Excessive issues with the new X3? Reliability concerns...

Alan l. · 10-31-2011, 03:36 PM

Hi guys,

Currently in a Msport 335 and the wife and I have been looking at a replacement sometime next year. The Msport X3 3.5 is definitely on our short list of candidates since we are planning to start a family soon but the more I browse this forum the more I am seeing issues with brand new cars which has me concerned.

Typically I know first model year cars from Bmw have had it fair share of issues throughout every model but does it seem like the cars built in SC have more than others? Seems like the X5 share similar issues as well (electronic).

I'm seeing transfer case errors, transmission errors, battery going dead, blown amps, creaks and rattles etc.. I love the way the car looks and it fits what I am looking for next but i don't want another car that has me worried all the time especially dealing with the N54 HPFP debacle.

Alan

BIMMER UK 76 · 10-31-2011, 04:23 PM

Build and quality issues are common on ALL brands and more so with new models, dont worry too much

midlifecrisis · 10-31-2011, 04:38 PM

6,000 miles - zero issues.

JOHNBMWM5 · 10-31-2011, 04:49 PM

6 new BMW's NOT A PROBLEM yet.

Alanintx · 10-31-2011, 05:22 PM

Many people use the forums to, rightfully, SHOUT about their problems.

Those of us that have had the F25 and have had very few problems (had mine since February) tend not to make headlines and post about it.

tuco44 · 10-31-2011, 10:11 PM

Had mine since late May and zero problems.

Squeeky wheels go for the grease...same as everywhere.

Rodion · 11-01-2011, 04:49 AM

Yep, if you have a problem you post about it. But if you have no problems, you usually do not post about it.

And one thing is that usually to be freak enough

to join a forum one is also quite nitpicky about cars. E.g. ten random guys drive certain car and they notice nothing, but after that ten forum guys drive same car and at least five of them notices something odd about the car

Nahoa · 11-01-2011, 05:30 AM

Had mine since Feb and have just under 15k mi on it. One minor problem (clip that holds the two sides of the adjustable side bolsters came loose on first use). Really enjoy this car. No indication of reliability issues to me. From a user perspective the build appears at least as good as our previous 3ers.

robwoods · 11-01-2011, 05:59 AM

7,000 miles. No mechanical problems. I do suspect the tailgate is leaking a few drops of rain onto the luggage bay retractable cover but I can't quite prove it yet!!

Overall, lovely, smooth reliable car, just like the 320i saloon, 318ci coupe and 320d Touring that came before it. Virtually no issues in any of the BMW's I've owned.

Lucky13 · 11-01-2011, 10:59 AM

It's on the Consumer Reports recommended list which doesn't happen too often for BMW. I would never buy a car based on Consumer Reports but they are usually fairly accurate on the reliability part and X3 is rated good.

Harplayr · 11-01-2011, 11:50 AM

Another guy here with a well built X3.

When reading the forum, it can look like Spartanburg is a lemon factory, but when browsing through the forums I always look to see how many have the same problems to determine if it’s something to worry about or not, and if the problems that do occur can be fixed.

For example when looking at the problems BMW had with their high pressure fuel pumps, we saw thousands of posts. Here we’re generally seeing just a few with any given problem.

tuco44 · 11-01-2011, 02:14 PM

Another thing to remember is that (likely) thousands of the new X3s have been built already (probably could find production numbers if I wasn't so lazy). The number of problems being reported, while maybe higher than BMW-average, is not that significant compared to number of units built.

Dukat · 11-01-2011, 05:30 PM

880 miles so far. Pinch sensor disabled error once, lowering and raising the window got rid of it for now. I think the brakes are too squishy and have to be pressed down too far. The dealer says they're fine and they don't have any X3's in stock to compare against. Otherwise so far so good.

married w/X3 · 11-01-2011, 07:16 PM

I like this thread! 2 months, 2500 miles and we are loving our X3.
Only things I can report are the throttle tip in hesitation and the steering wheel phone button that won't answer. From reading the forums, these are software characteristics that hopefully can be improved with an upgrade? Neither come close to distracting our enjoyment.

dandanio · 11-01-2011, 08:38 PM

Two and a half months and 2500 miles later, not a single problem! I already used the car as a floor tile hauler (1200 lbs + grout, thinset etc.), firewood getter and an ever-popular grocery runner.

Love it since day one. And so does my wife - the primary user.

Alan l. · 11-02-2011, 02:33 PM

This is good to know. I guess only time will tell if there is really something to be concerned about or if its just a couple of fluke cases.

Right now the top cars on my list are

F10 535xi (pricey, similar to my current car but bigger)
Msport X3 3.5 (Same price as my current car, utility of a small suv but sedan performance)
X5 3.5 (bigger suv, similar price as the F10 but new model coming out towards the end of 2013. About a year after i'm due for a new car)

tuff choices....
Alan

ww8915 · 11-02-2011, 02:39 PM

3.5 months and 3,500 miles with absolutely no issues other than a great driving experience!

warmtoes · 11-02-2011, 03:10 PM

Here's another person with no problems. I've had the vehicle since June and I have had zero problems.

jxterma · 11-02-2011, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rodion

Yep, if you have a problem you post about it. But if you have no problems, you usually do not post about it.

And one thing is that usually to be freak enough

to join a forum one is also quite nitpicky about cars. E.g. ten random guys drive certain car and they notice nothing, but after that ten forum guys drive same car and at least five of them notices something odd about the car

That's totaly true, once it comes to car I become paranoid

tuco44 · 11-02-2011, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuco44

Another thing to remember is that (likely) thousands of the new X3s have been built already (probably could find production numbers if I wasn't so lazy). The number of problems being reported, while maybe higher than BMW-average, is not that significant compared to number of units built.

Just to add to my older post above, just in the US alone, BMW of NA has sold 21,488 X3s from Jan 1 to Oct 31. Most of those will be the new F25 model. That is US ONLY, the X3 is sold globally. So one can easily see that the problems that owners have on here are only a small fraction of all new X3s out there.

durbana · 11-02-2011, 10:06 PM

10000km no problems, very happy with my x3 2.0d:

TogMogX3 · 11-03-2011, 06:11 PM

Three issues with my UK delivered vehicle:
1. Only part of the phone intergration worked on delivery - it took two dealer visits and two weeks off the road to fix. New wiring and components fitted!
2. Instruments failed in less than 750 miles - speedo reading 160mph at rest, revs stuck at 7k+ with engine off.
2. Winter wheels and tyres ordered Jan - not delivered yet!

10-31-2011, 03:36 PM	#1
Alan l. Major General 5437 Rep 8,807 Posts Drives: 2020 F95 X5M Competition Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: United States iTrader: (9)	Excessive issues with the new X3? Reliability concerns... Hi guys, Currently in a Msport 335 and the wife and I have been looking at a replacement sometime next year. The Msport X3 3.5 is definitely on our short list of candidates since we are planning to start a family soon but the more I browse this forum the more I am seeing issues with brand new cars which has me concerned. Typically I know first model year cars from Bmw have had it fair share of issues throughout every model but does it seem like the cars built in SC have more than others? Seems like the X5 share similar issues as well (electronic). I'm seeing transfer case errors, transmission errors, battery going dead, blown amps, creaks and rattles etc.. I love the way the car looks and it fits what I am looking for next but i don't want another car that has me worried all the time especially dealing with the N54 HPFP debacle. Alan __________________
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10-31-2011, 04:23 PM	#2
BIMMER UK 76 Major 48 Rep 1,089 Posts Drives: BMW F25 X3 20d SE Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	Build and quality issues are common on ALL brands and more so with new models, dont worry too much __________________ BMW F25 X3 xDRIVE 20d SE Black Sapphire \| Oyster Leather \| Fineline Sienna Wood \| 307 V Spokes \| Auto \| Prof Multimedia Package \| xLine Package \| Xenons \| Business Radio \| Sports Steering Wheel \| Sports Seats \| Panoramic Sunroof \| Sun Protection Glass \| Sun Blinds \| Folding Ext. Mirrors + Titanium Grille \| Chrome Exhaust Trim \| Mudflaps
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10-31-2011, 04:38 PM	#3
midlifecrisis Major 806 Rep 1,209 Posts Drives: 2017 X5 35d, 2019 230i X Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	6,000 miles - zero issues. __________________ 2017 X5 35d (Performance Center delivery March 2017) 2019 230i X-drive 2022 M3 base 2000 328i sedan (UUC suspension - still the favorite), 2006 M3 slick top - Alpine White/Cinnamon SOLD! 2008 E90 M3 SOLD! 1991 325iX (both great), 2019 Miata RF - various others not as memorable but gone.
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10-31-2011, 04:49 PM	#4
JOHNBMWM5 Live for today tomorrow never comes 1989 Rep 9,498 Posts Drives: 2022 LCI Marina Bay Blue/ Smok Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	6 new BMW's NOT A PROBLEM yet. __________________ Live for now, life is too short. 2021 LCI M5 Marina Bay Blue/ Smoked White Leather
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10-31-2011, 05:22 PM	#5
Alanintx ATAP 4 Rep 165 Posts Drives: 2017 Midnight Blue 430xi GC Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: DFW iTrader: (0)	Many people use the forums to, rightfully, SHOUT about their problems. Those of us that have had the F25 and have had very few problems (had mine since February) tend not to make headlines and post about it.
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10-31-2011, 10:11 PM	#6
tuco44 Colonel 644 Rep 2,294 Posts Drives: 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Western Canada iTrader: (0)	Had mine since late May and zero problems. Squeeky wheels go for the grease...same as everywhere. __________________ 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Sunset Orange Previous BMWs - 19 others since 1971.
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11-01-2011, 04:49 AM	#7
Rodion First Lieutenant 27 Rep 350 Posts Drives: X3 (F25) Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Helsinki, Finland iTrader: (0)	Yep, if you have a problem you post about it. But if you have no problems, you usually do not post about it. And one thing is that usually to be freak enough to join a forum one is also quite nitpicky about cars. E.g. ten random guys drive certain car and they notice nothing, but after that ten forum guys drive same car and at least five of them notices something odd about the car
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-01-2011, 05:30 AM	#8
Nahoa Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,876 Posts Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Had mine since Feb and have just under 15k mi on it. One minor problem (clip that holds the two sides of the adjustable side bolsters came loose on first use). Really enjoy this car. No indication of reliability issues to me. From a user perspective the build appears at least as good as our previous 3ers. __________________
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11-01-2011, 05:59 AM	#9
robwoods Private 11 Rep 78 Posts Drives: BMW 220d Gran Tourer Auto Join Date: May 2011 Location: Nottingham, UK iTrader: (0)	7,000 miles. No mechanical problems. I do suspect the tailgate is leaking a few drops of rain onto the luggage bay retractable cover but I can't quite prove it yet!! Overall, lovely, smooth reliable car, just like the 320i saloon, 318ci coupe and 320d Touring that came before it. Virtually no issues in any of the BMW's I've owned.
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11-01-2011, 10:59 AM	#10
Lucky13 Lucky13 211 Rep 1,762 Posts Drives: 2014 M235 manual, 2020 X3 30X Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Columbia, S.C. iTrader: (0)	It's on the Consumer Reports recommended list which doesn't happen too often for BMW. I would never buy a car based on Consumer Reports but they are usually fairly accurate on the reliability part and X3 is rated good. __________________ 1995 325i, 1996 328ci, 1997 528i, 1997 Z3 2.8, 2000 528i, 2001 X5 3.0, 2001 330i Convertible, 2002 M3 Convertible, 2003 M3 Coupe, 2004 M3 Coupe, 2004 Z4 3.0, 2004 X3 3.0, 2007 X3 3.0, 2007 335i Convertible, 2013 X1 28 sdrive, 2014 M235 manual, 2020 X3 30i Xdrive
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11-01-2011, 11:50 AM	#11
Harplayr Lieutenant 19 Rep 424 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW X3 28i, F25 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Another guy here with a well built X3. When reading the forum, it can look like Spartanburg is a lemon factory, but when browsing through the forums I always look to see how many have the same problems to determine if it’s something to worry about or not, and if the problems that do occur can be fixed. For example when looking at the problems BMW had with their high pressure fuel pumps, we saw thousands of posts. Here we’re generally seeing just a few with any given problem.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-01-2011, 02:14 PM	#12
tuco44 Colonel 644 Rep 2,294 Posts Drives: 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Western Canada iTrader: (0)	Another thing to remember is that (likely) thousands of the new X3s have been built already (probably could find production numbers if I wasn't so lazy). The number of problems being reported, while maybe higher than BMW-average, is not that significant compared to number of units built. __________________ 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Sunset Orange Previous BMWs - 19 others since 1971.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-01-2011, 05:30 PM	#13
Dukat First Lieutenant 25 Rep 383 Posts Drives: 2012 X3 35i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	880 miles so far. Pinch sensor disabled error once, lowering and raising the window got rid of it for now. I think the brakes are too squishy and have to be pressed down too far. The dealer says they're fine and they don't have any X3's in stock to compare against. Otherwise so far so good. __________________ 2012 X3 35i \| Mineral Silver \| Oyster \| Wave Wood Packages \| Sports \| Cold Weather \| Dynamic Handling \| Premium \| Technology \| Premium Sound
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11-01-2011, 07:16 PM	#14
married w/X3 1st time BMW owner 0 Rep 80 Posts Drives: 2011 Space Grey X3 28i Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Philadelphia, PA iTrader: (0)	I like this thread! 2 months, 2500 miles and we are loving our X3. Only things I can report are the throttle tip in hesitation and the steering wheel phone button that won't answer. From reading the forums, these are software characteristics that hopefully can be improved with an upgrade? Neither come close to distracting our enjoyment.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-01-2011, 08:38 PM	#15
dandanio The one that drives! 22 Rep 187 Posts Drives: 11 x3 35i/09 Jetta TDI Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	Two and a half months and 2500 miles later, not a single problem! I already used the car as a floor tile hauler (1200 lbs + grout, thinset etc.), firewood getter and an ever-popular grocery runner. Love it since day one. And so does my wife - the primary user.
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11-02-2011, 02:33 PM	#16
Alan l. Major General 5437 Rep 8,807 Posts Drives: 2020 F95 X5M Competition Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: United States iTrader: (9)	This is good to know. I guess only time will tell if there is really something to be concerned about or if its just a couple of fluke cases. Right now the top cars on my list are F10 535xi (pricey, similar to my current car but bigger) Msport X3 3.5 (Same price as my current car, utility of a small suv but sedan performance) X5 3.5 (bigger suv, similar price as the F10 but new model coming out towards the end of 2013. About a year after i'm due for a new car) tuff choices.... Alan __________________
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11-02-2011, 02:39 PM	#17
ww8915 Brave Heart 0 Rep 22 Posts Drives: X3 28i Alpine White Join Date: May 2011 Location: Staten Island NY iTrader: (0)	No issues 3.5 months and 3,500 miles with absolutely no issues other than a great driving experience! __________________
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11-02-2011, 03:10 PM	#18
warmtoes Lieutenant Colonel 31 Rep 1,917 Posts Drives: EBII 435i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (1)	Here's another person with no problems. I've had the vehicle since June and I have had zero problems. __________________ *2014 EBII 435i xDrive M-sport* Gone: 2011 TiAg F25 X3 xDrive35i M-sport Gone: 2008 TiAg w/Coral Red E88 135i Cab M-sport
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11-02-2011, 10:06 PM	#21
durbana New Member 1 Rep 10 Posts Drives: F25 X3 2.0D/F20 Urban 1.6I Join Date: May 2011 Location: Durban,South Africa iTrader: (0)	No problems! 10000km no problems, very happy with my x3 2.0d:
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11-03-2011, 06:11 PM	#22
TogMogX3 Private 2 Rep 60 Posts Drives: X3 F25 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: England iTrader: (0)	Three issues with my UK delivered vehicle: 1. Only part of the phone intergration worked on delivery - it took two dealer visits and two weeks off the road to fix. New wiring and components fitted! 2. Instruments failed in less than 750 miles - speedo reading 160mph at rest, revs stuck at 7k+ with engine off. 2. Winter wheels and tyres ordered Jan - not delivered yet!
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