2005 BMW X3 Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 5%of 103 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,656miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2005 BMW X3, 5% of the 103 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,656 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“The service engine light soon came on. The dealer diagnosed that the following two need replaced 1) valve cover gasket to fix engine oil leak 2) dmtl pump I cannot comprehend these failures from a brand known for quality at such low milegae. Google search shows many bmws have had these failures but surprisingly there are no recalls.”
NHTSA complaint #10668992, filed 2014-12, 68,611 miles“The bolt holding the timing chain together broke causing the timing chain to break which resulted in complete engine failure. The estimate to repair or replace the engine was $8322. Bmw was contacted to help with the repair costs but refused to help repair the damaged engine. There are numerous reports of other Bmw engines and mini cooper engines manufactured by Bmw which are having timing chain failure with catastrophic engine damage. …”
NHTSA complaint #10715063, filed 2015-05, 61,233 miles“Urgent urgent urgent - total loss accident and major injury sustained 2005 Bmw X3 ? Picked up on january 7, 2015, from toronto used car dealership major unintended acceleration accident occurred on january 8, 2015 at approximately 10:30 am. Had not owned the vehicle for 24 hours or put more than 160 km on it. The unintended acceleration accident resulted in major property damage, personal injury and total loss of vehicle. Horrific residual effect. At stop position the vehicle revved like an f1 car coming down the straight away. …”
NHTSA complaint #10679755, filed 2015-01, 182,400 miles“My car has had a rough ilde for a few months, off and on. I took my car, 78000 miles, for a cv axle repair. My mechanic let me know that I had more serious issues with my engine mount bolts being broken off. Its been making a rough noise also at speeds greater than 60..I travel with my child in this car.”
NHTSA complaint #10788528, filed 2015-11Related service bulletins
- 10151068Feb 1, 2016This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Fault codes stored in vehicles…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 4 | 11% |
| 2024 | 6 | 14% |
| 2023 | 4 | 27% |
| 2022 | 11 | 13% |
| 2021 | 23 | 20% |
| 2020 | 26 | 24% |
| 2019 | 35 | 20% |
| 2018 | 16 | 21% |
| 2017 | 17 | 18% |
| 2016 | 13 | 16% |
| 2015 | 29 | 28% |
| 2014 | 19 | 22% |
| 2013 | 147 | 65% |
| 2012 | 8 | 19% |
| 2011 | 31 | 27% |
| 2010 | 6 | 19% |
| 2009 | 2 | 11% |
| 2008 | 16 | 24% |
| 2007 | 25 | 26% |
| 2006 | 6 | 4% |
| 2005 | 5 | 5% |
| 2004 | 6 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2005 BMW X3
48 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 BMW X3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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