Model year record

2005 BMW X3 recalls & problems

The 2005 BMW X3 has 2 safety recalls and 103 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is seats (50 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls

Complaints103filed by owners

Crashes · fires4 · 18reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths17 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Air bagsAug 5, 2008

Frontal

Recall 08V384000200,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT, SMALL CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE MAT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM, WILL BE DEACTIVATED AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP AS WELL AS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG "ON-OFF" LAMP WILL BE ILLUMINATED.
Risk: IN THIS SITUATION THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY EVEN IF A SUFFICIENTLY SEVERE ACCIDENT WOULD OCCUR AND OCCUPANT PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE SYSTEM WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REWORK THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT SO THAT EXTERNAL FORCE APPLICATION TO THE SEAT DOES NOT CAUSE A CRACK TO THE MAT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2008. BMW WILL ALSO EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THESE VEHICLES TO 10 YEARS FROM FIRST REGISTRATION WITHOUT ANY MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

EquipmentSep 6, 2007

Equipment

Recall 07E069000675 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BMW BIKE CARRIERS, P/N 82110393954, SOLD FOR USE ON MY 2005 BMW X3 AND X5 VEHICLES. A PINCH BOLT EXISTS BETWEEN THE BIKE ARM BRACKET AND THE UPRIGHT ASSEMBLY OF THE HITCH STYLE BICYCLE RACK.
Risk: WHEN MOVING THE BIKE ARM BRACKET TO ITS DOWN POSITION, THIS PINCH POINT HAS THE POTENTIAL OF CAUSING A SEVERE INJURY TO THE USER'S FINGER OR HAND.
Fix: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE A REPAIR KIT ALONG WITH REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES TOLL-FREE AT 800-831-1117.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2005 BMW X3 4-DR w/SAB

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

X3

18mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.5 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel

X3

18mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,550/year to fuel

X3

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

2.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S5) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,850/year to fuel

X3

17mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 21 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S5) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,850/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
SeatsFront assembly › Seat heater/cooler	50	0	17	13	95,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal	32	1	0	1	75,931 mi
Electrical system	18	0	7	2	81,934 mi
StructureBody; Body › Door	7	1	0	0	70,000 mi
Unknown or other	5	0	0	0	37,000 mi
Engine	5	1	0	1	86,655 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission	4	1	0	1	109,000 mi
Engine and engine coolingCooling system › Fan	3	0	1	0	41,500 mi
Seat belts	3	0	0	0	—
Vehicle speed control	2	2	0	1	—
VisibilityDefroster/defogger/hvac system; Sun/moon roof assembly	2	0	0	1	—
Electronic stability control (esc)	2	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Seat belts
The contact owns a 2005 BMW X3. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact read the ownerâs manual and saw that the failure indicated that the driverâs side seat belt receiver was faulty. The dealer was made aware of the failure and ordered the driverâs side seat belt receiver replacement part. The dealer originally informed the contact that the repair would be free of charge but later informed the contact that she had to pay for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.
Aug 10, 2020 · 178,000 miles
Electrical systemFire
VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED TO THE GROUND TAKING MY OTHER CAR WITH IT. THIS HAPPENED WHILE PARKED AFTER WASHING THE CARPETS.
May 25, 2020 · 180,000 miles
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED USED ON MAY 28, 2019. LEITH PORSCHE (700 AUTOPARK BLVD, CARY, NC 27511) DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT IF THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AGAIN, THE CONTACT SHOULD TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A BMW DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,700.
Jun 3, 2019 · 104,700 miles
Seats
RIVER'S SEAT HEATING UNIT OVERHEATS WHEN ON HIGH SETTING, TO THE POINT OF BURNING SKIN THROUGH THE SEAT AND CLOTHING. LOWER LEFT LUMBAR . PER SERVICE SHOP, THE SEAT HEATER GRID IS BROKEN, CAUSING 40 DEGREE HIGHER TEMPERATURES THAN NORMAL IN THE LEFT LEG AREA. ONGOING ISSUE, NOT A SINGLE OCCURRENCE
Jan 28, 2019 · 168,000 miles
Air bags
ALL OTHER 2005 BMW X3 HAVE A RECALL EXCEPT FOR MINE. I HAVE HAD MY AIRBAG LIGHT COME ON TWICE. I HAVE HAD MY SEAT SENSOR ON MY PASSENGER SIDE REPLACED ONCE. I FEEL LIKE THE RECALL SHOULD COVER MY VEHICLE.
Jun 3, 2016 · 90,000 miles
Seats
THE DRIVER SEAT HEATING ELEMENT BURNT A HOLE THROUGH THE LEATHER SEAT. THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND WEARING MY SEAT BELT. I FELT THE HEAT THROUGH MY CLOTHES AND I WAS AFRAID IT WOULD CATCH MY CLOTHES ON FIRE. I PULLED OVER UNSTRAPPED MY SEAT BELT AND EXAMINED THE SEAT TO FIND THE HOLE BURNT THROUGH.
Feb 1, 2018 · 175,000 miles
Electrical systemFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT SEAT LUMBAR CUSHION OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TAYLOR BMW (4180 WASHINGTON RD, EVANS, GA 30809, (706) 868-6400) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
Mar 13, 2018 · 118,000 miles
SeatsFire
DAUGHTER TURNED ON VEHICLE, TURNED ON HEATED DRIVERS SEAT, AS SHE WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, BEGAN TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING, PULLED CAR OVER & GOT OUT, LEFT VEHICLE RUNNING, CONTINUED TO SMELL BURNING AND BEGAN TO SEE SMOKE. SAW THAT A BURN HOLE WAS FORMING IN THE LEFT SIDE, BOTTOM OF LEATHER SEAT. TURNED SEAT HEATER OFF AND SMELL AND SMOKE DIMINISHED. UPON INSPECTION OF HE CLOTHING IT WAS ALSO DISCOVERED THAT THE SEAT BEGAN TO BUT A HOLE IN HER OUTER JACKET. IT DID NOT BURN THROUGH HER CLOTHING AND SHE WAS NOT INJURED (THANKFULLY).
Jan 25, 2018 · 85,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATIONClosedLed to recall 08V384000
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ARE MY 06/ 6 SERIES, MY 06/ 3-SERIES WITH STANDARD SEATS, MY04-05/ Z4, MY04-06/ 7 SERIES, MY 06/ X5, AND MY04-06/ 5-SERIES WITH COMFORT SEATS.THE AVERAGE FREQUENCY OF FAILURES AMONG THE EXTENDED WARRANTY GROUPS WAS LESS THAN 1/7TH OF THE RECALL VEHICLE GROUPS.PLEASE SEE BMW'S…
EA08001 · opened Jan 4, 2008 · closed Dec 31, 2008
BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATIONClosed
IN CERTAIN MY 2005 THROUGH MY 2006 BMW VEHICLES, THE OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) FOR THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIRBAG MAY MALFUNCTION AND RENDER THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INOPERATIVE.IN JUNE 2006, BMW ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (SI B 72 02 06) REGARDING THE ILLUMINATION OF THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG STATUS LAMP.ILLUMINATION OF THESE LIGHTS WARN THAT AN OPEN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT MAY BE PRESENT WITHIN THE PASSENGER SEAT MAT SENSOR.WHEN BOTH OF THE LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED, THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL CRASH.CERTAIN BMW VEHICLES IN ADDITION TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES CONTAIN THE SAME SEAT MAT SENSOR.THESE ARE THE MY 2004 5-SERIES, 7-SERIES AND X3, THE MY 2004 THROUGH 2006Z-4 SERIES AND MY 2006 3-SERIES, 6-SERIES AND X5 VEHICLES.AN IMPROVED SEAT MAT SENSOR WAS INTRODUCED IN DECEMBER 2005 FOR THE MID-MY 2006 PRODUCTION.IN RESPONSE TO…
PE07045 · opened Sep 4, 2007 · closed Jan 4, 2008