2011 BMW X3 BMW X3 2011

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2011 BMW X3 repairs by problem area

Engine (38%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (8%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (5%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (26%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (9%)

Other (10%)

Chart based on 168 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2011 BMW X3.

2011 BMW X3 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (3%)

$1000 - $2499 (13%)

$500 - $999 (16%)

$100 - $499 (16%)

< $100 (53%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 116 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2011 BMW X3

Engine not specified

BMW X3 in Washington, United States
May 2016 - May 2016
May 2016

45000 mi
AC not working 

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2011 BMW X3 4dr SUV

turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW X3 in North Carolina, United States
Nov 2016 - Jun 2022
Jan 2017

US $120
Idler pulley starting to go bad, preemptive replacement and new belt. 
Apr 2017

38000 mi
routine oil change 
Sep 2017

42000 mi

US $300
Serpentine belt tensioner, these are a known problem for the N55 engine (turbo 6), belt replaced, tensioner and idler pulley. 
Jan 2018

43600 mi

US $650
Valve cover gasket replaced due to leaking oil. This is another known issue on the N55 engine (turbo 6). It's a big repair due to the number of items removed to replace the gasket. 
Jul 2018

52000 mi
EDC (Electronic Damping Control) failure message displayed on warning screen. The EDC is an option on X3's 
BMW X3 in Florida, United States
Jun 2012 - Jun 2019
May 2012

10660 mi
unfavorable DME software calibration - reporagm all car control units with new software unfavorable EGS and DME software calibration - updated software on EGS and DME TSB 24 02 12 window noise from drivers side door like door open. tech test drove and said normal operation for this car rattling noise from undercarriage at idle - tech test drove and said unable to duplicate 
Apr 2013

20800 mi
car idles rough, nearly stalls, idle fluctuates when steering wheel turned, jerky acceleration - new software applied to ecu, dme and egs jerky acceleration and shifting - found bad VTG motor on transfer case. replaced longitudinal torque motor rattling noise in undercarriage - diagnosed faultily installed heat shields, reinstalled and adjusted fit. 
Jul 2013

20700 mi
charge air induction tract was cracked. Replacement part on back order for 90 days due to glitches in BMW Germany's global parts delivery system. Worldwide search found one in stock at a Mini dealer in OK. 
Mar 2014

29000 mi
car did not auto switch to different car seat, side view mirror positions based on remote control of individual opening it. 
Oct 2014

35000 mi
glove box trim peeled off - due to Florida high humidity. replaced glove box door. 
Apr 2015

42500 mi
Rubberized finish on dashboard by start/stop switch peeling off. 
May 2015

44000 mi
Radio would intermittently lose previously set radio station. tech found TSB in BMW database to fix it. Fix did not fix it; still happens but less frequently 
Jun 2015

45000 mi

US $55
system will not cool and will blow hot air, when ambient temp over 90F and engine temp at 250+ 
Mar 2016

53000 mi

US $50
Brake booster developed a vacuum leak; needed new brake booster, vacuum lines and check valve over 2 trips and 7 days. 
Jun 2016

56000 mi

US $800
expansion tank hoses leaking and replaced steering wheel trim detached 
Jul 2016

57000 mi

US $50
drivetrain malfunction, drive moderately msg on console. High pressure fuel pump failed. Fault code 119404 Rail Pressure sensor signal, 11AC02 Fuel pressure plausibility, cold start: pressure too low. 
Dec 2016

65000 mi

US $1200
Electric Water pump and Thermostat failed. Console message of Engine Overheat condition, drive moderately Turbo waste gates leaking and smoke from exhaust A/C Evaporator developed a leak and lost refrigerant and lack of cooling Two hoses failed from radiator to cooling system 
Aug 2017

71000 mi

US $850
Drive train malfunction error, loss of power and heavy shaking and surging. Dealer found ignition coils bad on 2 cylinders. recommendation was to replace entire set of 6 
Nov 2017

74702 mi

US $1402
Valve cover gasket leaking on passenger side, heavy smoke entry into cabin. Replaced valve cover gasket Coolant expansion tank cracked. Replaced tank, cap and 1 hose AC Micro filters in engine compartment fouled by smoke from leaking valve cover. Had to be replaced. 
Mar 2018

79000 mi

US $425
Fuel Leak Diagnosis Pump failed (NVLD). Part of emissions system to pressurize fuel system lines to monitor for leaks to comply with emission regulations. Non-critical item but lights the engine MIL and throws a code. 
May 2018

80000 mi

US $535
NVLD Leak diagnosis pump threw an emissions related MIL; NVLD pump shorted out and needed replacement; $535 ($150 part and rest labor). 
Jun 2018

81000 mi

US $2200
Oil leaks; Valve cover gasket has a molded in EGR type valve that dealer claimed failed requiring $2500 in repairs include replacing valve cover and gasket for a total of $2200. Second opinion revealed that at last oil change dealer did not tighten oil drain bolt and so car was leaking oil; nothing to do with teh $2200 dealer claim. Indy shop fixed problem for $100 old change, new drain bolt and washer. 
BMW X3 in Maryland, United States
Oct 2011 - Jun 2014
Aug 2011

1600 mi
Replaced right front passenger window regulator which had failed - 3 week wait for part. 
BMW X3 in British Columbia, Canada
Oct 2011 - Apr 2014
Aug 2012

18160 mi
Driver side front window was squeaking when going up and down. 
Nov 2013

34720 mi
Window squeaking. Left rear brake lamp malfunction. 
BMW X3 in Florida, United States
Feb 2013 - Sep 2015
Apr 2013

31700 mi
vibration felt in steering wheel. (1)rebalanced tires, (2)replaced left tie rod end, (3)replaced steering rack  (4)replaced rear drive shaft. 
Jan 2014 Replaced driver door lock actuator. 
Sep 2015

61000 mi

US $53
o-ring failure at oil filter housing 
BMW X3 in Minnesota, United States
Jul 2014 - Oct 2017
Sep 2016

53000 mi

US $850
Two taillight led modules had to be replaced 
Apr 2017

64000 mi

US $600
Brakes were worn 
BMW X3 in Maryland, United States
Sep 2015 - Mar 2016
Nov 2015

40800 mi

US $350
expansion tank exploded 
BMW X3 in New Jersey, United States
Jul 2014 - Jul 2018
Oct 2014

24300 mi
Software update 
Jun 2015

30000 mi
Had dealer replace driver's window rubber molding due to squeaking when opening and closing window. 
Apr 2017

44000 mi

US $50
Leaking oil housing gaskets were replaced and repaired. A common problem with certain models. Repair done under extended warranty coverage with a deductible. 
Jun 2018

56000 mi
Self replaced spark plugs and coils for preventive maintenance 
BMW X3 in Texas, United States
Sep 2014 - Dec 2017
Mar 2015

26000 mi
Passenger front door was not closing properly. Tightened bolts holding the door to the frame - likely due to previous owner/work completed on the door months before. 
Nov 2015

33300 mi

US $50
Full-flow oil filter body leaking. Replaced oil filter housing gasket. Passenger side air vent is not blowing at any fan speed. Excessive play on fresh air nozzle. Remove and install right fresh air grill. Rear hatch door will not unlock with central lock switch on dash. Replaced tail gate switch/push-button. 
Oct 2016

45387 mi

US $50
Excessive motion in Harmonic Balancer - remove & replace. Oil leak from full-flow filter body - replaced gaskets. Oil leak from full-flow filter body - replaced gaskets. 
Oct 2017

56541 mi

US $50
Transfer Box (4WD) causing rough transmission shifts, especially 1st to 2nd gear. Transfer box was replaced. 
BMW X3 in Washington, United States
Jul 2012 - Feb 2018
Feb 2015

47000 mi
Replaced oil filter housing gasket 
Jan 2016

58500 mi
Replaced leaking oil filter housing gasket. No charge since they did the same repair 9-ish months before 
May 2017

78000 mi

US $1600
Water pump failed. Replaced water pump and thermostat 
BMW X3 in California, United States
Jun 2014 - Jun 2018
Jun 2016

56000 mi

US $50
Electric water pump failed. 
Jun 2017

65000 mi
New pads 
BMW X3 in Illinois, United States
Dec 2012 - Dec 2013
Oct 2013

27300 mi
A/C Sensor stopped working 
BMW X3 in Colorado, United States
Sep 2011 - May 2017
Sep 2015

57000 mi

US $750
Radiator reservoir had a leak. 
Mar 2017

84000 mi

US $840
Oil filter housing gasket leaking, severe. 
BMW X3 in California, United States
Oct 2011 - Sep 2012
Nov 2011

1578 mi
Replaced the Eccentric Shaft and valve tronic servo motor. Reprogrammed complete vehicle. The screen displayed "no power to the drive train" while going 70mph on freeway. Obvious feeling of loss of momentum. Engine still running, coasted to side of road. Replaced the Eccentric Shaft and valve tronic servo motor. Reprogrammed complete vehicle. 
Sep 2012

15000 mi
Check engine light was on. Nothing wrong was identified and the light was reset. At this time they noted the rear tires were badly worn on the inside. Two more tires were replaced. In less than a year all four tires had to be replaced. 
BMW X3 in Illinois, United States
Oct 2011 - Jun 2021
Jan 2017

30300 mi

US $1500
Reseal oil filter housing Replace valve cover gasket Replace serpentine belt Replace RDC control unit 
Mar 2018

71000 mi

US $800
Electric folding driver's mirror stopped folding. Unit was replaced. 
Jun 2018

74000 mi

US $845
Brake pad warning light on. Replace front discs, pads and sensors. 
BMW X3 in Massachusetts, United States
Jun 2012 - Sep 2017
Dec 2014

51000 mi
Ignition coil was cracked during a VANOS recall service. It then failed a few days later. 
Oct 2015

60700 mi

US $1800
Transfer case had failed, was replaced 
BMW X3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Apr 2018 - Jun 2018
Jun 2018

78000 mi
Transmission error warning message , dealer looked at it and could not find any issues. Trans slightly low on fluid. No root cause determined. 
BMW X3 in Colorado, United States
Oct 2020 - Jun 2022
Sep 2021

69000 mi
Replaced battery and programmed computer, updated software 
Mar 2022

71000 mi

US $300
Oil drain plug, threads just wore out - retapped , oil and filter changed 
Jun 2022

74000 mi

US $1200
Replaced pads and rotors  and front torsion bushings 
BMW X3 in Virginia, United States
Feb 2016 - Jun 2018
May 2018

172000 mi

US $1400
Rough idle. Shop replaced MAF, coil on plugs, and reprogrammed DCM. Also done was a transfer case change and coolant change. 

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2011 BMW X3 4dr SUV

turbocharged 181hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW X3 in Indonesia
Oct 2011 - Jul 2020
Nov 2011

485 mi
Sunroof interior cover (sunblind) failed to close Replacing mechanism for floating headliner Checking function of soft top sunroof Slid. parts Mech. system 
Jan 2013

5580 mi
Driver's side window screeching upon opening/closing 
BMW X3 in Namibia
Nov 2011 - Jun 2018
Nov 2015

44500 mi

$100
Cable that opens rear boot/hatch failed. 
Feb 2017

50840 mi

$2700
Replaced front brake pad, rear pad replacement due after next 6000km. 
BMW X3 in Bulgaria
Nov 2012 - Sep 2013
Dec 2012

45880 mi
Water in front right light 
Jan 2013 Turbo replaced Noise in the front left suspension 
Sep 2013

57660 mi
Rear door lock problem 

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2011 BMW X3 4dr SUV

240-horsepower 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW X3 in Ontario, Canada
Sep 2015 - Mar 2018
May 2016

70440 mi
Transmission leak. Clicking sounds in stering wheel. Cracked driver seat. First 2 problems covered by warranty, seat not covered. Front transfer case had to be replaced, covered under warranty. 
Sep 2016

75640 mi
Driver window making grinding noise, both front door windows regulators replaced under extended warranty. 
BMW X3 in California, United States
Jan 2016 - Sep 2016
Jul 2016

85000 mi

US $85
Map Sensor on intake manifold replaced 
BMW X3 in Florida, United States
Apr 2014 - Jun 2022
Dec 2016

45000 mi

US $300
Light was on, so I took it in. Replaced a couple of hoses (one that they broke during service) and had an oil change. 
Jan 2017

45000 mi

US $200
Replaced battery 
May 2017

49000 mi

US $150
Crumbled intake 
Dec 2017

54300 mi

US $1040
Stuttering at stop. Determined it was misfiring. Changed all 6 ignition coils and spark plugs. Facing on the door of the glove box was peeling. Tried gluing a year ago. This time I just had it replaced. 
Sep 2019

65000 mi

US $4000
Condenser 
BMW X3 in Washington, United States
Nov 2016 - Sep 2020
Sep 2017

93000 mi
Error message "battery discharging while stopped" 
Nov 2017

97000 mi

US $611
Several issues with car — replacing battery fixed them. 
Dec 2017

97000 mi

US $110
Heater hose has small crack (found during visual inspection during oil change) 
BMW X3 in Kansas, United States
Nov 2015 - Jan 2022
Jan 2016

47300 mi
Battery discharge warning light came on. Dealer checked charging system and determined the battery needed replaced. 
Jan 2018

80000 mi

US $250
#6 ignition coil replaced. 
Oct 2021

131000 mi

US $60
Replaced valve cover gasket. 
BMW X3 in Florida, United States
Feb 2014 - Oct 2015
Jul 2014

40800 mi
needed replacement 
BMW X3 in Kentucky, United States
May 2012 - Sep 2012
Apr 2012

2000 mi
The Tire Pressure Monitor Malfunction warning was going off. They said they replaced the right front wheel pressure sensor. While driving home from the repair to TPM malfunction on 4/10/12, the warning for TPM malfunction went off EIGHT times. On 4/19/2012 replaced all tire pressure sensors besides right front due to previous replacement. 
Jun 2012

5000 mi
The visor/shade on the sunroof would not open. After several separate attempts, finally got this to open, then it wouldn't close. The sunroof itself would go up and down (not open fully), but the shade would not move. While talking on my Bluetooth, I arrived home. To disconnect the call, I had to walk quite a distance. The vehicle was completely shut off. When I walked closer, the phone reconnected to the Bluetooth. Happened 3 separate days/calls. Not every time, but frequently, when I push the button the second time to turn the vehicle off, the windshield wipers "jump" from the resting position. The windshield wipers have not been on when this happens. My memory seats do not "remember" the settings. This has happened a few times, but not all of the time. 
Jul 2012

5000 mi
Memory on seats fixed. Replaced combox to fix Bluetooth. My phone wouldn’t pair when got home. Sent someone to my house to assist. After several attempts (and 2 phone calls), he was able to successfully pair the phone. Have had a couple of problems with it since then.  Dealer saying both that the wipers "jump" by design, to keep them from dry rotting to the windshield, and that they can't replicate this. Which? 
Sep 2012

5000 mi
Went through BBB, got car bought back by BMW. Continuing problem with Bluetooth, new one with RDS feed. 
BMW X3 in Ontario, Canada
Oct 2011 - Sep 2017
Oct 2012

11040 mi
noise from trunk area - tailgate is bouncing on the latch. Solution was to reseat the tailgate (I believe this was the mounts that the tailgate rests on when closed) Electronic throttle - sluggish on tip-in. Dealer test drive detected no problems (could not replicate) - note they are aware of the service bulletin that exists for this issue (an ECU reflash will correct the problem) 
Oct 2013

20660 mi
Reset computer for false maintenance warning on brake pad replacement 
Dec 2015

39680 mi

C $700
Cylinder #5 misfire. Coil packs and spark plugs for all six were replaced. 
Aug 2017

45260 mi

C $500
spring coil broken 
BMW X3 in Massachusetts, United States
Oct 2011 - Jun 2014
Apr 2012

7300 mi
The tire pressure monitor was giving malfunction notifications. 
Sep 2012

13000 mi

US $200
The tire pressure monitor was giving malfunction notifications. 
Mar 2013

16000 mi
Tire pressure monitor reported failure 
BMW X3 in Ontario, Canada
Oct 2011 - Mar 2016
Jun 2011

1116 mi
Rear hatch opens sporadically when using remote fob. Indicator on dash states that rear hatch stll open when it has been closed. 
Jul 2011

1209 mi
Rear hatch still not functioning properly. Dealer advised that hatch cylinder(s) are leaking. Ordered new parts. To be installed in two weeks. 
Nov 2011

1860 mi
Rear hatch does not close properly. Interior light indicates open hatch. Parts replaced to no avail. 
Dec 2011

1860 mi
Rear hatch still does not close properly every time. Occasionally, hatch does not respond to key remote. 
Jan 2012

1860 mi
Rear hatch does not close consistently even after 5-6 repair trips for it. Replacement latch ordered. 
Apr 2012

6180 mi
Rear hatch latch replaced. 
Feb 2013

14920 mi
Indication that front hood was open. Dealer replaced sensor and latches 
Sep 2015

42160 mi
Loose rear hatch. Dealer tightened latch at no cost. 
Dec 2015

42780 mi
Rear hood latch wouldn't engage 
BMW X3 in Quebec, Canada
Aug 2012 - Aug 2021
Apr 2013

22320 mi

C $175
Could not remove the wheel to change winter tires. Lock nut system was broken and had to cut them 
Jan 2014

20700 mi
Windows making noise when coming up or down. Electric windows system fixed. Crack on leatherette driver seat 
Jul 2017

58900 mi

C $123
12 volts outlet stopped working on the front and back console. Fuse has been changed many times already 
BMW X3 in Ontario, Canada
Apr 2013 - Apr 2015
Mar 2015

53940 mi

C $500
Accelerator pedal electrical failure leading to sudden loss of power and drivability. Multiple systems went down... tire pressure monitoring, X drive, chassis stabilization, check engine light. 
Apr 2015

55180 mi

C $290
Coolant loss and slow dripping leak traced to hairline crack in coolant expansion overflow tank. 
BMW X3 in United Arab Emirates
May 2015 - Nov 2022
Jan 2017

¤500
Jerking, wheel hesitation when turning 
Jul 2017

94240 mi

¤500
Transfer case was causing issues. Front wheel felt like it was hesitating and sticking at low speed turns. Dealer suggested replacing the transfer case. Indy Mechanic pulled a computer code showing the transfer case fluid was problematic. He flushed the transfer case and put new fluid in. The car was back to normal. Interestingly dealer refused to take my suggestion to replace the transfer case instead claiming that the fluid is for life. 
Feb 2018

103540 mi

¤500
New battery installed 
Jul 2018

107260 mi

¤1500
A/C Compressor stopped working all the sudden 
Aug 2018

111600 mi

¤1000
Engine Mounts and transmission mounts needed changed.  CV joints replaced. Car shaking vigorously under acceleration. 
Nov 2018

111600 mi

¤3000
Driveshaft broken. Replaced. 
Jan 2019

115320 mi

¤1000
Previously replaced driveshaft part was sourced used and broke again, so replaced this time with a new part. Garage gave credit for previous repair 
Apr 2019

118420 mi

¤1500
Engine gasket Leak Some Belts etc were fixed 
Jun 2019

107260 mi

¤600
Coolant reservoir leaking and plastic pipe attached to it also disintegrated Replaced with new 
Apr 2021

139500 mi

¤1200
Radiator and Radiator upper hose replaced due to leak 
Aug 2021

141980 mi

¤1400
Engine Rear Seal Leak Seal and connector replaced Brake pads changed too 
Mar 2022

162440 mi

¤1700
AC Compressor and condenser replaced with new 
Apr 2022

162440 mi

¤300
ignition coil and spark plugs replaced 
May 2022

166160 mi

¤200
Coolant reservoir tank replaced Wiper Fluid tank replaced 
Jun 2022

166160 mi

¤1200
new Radiator put in new thermostat put in 
Jul 2022

166160 mi

¤1000
Transmission Cooler Leaking Oil mixing with coolant Replaced seal and fixed part 
Sep 2022

169880 mi

¤400
Engine Cooler Assembly replaced leak and oil mixing with coolant 
BMW X3 in Illinois, United States
May 2014 - Apr 2019
Sep 2014

35000 mi

US $880
Installed 2 tires and did a wheel alignment. Wheel misalignment probably caused the front 2 tires to wear off prematurely. 
Jan 2017

60000 mi
Battery needs replacement. Took to the dealership. Dealer quoted $600 for a $140 battery + labor. Taking to an independent shop to replace. Will update when done. Replaced from independent Mechanic. Charged $250 including battery registration with the car. 
Dec 2017

65000 mi

US $1000
Rotors worn- replaced 
BMW X3 in Minnesota, United States
Nov 2013 - Dec 2016
Jun 2014

38000 mi
AC lost cooling capacity, rear window sensors failed, rear hatch motor failed, locking system failed, windshield wipers would not shut off, lights and radio would not shut off with locking. Failure of relay in front fuse block. 
Mar 2015

42000 mi
battery died 
Feb 2016

53600 mi

US $50
repaired internal trim piece that had broken 
BMW X3 in California, United States
Sep 2015 - Oct 2015
Oct 2015

50000 mi
Had been noticing noise from the back that would change between acceleration and coasting. Four previous trips to various dealers failed to pin point issue. Finally after suggesting that it was the rear end, the differential was replaced. 

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2011 BMW X3 Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2011 BMW X3 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.