2005 BMW X3 Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 4%of 103 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 109,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 BMW X3, 4% of the 103 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 109,000 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.
“It looks like that the shifting of the automatic transmission in Bmw X3, 2005 3.0l are kind of delayed. I noticed while I push the gas pedal and speed is accelerating real well to the point when gear supposed to be switched but it does not happen. I have to temporarily, for one sec, reduce the gas acceleration and then it is shifting. As a result, the car drives is on lower gears than it should. The engine rmp is always on a high side. I am wondering what can be done to resolve this issue. Will the change of the transmission oil change this behavior. …”
NHTSA complaint #11054457, filed 2017-12, 126,000 miles“Auto type: 2005 Bmw X3 sav. The vehicle has had a history of failures with the operation system with regard to the transmission function and most recently we experienced a brake failure. When the brake pedal was pushed the vehicle accelerated. We had the vehicle towed in for repair and was told that they could find nothing wrong. This is the same result each time although the diagnostic reports show operating system failures. When questioned, we were told that he vehicle corrected itself . All of this is in writing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10253596, filed 2009-01, 38,000 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10175267Apr 1, 2020Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This…
- 10147008Aug 1, 2016"REPAIRING TRANSFER CASE ACTUATOR (VTG SERVO-MOTOR). The Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), Brakes and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warnings are on and there may also be a ""Drivetrain…
- 10147241Sep 1, 2015Shudder from the Driveline on Vehicles with xDrive. There is a shudder or vibration from the driveline when taking off from a stop, or when accelerating at highway speeds. CAUSE…
- 10147930Jan 1, 2014GM6 - 6L45R: Diagnostic Procedure for Shudder or Vibration Issues. A shudder or vibration can be felt under light acceleration or when driving at constant suburban speeds. This…
- 10051459Dec 1, 2012Bmw: dsc warning light is on. The warning lamps for dsc, abs and brake warning illuminated. There may also be a warning in the control display for chassis control system failure.
- 10033133Dec 1, 2009Bmw vehicles: delayed upshift may occur uphill in 3rd or 4th gear. The transmission will not upshift, usually after going up a slight incline, and stays in either 3rd or 4th gear…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 11% |
| 2024 | 4 | 10% |
| 2023 | 1 | 6% |
| 2022 | 9 | 10% |
| 2021 | 5 | 4% |
| 2020 | 14 | 13% |
| 2019 | 7 | 4% |
| 2018 | 2 | 3% |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% |
| 2016 | 9 | 11% |
| 2015 | 9 | 9% |
| 2014 | 6 | 7% |
| 2013 | 60 | 27% |
| 2012 | 7 | 17% |
| 2011 | 23 | 20% |
| 2009 | 3 | 16% |
| 2008 | 5 | 8% |
| 2007 | 6 | 6% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 4 | 4% |
| 2004 | 11 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2005 BMW X3
48 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 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 30, 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