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BMW X3 Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for the BMW X3. Their findings are listed below and the need for BMW X3 vehicle extended warranties is evident. While BMW makes a great driving vehicle, we were surprised at the number of service visits drivers of a 2004-2008 BMW X3 needed during their ownership experience.

BMW X3 extended warranties will protect against factory labor rate increases too. As many of us already know, BMW service facilities have the most expensive labor rate for shop mechanics. In many metro areas, it is over $100 per hour. BMW parts prices are near the highest in the industry too. BMW has a nice vehicle and they know it. As a result, they’re not bashful when it comes to charging your account!

Start your free BMW X3 extended warranty quote today.

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Battery: Battery can die after parked for 3-4 days most likely due to problem in general module (body control module). (2004)

Battery: The battery may die overnight if the key is left in the ignition on vehicles with electronic immobilizer system. (2004-06)

Electrical problem: The transmission may intermittently revert to fail-safe mode due to multiplexing problem requiring reprogramming. (2005-06)

Electrical problem: The instrument panel backlighting may occasionally go out briefly then come back on due to a problem with the light switching center. (2003-06)

Engine noise: Engine may ping under light load, idle too high or stumble on acceleration until warm requiring ECM reprogramming. (2005-07)

Engine stalling: The engine may run rough or miss (the check engine light may also come on) due to problems with the original ignition coils and the carmaker is replacing them with Bosch coils. (2004 and prior)

Engine temperature: Engine may lose power at high altitudes (over 5,000 ft.) during hot weather due to vapor lock inside the fuel pump. (2004)

Headlights: Automatic headlights may not go off when exiting a tunnel or parking garage due to miscommunication between rain sensor and headlight module. (2005-06)

Information stickers/paperwork: When the outside temperature drops below freezing (32F) the telematics control unit may malfunction and emergency "SOS" calls will not go through. The battery may also be drained. To make sure the recall was performed, look for the sticker on the door frame. (2004)

None: The hydraulic valve adjusters (lifters) may tick when the 3.0L 6-cylinder engine is first started due to oil drainback and may take up to 30 minutes of driving to quiet down. (2004-07)

None: The universal garage door opener in the vehicle may not accept a code from a different (new transmitter or new owner) if the batteries in the transmitter are low. (2004-07)

Sunroof/moonroof: The sunroof may not close in hot weather or after being parked in direct sunlight because the channels expand and get tight and the anti-trap sensors stop the motor. (2003-04)

Transmission leak: Transmission fluid may leak from the selector shaft seal and often appears to be coming from the pan gasket. (2007)