| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
BMW X3 repairs by problem area
Engine (39%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (9%)
Brakes and Traction Control (4%)
Suspension and Steering (8%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (24%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (10%)
Other (6%)
Select a problem area
- Engine
- Transmission and Drivetrain
- Brakes and Traction Control
- Suspension and Steering
- Electrical and Air Conditioning
- Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim
- Other
Chart based on 1200 repairs.
BMW X3 transmission repair cost distribution
$2500+ (11%)
$1000 - $2499 (24%)
$500 - $999 (16%)
$100 - $499 (11%)
< $100 (37%)
Chart based on 97 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2019 BMW X3 4dr SUV
turbocharged 248hp 2.0L I4 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 43000 mi | rear differential seal leaking |
2017 BMW X3 4dr SUV
turbocharged 240hp 2.0L I4 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 66530 mi US $1050 |
Rear differential was leaking fluid. Replaced rear differential axle seals and fluid |
| 82050 mi US $950 |
Replaced tires |
2016 BMW X3 4dr SUV
turbocharged 240hp 2.0L I4 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 51000 mi US $4800 |
Replace AWD transfer case. Car exhibited hesitation and slippage in the transfer of power to the front wheels. Shop advised that transfer case gears were wearing down and causing slippage. |
2016 BMW X3 4dr SUV
turbocharged 180hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 20000 mi | Bad smell, tachometer jumping when braking, feels like power loss. |
2014 BMW X3 4dr SUV
turbocharged 180hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 72540 mi | Transfer case of transmission in Xdrive model failed. Replacing it suggested but not done as it was expensive. It was disconnected and the vehicle is working as a rear wheel drive. |
2013 BMW X3 4dr SUV
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 24800 mi | 2 rear bearings changed on warranty |
| 22000 mi | leaking transmission oil cooler. Part had to be ordered. It took 3 days but was under warranty |
| 93620 mi C $1200 |
Wear items |
| 102920 mi C $7000 |
Seals on tranny, tranny fluid change, front drive shafts, struts |
2013 BMW X3 4dr SUV
turbocharged 240hp 2.0L I4 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 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. |
2012 BMW X3 4dr SUV
240-horsepower 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 65100 mi | When coasting at around 50 km/h I was hearing a whining noise. Eventually it became more noticeable. I suspected the final drive was making the noise. The warranty had ended in February, but I had extended it for 2 more years or 40K km. Warranty covered all costs, the dealer replaced the final drive. |
2012 BMW X3 4-door
turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel automatic AWD
| 8060 mi | While driving, there was an alert saying transmission faulty, drive moderately to the nearest dealer |
2011 BMW X3 4dr SUV
turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 31700 mi | (4)replaced rear drive shaft. |
| 60700 mi US $1800 |
Transfer case had failed, was replaced |
| 10660 mi | unfavorable EGS and DME software calibration - updated software on EGS and DME TSB 24 02 12 |
| 20800 mi | jerky acceleration and shifting - found bad VTG motor on transfer case. replaced longitudinal torque motor |
| 56541 mi US $50 |
Transfer Box (4WD) causing rough transmission shifts, especially 1st to 2nd gear. Transfer box was replaced. |
| 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. |
2011 BMW X3 4dr SUV
240-horsepower 3.0L I6 8-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 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. |
| 111600 mi ¤1000 |
CV joints replaced. Car shaking vigorously under acceleration. |
| 111600 mi ¤3000 |
Driveshaft broken. Replaced. |
| 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 |
| 166160 mi ¤1000 |
Transmission Cooler Leaking Oil mixing with coolant Replaced seal and fixed part |
| 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. |
| 70440 mi | Transmission leak. Front transfer case had to be replaced, covered under warranty. |
2010 BMW X3 4dr SUV
260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 106640 mi C $4100 |
Rear driveshaft replaced because of broken u joint. |
| 114080 mi C $1200 |
Front differential replaced with used one from another x3. Symptoms included a bit of whine on deceleration but mostly was replaced due to leaking gear oil out of vent breather quite regularly, enough to make a mess wherever parked. |
2010 BMW X3 4dr SUV
260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD
| 87000 mi | Error code after 4x4, brake and seat belt light came on. On and off for a few days with no apparent symptoms of malfunction |
2008 BMW X3 4dr SUV
turbocharged 174hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 43400 mi A $100 |
Transfer Shift Case Motor needs replacing |
2008 BMW X3 4dr SUV
260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 83000 mi US $2400 |
Drive Guibo, |
| 130000 mi US $1200 |
Transfer Case replaced with actuator |
| 100440 mi C $2500 |
Transfer case required rebuild |
| 108000 mi US $1200 |
Replaced driveshaft, |
| 133000 mi US $4000 |
Rear differential replacement, |
2008 BMW X3 4dr SUV
260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD
| 56000 mi | Rear sports differential seal replacement TSB. |
2008 BMW X3 4-door
turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel automatic AWD
| 49600 mi $500 |
Transfer case actuator motor gear |
2007 BMW X3
Engine not specified
| 66340 mi €900 |
4w drive and abs sensor not eorking |
| 78000 mi US $50 |
Reset Transmission |
2007 BMW X3 4dr SUV
260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 70000 mi US $225 |
Trans cooling thermostat failed causing coolant expansion tank to rupture - replaced hoses, trans cooling thermostat and coolant tank - new antifreeze |
| 35000 mi | Oil, Rear End Gear Replaced, Computer Replaced |
| 80500 mi US $6500 |
Transfer case |
| 90000 mi | Replaced transfer case |
| 83000 mi US $4000 |
Replace transfer case |
| 126000 mi US $4200 |
Ew transmission rebuilt one |
| 80900 mi US $650 |
I don't remember what it was called, just know the car felt more stable. I think it had to do with the joint that connects the wheels to the car. |
| 39000 mi | Found transmission leaking; resealed. |
| 68000 mi US $740 |
On the day we delivered it to the buyer a rather big part broke: the transfer case motor needed replacement at a cost of $470 for the part and 270 for labor in September of 2018 ($740)- we paid for the repair! |
| 26000 mi US $50 |
Vehicle was slightly vibrating during deceleration at or around 20 miles per hour. Seemed to be transmission related. |
| 28000 mi | Replaced transmission made the vehicle vibrate when slowing down. Owner realized that this slight vibration is simply native to type of vehicle. |
| 42000 mi US $2500 |
The ABS and 4x4 lights came on. Backing up and steering was sluggish. The issue is the transfer case actuator. |
| 40300 mi US $369 |
Yellow Warning Light Transmission-vehicle defaults to limp mode. Diagnosis: nothing physically wrong with the Trans., module malfunction. Module reset, computer re-initialize all electronic functions. |
| 75420 mi C $800 |
Noticed jerk when transmission would downshift. Dealership replaced Transfer case in transmission. Total cost for the repair was 3800.00 but part $3000.00 was covered with my extended warranty. |
| 46400 mi US $46 |
Humming noise from the rear of the car while driving. Final Drive problem... Replaced final drive because of humming/noise in the rear of the vehicle when driving 30-40 mph or decelerating/coasting. Also rear heated sets would not turn on, fixed but not under warranty, some wires were unplugged!? |
| 93600 mi US $100 |
Transfer case harness wiring was damaged somehow and 4x4 light was on dash. My mechanic was able to splice and repair it without having to replace the whole car wiring. Car was in RWD mode wit no traction or stability control |
| 95000 mi US $2000 |
Transfer Case died |
| 34000 mi | transmission pan leaking |
| 44600 mi US $300 |
transmission warning light |
| 84000 mi US $50 |
AWD transfer motor (?) on the transmission was failing, causing the X3 to be undrive-able Intermittent problem. The system failed twice and we took it in. |
| 95000 mi US $1300 |
All-wheel drive transfer case - small electric motor controlling power distribution failed. Required replacement. |
| 97000 mi US $1800 |
Reverse gear actuator broken Part broken when mechanic had car for testing |
2007 BMW X3 4dr SUV
260-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD
| 41000 mi | Slight noise coming from rear drive area. Dealer lubed and replaced seal where driveshaft meets differential. |
| 123000 mi US $525 |
Replace clutch master & slave cylinders |
| 146800 mi US $640 |
X drive transfer case showed codes. Repaired by replacing transfer case actuator drive gear |
| 184000 mi US $1400 |
replace transfer case actuator |
| 64000 mi US $1100 |
Transfer Case replaced due to binding at slow speed tight turns. Initially replaced rear differential to solve problem. |
2007 BMW X3 4-door
6-cylinder automatic 4WD
| 42780 mi | Rear diff making noise when slowing down at around 40 kph. Replaced diff. This is the second replacement diff for the same reason. Diff is OK for 1000 km city drive w/0 problem than 200 km uninterrupted trip seems to trigger that noise. |
2006 BMW X3 4dr SUV
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD
| 88000 mi | Srs and traction control, four wheel drive malfunction. Replaced actuator gear. |
| 125000 mi US $4100 |
Replace transfer case |
2006 BMW X3 4dr SUV
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 114000 mi US $500 |
There is a well documented issue with the Transfer Case Actuator. Basically the gear starts to wear out and at low gear the transmissions seems to make a dull 'thunk'. See Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. B01 07 03 dated April 2 |
| 90000 mi | Dealer said that boots are leaking, need to be replaced before metal on metal becomes a major issue. |
| 45000 mi US $700 |
4x4 function problems..had to replace shift motor. |
| 51000 mi US $650 |
when the weather got cold dme ram failed.. all kinds of service bulletin's. requested assistance from BMW. They paid half the list price of the DME ($692). |
| 73000 mi US $1400 |
driveline carrier bearing started making noise at minus 2 and running 80+ on interstate, thought it was possible tcase issue, pulled tcase and replaced bearings, chain etc..normal at somepoint in all x3 lives, viewed it as a future maint item, tcase had some minimal wear replaced bearings replaced driveshaft carrier bearing felt it was most of the noise issue. drove out vehicle nxt week on a 5-600 mile run 2-3 mountain passes and still the...suv to have with snow tires in bad weather. |
| 81300 mi US $1200 |
Scheduled to have trans case replaced this month ($1100.00). |
| 24000 mi | Warranty repair of slow shifting transmission |
| 32000 mi | Warranty repair of slow shifting transmission |
| 150000 mi US $618 |
Transmission was completely replaced. Warranty paid for all but $300 Drive shaft was cracked during the transmission repair. Repair shop at fault, but couldn't prove it. So paid cost (no labor) for a used drive shaft. |
| 96100 mi C $1700 |
We were hearing weird rubbing noises. Thought it was wheel bearings. Turned out to be the driveshaft. Replaced it. |
2005 BMW X3 4dr SUV
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 114000 mi US $300 |
Replaced transfer case (had warranty) |
| 118080 mi €1200 |
Rear drive shaft had to be replace |
| 66000 mi US $2500 |
Replaced transfer case and actuator. |
| 113000 mi US $486 |
The battery is bad.it will not hold a charge when the weather is extremely cold. The dealer replaced the spark plugs now the car is still not holding a charge plus the 4 wheel drive light will not go out. |
| 136500 mi US $1310 |
Started doing a humming noise and some drivetrain vibration at 35-40 mph, and then at highway speeds. Rear drive-shaft was starting to fail and was replaced along with the guibo. |
2005 BMW X3 4dr SUV
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 132000 mi US $150 |
Transfer case fault, changed fluid and adaptation reset to correct. |
| 116800 mi US $1300 |
Replace rear driveshaft to address vibration during drive. Money well spent since car feels new again. |
| 157000 mi US $1200 |
Repaired rear axle because sure caused abs ring to swell and break abs sensor. Replaced axle and sensor and all ok now. |
| 102280 mi C $600 |
Front drive shaft replaced |
| 81840 mi C $2400 |
Propeller shaft bearing (noise at low speed) |
2004 BMW X3
Engine not specified
| 64000 mi | 4X4 light on and car was driving on 4x4. Took car to dealer and was told of a valve leaking oil and broken actuator. Repair cost will be $2.5K. Told dealer that we'll seek a second opinion. Dealer charged us $160 even though was not... |
2004 BMW X3 4dr SUV
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD
| 67000 mi | The rear differential is bad. The repair shop fill it with oil but stated that the problem would still exist. They couldn't tell how long the temporary fix would last without replacing the differential and $2200 bucks. |
| 145000 mi US $600 |
Replaced transfer case actuator gear |
2004 BMW X3 4dr SUV
225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 97000 mi US $2000 |
repaired rear diff leak. |
| 114000 mi US $380 |
Replaced drive shaft due to worn universal joint. Unable to replace only universal. |
| 123000 mi US $300 |
Replaced bearings and seals in transfer case. Also replaced transmission fluid and filter. |
| 82000 mi US $500 |
oil leak in back pinion |
| 132000 mi US $29 |
Ride was rough. Replaced transfer case mount. |
| 130000 mi US $501 |
Transmission whined at certain speeds and still was hesitant to shift gears. Shop added additional transmission fluid. Transmission produced loud wallowing at highway speeds and knocked hard over rough pavement, as well as shifting roughly and holding gears in higher revs. Determined that the rear driveshaft's U-joint was bad and replaced with a remanufactured rear driveshaft from ebay. |
2004 BMW X3 4dr SUV
184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 197000 mi US $74 |
Replaced worn front drive shaft |
| 150000 mi US $350 |
Seal repair. |
| 63000 mi US $25 |
just had fluid topped off due to small leaj |
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