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EnginePart report

2008 BMW X3 SAV Engine Problems

Complaints
9about this part
Share
16%of 56 total for the year
Median mileage
100,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine of the 2008 BMW X3 SAV, 16% of the 56 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“While slowing down my car (Bmw x3 year 2008)engine suddenly shut down. I pull over put it in park and it and re-start auto. This has happen a number of times. The last time was today 10/08/2016 while slowing down at a yield sign. Lucky for me there hasn't been an accident yet. This has happened a number of times on a busy street, pulling in my driveway and on the highway during a backup.”

NHTSA complaint #10914918, filed 2016-10, 100,000 miles

“I noticed water on the garage floor about a week ago and that the coolant was low. I took it to Bmw dealer expecting a radiator leak. I was told that all 4 aluminum support bolts had been sheared and that the engine was resting on the water pump causing the leak. The solution, while covered by my extended warranty, is still costing me $50 deductible and another $200 or so to flush and replace the coolant (which was caused by the water pump damage). …”

NHTSA complaint #10551921, filed 2013-11, 30,000 miles

“Driving on a flat paved road and hear two mental ping sounds on the front passenger side.I pulled over to check the vehicle, and couldn't see anything. I pulled out and when I turned there was a loud vibration. This happened when turning left or right from a stop. When further inspected you could see the motor was hanging at an angle. The four bolts on the engine mount bracket had broken off causing the engine to hang down. After inspecting the parts you could see by the discoloration of two bolts that they had been broken for sometime . …”

NHTSA complaint #10893113, filed 2016-08, 100,200 miles

“I brought my car into the dealership because it stalled and the check engine light came on briefly and shut off. The car was also hesitating on acceleration. The dealer determined the cause was a needed thermostat replacement. However, once under the car, the technician noted 3 of 4 engine mount bolts were broken and needed to be replaced. He said it was considered wear and tear and was not covered under warranty even though only one bolt was now holding the engine from falling out. This repair would cost approximately $400. …”

NHTSA complaint #10534197, filed 2013-08, 59,000 miles

“My Bmw had been having a roaring, vibrating noise in it. Then it started running hot. I parked in my garage only to find water and antifreeze all over the garage floor. When I took it to get it fixed, the mechanic told me that the bolts which hold the engine mounts up on the passenger side had broken and the engine was sitting sideways and had dropped down and crushed the water pump and coolant reservoir. The bolts are not substantial enough to support the engine. They are very lightweight metal (maybe aluminum) and just broke. The car has not been involved in any crash. …”

NHTSA complaint #10717629, filed 2015-05, 107,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2012350%
2011431%
201029%
200916%
2008916%
20071811%

Other parts of the 2008 BMW X3 SAV

Air bags
29 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
6 complaints
Fuel system
5 complaints
Seats
5 complaints
Other or unknown
4 complaints
Suspension
3 complaints
Body and structure
2 complaints
Vehicle speed control
2 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints
Electrical system
1 complaints
Engine cooling
1 complaints
Seat belts
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2008 BMW X3 SAV

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology