2013 BMW X3 BMW X3 2013

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2013 BMW X3 repairs by problem area

Engine (42%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (5%)

Brakes and Traction Control (9%)

Suspension and Steering (3%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (20%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (16%)

Other (3%)

Chart based on 92 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2013 BMW X3.

2013 BMW X3 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (12%)

$1000 - $2499 (11%)

$500 - $999 (9%)

$100 - $499 (12%)

< $100 (56%)

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

Chart based on 66 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2013 BMW X3 4dr SUV

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

BMW X3 in Quebec, Canada
Jan 2014 - Dec 2014
Feb 2014

17340 mi
At startup engine would run for 1 second and shut down. Tried to start it many times but no go. Had it towed to Quebec City (700 km, closest dealership), it was still on warranty. They changed a sensor and reprogrammed the computer. 
Dec 2014

24800 mi
2 rear bearings changed on warranty 
BMW X3 in Alberta, Canada
Apr 2013 - Jul 2022
Oct 2014

17440 mi
Seat airbag sensor failure. 3 weeks for parts 3 more weeks for dealer to book an appointment thereafter. Do not buy a BMW they are apparently entirely constructed of unobtanium. 
Mar 2015

29140 mi
oil change and software update 
Jun 2017

93620 mi

C $1200
Wear items 
Jan 2018

102920 mi

C $7000
Seals on tranny, tranny fluid change, front drive shafts, struts 
BMW X3 in Washington, United States
Feb 2017 - Jul 2022
Apr 2017

75000 mi

US $150
brake pads had electronic parking brake failure due to changing rear brake pads. 
Jul 2017

75000 mi

US $3400
water pump and thermostat complete failure.  also valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket. Included in this trip also full alignment. 
Aug 2017

78000 mi

US $1400
I received the vehicle back from previous repair to find large oil leak. Returned to dealer and was told they didn't clean up the mess from new valve cover gasket. The vehicle was returned to me with large leak still. Upon further inspection the valve cover had cracked and according to dealer it was not the fault of the tech. I received a new valve cover at a 15 percent discount. Vehicle has remained in dealer parking lot for a month with several issues and long wait times for parts. 
BMW X3 in New Jersey, United States
Mar 2015 - May 2016
Mar 2015

22000 mi
leaking transmission oil cooler. Part had to be ordered. It took 3 days but was under warranty 
BMW X3 in Georgia, United States
Jun 2014 - Dec 2017
Jun 2015

45000 mi
Navigation screen intermittently goes out. 
Feb 2016

49100 mi

US $2000
oil leak 
Mar 2017

56000 mi

US $2000
Replace hoses. Fix oil leak. 
Jun 2017

56000 mi

US $300
Replace squeaky pads 
BMW X3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Oct 2015 - Mar 2021
Dec 2016

37000 mi
Repaired panoramic sunroof rattle, also replaced center hub of steering wheel with airbag due to cosmetically defective roundel. 
Sep 2017

43000 mi

US $700
Replaced rear OEM pads, rotors. Went back following day for car. Computer not reset. Car kept additional day to reset computer. When picked up car, shop's computer left on front seat! Also reported rear pads producing much more brake dust than original pads. Discussed with service manager. If problem not resolved will replace all pads with aftermarket ceramics. SM stated "will work with me to make this right." 
Mar 2018

47000 mi

US $500
Rear pads low. Replaced with OEM pads, and new rotors installed. Due to brake dust, I opted to have aftermarket ceramic pads installed on the car. I worked with my dealer's service manager, who assumed the cost of the F/R aftermarket pads. We split the cost of the front rotors. 
BMW X3 in Nova Scotia, Canada
Feb 2016 - Mar 2018
Nov 2017

48980 mi
Rear coil spring found to be broken during routine seasonal tire changeover. Repair complete with alignment carried out under warranty. 
Mar 2018

50840 mi
Secaond issue was rattling or squeek in the overhead moon window to which the dealer added a strip of foam which seems to have almost completely eliminated the noise 
BMW X3 in California, United States
May 2016 - Jul 2018
Jul 2018

61000 mi

US $50
Oil leak detected during maintenance. Gasket around filter compartment, covered under CPO warranty, $50 co-pay. 
BMW X3 in Wisconsin, United States
Nov 2012 - Jun 2018
Nov 2013

5000 mi
Heated steering wheel stopped working 
Nov 2016

16200 mi
Cigarette lighter stopped working as charger Turned out to be blown fuse 
BMW X3 in Georgia, United States
Dec 2022 - Sep 2023
Jul 2023

132000 mi

US $2000
Error codes stating car not charging, NO battery light on dashboard illuminated to indicate alternator not charging. 
Sep 2023

134000 mi

US $1600
Valvetronic Eccentric shaft and sensor required replacement. Car running rough, threw OBD code. 

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2013 BMW X3 4dr SUV

turbocharged 240hp 2.0L I4 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW X3 in Michigan, United States
Oct 2020 - Jun 2022
Nov 2021

89000 mi

US $2567
Timing chain and guides replaced, partial warranty work 
Jan 2022

90000 mi

US $200
Brake pad wear sensor broken 
BMW X3 in Texas, United States
Nov 2015 - Aug 2017
Jan 2016

40500 mi
Lane tracking and collision avoidance system not working. Diagnosed as failed camera. Replacement camera ordered. Waiting for arrival. 
Jun 2016

37600 mi
Replaced front camera Wood trim on the dash was lifting, glue was failing Wood trim on the dashboard was warping and coming loose. The part was replaced 
Oct 2016

40300 mi
White smoke when started after sitting for more than one day. Replaced the turbocharger oil return line. Seems to be a common problem caused by bad check valve. 
Jul 2017

50000 mi

US $400
Temperature sensor and thermostat. Failed open Battery was throwing frequent under-voltage flags. (Original battery, 5 years old) Replaced and recalibrated the charging system. 
BMW X3 in Oregon, United States
Nov 2020 - Jun 2022
Dec 2021

40000 mi

US $2624
Engine timing chain and guides replaced Oil pan gasket Both rear shocks replaced 
BMW X3 in New Jersey, United States
Jan 2013 - Sep 2021
Jul 2017

28540 mi

US $575
needed to replace battery and new systems require programming of computer to tell it that a new batter is installed to avoid overcharging 
BMW X3 in Virginia, United States
Sep 2017 - Oct 2017
Feb 2017

28000 mi
Moon roof rattle. Service added a piece of rubber to silence rattle per my internet email on fix. The dealer left the washer cap open and fluids leaked all over the engine compartment. 
Oct 2017

32000 mi

US $930
replaced valve cover because of leaking oil. Identified during wheel alignment after new run flat tires installed. New shop did a once over of the vehicle and found the leak. 
BMW X3 in Ontario, Canada
Nov 2017 - Dec 2017
Dec 2017

47740 mi

C $600
spark plug and connection to spark plug all 4 changed by dealer after 3 days we bought it 
BMW X3 in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2016 - Jun 2018
Jan 2018

39680 mi

C $1046
Battery $528 plus 184 to check old battery pedal module failed 
BMW X3 in New Jersey, United States
Sep 2016 - Oct 2017
Oct 2016

58300 mi
Drivetrain malfunction due to bad vacuum pump, replaced under CPO warranty. 
Sep 2017

70000 mi
Drivetrain malfunction due to bad turbocharger, replaced under CPO warranty. 
BMW X3 in Nova Scotia, Canada
Nov 2017 - Jun 2018
Jan 2018

34100 mi
Panoramic sunroof squeaked constantly, dealer I purchased the car from had the contact points lubricated and the problem was solved. BMW dealer wanted $140 plus tax just to look at it.......the non BMW dealer who I purchased the car from fixed it in 20 minutes no charge. 
BMW X3 in Maryland, United States
Jun 2017 - Sep 2021
Jul 2017

90000 mi

US $7532
Vehicle suddenly went into limp mode stating drivetrain malfunction. Diagnosed as VANOS failure. Repairs included a timing change. Approximately $3000 parts, $3800 labor for VANOS, the rest for the timing change and taxes. 
BMW X3 in California, United States
Feb 2015 - Oct 2020
Jan 2016

33200 mi
Warning light about the cooling system came on, they replaced a few parts, I'm not sure which ones. 
BMW X3 in California, United States
Feb 2013 - Jul 2015
Mar 2013

4000 mi
oil level indicator malfunction 
Sep 2013

9000 mi
oil sensor malfunction. Updated software and replace oil sensor 
Jun 2015

39000 mi
White smoke coming from exhaust at start up. Dealer replace leaking oil line to turbocharger. Car still smokes, returned to dealer 
Jul 2015

39000 mi
The car was returned to the dealer. They said the smoke was probably a residual effect of testing. The repeat of the engine light was due to a defective thermostat.  
BMW X3 in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2013 - Jul 2017
Mar 2015

9920 mi
- squeaky panoramic sunroof - noise went away for a week and came back 
Apr 2017

15500 mi
annual maintenance program by BMW 
BMW X3 in Utah, United States
Dec 2012 - Jun 2022
Sep 2015

32000 mi
Air leak in muffler flow control valve. Replaced muffler and flow control valve 
Sep 2016

49000 mi
Engine exhaust smoked on start up after sitting a couple days. Dealer replaced Turbo and turbo oil line. Oil was leaking into the turbo causing the smoke. 
Sep 2017

67000 mi
Water pump failed and was repaired by dealer under BMW recall/extended warranty. 
Nov 2018

88000 mi

US $2600
Timing chain broke with 88,000 miles on the engine destroying the engine. This is the metal timing chain, not the ones Honda and Audi use that are a replacement item. The dealer quoted me $12,000 to replace the engine. 5 minutes of Google showed that it was a known issue on the N20 engine in 2013. BMW changed the part number on the timing chain guides but didn't issue a recall. BMW did issue an extended warranty in 2017 for up to 70,000 miles. By this time most of the N20 engines with the issue had over 70,000 miles on them. After going back and forth BMWUSA provided the new Engine and BMW of Murray Utah provided the labor to replace the engine. I did still pay for a few miscellaneous items. 
BMW X3 in Tennessee, United States
Nov 2012 - Oct 2019
Feb 2013 many lights on the dashboard malfunctioned, including the check engine, tire pressure monitor, and parking brake lights. the entire control module had to be replaced. 
Jun 2016

37000 mi
Panel on driver's door armrest that controls windows and side view mirrors became unseated resulting in the controls for folding side view mirrors to become inoperable 
Dec 2016

42000 mi
leak in turbo charger that caused smoke upon starting 
Mar 2018

52000 mi

US $1250
Valvetronic System replaced 
BMW X3 in Massachusetts, United States
Sep 2012 - Apr 2015
Nov 2013

14100 mi
Hatch Hydraulics were noisy and replaced 
Sep 2014

25000 mi
Valvetronic motor failed. Car would not start. Dealer replaced motor, all spark plugs and two injectors. 
BMW X3 in Connecticut, United States
Jun 2012 - Feb 2018
Apr 2013

8200 mi
Sunroof squeaked badly when cold. Dealer added felt tape and problem is gone. 
Jun 2013

9000 mi
Trim kick panel holding trunk release button broke. Dealer ordered wrong part twice and failed to inform me. This meant I showed for appointment to be told "sorry" and sent away. Took 4 visits but is fixed now. 
Sep 2013

12000 mi
Sunroof continues to rattle and squeak when weather turns cold. Dealer attempted repair with felt tape again but noise is not fixed. This is second trip to dealer for this issue. 
Feb 2014

15000 mi

US $50
When outside temp is near zero for many days, battery will not recharge unless car is driven an hour a day. Got a "charge battery" alarm and had to buy a charger to top off battery. I do this once weekly during freezing weather. 
Oct 2014

23000 mi
Sunroof continues to have a plastic squeak when the weather is cold. Three trips in so far and dealer "cant replicate the problem". BMW corporate has no fix for the dealers to use. 
Jan 2017

47000 mi

US $6000
Blown turbo. 6 mos out of warranty. Owner paid for it at the time. 1 year later (Oct 2017) BMW recalled the part. Submitted receipts to BMW and was reimbursed in full. 
Jul 2017

51000 mi

US $300
Repaired door locks and opening mechanism. 
Jan 2018

56000 mi

US $500
replaced passenger door lock. It would not unlock from inside. 
BMW X3 in Minnesota, United States
Jun 2012 - Dec 2015
Aug 2012

5600 mi
Malfunction Light Came On. Dealer checked Code and said it had to do with the transfer case. Couldn't find a problem. REset light. No problem since. 
Nov 2012

13600 mi
Creaks in seat and panoramic roof. 
Apr 2014

47500 mi
Sounds coming from moonroof. 
Sep 2015

85000 mi

US $250
Sensor replaced. Not sure which one. 
BMW X3 in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2013 - Jun 2022
Apr 2013

820 mi
Power Trunk occassionally fails to latch. Dealer could not replicate problem. Subwoofer "pops" upon main ignition. Could be a problem with the start up sequence of the amplifier and the subwoofer. (Should be amp, then sub, not backwards or same time). Dealer asked BMW Canada but no solutions offered. 
Oct 2021

42160 mi

C $150
Ignition coil packs died prematurely. 
Mar 2022

46500 mi

C $50
Front brake rotor dust shield rusted out and causing rattling noises. Removed and procuring replacements. 
BMW X3 in Virginia, United States
Aug 2014 - Jan 2022
Sep 2015

38000 mi
Replaced non working coolant thermostat - indicated by engine warning light on dashboard. 
Aug 2016

52000 mi

US $50
Car would exhaust blue smoke upon start after sitting overnight. Dealer stated known problem with leaky oil valve, letting oil collect in turbo charger. Replaced/updated valve. 
Jul 2018

78000 mi
Onboard computer software update to fix “Service Due Since 2000” error 
BMW X3 in Wisconsin, United States
Sep 2014 - Dec 2016
Dec 2014

28000 mi
vacuum pump radial seal failure. Replaced seal. 
BMW X3 in Texas, United States
Aug 2014 - Dec 2017
Jan 2016

56000 mi
Thermostat, recall 
BMW X3 in District of Columbia, United States
Jun 2014 - Jul 2014
Jul 2014

45000 mi
Two wheel bearings replaced at once 
BMW X3 in Washington, United States
Jun 2015 - Jun 2016
Jun 2016

33000 mi
Oil pump replaced. Turbo and crank issues 
BMW X3 in New Brunswick, Canada
Jun 2012 - Feb 2022
Sep 2013

14260 mi
Refinish all 4 wheel rims. 
Oct 2020

80600 mi

C $3500
Replace turbo. 

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2013 BMW X3 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel automatic AWD

BMW X3 in Portugal
Mar 2015 - Nov 2017
Oct 2017

34100 mi

€250
Noise when braking 

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2013 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 2013 BMW X3 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.