2008 BMW X3 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 23%of 66 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 175,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2008 BMW X3, 23% of the 66 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 175,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 2008 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 25-30 MPH, he smelled a burning odor and saw smoke coming out from underneath the hood. The contact veered to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool down. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11491015, filed 2022-10, 169,935 miles“The contact owns a 2008 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH in cold weather, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted; however, the contact received no response. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine); the VIN was included. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11574752, filed 2024-02, 200,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the engine was shutting off inadvertently. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact drove back to her residence. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #11492106, filed 2022-11, 78,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood and the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11473749, filed 2022-07, 200,000 miles“The contact owns a 2008 BMW X3. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that after attempting to turn on the heat, the heat failed to properly operate. The contact stated that the heat was either too low or too hot. The contact was concerned that the system would overheat. No warning lights were illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that parts were not available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11493060, filed 2022-11, 115,000 milesRelated recalls
- 17V683000Oct 30, 2017BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si…Covers: BMW X3 2007–2011, 328I 2007–2011, Z4 2007–2011 +5 more
Related service bulletins
- 10181214Sep 1, 2020Power Reduction, FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The ?Service Engine Soon? (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This…
- 10151247Apr 1, 2016N51, N52, N52K and N52T Engines: Various Eccentric Shaft Sensor Faults stored in the DME - Diagnostic Hints. The customer may complain about one of the following: Rough engine…
- 10148087Jul 1, 2014External Engine Oil Leaks and Repairs. During the vehicle's operational life, normal engine oil seepage or sweating, in addition to accumulated road dust, dirt and grime in the…
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 2008 BMW X3
32 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 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