2006 BMW X3 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 143 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,940miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2006 BMW X3, 3% of the 143 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,940 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.
“Jan 16 - check engine sensor light came on - car running sluggish. Immediately took to dealership - they detected oil separator failing. Car started smoking at dealership. They replaced the oil separator and several parts due to damage - costs $2400. March 22nd - same sensor light came on - took car back to dealership - they have had the car for 1 week and still have not told me what is wrong with it other than there is oil everywhere and I may have head gasket or engine damage. Possibly looking at another $1k to $5k. …”
NHTSA complaint #10505025, filed 2013-03, 94,095 miles“I started my 06 Bmw X3 in my driveway to warm it up prior to driving. It appeared to be fine, I backed out of my driveway and noticed it was smoking from the exhaust. I drove about 100ft to the end of my street and the smoking worsened so I decided to return home. I turned onto the main street and drove at most 20mph for a few blocks to get back home. The smoke was pouring out of the exhaust so badly that I couldn't see out my back window. It was blue/grey colored. The car was putting and chugging. I did not make it home. Eventually the car chugged a few times and completely shut down. …”
NHTSA complaint #10379172, filed 2011-01, 40,881 miles“The intake boot between the mass air sensor and the throttle body cracks over time. This causes the check engine light to come on. Even though this is a known failure item, and the car is within the cpo warranty period, Bmw does not cover any hoses or tubes, as they believe they are wear items. Since it is not covered its a $175 dollar diagnostic fee and $38.54 for the part vs $50 deductible. …”
NHTSA complaint #10438764, filed 2011-12, 67,000 miles“The contact owns a 2006 Bmw X3. While driving between 60-65 MPH, the contact began decelerating for traffic and the vehicle began shaking and then shut off. Approximately two minutes later, the vehicle would restart. The failure has occurred four times and has been to the dealer three times for the stalling. The dealer could not duplicate the failure. Most recently, the engine light began illuminating intermittently. The current mileage was 18,000 and failure mileage was 16,352.”
NHTSA complaint #10238010, filed 2008-08, 16,352 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10032779Nov 1, 2012Bmw vehicle: the service engine soon (mil) lamp is illuminated and a power reduction is clearly perceptible. This situation may occur after driving for some time with the engine…
- 10040852Jul 1, 2011Bmw: the service engine soon light is on. There are trouble codes stored for the crankshaft sensor. No driveability issues.
- 10030624May 1, 2011Bmw vehicle: water has entered electronics box because the lid is not properly fitted. Once it is verified that water has indeed entered the electronics box, it will be necessary…
- 10040169Mar 1, 2011Bmw: a software error is causing the service engine soon light or check gas cap light to come on along with stored trouble codes.
- 10028370Nov 1, 2010Bmw: check engine lamp illuminated and/or vehicle overheats. Models e83, e85, e86, e70, e90, e91, e92, e93, e60 and e61. *pe updated 5/24/11.
- 10037010Jul 1, 2010Bmw: six different models equipped with the m54 engine could have valve covers break in cold weather and ruin the engine. This is due to moisture accumulation.
- 10032650Oct 1, 2009Bmw: service engine soon lamp illuminated-fc 23f4 map thermostat. In some vehicles have insufficient heat. E90, e91 (3 series), e60, e61 (5 series) 3/06 and e83 (x3 series) 9/08.
- 10030612May 1, 2009Bmw vehicles: service engine soon lamp or check gas cap warning illuminated while driving. Software error in the dme for the tank leak diagnostic system. Models e60, e61 (5…
- 10030117Mar 1, 2009Bmw vehicle: vehicles may be difficult to start, run rough and have the service engine soon lamp illuminated. The vanos solenoid valve is jammed or sticking.
- 10028464Jun 1, 2008Bmw vehicle: engine electrical systems. Poor throttle response; lack of power when accelerating; engine may crank too long before starting; loss of power at idle or when slowing…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 7 | 4% |
| 2018 | 4 | 5% |
| 2017 | 22 | 24% |
| 2016 | 18 | 22% |
| 2015 | 15 | 14% |
| 2014 | 19 | 22% |
| 2013 | 13 | 6% |
| 2012 | 2 | 5% |
| 2011 | 24 | 21% |
| 2010 | 14 | 44% |
| 2009 | 3 | 16% |
| 2008 | 15 | 23% |
| 2007 | 16 | 16% |
| 2006 | 4 | 3% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 11 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2006 BMW X3
76 complaintsSeats
42 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 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