BMW X3 (E83)

Engines

Click the links below to see common problems specific to the engines available on this vehicle.

Window regulators (easy to replace)
Automatic transmissions can fail if fluid is not changed every 60k miles (despite BMW’s claim that they have “lifetime” transmission fluid)
Cooling system in general, especially if fluid is not changed every two years
ECM – symptoms include pinging under light loads, high idle, or faltering on acceleration; requires reprogramming
Transmission fluid may leak from the selector shaft seal
Instrument panel lighting can flicker – problem with the light-switching center
Avoid models with the Sport package – the normal suspension is already very stiff, and the Sport package makes the car ride unbearably rough