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EquipmentPart report

2006 BMW X3 Equipment Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
2%of 143 total for the year
Median mileage
44,600miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the equipment of the 2006 BMW X3, 2% of the 143 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,600 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.

“Air conditioner temperature began to warm just on drivers side but remained cool on drivers side. Based upon my many years or working with cars, I assumed this was a malfunction of some of the doors in the air routing system had failed not allowing sufficient cool air on drivers side. Taken to regular Bmw dealer (he has serviced all 6 Bmw's I have owned) and was told AC condenser needed replacement. Car was 4 months out of warranty although mileage was lower than warranty limit. Dealer stated they contacted Bmw and told me that Bmw refused to cover repair under warranty. …”

NHTSA complaint #10405958, filed 2011-06, 44,600 miles

“The contact owns a 2006 Bmw X3. The stated that the air conditioning unit failed to blow cool air. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where it was advised the contact that the evaporate cord needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10522621, filed 2013-07, 85,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2006 Bmw X3. Whenever the heat or air conditioning is activated, the contact smells burning plastic inside the vehicle. The odor is so strong that it burns her eyes and nose. The vehicle has been to the dealer approximately three times. During the first visit, the mechanic stated that there were probably leaves inside the vehicle, so they cleaned out the air conditioning system. There was no immediate difference. She took the vehicle back to the dealer two weeks later and they stated that they could smell something in the vehicle, but believed it to be cleaning fluid. …”

NHTSA complaint #10276249, filed 2009-07, 24,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Equipment: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202211%
200632%
200511%
200421%

Other parts of the 2006 BMW X3

Air bags
76 complaintsSeats
42 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 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 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