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BMW X3

4187 messages,  Last post on Jun 19, 2013 at 3:41 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW X3, SUV

Messages Page 418 of 419

#4170 of 4187 BMW X3 - start issues by cbf263

Jan 04, 2012 (1:05 pm)

I recently purchased a 2006 BMW X3 at the end of September. The dealer I purchased it from went out of business about 2 weeks after I bought it... so lots of sketchyness with that entire situation that I won't get into...
 
Anyway, about 3 weeks ago I had a couple problems with starting the car. The first time, it took me about 4 tries before the car finally started (it cranked but didn't turn over). About a day later, the car wouldn't start at all. I turned the ignition and didn't even hear a sound. When I had a friend jump it, it started almost immediately after connecting the jumper cables. I thought it may have had something to do with the cold weather since it started happening once it got cold.
 
I brought it to a repair shop. They were able to reproduce but not able to diagnose.
 
I then brought it to the Fields BMW service center in Northfield because of their more "advanced" tests. They haven't been able to reproduce, did a full diagnostic test and haven't found anything wrong with the car. No fault codes or issues reported with any of the tests. They did mention that the "block box" recorded a "no start" but that they haven't been able to figure out why.
 
Needless to say, I'm extremely frustrated they no one has been able to figure out what's going on. Not to mention, the service reps at the dealer are really awful and not helpful at all.
 
Anyone have any ideas of what it could be if there are no fault codes reported and the tests come back clean?

#4172 of 4187 Re: 2005 X3 Sulfur smell like rotten eggs [tklmsc] by nasdaq

Mar 14, 2012 (11:49 am)

Replying to: tklmsc (Oct 23, 2008 3:55 pm)
I also have the terrible smell come and go while I am driving. My dealer could not find out any leaking. The smell is still there! It mostly happens when car comes to stop and go or turn.
 
Did you identify your issue?
 
Thanks,

#4173 of 4187 Re: BMW X3 Chemical smell in passenger compartment [gmfox02] by nasdaq

Mar 14, 2012 (12:13 pm)

Replying to: gmfox02 (Apr 23, 2006 3:23 pm)
My BMW X3 also has bad smell come and go, mostly when car comes to stop and go or turn. Dealer failed to find out the issue! But the smell is there!
Very much appreciate it if anyone knew the issue.

#4174 of 4187 BMW X3 smell by nasdaq

Mar 14, 2012 (12:55 pm)

My BMW X3 also has bad smell come and go, mostly when car comes to stop and go or turn. Dealer failed to find out the issue! But the smell is there!
I should mention that dealer recently changed valve cover gasket due to the oil leakage.
 
Very much appreciate it if anyone knew the issue.

#4175 of 4187 2011 x3 battery issues by paul2379

May 21, 2012 (4:57 pm)

For anyone looking to buy an x3 (2011 and newer) make sure your driving habits call for 20 plus miles a day or you will have a dead battery. You can also buy a trickler charger from BMW for about $73 and charge it up once per week (must be bmw's version of a hybrid!) Seems that while they were developing all of the electrical add ons, they did not design a battery that could support it

#4176 of 4187 Re: 2011 x3 battery issues [paul2379] by nobmw3

May 27, 2012 (2:04 pm)

Replying to: paul2379 (May 21, 2012 4:57 pm)
Paul is completely RIGHT!
I bought a new 2011 six months ago and put on about 300miles.
The battery went dead on me 3X in the six months and the dealer (Motorwers)suggestion is to keep the car plugged in to the charger!
This is a $48K car and I have to keep it plugged in to start?
What if I go on vacation and leave the car at the airport 2-3 weeks? Shall I take a VERY long extension cord with me to be sure that it starts?
 
I contacted BMW customer service but they are totally useless useless and incompetent.
 
They sent several emails saying to contact the dealer but never addressed the design flaw, that is the battery runs down because of all the electronics are not properly interlocked.
 
Now what are all electronics and gadgets good for if THE CAR Will NOT START?

#4177 of 4187 Re: 2011 x3 battery issues [nobmw3] by paul2379

May 30, 2012 (7:49 am)

Replying to: nobmw3 (May 27, 2012 2:04 pm)
I agree. BMWUSA was completely useless. All they said is that the owners manual refers to the problem if the owner of the car is not driving it enough and "it is not a design flaw".
 
I have had good success with the dealer in my area (Asheville BMW) in working on it but they can't fix a design flaw after the fact.
 
Hopefully if enough people complain about it to BMW they can either develop a recall fix or at the very least redesign the battery for the 2013 models.

#4178 of 4187 Re: BMW X3 - start issues [cbf263] by skyrgr

Jul 17, 2012 (3:26 pm)

Replying to: cbf263 (Jan 04, 2012 1:05 pm)
Did you get an answer to your problem? My issues with BMW's I've owned (6 total) but not the X3 model have all centered on electrical issues. Anti-theft system is one of the biggest culprits to an off key drain of the battery causing difficulty with starting. If the vehicle is left for several days 3-7 without starting you may come back to a dead battery.
 
BMW refuses to admit any issues with their electrical components because Germans don't make mistakes!! Bottomline Upfront:
- issues could be from the fuel pump or fuel filter a indicator that the pump is going bad is difficulty in starting and extremely poor gas milage
- offkey drain of battery due to electrical problems culprits car alarm, radio, onboard computer, door locks to name a few.
- bad turbo charge / fuel injector / starter / alternator
 
My recommendation is to find a good Mechanic that is certified (BMW) and ideally doesn't work at a dealership. I live in Germany but there use to be a mechanic in Roseville and another in Libertyville that owned their shop. Sorry, I don't remember their names; but, the guy in Roseville shop was attached to a NAPA Autoparts store. I can tell you that if you maintain your vehicle with a good mechanic you'll never have to buy another vehicle.

Messages Page 418 of 419

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