EnginePart report

2011 BMW X3 Engine Problems

Complaints: 31about this part
Share: 27%of 113 total for the year
Median mileage: 74,500miles
Trend: RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the engine of the 2011 BMW X3, 27% of the 113 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,500 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Experienced drive train malfunction warning along with shaking and limp mode numerous times which resulted in 2 repairs last year in the thousands only to find out it was due to the cam shaft bolts recall at the root of the initial cause of the failures that resulted. Bmw was hesitant to pay initially but my husband is a litigation attorney and once he got involved, they were quick in doing the right thing. I am currently having issues with the no warning light showing to warn me of a low coolant level. …”

NHTSA complaint #11149713, filed 2018-11, 96,750 miles

“I took my car in for an oil change and was called back by the auto place and was told that, while they were test driving the vehicle it had a major engine faliure, resulting in them having to tow the car and was told that the timing chain had broken and there was massive damage internally to the engine, valves had been bent due to failure. I have spoken to Bmw but have not gotten any relief. It is important to mention that this car only has 65,000 miles on it. This faliure is insane and Bmw is not willing to honor anything.”

NHTSA complaint #10934863, filed 2016-12, 65,000 miles

“A quick acceleration from zero, at about 25 MPH there was a loud noise from the engine. It sounded like a spring being unwound. No lights came on, however I called service center at dealership where I purchased it. I was told if no warning lights on, then everything must be ok. A few minutes later the engine light came on and a warning was displayed on the screen: drive moderately. Maximum drivetrain output not available. Have your system checked at your service center. I called back to service center and was told it was safe to drive home as it was in limp mode. …”

NHTSA complaint #10538196, filed 2013-08, 26,907 miles

“The error chassis stabilization popped up with multiple lights on the instrument gauge cluster. Steering, acceleration, and braking were effected. After backing out of driveway, made a sharp right turn and warnings appeared. They also happen intermittently during driving, most often in the first 2 minutes of driving.”

NHTSA complaint #11279058, filed 2019-11, 60,000 miles

“Tl-contact owns a 2011 Bmw X3 . Vehicle was bought used last year. Contact went online and saw two recalls on vehicle. Contact called Bmw and Bmw dealership stated they are not responsible for a previous recall. Contact had a vaccum oil leak in car due to pcv valve leak. Bmw dealership stated pcv valve was already replaced on vehicle. Recall states remedy not yet available. Contact given number to Bmw . …”

NHTSA complaint #11064214, filed 2018-01, 60,000 miles

Related service bulletins

10162399Jul 10, 2019N20 Engine: Ticking Noise from High-pressure Fuel Pump. The customer complains of a high-frequency ticking noise from the engine compartment. The noise can be heard inside and…
10163029Jun 1, 2019N55 ENGINE: FC 28A0 OR 101F01 THROTTLE VALVE OPENING ANGLE. The engine malfunction warning is illuminated and one of the following fault codes are stored in the DME shortly after…
10163027Jun 1, 2019ENGINE VIBRATIONS OR NOISE This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B11 01 19 dated February 2019.
10160348Apr 1, 2019VEHICLE DOES NOT START BATTERY TOTALLY DISCHARGED This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B61 04 19 dated March 2019.
10154818Feb 1, 2018N20 AND N26 ENGINES TURBOCHARGER ELECTRIC WASTEGATE ACTUATOR LINKAGE PIN CORROSION This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B11 14 17 dated February 2018.
10154817Feb 1, 2018ENGINE VIBRATIONS OR NOISE. One of the following complaints may be reported The engine runs erratically; The engine causes vibrations when running; Grinding noise from the engine…
10135019Feb 1, 2018Engine Oil Quick Reference Chart and Drain Plug Torque: The current version of ISTA/D has an error in the engine oil capacity specification for all vehicles with the N63R engine…
10149232May 1, 2017"VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN 17E-A02 - REPLACE ACTIVATED CHARCOAL FILTER AND NVLD SENSOR HOLDER This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B16 01 17 dated March 2017…
10146535Feb 1, 2017"? NO REGENERATION OF THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B18 03 10 dated November 2010. . The Service Engine Soon lamp is…
10146534Feb 1, 2017"? DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER (DPF) CLEANING . The following performance issues may be noticed by the customer: CC-Message ""Drive faulty"" Engine jerking or a lack of power over…

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 2011 BMW X3

Engine cooling
24 complaints Transmission and drivetrain
23 complaints Electrical system
22 complaints Steering
21 complaints Exterior lighting
10 complaints Other or unknown
7 complaints Air bags
5 complaints Vehicle speed control
5 complaints Brakes
4 complaints Electronic stability control
4 complaints Fuel system
2 complaints Seat belts
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2011 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