Known faults for the BMW X3 (G01).

Engine / equipment

B47 and B57 diesel and B48 and B58 petrol modular engines (BMW from 2014–2015 and MINI from 2014)

Period mentioned

2014–2026

Symptoms

Coolant loss with a low-level warning, coolant or oil residue at the rear of the engine; on diesels, internal coolant loss with no visible leak (EGR cooler).

Possible cause described

On the B48 and B58 the water pump leaks (from its weep hole) and the oil filter housing with heat exchanger can crack; on 2017–2021 B58s the crankcase ventilation valve also fails. On the diesels the EGR cooler can leak internally and mix coolant with soot: BMW issued a recall over the risk of the intake manifold catching fire.

Check for the garage

Check the coolant level, look for leaks under the water pump and at the oil filter housing, and on diesels confirm by VIN whether the EGR cooler campaign was done.

Cost cited in the source

Water pump: relatively cheap to replace; oil filter housing: more labour-intensive; EGR cooler: free if covered by the campaignA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Mileage cited in the database: 80,000–195,000 km. This is not a maintenance interval and does not predict a failure.

Sources from the original database

Engine / equipment

ZF 8HP automatic gearbox in rear-wheel-drive BMWs from 2009 (1 to 8 Series and X: F20, F30, F10, G20, G30, X3, X5…)

Period mentioned

2009–2026

Symptoms

Harsh shifts (especially engaging D and 1st to 2nd), slipping or jerking; oil leaks from the pan, the mechatronic connector sleeve or the seals.

Possible cause described

BMW's diagnostic guide says an incorrect oil level is a frequent cause of shift complaints and asks for it to be checked every time, even with no visible leaks; the pan can be damaged by impacts. The sealing sleeve between gearbox and mechatronic lets oil through to the connector. The oil, sold as lifetime, degrades.

Check for the garage

Check the oil level with the official procedure (correct temperature and engine running), look for leaks at the pan, connector sleeve and seals, inspect the pan for impact damage and review adaptation values with ISTA.

Cost cited in the source

Oil change with pan and filter: maintenance; sleeve or seals: minor repair; mechatronic: expensive repairA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

Engine / equipment

X3 (G01), X4 (G02), X5 (G05) and X7 (G07) built up to 31/3/2019

Period mentioned

2017–2019

Symptoms

Only in severe cold (−15 °C or below): a "top up coolant" warning and some fluid under the car. At normal temperatures it does not leak and the engine temperature is fine.

Possible cause described

The O-rings that seal the coolant pipes' quick connectors stop sealing at −15 °C or below. BMW describes it in bulletin SIB 17 03 20 (May 2020) and has the affected pipes replaced when a leak is confirmed. Codes from the charge-air cooling circuit may be stored (20A201, 20A209).

Check for the garage

Note the outside temperature when the warning appears and only check the level with the engine cold. At the garage, have them look for the leak at the coolant pipes' quick connectors, including the low-temperature circuit.

Cost cited in the source

No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

Engine / equipment

BMW 330e, 530e, X3 xDrive30e, X5 xDrive45e, 745e, i8 and MINI Countryman SE ALL4 plug-in hybrids

Period mentioned

2020–2021

Symptoms

Usually none before failure. In rare cases, a battery short-circuit with a fire risk, especially while charging.

Possible cause described

During cell production (supplier Samsung) welding debris got into some cells, which can cause a short-circuit. BMW recalled about 26,900 cars worldwide and, until a fix was ready, asked owners not to charge them.

Check for the garage

Confirm by VIN with BMW that the battery recall has been done; if not, do not charge the car until it is checked.

Cost cited in the source

Free under the recall: inspection and module replacement if neededA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database

Engine / equipment

Early BMW iX3 (G08) electric cars

Period mentioned

2020–2021

Symptoms

None in normal use; after a serious crash the hazard lights, the lighting and the automatic emergency call may fail.

Possible cause described

A sporadic error in the battery management unit software can cause, in a serious crash, an overvoltage that damages control units and components of the 12 V system. KBA recall 010825 (BMW campaign 0061030600): about 5,400 cars worldwide, most of them fixed before delivery; the control unit is reprogrammed in about 40 minutes.

Check for the garage

Check campaign 0061030600 by VIN at a BMW dealer.

Cost cited in the source

Free under the recall.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database