 1000 COMPLAINTS POSTED AT VARIOUS SITES ON THE WEB. ALUMINUM DOES NOT HOLD UP IN THIS SETTING AND THESE BOLTS COST MORE THAN$1200 TO REPAIR. I AM TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THAT IT USUALLY HAPPENS AFTER 60K MILES WHICH MEANS MOST ARE OFF WARRANTY. BMW IS AWARE AND SHOULD EITHER DO A COURTESY REPAIR OR BE FORCED TO DO THE RIGHT THING BY NHTSA. *TR
Aug 10, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330XI. WHILE DRIVING 24 MPH THERE WAS A CLANKING NOISE AND THE ALUMINUM BOLT THAT WAS HOLDING THE CYLINDER HEAD IN PLACE BROKE. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE CYLINDER HEAD TO CRACK THE CYLINDER HEAD AND CAUSED A MASSIVE OIL LEAK INTO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THEY REPLACED THE ALUMINUM BOLT. THE DEALER REPLACED ONE DEFECTIVE PART WITH ANOTHER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE 25,774. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIRS WERE ALMOST $4,000 AND IT TOOK MORE THAN A WEEK TO COMPLETE THE REPAIRS. UPDATED 03/12/10 UPDATED 03/30/10 *BF UPDATED 07/26/10.*JB
Mar 01, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 60-65 MPH, THE CONTACT BEGAN DECELERATING FOR TRAFFIC AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING AND THEN SHUT OFF. APPROXIMATELY TWO MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED FOUR TIMES AND HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES FOR THE STALLING. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. MOST RECENTLY, THE ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN ILLUMINATING INTERMITTENTLY. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,352.
Aug 13, 2008
VISIBILITY
4 complaints
AFTER EACH RAINFALL, FRONT AND/OR REAR PASSENGER FOOTWELLS FLOOD, DEPENDING ON THE ANGLE THAT THE VEHICLE IS PARKED. DEALERSHIP REPLACED VAPOR BARRIERS BUT A WATER TEST REVEALED THAT THE SUNROOF GLASS IS TOO LOW, CAUSING THE LEAK. *JS
Jul 02, 2012
2006 BMW 330XI WIPER FAILURE. WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 80 DURING SEVERE THUNDERSTORM, THE WIPERS STOPPED WORKING AND FAILED IN FIXED POSITION. HAD TO PULL OVER CAR...SHUT DOWN AND RESTARTED AND THEY WORKED AGAIN, BUT INTERMITTENT FEATURE FAILED. WIPERS WOULD NOT RESPOND BEFORE CAR SHUTDOWN/RESTART. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER. *TR
Aug 16, 2010
WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEED DURING A TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CEASED TO OPERATE. THIS CAUSED AN IMMEDIATE DANGEROUS SITUATION, WHEREIN VISIBILITY WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. NOT ONLY WAS THERE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF WATER BLOCKING MY VIEW, BUT THE WIPERS THEMSELVES HAD STOPPED IN A SLIGHTLY VERTICAL POSITION, ALSO BLOCKING MY VIEW. THIS SITUATION CONTINUED FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES, AS WE CAREFULLY AND CAUTIOUSLY ATTEMPTED TO GET OFF OF THE FREEWAY AND AWAY FROM OTHER TRAFFIC. AFTER SITTING AT REST IN THE CAR, ENGINE RUNNING, FOR UP TO 15 MINUTES, THE WIPERS FINALLY CAME BACK ON AGAIN. I HAD TRIED TO MANUALLY ENGAGE THE WIPERS BY ACTIVATING THE CONTROL STALK, WITH NO EFFECT. I ALSO TRIED TURNING OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTING, WITH NO EFFECT. I SCHEDULED AN EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT AT THE BMW DEALER THE NEXT DAY. THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC, CONFIRMING THAT THERE HAD BEEN A FAULT IN THE ELECTRICAL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. THE ELECTRICAL CONTROL UNIT WAS REPLACED. THEY ALSO REPLACED THE MECHANICAL LINKAGE FROM THE MOTOR TO THE WIPERS, EVEN THOUGH THE DIAGNOSTIC HAD BEEN INCONCLUSIVE ON THE LINKAGE. *TR
Feb 05, 2010
TL*- THE CONTACT STATE THAT ALL OF THE WINDOWS IN THE CAR CAME DOWN ON THEIR OWN, WHILE THE CAR WAS OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAS NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP.
Dec 18, 2006
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
I WAS RECEIVING A IMAGINE ON THE ON BOARD COMPUTER SAYING THAT MY HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. UPON INSPECTION INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT'S CASING, I SAW THAT ALL OF THE WIRING'S PROTECTION HAD COMPLETELY FELL OFF (PROBABLY DUE TO THE HUMID SOUTHERN CLIMATE OF NORTH TEXAS) LEAVING ALMOST ALL OF THE WIRING ON BOTH SIDES OF MY HEADLIGHTS (DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE) COMPLETELY EXPOSED. THE COPPER WIRING INSIDE IS ALMOST ALL EXPOSED. OBVIOUSLY THIS IS CAUSING THE HEADLIGHTS TO SHORT AND LEAVING ME WITH NO VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THIS IS A MODEL WITHOUT ANGEL EYES, SO MY DRL DO NOT WORK WHAT SO EVER. THESE HEADLIGHTS ARE COMPLETELY STOCK, SO THIS IS A FACTORY FAULT. VERY UNHAPPY WITH THIS. THANKS BMW FOR THE "FANTASTIC" ENGINEERING! SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER A RECALL.
Feb 09, 2019
INTERNAL HEADLIGHT WIRING IS EXTREMELY FLAKING OFF ITS INSULATION, REVEALING BARE WIRES THROUGHOUT BOTH HEADLIGHTS. BOTH SECTIONS OF THE LIGHT ARE AFFECTED, XENON AND HALOGEN. DISCOVERED DURING ROUTINE BULB REPLACEMENT. MERELY TOUCHING THE WIRES CAUSED EXTRA FLAKING. SEEMS TO BE A POTENTIAL ELECTROCUTION/FIRE HAZARD.
Dec 12, 2017
I OWN A 2006 BMW 325I. ABOUT A YEAR OR TWO AGO, THE REVERSE LIGHTS WILL NOT ILLUMINATE WHILE REVERSING. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM, AND MENTIONED MULTIPLE ONLINE ACCOUNTS OF THIS PROBLEM EXTENDING AT LEAST FROM 2003 THROUGH 2008. IT COULD HAVE BEEN LONGER. I ALSO REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL) AND NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10443539 (TAIL LIGHT FAILURE). THE DEALER ADVISED ME THAT THIS VEHICLE YEAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR THIS PROBLEM. IN ADDITION, THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FRM MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A WIRING MALFUNCTION. FROM ONLINE REPORTS AND PICTURES, I CONFIRMED MY REVERSE LIGHT FAILURE WAS ALSO A WIRING ISSUE CAUSED FROM A VERY POOR WIRE ROUTING DESIGN BY BMW. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS AT APPROXIMATELY 110,000 AND THE COST TO REPAIR WAS OUTRAGEOUS! SINCE THAT TIME EVEN WITH MULTIPLE DOCUMENTED CASES, BMW HAS BEEN UNWILLING TO ADMIT THIS IS THEIR DESIGN FAILURE AND TO SHARE IN ANY OF THE REPAIR COSTS.
Apr 26, 2016
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V605000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. BMW OF FREEHOLD (4225 U.S. 9, FREEHOLD, NJ 07728 (732) 751-4335) CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Apr 10, 2018
DEC. 2008 I RECEIVED A CONSUMER ADVISORY LETTER FROM BMW OF NORTH AMERICA. THE LETTER STATES THAT DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS MAY DEVELOP IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG AND SIDE AIR BAG WILL DEACTIVATE, AND BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AND FRONT PASSENGER "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE. IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG AND SIDE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY, EVEN IN A SEVERE ACCIDENT. THEY ARE EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR 10 YEARS. IN JANUARY OF THIS YEAR BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP ARE ILLUMINATED IN MY 2006 325I BMW. THE LETTER STATES SHOULD THIS HAPPEN HAVE THE VEHICLE CHECKED WITHOUT DELAY AT AN AUTHORIZED BMW CENTER. I DID THAT AND WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM IS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT THE ADVISORY LETTER STATES AND WILL COST ME $1300.00. I CONTACTED BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA AND SPOKE TO A PERSON BY THE NAME OF "[XXX]" WHO TOLD ME SHE WOULD CHECK WITH THE AUTHORIZED BMW CENTER. I TOLD HER I AM THE ONLY DRIVER OF MY CAR AND VERY SELDOM DO I HAVE ANY PASSENGERS WITH ME AND I NEVER HAD ANY ACCIDENT WITH MY CAR, SO THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. SEVERAL WEEKS LATER HER REPLY WAS BECAUSE OF THE AGE OF MY BMW THEY WOULD NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY "BUT" THEY WOULD DISCOUNT THE COST OF THE REPAIR AND INSTEAD OF CHARGING $1300.00 THEY WOULD CHARGE $1002.00! SO THAT'S MY STORY AND MY AIR BAG WARNING LAMP IS STILL LIGHTED! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jul 13, 2014
EXPERIENCED A WET FLOOR BOARD IN BACKSEAT ON THE DRIVER SIDE ALONG WITH A PUDDLE IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A SEAL, THEY REMOVED THE BACKDOOR PANEL AND WATER TEST SHOWED THE VAPOR SEAL HAD BECAME LOOSE. THE NEXT RAIN, STILL A PUDDLE IN THE FRONT - WHICH MEANS THAT VAPOR SEAL WENT BAD AS WELL. ALSO, WATER IS DROPPING IN FROM THE SUNROOF CONTROLS ON THE ROOF. THEY STILL FUNCTION AND THE SEAL AROUND THE SUNROOF SEEMS BONE DRY. I ALSO EXPERIENCE THE AIR BAG ISSUE - IT WAS FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. BUT THIS MAY BE A RECALL THAT BMW NEEDS TO LOOK INTO. *TR
Apr 23, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
ELECTRICAL AND HAS BEEN AFFECTED SINCE THE CAR WAS LESS THAN 5 YEARS OLD, RADIO WOULD SUDDENLY GET LOUD IF VOLUME WAS ADJUSTED. AFTER THE ELECTRICAL ISSUES STARTED ABOUT 2 YEARS LATER MY A/C STARTED HAVING ISSUES THOUGHT IT MAY BE A LEAK BUT NOW AFTER SEEING THE RECALL ON ELECTRICAL ISSUES ON SOME MODELS THIS SUV X3 SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE LIST BUT IT'S NOT, AND SHOULD HAVE REPORTED THIS A LONG TIME AGO THAT THIS IS A LEMON. THE BACK WINDOW ALSO SLIDES DOWN ANOTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUE. CAR WAS DRIVEN FOR PLEASURE EVERY FEW DAYS BUT HAS MORE ISSUES THAN OLDER CARS.
Apr 24, 2019
ALL DOORS LOCK UP BUT ONLY THE DRIVER SIDE HAS A MANUAL OVERRIDE. PASSENGERS CANNOT EXIT THE VEHICLE IN CASE OF CRASH OR FIRE.
Jun 26, 2015
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
FUEL LEAK COMING FROM THE FUEL FILTER / FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR, LOCATED INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. THE PLASTIC COVER WHERE THE PRESURRED FUEL LINE IS CONNECTED CRACKS CAUSING THE FUEL TO LEAK. I NOTICED THE ISSUE DUE TO A STRONG FUEL SMELL COMMING FROM THE LEFT REAR OF THE VEHICLE. I FOLLOWED THE SMELL AND IT TOOK ME TO THE FUEL TANK ACCESS UNDER THE REAR SEAT ON THE LEFT (DRIVER) SIDE. THAT IS WHERE I NOTICED FUEL ACCUMULATION OUTSIDE THE TANK. THEN I PROCEED TO START THE ENGINE AND CLEARLY NOTICED THE FUEL LEAKING FROM AN SMALL CRACK ON THE FILTER (NOT THE FUEL LINE). I STARTED A RESEARCH ON THE SUBJECT AND I FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINS ABOUT THIS ISSUE INCLUDING VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE ON MANY BMW MODELS. ALSO FOUND THERE IS AN ACTIVE SAFETY RECALL FOR SOME VW MODELS WITH THE SAME SITUATION. THE PARTS FROM BOTH VEHICLE BRANDS ARE PRETTY SIMILAR AND THE PARTS ARE FROM THE SAME SUPPLIER (VDO). I JUST NEED YOU TAKE A LOOK AT THIS AS A SAFETY CONCERN BEFORE VEHICLES START CATCHING FIRE. THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION ON THIS MATTER. SORRY FOR NOT HAVING PICTURES, JUST GOOGLE IT AND YOU WILL SEE IT.
Nov 30, 2018
2006 BMW X3 "CHECK GAS CAP" WARNING LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY AFTER REFUELING. CHECK THE GAS GAP AND EVERYTHING SEEMS OK. HAPPENS CONSISTENTLY IN TEMPERATURES OVER 40F. *TR
Mar 12, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
2 complaints
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 3 SERIES. WHEN THE CONTACT PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM ONE SOURCE MOTORS (10633 NORTHLAND DR NE, ROCKFORD, MI 49341, (616) 951-7068), HE WAS NOT INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). SHARPE BMW (1010 28TH ST SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49508, (616) 452-5101) SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT AND INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG REPAIR HAD BEEN COMPLETED, BUT DID NOT ADDRESS THE REPAIR FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE AND HAD NOT PROVIDED A TIME FRAME TO PROVIDE THE PART TO THE DEALER. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. SHARPE BMW DIAGNOSED THAT THE FLOORMAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER BOTH STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY AIR BAG RECALLS TO COVER THE FLOORMAT SENSOR FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 AND PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000.
May 02, 2018
TAKATA RECALL. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR IN MY 2006 BMW IS DEFECTIVE MAKING THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS TURNED OFF DURING THE EVENT OF A CRASH WHEN CAR IS ON OR RUNNING AIRBAG AND SEATBELT LIGHT TURN ON. MANY OTHER 2006 BMWS LIKE MINE ARE AFFECTED WITH THIS ISSUE. A RECALL HAS BEEN DONE FOR BMWS FOR MODELS 2007 AND NEWER BUT NOT FOR THE 2006 MODEL YEAR. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE DONE FOR THIS YEAR MAKE TO INSURE THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE AND PASSENGERS RIDING IN THIS CAR. I USE THIS CAR AS A DAILY DRIVER WITH MY 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. PLEASE UPDATE NEW INFO ASAP
Nov 06, 2017
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
"TAKATA RECALL" I STARTED MY CAR TO WARM UP IN THE MORNING PRIOR TO GOING TO WORK FOR A FEW MINUTES AND THEN MY CAR JUST SHUT OFF-IT WAS BELOW ZERO DURING THE NIGHT SO I CALLED FOR A TOW AND TOOK TO SHOP AND PER OWNER OF SHOP HE HAD TO CALL BMW AS SHOP WAS NOT A BMW SHOP AS HE COULD NOT FIND OUT WHY CAR SHUT OFF-BMW STATED TO HIM THAT HE HAS TO ORDER A COLD WEATHER KIT THAT BMW MAKES SO THIS WONT HAPPEN AGIAN OR ELSE ENGINE CAN BLOW UP-PER BMW ALSO THEY HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THIS ISSUE WITH MY MODEL THEREFORE THAT IS WHY THERE IS A KIT. MY GUESTIION TO YOU IS I WOULD THINK THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ISSUE AND I DO NOT SEE ON BMW RECALL WEBISTE WHERE THIS HAS EVE BEEN RE-CALLED SO PER SHOP IS $250.00 FOR KIT FROM BMW AND $500.00 LABOR AS MUCH LABOR INVOLED SO I WANTED TO CHECK WITH YOU HOW I AM RESPONISBLE FOR THIS AND WHY IS NOT BMW NOT-THANK YOU
Feb 18, 2016
I WAS DRIVING MY 2006 BMW M3 CONVERTIBLE WITH THE TOP DOWN AND SECURED ON THE HIGHWAY. WHEN, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE REAR BOOT COVER WHICH STORES THE CONVERTIBLE ROOF OPENS ON IT'S OWN AND SLAMS AGAINST THE ROOF, WHICH I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. THE THUMP AND AIR RESISTANCE ALMOST CAUSED ME TO LOOSE CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE, BUT I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY. THE COMPLETE CONVERTIBLE MECHANISM WAS NOT FUNCTIONING AFTER THIS EVENT, AND I BROUGHT IT TO THE NEAREST BMW DEALERSHIP WHICH IS WHERE I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE TO BEGIN WITH. AFTER A DAY OR SO, I WAS TOLD I HAD TO COME TO THE DEALERSHIP AND DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME BECAUSE THEY HAD TO HAVE A FACTORY REP INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND IT WOULD TAKE UP TO A FEW WEEKS. NOT UNTIL I CALLED BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS, DID THEY SAY IT WAS A MISTAKE BY THE TECHNICIAN AND THAT I WOULD BE ABLE TO LEAVE MY VEHICLE AT THE DEALERSHIP AND GET A RENTAL CAR. ON AUG 3, 2007 A LITTLE OVER A WEEK FROM THE EVENT, I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THIS REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY, AND DID NOT STATE WHY? I BEGAN TO MENTION HOW I NEARLY LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE, AND IT WAS AN OBVIOUS MALFUNCTION, AND I INSISTED THEY SEND ME DOCUMENTATION WHICH STATED WHY THEY DID NOT BELIEVE THE VEHICLE WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE SERVICE MANAGER CONTINUED TO WAFFLE BACK AND FORTH, AND DID NOT SEND ME THE PROPER PAPERWORK BUT SAID HE WOULD CONTACT ME BY THE END OF DAY OR THE FOLLOWING MONDAY BECAUSE HE WAS GOING TO HAVE ANOTHER FACTORY REP TAKE A LOOK AT THE VEHICLE. *JB
Aug 03, 2007
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2 complaints
REAR DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR WOULD NOT ALLOW REAR DOOR TO OPEN. HAD FIXED AND THEN DRIVERS DOOR ACTUATOR FAILED AND WOULD NOT OPEN. COULD NOT GET OUT OF VEHICLE. *TR
Feb 17, 2014
DOOR LOCKS ON 2006 BMW 330XI SUDDENLY STOPPED FUNCTIONING PROPERLY MIDWAY THROUGH THE DAY AND WERE UNABLE TO BE UNLOCKED. I WAS ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR WITH THE EMBEDDED PHYSICAL KEY IN THE FOB BUT WHEN I GOT IN THE CAR AND TRIED OPERATING THE DOORS THEY AGAIN LOCKED BUT WERE UNABLE TO BE UNLOCKED NEITHER BY THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE CONSOLE, THE FOB OR THE DOOR HANDLE. THE ONLY WAY I WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE CAR WAS TO ROLL DOWN THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW, AND USE THE EMERGENCY MECHANICAL KEY TO UNLOCK IT BY EXTENDING MY HAND OUT THE WINDOW. SINCE THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IS THE ONLY DOOR WITH A PHYSICAL KEYLOCK, IT WAS THE ONLY DOOR THAT WAS ABLE TO OPEN. FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE DAY, ALL 3 PASSENGERS HAD TO CLIMB OUT OF THEIR WINDOWS TO EXIT. *TR
Apr 22, 2011
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 complaints
I HAVE A 2006 BMW 325I THE VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL AND FROM WHAT I THINK IT IS THE BREATHER PIPE. I AM VERY CONCERNED THIS WILL GENERATE A SERIOUS PROBLEM LIKE EXPLODING OR ANY TYPE OF FIRE PROBLEM. THERE IS A PUDDLE OF FUEL EVERY TIME I PARK MY CAR. THE FUEL LEAK IS ON THE LEFT REAR SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE SMELL IS ASCENDING. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND A DESIGN FLAW,AND EVEN THOUGH MY WARRANTY IS EXPIRED THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD AND MUST COVER THIS SAFETY CONCERN BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. *TR
Aug 26, 2013
EVERY TIME I FILL UP MY CAR, THE CHECK GAS CAP LIGHT COMES ON. AS I DRIVE, IT GOES OFF BUT THEN WILL ILLUMINATE AGAIN. I CHECK IT AND NOTHING APPEARS TO BE WRONG BUT AS I DRIVE, I DO NOTICE THAT THE GAS NEEDLE WILL MOVE UP AND DOWN. *TR
Jun 17, 2013
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 complaints
THE INTAKE BOOT BETWEEN THE MASS AIR SENSOR AND THE THROTTLE BODY CRACKS OVER TIME. THIS CAUSES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A KNOWN FAILURE ITEM, AND THE CAR IS WITHIN THE CPO WARRANTY PERIOD, BMW DOES NOT COVER ANY HOSES OR TUBES, AS THEY BELIEVE THEY ARE "WEAR" ITEMS. SINCE IT IS NOT COVERED ITS A $175 DOLLAR DIAGNOSTIC FEE AND $38.54 FOR THE PART VS $50 DEDUCTIBLE. YOU DO NOT KNOW IF YOUR REPAIR IS COVERED UNTIL THE DIAGNOSTIC, SO SHORT OF HAVING TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC TO HAVE IT CHECKED YOU COULD BE PENALIZED $125 FOR WANTING YOU CAR REPAIRED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH YOU PAID EXTRA FOR. *TR
Dec 06, 2011
I STARTED MY 06 BMW X3 IN MY DRIVEWAY TO WARM IT UP PRIOR TO DRIVING. IT APPEARED TO BE FINE, I BACKED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND NOTICED IT WAS SMOKING FROM THE EXHAUST. I DROVE ABOUT 100FT TO THE END OF MY STREET AND THE SMOKING WORSENED SO I DECIDED TO RETURN HOME. I TURNED ONTO THE MAIN STREET AND DROVE AT MOST 20MPH FOR A FEW BLOCKS TO GET BACK HOME. THE SMOKE WAS POURING OUT OF THE EXHAUST SO BADLY THAT I COULDN'T SEE OUT MY BACK WINDOW. IT WAS BLUE/GREY COLORED. THE CAR WAS PUTTING AND CHUGGING. I DID NOT MAKE IT HOME. EVENTUALLY THE CAR CHUGGED A FEW TIMES AND COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. THE WARNING LIGHTS ALL LIT UP AND I LOST ALL POWER, INCLUDING POWER STEERING. IT WAS STRANDED ACROSS A DRIVEWAY AND WOULD NOT START. I HAVE FOLLOWED ALL RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE, DRIVE LOCALLY AND USE PREMIUM GAS. THERE WAS NO REASONABLE EXPLANATION TO THIS FAILURE. I HAD IT TOWED TO A LOCAL BMW REPAIR SHOP AND FOUND THAT IT WAS THE "OIL SEPARATOR" THAT FAILED. MY INVOICE STATES THAT IT WAS AN "ENGINE HYDRAULIC LOCK". THE FAILURE OF THE "OIL SEPARATOR", WHICH IS CALLED A CYCLONE SEPARATOR ON MY INVOICE, CAUSED THE CAR TO FLOOD WITH OIL. THE CYCLONE SEPARATOR AND CRANKCASE VENT HOSES WERE REPLACED. RESEARCHING ONLINE I FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH BMW, MOSTLY THE X5 MODELS. BMW N.A. REFUSED TO ASSIST ME, MY WARRANTY EXPIRED 3 MONTHS PRIOR DUE TO THE YEAR OF THE CAR, BUT HAD NOT MET THE MILEAGE REQUIREMENT. THE REPAIR COST $1100 AND I WAS WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR 3 DAYS. I ALSO HAD TO PAY $70 FOR A TOW AS BMW WOULD NOT HONOR THE ROAD ASSISTANCE. *TR
Jan 25, 2011
EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
AIR CONDITIONER TEMPERATURE BEGAN TO WARM JUST ON DRIVERS SIDE BUT REMAINED COOL ON DRIVERS SIDE. BASED UPON MY MANY YEARS OR WORKING WITH CARS, I ASSUMED THIS WAS A MALFUNCTION OF SOME OF THE "DOORS" IN THE AIR ROUTING SYSTEM HAD FAILED NOT ALLOWING SUFFICIENT COOL AIR ON DRIVERS SIDE. TAKEN TO REGULAR BMW DEALER (HE HAS SERVICED ALL 6 BMW'S I HAVE OWNED) AND WAS TOLD AC CONDENSER NEEDED REPLACEMENT. CAR WAS 4 MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY ALTHOUGH MILEAGE WAS LOWER THAN WARRANTY LIMIT. DEALER STATED THEY CONTACTED BMW AND TOLD ME THAT BMW REFUSED TO COVER REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY. THE REPAIR WAS APPROXIMATELY $2200. HAVING BEEN THE DIRECTOR OF A COUNTY CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCY IN TAMPA, FL, I FOLLOWED THE PATH OF DIRECTIONS WE GIVE TO OUR OWN CONSUMERS BEFORE WE (AS AN ENFORCEMENT AGENCY) WILL NORMALLY INITIATE A COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION. I WROTE A LETTER TO BMW OUTLINING MY PROBLEM.WITHIN THREE WEEKS MY DEALER CALLED ME AND TOLD ME THAT BMW HAD CONTACTED THEM, VERIFIED THE REPAIR AND THAT I HAD PAID FOR IT. THEY THEN TOLD THE DEALER TO CONTACT ME AND TELL ME THAT THEY WERE GOING TO PARTIALLY REIMBURSE ME FOR THE REPAIR. ABOUT A WEEK LATER I RECEIVED A CHECK FROM BMW FOR A LITTLE LESS THAN HALF OF THE REPAIR COST AND NO EXPLANATION. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW OR WHY THEY CHOOSE TO PAY A PORTION VERSUS ALL OR NOTHING. HOWEVER, SINCE THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, I CONSIDERED THIS A FAIR SETTLEMENT FOR THE BILL. HOWEVER, I STILL BELIEVE THAT THE FAILURE OF THE A/C CONDENSER IN FIVE YEARS OF FULL TIME USE WAS UNACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE FOR THIS PART. *TR
Jun 11, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. WHENEVER THE HEAT OR AIR CONDITIONING IS ACTIVATED, THE CONTACT SMELLS BURNING PLASTIC INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE ODOR IS SO STRONG THAT IT BURNS HER EYES AND NOSE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER APPROXIMATELY THREE TIMES. DURING THE FIRST VISIT, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WERE PROBABLY LEAVES INSIDE THE VEHICLE, SO THEY CLEANED OUT THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. THERE WAS NO IMMEDIATE DIFFERENCE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER TWO WEEKS LATER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD SMELL SOMETHING IN THE VEHICLE, BUT BELIEVED IT TO BE CLEANING FLUID. THE DEALER DID NOT WANT TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE. A FEW DAYS LATER, THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANAGER OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY COULD NOT MAKE ANY REPAIRS SINCE THEY DID NOT KNOW WHERE THE ODOR WAS ORIGINATING. THROUGH ONLINE RESEARCH, THE CONTACT FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS, BUT NONE WITH THE SAME TYPE OF ODOR THAT WAS IN HER VEHICLE. SHE BELIEVES THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT, BUT HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO LOCATE A DEALER THAT WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 27,000.
Jul 09, 2009
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
2006 BMW 328I REPEATEDLY HESITATES WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS PRESSED. THE CAR HAS BEEN RETURNED TO THE DEALER ON 5 DIFFERENT INSTANCES TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. TO DATE BMW CLAIMS IN "CANNOT REPLICATE CUSTOMERS PROBLEM". IN ONE INSTANCE VEHICLE ACTUALLY STALLED WHEN AN ATTEMPT WAS MADE TO PULL INTO TRAFFIC. APPEARS TO BE A FREQUENT PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AS IT WAS ADDRESSED IN A CAR AND DRIVER TEST DRIVE ARTICLE. *TR
Mar 04, 2010
I WAS EXITING A CITY PARK, I WAS STOPPED WAITING FOR A STEADY STREAM OF TRAFFIC TO PASS SO I COULD MAKE A LEFT TURN. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SUDDENLY IT SEEMED AS THOUGH SOMEONE HAD PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AS I WAS HOLDING DOWN THE BRAKE PEDAL. I HELD DOWN THE BRAKE PEDAL AS HARD AS I COULD BECAUSE THE CAR WANTED TO TAKE OFF AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED ACROSS THE TRAFFIC. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS IN THIS CAR OR ANY CAR BEFORE, NEEDLESS TO SAY IT WAS VERY FRIGHTENING. THE ENGINE WAS RACING AT A EXTREMELY HIGH RATE OF SPEED. I CAN'T REMEMBER IF I PUT THE CAR IN PARK FIRST OR JUST SHUT THE CAR OFF. I RESTARTED THE CAR AND SINCE IT SOUNDED ALRIGHT I RELUCTANTLY PUT IT IN GEAR TO DRIVE HOME. I MADE IT HOME SAFELY WITHOUT INCIDENT. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2009 . WE CONTACTED YOUR AGENCY FIRST, BUT WE ARE PHONING OUR DEALER IN INDIANAPOLIS TO COME AND PICK THE CAR UP, IT WILL NOT BE DRIVEN UNTIL IT IS THOROUGHLY CHECKED. *TR
Oct 30, 2009
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
FAULTY CLOCK SPRING BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ON HORN DOESN'T WORK BMW STEERING WHEEL BUTTONS DON'T WORK, PADDLE SHIFTER NOT WORKING, FAULT CODE: DRIVER SQUIB CIRCUIT OPEN OR HIGH RESISTANCE, CODE B1049 AND B1054.
Mar 09, 2021
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
COOLANT HOSES RELEASED AND RADIATOR SPLIT OPEN -- APPEARED WHILE DRIVING --- FLUID RELEASED ONTO WINDSHIELD
Jun 30, 2019
SEATS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
1 complaint
PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATING MAT. PROBLEM WITH DETERMINING THE CAUSE OF ERRORS POSTED ON THE PHOTO
Nov 25, 2018
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
1 complaint
OIL KEEP LEAKING OUT OF TRAINING. IT WAS FIXED TWICE SO FAR. BACK BRAKE LINE KEEPS BREAKING WHEN YOU DRIVE IN SNOW.
Jan 23, 2018
SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
MY DRIVERS SEAT BELT RANDOMLY UNLATCHES WHILE I AM DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN 10 TIMES , BOTH ON SIDE STREETS AND THE FREEWAY. A WEEK AGO I WAS COMING HOME AND ABOUT A BLOCK FROM MY HOUSE THE SEAT BELT LIGHT LIT UP ON MY DASH AND STARTED DINGING. MY SEAT BELT WAS LATCHED. IT CONTINUED TO DING UNTIL I GOT HOME AND TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE.
Dec 02, 2017
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
HEADLIGHT WENT OUT, UPON INSPECTION BY A LOCAL INDEPENDENT BMW SPECIALIST IT WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT THE RUBBER INSULATION ON ALL OF THE WIRING INSIDE MY XENON HID IS FLAKING OFF. I WAS TOLD THOSE A COMMON ISSUE ON MOST MID 2000S BMWS. I WAS QUOTED 4000 FOR REPLACEMENT OF BOTH HEADLIGHTS AND THEY WOULD EVENTUALLY BEGIN TO FLAKE AGAIN. WITH THE RECENT ONSET OF BMWS CATCHING ON FIRE I WOULD THINK THIS IS A POSSIBLE RECALL ISSUE.
May 26, 2017
SEATS,ENGINE
1 complaint
AS I DROVE HOME FROM A LONG FLIGHT HOME AFTER THE HOLIDAYS, THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE DUE TO A FROZEN CRANK CASE VENTILATION SYSTEM WHICH CAUSED OIL TO SPRAY OUT IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I PULLED OVER WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AND SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE HOOD. I WAS ABLE TO BLOW OUT THE FIRE. TEMPERATURES WERE 5 DEGREES F THAT NIGHT. THE DEALER STATED THERE WAS A "MORE ROBUST CRANK CASE VENTILATION SYSTEM" THAT THEY WOULD INSTALL AT MY COST. AFTER THE WEEK LONG REPAIR, THE DEALER BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE FRONT AND TURNED ON THE SEAT HEATERS. I DROVE ABOUT 5 MILES BEFORE NOTING A PINCHING/PAINFUL SENSATION ON MY LEFT UPPER THIGH. I PULLED OVER TO FIND A BURN MARK ON THE LEATHER SEAT AND A BURN ON MY LEFT UPPER THIGH. IT APPEARS TO BE DUE TO A SHORT IN THE SEAT HEATER.
Jan 30, 2017
AIR BAGS,ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
PASSENGER AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELT WONT WORK AND BMW WONT FIX. ELECTRICAL:RADIO,CLIMATE CONTROL,HEADLIGHTS AND WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP. WINDOW REGULATORS. AND THE WORST:LEARNING FROM X_EMPLOYEES OF BMW SAY THAT BMW PURPOSEFULLY MISS-TORQUES OIL PAN,VALVE COVER AND OIL FILTER HOUSING SO THE FAIL RIGHT AFTER 50,000 MILE WARRANTY. EVERY E90 HAS THESE PROBLEMS. AND WINDOW REGULATORS ALL EXCEPT DRIVER SIDE. IN MOTION.
Dec 15, 2016
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I STARTED THE CAR AND GOT A 'PERSONAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE' MESSAGE. I'VE CHECKED MESSAGE BOARDS FOR BMW AND APPARENTLY THIS IS SOMETHING THEY ISSUED A RECALL FOR A FEW YEARS BACK BUT NOW IT SHOWS 'NO RECALL' WHEN I TYPE IN MY VIN. ACCORDING TO THE MESSAGE BOARDS, OTHERS WITH THE SAME MESSAGE WERE TOLD INITIALLY BY BMW THAT THIS WASN'T A RECALL BUT WHEN PUSHED WERE TOLD IT WAS AND IT WAS FIXED. I'M WONDERING ABOUT GETTING SOMETHING ABOUT THESE RECALLS FROM YOUR AGENCY BEFORE GOING TO ARGUE WITH THE BMW DEALERSHIP?
Jul 11, 2015
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING FROM SCHOOL AND PUSH THE GAS AND 15MPH THE CAR JERKED IN TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR WENT INTO SAFE MODE. I COULD NOT DRIVE OVER 40 MP. THE DEALER SHIP SAID THE TRANSMISSION MECHATRONIC MAY HAVE MALFUNCTION. SOMETHING INSIDE OF THE TRANSMISSION THE MANUFACTURER BUILD IT WITH A PLASTIC VALVE COVER IT'S COMMON ON BMW THE TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THERE ARE OVER 67,000 COMPLAINTS ON LINE FOR THE SAME ISSUE. WHERE IS THE RECALL!. YOU PAY FOR THIS EXPENSIVE CAR TO PAY 7000 TO FIX. I AM LOOKING TO START A LAW SUIT IF THEY DON'T RECALL AND FIX THIS COMMON EXPENSIVE PROBLEM!
May 19, 2015
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V384000 (AIR BAGS). ALSO, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PILLAR ACCELERATOR SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT IMMEDIATELY AFTER REFUELING, THE "CHECK GAS CAP" WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER, WHO DETERMINED THAT THE GAS CAP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. UPDATED 6/8/15*CN
Apr 20, 2015
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
FRONT TWO VALVE COVER BOLTS SHEERED OFF CAUSING OIL TO LEAK DIRECTLY ON THE EXHAUST. *TR
Apr 19, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
FIRST THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR WOULD NOT UNLOCK SO I WOULD HAVE TO USE THE KEY TO UNLOCK THE DRIVER DOOR. BOUGHT A NEW ACTUATOR AND HAD IT REPLACED. NOT EVEN ONE MONTH LATER THE BACK SEAT DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR WENT OUT AS WELL. HOWEVER THERE IS NO KEY HOLE FOR THE BACK DOOR AND IT CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. I WAS TOLD BY A BMW DEALER THAT I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE THE DOOR TORN OFF AND REPLACED WITH A NEW DOOR BECAUSE THERE WAS NO WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR. BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE! BOTH BACK WINDOW REGULATORS WENT OUT AS WELL! GOT THE BACK SEAT PASSENGER SIDE FIXED. BUT CAN'T GET THE DRIVER SIDE DONE YET. THIS ALL HAPPENED WITHIN A YEAR. *JS
Apr 13, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHITE SMOKE COMING THOUGH AC DUCTS. WHEN TAKEN TO SHOP THEY SAID IT WAS COOLANT LEAK IN HEATER CORE. REPLACEMENT WOULD COST ME $3000-$4000. *TR
Feb 22, 2014
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
AFTER APPROXIMATELY 20-30 MINUTES OF DRIVING IN THE RAIN WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON, THE WIPERS SHUT OFF AND QUIT WORKING WITHOUT WARNING. IT TAKES ABOUT 5-10 MINUTES OF TIME BEFORE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BEGIN TO WORK AGAIN. THIS IS CONCERNING DUE TO POOR VISIBILITY AND MAY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Feb 17, 2014
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE LEFT LANE, TRYING TO PASS A CAR IN THE MIDDLE LANE. AFTER GETTING IN FRONT OF THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE LANE, I TRIED TO ACCELERATE SO I COULD RE-ENTER THE MIDDLE LANE, BUT THE CAR ACTED AS IF IT SLIPPED INTO NEUTRAL AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE ENGINE GROWLED AS IF IT WERE IN NEUTRAL. IT KEPT DRIVING, BUT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, DESPITE ME STEPPING HARDER ON THE GAS. THIS WAS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AS THERE WAS A CAR IMMEDIATELY BEHIND ME, WHICH COULD HAVE REAR ENDED ME AT OVER 60MPH, AND THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE LANE THAT I WAS TRYING TO PASS COULD HAVE ALSO HIT ME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR. IN RESEARCHING THIS, MANY BMW OWNERS HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS, AND YET BMW HAS NOT ISSUED AN INVESTIGATION OR RECALL: HTTP://WWW.CONSUMERAFFAIRS.COM/AUTOMOTIVE/BMW_TRANS.HTML THERE ARE 650 COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM AT THE ABOVE LINK. PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS LIKE THIS UNDER 75K MILES. *TR
Sep 15, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
REPEATED FLOODING IN DRIVER-SIDE BACK AND PASSENGER FRONT. IT HAS BEEN THE VAPOR SEAL ALONG THE DOOR, TOP PART OF DOOR NEAR WINDOW, SEAL ALONG THE WINDSHIELD AND FINALLY FROM THE SUNROOF LEADING TO DRAIN LEADING TO INTERIOR OF CAR. I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE THAT NO ELECTRICAL ISSUES HAVE INCURRED, BUT DUE TO THE HIGH RISK OF THAT HAPPENING, WANTED TO REPORT THE SITUATION. THIS HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR OVER A YEAR (FIXED VARIOUS ISSUES WITH FLOODING EVERY FEW MONTHS). BMW ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE X3 HAS WATER ISSUES BUT THAT IT IS NO FAULT OF THEIR'S. I UNDERSTAND A VAPOR SEAL NEEDING TO BE REPLACED ONCE IN A WHILE- BUT THIS IS FAR AND BEYOND HAPPENING WAY TOO FREQUENTLY. JUST DON'T WANT ANY OF THE LARGER POSSIBILITIES TO COME INTO PLAY.
Jul 31, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X3. THE STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT FAILED TO BLOW COOL AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE EVAPORATE CORD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. *TR
Jul 01, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
YESTERDAY, THE DOORS ON MY 2006 325I WOULDN'T UNLOCK WITH THE KEY FOB. I USED THE ACTUAL KEY TO ENTER THE CAR AND THE CENTRAL LOCKING/UNLOCKING BUTTON DOES NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS. THE DOOR TO THE GAS TANK IS ALSO LOCKED. THERE IS NO WAY TO UNLOCK ANY OF THE PASSENGER DOORS WHICH POSES A SAFETY HAZARD. IN READING THROUGH ONLINE FORUMS, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY BMW. THANK YOU. *TR
Mar 23, 2013
STRUCTURE,SEATS
1 complaint
TURNING INTO A DRIVEWAY WITH A BOULDER ON THE EDGE/CORNER. WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HEATER ON, THE SEAT BURNED A HOLE THRU THE LEATHER AND MADE ME TURN ABRUPTLY AND BUMPED THE BOULDER. DAMAGE TO THE FR. BUMPER, INNER FENDER AND WHEEL. LEFT SIDE (DRIVERS) SEAT BOLSTER HAS A BURN-THROUGH HOLE. *TR
Feb 05, 2013
STEERING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
THE TWO ISSUES ARE (1) AIRBAG MALFUNCTION AND (2) STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTION. (1) THE FIRST ISSUE OCCURRED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON CA I-80 TOWARDS BERKLEY FROM DAVIS ON 8/17/2012. AS I WAS DRIVING, THE CAR DISPLAYED A NOTIFICATION THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM AND SHUT OFF. THERE WAS A PASSENGER IN THE CAR. AS OF THIS DATE, THE AIRBAG IS STILL SHUT OFF. (2) THE SECOND ISSUE OCCURRED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON CA I-280 FROM BURLINGAME TOWARDS MILLBRAE ON 8/30/2012. AS I WAS DRIVING, I NOTICED A STEERING WHEEL LOCK NOTIFICATION. LUCKILY, I WAS AT MY EXIT AND NEAR HOME SO I DROVE SLOWLY HOME. AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. RESTARTING AND TURNING THE CAR OFF CAUSES THE STEERING WHEEL TO RANDOMLY LOCK/UNLOCK. I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR AFTER THE INCIDENT. *TR
Aug 31, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
POWER DOOR LOCKS FAILED. NO WAY TO OPEN PASSENGER DOOR EVEN WITH INTERNAL HANDLE. PASSENGER TRAPPED AND HAD TO CRAWL OVER TO DRIVER'S SEAT. WOULD BE A CATASTROPHE IN AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Jul 22, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
ON MAY 2ND, DURING A RAIN STORM, OUR 2006 BMW 3 SERIES' WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED. WE WERE ABLE TO GET HOME SAFELY AND IMMEDIATELY CALLED OUR SERVICE CENTER, AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE NEXT DAY. THE SERVICE CENTER'S OWNER/MECHANIC INFORMED US, THAT THERE WERE 3 OTHER 06 3 SERIES IN FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THE INVOICE READS; WORK REQUESTED- DIAG WIPERS INOP, WORK PERFORMED- REPLACE JBE CONT MODULE(PART# 63 21 5 897 528). A CALL WAS MADE TO BMW, USA ON MAY 11TH AND BMW DOES NOT HAVE, TO DATE, AN OPEN RECALL ON THE PROBLEM. THIS IS DISCONCERTING, SINCE A SMALL SERVICE CENTER IN THE SMALL TOWN OF BRIDGEWATER, MA. HAD 4(INCLUDING OURS) 06 BMW 3 SERIES IN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, AND ON THE SAME DATE. *TR
May 11, 2012
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
2006 BMW X3 SERIOUS BUCKING OF TRANSMISSION ABOVE THREE THOUSAND RPM UNDER LOAD GOING UP A HILL BUT ALSO OCCURS ON FLAT GROUND. HAD THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE MULTIPLE TIMES AT TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS AND BMW DENIED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE. THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY. HAD SERVICE REP TAKE A RIDE WITH ME TO SHOW HIM THE ISSUE AND HE ADMITTED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE CAR. IN THE END TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT BMW SAID THEY WOULD NOT FIX THE CAR BECAUSE IT WASN'T A LIFE THREATENING ISSUE. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY A FEW TIMES WHEN THE CAR STARTED TO BUCK AND I HAD TO MOVE OVER INTO THE SLOW LANE BECAUSE THE CAR WOULD NOT MAINTAIN SPEED. THIS COULD LEAD TO A SERIOUS SITUATION BUT BMW DOESN'T THINK SO. *TR
Nov 15, 2011
STEERING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
FAILURE OF STEERING COLUMN LOCK, CAUSING INABILITY TO RESTART AUTOMOBILE INTERMITTENTLY. I HAVE READ THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH EARLY 2006 330I MODELS, BUT A RECALL WAS NEVER ISSUED. MY CAR HAS VERY LOW MILES, SO IT WAS CLEARLY A DESIGN FLAW. BMW OFFERED TO SUPPLY THE PARTS FOR FREE, HOWEVER I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY-RELATED ISSUE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN 100% COVERED BY BMW AS A RECALL AND HANDLED PROACTIVELY BY THE COMPANY. *TR
Dec 08, 2010
SEATS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
2006 BMW X3 .HEATED SEATS BURNED A HOLE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE DRIVER SEAT CAUSING BURNS TO MY LEFT THIGH. *TR
Nov 04, 2010
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
2006 BMW 330XI BRAKE FAILURE, ACCELERATION, NO STEERING. OCCURRED TWICE; BMW REPAIRED BY DEALER NEW BRAKES, COMPUTER; SECOND OCCURRENCE CAR DID NOT STOP UNTIL HIT TREES. *TR
Jul 07, 2010
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
2006 BMW 330 XI WHEN PRESSING ON THE BRAKE THE CAR ACCELERATED WITH A LOUD NOISE, COULD NOT STEER THE CAR; CRASHED IN TREES. 24,323 MILES STILL UNDER NEW CAR WARRANTY. *TR
Jul 07, 2010
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THE DRIVER DOOR LOCK DOES NOT OPEN USING THE REMOTE. BMW IS ASKING TO PAY THEM FOR DIAGNOSIS AND EVENTUAL REPAIR. I DO BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND THE COST SHOULD BE ON BMW. *TR
Sep 01, 2009
AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2006 3 SERIES WITH A MALFUNCTIONING AIR BAG INDICATOR SYSTEM. THIS VEHICLE SERIES WAS RECALLED UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER EA08001. I HAVE CONTACTED BMW NORTH AMERICA TWICE AND THEY WILL NOT CONFIRM THAT I AM IN THE RECALL BUT EACH TIME ASK ME TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THE ISSUE REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE. THE SEAT BELT AND AIRBAG LIGHT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE "AIRBAG IS NOT ACTIVE" IN THE PASSENGER SEAT IS ALWAYS ON WHEN A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT. THIS MALFUNCTION HAS BEEN ON GOING FOR AT LEAST SIX MONTHS. BMW NA ALSO CLAIMS NOT TO HAVE A VIN NUMBER LIST THAT THEY HAVE IN THEIR POSSESSION, ALTHOUGH THEY DO SAY RECALL NOTICES ARE BEING SENT OUT. THIS SEEMS RATHER ODD IF THEY ARE SENDING OUT RECALLS FOR VIN NUMBERS THAT THEY DON'T KNOW ARE BEING RECALLED. I AM CONCERNED FOR THE PASSENGERS AND CANNOT SEEM TO GET BMW TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE NHTSA RECALL OR THE VEHICLE. *TR
Oct 15, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT APPROX. 20 - 30 MPH. THERE WAS A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. AS THE LIGHT TURNED FROM YELLOW TO RED, FIRST IT WAS GOING TO GO THROUGH THE LIGHT BUT THEN STOPPED. I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND THE ABS BRAKES DID NOT WORK. MY BRAKES LOCKED AND I SKIDDED. FORTUNATELY, THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME HEARD ME SQUEALING, AND STARTED EASING FORWARD. IT HAPPENED TO BE A TRUCK WITH A RECEIVER HITCH ON THE BACK. THAT'S WHAT I HIT, PUSHING HIM INTO THE INTERSECTION. HE WAS NOT HIT. THE PERSON I HIT TURNED OUT TO BE A POLICEMAN. *TR
Aug 24, 2008
STEERING,TIRES,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I DRIVE A 2006 BMW 330XI WITH THE OEM BRIDGESTONE TURANAZA RUNFLAT TIRES. FROM 2006 TO TODAY I HAVE REPLACED ALL 4 OF MY TIRES AND RIMS TWICE AND STILL HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE TIRES BEING TO ROUGH ON NEW YORK CITY ROADS WHICH MEANS IT JUST CRACKING AND BENDING EACH AND EVERY RIM ON MY CAR OVER TIME. NOW THIS PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES BEING TO ROUGH AND LACK OF CONTROL WITH THERE TIRES LEAD TO ANOTHER PROBLEM SOMETHING IN MY STEERING RACK HAS CRACKED. BMW NOT WANTING TO TELL ME WHAT PART OF THE STEERING RACK WAS BROKEN ALL THEY TOLD ME WAS IT WILL COST 3000 DOLLARS AND I COULDN'T PAY IT IN MONTHLY INSTALLMENTS, I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO ALERT THEM OF MY SITUATION FOR ABOUT 1 YEAR BUT THEY DO NOT TAKE ME SERIOUSLY SINCE I AM ONLY 22 YEARS OLD AND TAKE ME FOR A FOOL. AS OF YESTERDAY ALSO MY LOCK ACTUATORS WHICH IS THE PART OF THE CAR THAT ALLOWS YOUR ALARM TO UNLOCK YOUR DOORS ARE FROZEN AND WILL NOT UNLOCK ANY OTHER DOORS EXPECT THE DRIVER BY USING THE MANUAL KEY. FOR THE IM PAYING EVERYMONTH BMW IS NOT DIVING ME THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE, I WILL NOT RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO ANYONE SOUL IN THE NEW YORK AND I AM LOOKING TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION FOR MY RIGHTS AGAINST THE LACK OR QUALITY AND SAFETY THEY HAVE PUT ME IN OVER THE LACK YEAR. *TR
Aug 20, 2008
POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
WHEN I ACCELERATE FROM A DEAD STOP THE ENGINE LURCHES BADLY 1-3 TIMES BEFORE IT BEGINS TO ACTUALLY ACCELERATE. THIS HAS OCCURRED EVER SINCE PURCHASE IN 11/06. THIS HAS OCCURRED ON HUNDREDS OF OCCASIONS AND HAS NEARLY CAUSE ME MANY ACCIDENTS BY GETTING REAR-ENDED BY CARS AND SEMI'S. I LIKE ON A SIDE STREET NEXT TO A HIGHWAY AND WHEN I TRY TO PULL OUT ONTO THE HIGHWAY QUICKLY THE CAR LURCHES SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE ACTUALLY CATCHING AND MOVING. I'VE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE DEAL WHO SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. HOWEVER I'VE CHECKED ON A WEBSITE (TOPIX.COM) AND THEIR ARE MANY COMPLAINTS OF THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM, WHICH BMW DENIES. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS!!!! *TR
Apr 24, 2008
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TWICE IN 6 WEEKS I HAVE LOST THROTTLE RESPONSE OF THE CAR AT 70+ MPH ON HIGHWAYS. THIS IS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION CAR AND I HAD TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BOTH TIMES AVOIDING CATASTROPHIC ACCIDENTS. THE CAR BEHAVES AS IF IT HAS RUN OUT OF GAS BUT THERE WAS AT LEAST 1/4 OF A TANK OF GAS. BMW REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP THE FIRST TIME IN LATE MARCH. IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE BMW SHOP NOW. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED.*AK
Apr 30, 2007
STEERING,TIRES
1 complaint
AUTOMOBILE WILL RANDOMLY VEER OR DRIFT IN EITHER DIRECTION. ACTION IS MORE SEVERE WHEN ROAD SURFACE IS LESS EVEN, BUT IT CAN OCCUR AT SLOW SPEED ON SMOOTH STREET. DEALER HAS CHECKED AND PERFORMED ALIGNMENT AND OTHERWISE CHECKED OUT THIS CONDITION. DEALER STATED IT IS "NORMAL" FOR SPORTS TIRES TO DO THIS. *NM
Feb 02, 2007
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE BRAKE AND STEERING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY. ALSO, WHEN TRYING TO TURN IN ANY DIRECTION, A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WAS HEARD. AN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE OCCURRED WHEN NORMAL BRAKING WAS ATTEMPTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO THE BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND ADJUSTMENTS HAD TO BE MADE TO THE TIRE PRESSURE. THE DEALER PERFORMED THE NECESSARY WORK, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED, AND CONTINUED TO JERK VIOLENTLY WHILE DRIVING. UPDATED 03/22/07 *JB UPDATED 03/30/07
Nov 17, 2006
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2006 BMW X3 have?
The 2006 BMW X3 currently has 344 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2006 BMW X3?
The most common problems reported for the 2006 BMW X3 are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2006 BMW X3 problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2006 BMW X3 comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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