2013 BMW X3 Power Train Problems

BMW knows there is a problem with the 2013 x3 timing chain. I have continuously had my BMW serviced at there shops. Never once when my car was in for service did they mention the issue or proactively check. My vehicle now has the issue per the dealership snd indicated it is approximately a 20k repair which they included a new engine. I also followed BMWs recommendation to have the oil changed 1year or when miles were hit per their change program. Just has the oil changed in November and at the end of December now timing chain issues. Again multiple times this issue could have been identified and proactively fixed while under warrenty. Also has issues where the material on the glove box peeled off. BMW is also aware of this issue. Poor design and quality on these models/engine. Thank goodness i was not on the expressway when drivabilty issuev occurred!!!

I am submitting this report to highlight a serious safety defect involving premature timing chain failures in BMW vehicles. The case relates to a 2013 BMW X3, but the problem is widely documented across multiple BMW models from this production era. The timing chain is intended to last the lifetime of the engine. If it stretches, loosens, or fails, the engine can shut down immediately, causing sudden loss of power steering, power brakes, and overall control of the vehicle. This creates an extreme risk of accidents at highway speeds or in traffic. Unlike tires or brakes, this is not a normal wear component and should not fail under ordinary driving conditions. In this vehicle, the timing chain issue was identified at under 72,000 miles. A timing chain should last well over 400,000 miles under normal operation. The premature failure reflects a design flaw, not normal aging or maintenance. The vehicle had recently undergone major servicing at a BMW authorized dealer. At that time, the timing belt and other components were replaced at significant cost. The dealership did not disclose any timing chain concerns during that service. Only shortly afterward, during a recall-related visit, did they report that the timing chain required replacement, with a repair estimate of several thousand dollars. This matter was raised with BMW of North America, including a direct letter to its CEO. BMW acknowledged receipt but declined to take responsibility, treating the matter as outside warranty coverage rather than as a safety defect. The timing chain issue is widely reported, and BMW is aware of it. The sudden engine failure that can result from this defect presents a major safety hazard that warrants NHTSA’s attention.

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware of an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, with the drivetrain warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a stretched timing chain. The contact was informed that the timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

Mileage: 93,000

There has been no communication from bmw regarding the engine coolant pump recall besides the initial notice of the recall. I have not been able to drive my vehicle for almost 3 months because the engine coolant pump could leak onto electrical components and cause a fire. I have been unable to obtain a loaner vehicle during this time and this is affecting my livelihood.

The component/systems affects is VANOS, exhaust: control error, camshaft is stuck; Boost pressure control: shutdown as a follow-up reaction. This is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others are at risk because the VANOS assembly (engine) bolts may, over time, loosen, and eventually break. If this occurs, a reduced engine power “safe mode” may be activated. In some cases, the engine may not be able to be restarted after switching off and, in rare cases, the engine could stall which could increase the risk of a crash. This problem has been confirmed by two BMW dealerships. After multiple visits and thousands of dollars spent on attempts at repair, the problem still exists. The resolution offered was to purchase another vehicle or spend thousands more at another attempt to remedy this problem. Although, it is my understanding that there is an open recall for this part (VANOS solenoid). The drivetrain malfunction warning appears and this problem began in July 2022.

As I was backing up, my car suddenly accelerated. I was shocked and tried to brake as fast as I could. I did slow down, but still hit a car that was parked nearby. This happened at a gas station. I did have the codes read, but nothing showed up. There were no warning indicators. At first I thought it was a driver error on my part, but after a great deal of thought and internet searching, I believe this to be car issue. I do have the surveillance security camera video from the gas station.

Drivetrain malfunction popped up and the car cut off and went into neutral while driving on the road which almost led us to lose control and wreck. Many issues with the fuel pump.

On July 15, 2022, my 2013 BMW X3 i28 broke down on the NYS Thruway; I reside in Fort Lauderdale; I've owned the Vehicle for a year and a half, have serviced it at BMW of Fort Lauderdale, and actually had it In to change a lightbulb and make sure all was good. It was towed to Towne BMW in Williamsville, NY, as I was in town visiting family. I purchased the car from Carvana in November 2020; the extended warranty was only effective for a year, and I was shopping for a new one. My Vehicle looks brand new; its garage is stored and well maintained per manufacturer recommendations. The Vehicle only just hit 70,383 miles, since I transport it on the autotrain when I head north for a few months. Towne BMW said they found the problem it was the battery, I pay the $685.78, plus the $300 in towing charges I made it across the street from the service center, and it stopped again I am still trying to figure out how a vehicle that was in excellent condition the day before is now dead? My Vehicle is sitting in my sister's driveway just outside of Buffalo NY with a dead engine. I have a rare genetic syndrome so trying to do everything is killing me; I almost had a heart attack from this ordeal. I still owe on the Vehicle. I contacted BMW of NA; This 2013 X3 come to find out was the worst year yet. There was a class action filed against them, which has expired, Currently this year alone there are an additional 134 vehicles I was able to find on the web, yet we all experienced just the same and in the end a dead engine. When I contacted BMW NA told him the situation, and he gave me a runaround; oh I'll contact the dealership and find the reason, and maybe out of good faith we can provide you with a new engine; I have all his crap emails trying to stall for as long as he could. Towne BMW won't even return my calls, I asked them for a list of the diagnostics they completed, and I received nothing. I had to tow the Vehicle to a german specialis so they could tell me the engine was seize

My drive belt got worn out and when it snapped it got sucked in to the engine and warped around my timing chain I started looking into it and this has happened to a lot of people who have a BMW X3 and the shop told me that because they have had other BMW X3 but my was the worst that they have seen they have now change there policy for dealing with a BMW X3 when it comes in

My wife was driving the car (her main, work car) with our 13 year old. She called me upset and told me that the car would barely move. This was disturbing. She was in heavy traffic. Also the car has been mostly reliable and we only have above 120k on the vehicle after almost 10 years. My wife slowly made it down busy Stocton Blvd. A few hundred feet and safely made it to a business parking lot. I came ASAP. (20min later). There was a message from the car - "Drive Train malfunction " it looked very serious. (Note: My wife is about the best, skillful and careful driver I know. Especially for a person originally from foreign country (China). I gave my wife and child my car and took over the situation. The car would only putt along at 5 mph. So with my emergency flashers on I drove it all the way home using the shoulder. Its about 5 miles home, (more or less). It was pretty crazy situation with how fast people drive on 65th Street expressway. This was my fastest route and only option. Before this a Firestone happened to be just across the street where my wife had parked it so I ask if they could help. "Not today" was their answer. I called BMW of Elk Grove, Ca. where we have always have taken it. Monica at BMW told me it sounded like a recall that had been happening. This was relieving since we haven't been financially well off. It was already 4-5pm so that's why I made the decision to try to make it home. At home I could get my affairs (phone) numbers in order and call for a tow in a much safer place. The unsafest part was getting the dangerous 5-10 miles home. It was Sunday but Monica at BMW said "no problem " just drop it off and they would look at it Monday morning. BMW is telling me over $1800 just to inspect. Not to mention how much for a new timing chain. Monica didn't tell me how much that us. I since looked it up. That's when I saw several similar stories of 2013 X3's which seems much more than coincidence so I'm writing you. Thank you for the opportunity

Mileage: 120,000

ON 9THSEPT'2021 when my wife driving back from work she got " drivetrain malfunction msg on the screen, she pulled over and called me, i was there in 15mins and did try shut off the engine for few mins and start, it didnt go in 2019 i got the same msg and SUV stalled in the middle of road, i stopped the engine waited for 2 mins and restarted, the msg was gone. when we towed the vehicle to BWM-Shrewsbury, he said we need to replace the engine and its going to cost close to $18000 and said he'll try to work with BMW corp long story short i ended up trading the vehicle for low cost and got a new one as the dealer left no choice

low oil pressure light then Drivetrain malfunction light came on car completely shut off, no steering, no control very hard to get it to the side of the road. Would not go into neutral for tow, had to be dragged onto a tow truck bed. BMW knows of this problem with the PLASTIC drivetrain, BMW still refusing to recall this car, or engine. MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE!!! CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT APPARENTLY IN PROCESS. I replaced the engine in this car, now 2 years later same DRIVETRAIN problem. Told car needs another engine. Why should the little guy have to deal with this cost and danger!! BMW should stand up and recall this car 2013 x3.

April 22, 2021 (87181 Odometer Out) Virginia Inspection. Passed. Recommended replacement of front rotors and brake pads. July 22, 2021 (87989 Odometer Out) Oil Change, tune up if needed, front rotors and brake pads replaced. Did not reset vehicle computer: hood light as well as brake light came on over the next week. August 5, 2021 Brought back to repair shop. Computer reset (88148 Odometer Out). Aug 13, 2021 Driving approx 45 miles per hour when the engine cut out, I narrowly pulled over but not quite out of the road--error message: Drivetrain Malfunction, "Drive Moderately. Maximum drivetrain out put not available. Consult Service Center." Dangerous section of road, traffic, extremely hot and humid, with thunder storms. Turned the car off and tried to start, error message flashed, "No service since 2015." Towed first to repair station who performed the recent maintenance on the vehicle. They did not look at the vehicle until several days later. When they did, they informed it was the camshaft position sensor. And further, that the sensor would have to be replaced (@$700) so that the car could start and then they would recheck for the problem. Without a car for several weeks. August 17, 2021 had the car towed to a shop suggested by a neighbor. There, the owner/mechanic stated that he could see glimpses of the "guide" (timing chain), that it was broken and suggested I have it seen by a BMW-specific shop to make the repair. I located a shop in Winchester VA and had it towed there. Confirmed it was the timing chain. 10/19/21 Picked up. Total charge: $3796.19. I found that this was a known issue and the owner confirmed. However, the fix was only extended to 7 years/70K miles. I bought this car from a dealer in 2015. I was never informed of this known issue; not from the Dealer, the service shop, or BMW notification(s) via email or other. The break down and the multiple negative impacts caused could have been avoided.

I was driving on the highway and took my exit and the car suddenly stopped with the message "Drivetrain malfunction. Drive moderately." After this, the car would not move even with the engine on. It was as if the it was stuck in one gear and wouldn't move to "Drive". I turned the car off and back again. At this time, the car started to sputter after it started. Then, I let it stopped the engine for about 20 minutes. When the problem happened, the check engine light came on. After 20 minutes, I started the car again and I was able to drive it and the check engine light went away. However, since I had to go back on the highway, I was concerned about driving as it might stop suddenly on the highway and create a major accident. As per google, this seems to be a common issue with BMW X3's. The company should recall and repair such an incidence from happening.

More frequent drive train errors and loss of power. Cause defective timing chain guide. This seems to be very common on this year and model of BMW speaking with other BMW owners of the same car. Luckily we were not in heavy traffic and could drive to repair shop.

While driving in the southbound fast lane on Highway 101 on July 28, 2021 near Morgan Hill, California, the computer screen advised that there was a fuel supply problem, and at that instant, the engine shut down and the transmission went into park. There was no opportunity to coast onto the shoulder. The vehicle would not restart, nor would it shift out of park. My wife and I were trapped in a vehicle that would not and could not move, in the fast lane of a major California freeway, surrounded by rush hour traffic, with the likelihood that we would be rear ended and perish in a frozen car. The danger was severe. We put the emergency flashers on. Other cars were passing us on the shoulder and on the right hand side, and getting out of the car was dangerous and impossible. We were convinced that we were going to die or be severely injured. We called 911 and at that moment another driver pulled behind us to offer a buffer of safety with his car, until the California Highway Patrol arrived and a tow truck was called. Until the arrival of the tow truck, we remained in severe danger. The tow truck had to pull the vehicle to the shoulder locked in park, causing it to shudder as the rear wheels hopped on the pavement. Eventually we hired a flat bed tow truck to bring the vehicle to our local BMW dealer, and the problem was diagnosed as a faulty fuel pump. Apparently, if your fuel pump fails with this vehicle, you may die. This problem is documented with other drivers at the website carproblemzoo.com/bmwX3/other-fuel-system-pump-problems.php, all of whom were put in peril as a result of this systemic failure. I hope that this notification may save some lives, and would welcome further contact to discuss the matter further. My wife and I still suffer from emotional distress and PTSD, as a direct result of this incident, and will not drive this vehicle again.

The contact owns a 2013 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle suddenly stalled. During the failure, the message "transmission malfunction" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to the residence and later examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the timing chain had failed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

The engine failed while driving on the highway on 06/22/2021. My safety was put at risk because the traffic was heavy during the middle of a rain storm on the interstate. Cars had to swerve to avoid me as I was only able to coast my vehicle to the side of the highway. I was almost struck by traffic. A number of warning lights suddenly went off without have gone off before in king and oil pressure message and engine failure message and a transmission failure message all at once. I am in the process of getting the vehicle towed to be inspected. This appears to be a known problem with 2013 BMW X3s according to the research I have done since the incident but BMW won’t issue a recall for the vehicles even though they are aware that this is a dangerous vehicle issue according to websites like bimmerpost,com and car gurus.com which have similar incidents to mine posted on their websites. BMW needs to issue a recall and make the appropriate repairs.

My cars check engine light and drive train alert came on, so I took it to be inspected. It was not running well, seems to have much less power than usual on the way to the mechanic. I have been told that the power chain guides have broken and must be replaced. This could cause the power chain to come off mid-drive and completely shut the car down.The cost of parts and labor for repair will be around $3,300. This car isn’t old, is well cared for and maintained and does not have high mileage.

Vehicle indicated a drivetrain malfunction. It was determined by the dealer that the system that failed was TIMING VALVETRONIC MOTOR. The vehicle stalled as I was making a left hand turn off of a busy highway, putting myself and oncoming traffic at serious risk of collision. Oncoming vehicles were able to slow until I was able to maneuver the vehicle out of the lane of oncoming traffic. The dealer confirmed that they "found the vehicle stalling and not running correctly. Performed vehicle test. Found faults for valvetronic motor. Set multiple additional faults for mixture and air mass. Valvetronic is failing and should be replaced." The vehicle component was inspected by the dealer who sold me the car. There were no warning lights nor other indicators of component failure prior to the vehicle stalling on the highway. This is the second time this vehicle has stalled in dangerous situations. The first time was a drivetrain malfunction/engine failure due to TIMING CHAIN AND TIMING TENSIONER malfunction. Most likely the VALVETRONIC SYSTEM failure is directly related to the TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER malfunction. Both systems failed within a very short period of time, and within fewer than 4,000 miles of each other.

The system that failed was the TIMING CHAIN AND CHAIN TENSIONER. The vehicle stalled while I was driving on the interstate. Immediately, I had no power and had to maneuver the vehicle to the emergency lane, placing me and other drivers in extreme danger. The problem was inspected, confirmed and repaired by the vehicle dealer. Prior to stalling, there were no warning lights to indicate a problem. The lights did come on simultaneously with the engine failure.

MY 2013,_BMW X3 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND I NOTICED POWER LOSS WHEN IT DIDN'T DRIVE OVER 40MPH. I HAD THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS DONE AT MY LOCAL BMW SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME I HAVE A BAD TIMING CHAIN AND SPROCKETS AND GAVE ME A BILL IN THE THOUSANDS. I CALLED BMW CORPORATE AND SPOKE TO LORI WHO IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND SAID, AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WAS ISSUED BUT THAT IT EXPIRED IN 2018. THEY OFFERED ME NO OTHER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BECAUSE MY CAR HAS 100,499 MILES. SO THAT'S IT A CAR DIES AT 100,000 MILES AND THEY CAN'T HELP??? THAT'S AWFUL. THERE'S SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. MY OTHER 2007 BMW X3 HUGE PROBLEMS TOO OVERHEATING, MY MOTOR MOUNT BOLT BROKE THE ENGINE DROPPED AND BROKE THE WATER PUMP. GARBAGE, GARBAGE, GARBAGE I WILL NEVER BUY BMW. SHAME ON BMW FOR NOT HELPING!!!! MY TOYOTA WENT PAST 200,000 MILES AND IT'S STILL DRIVING.

DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED WHILE DRIVING AT 55MPH - THE ENGINE STOPPED COMPLETELY IN MAY 2018 AND DIED. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND OUT WHAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. I NO LONGER OWN THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE ENGINE FAILURE.

Mileage: 85,000

THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO SHOP 2 TIMES.1ST DRIVETRAIN LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR WOULD SLOW DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY.THEN IT WOULD TOTALLY STOP. 2ND TIME IT DID THE SAME THING EXCEPT OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON SAYING PRESSURE TOO LOW AND IT STOPPED RIGHT THERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. NOW THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT. I'M AFRAID IT WILL STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AGAIN.

Mileage: 87,530

AT 85000 MILES DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON. COULDN'T GET CAR TO CONTINUE DRIVING. MECHANIC EXPLAINED THE DIAGNOSIS SHOWED A TIMING CODE. THIS IS THE 5TH TIME CAR WAS IN THE SHOP SINCE THE PURCHASE FROM CARVANA ON JULY 2ND 2020. TOLD A NEW ENGINE IS NEEDED..

Mileage: 85,000

MY 2013 X3 JUST DEAD ON ME IN MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY, ON MY WAY TO WORK, WITHOUT AND AHEAD NOTICE, IT WAS JUST NOT EVEN 30 SECONDS SIGN OF "OIL PRESSURE LOW" THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, CAR WAS SHAKING, IT TOTALLY LOST THE POWER, I CALLED ROAD SERVICE TO TOW IT TO DEALERSHIP. WHEN I CALLED THE BMW SERVICE CENTER, THE GIRL JUST TOLD ME TO CLAM DOWN, DOESN'T NEED BE UPSET. I WAS SUPER UPSET, NEVER EXPECT TO DRIVE A CAR SUDDENLY DEAD IN MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY, IT COULD EASILY GET ME KILLED, OR CAUSE SERIOUSLY CAR ACCIDENT. IT WAS HAPPENED LAST MAY (2019), AT MILEAGE 88K, TWO OPTIONS: TRADE IT IN FOR $2K OR FIX IT $11,500 WITH REPLACE NEW ENGINE. I END PAID IT ALL FROM MY OWN POCKET. IT IS JUST ONE YEAR LATER, THE WARNING SIGN ON FOR " DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION, DRIVE MODERATELY, MAXIMUM DRIVETRAIN OUTPUT NOT AVAILABLE" SENT IT TO DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD THE TURBO NEED REPLACE, QUOTE FOR $5500... HOW COULD BMW SOLD THOSE POOR DESIGNED CRAP TO THEIR CUSTOMER, THE ISSUES JUST ONE AFTER ANOTHER, VERY DISAPPOINTED, SUCH SHAME ON BMW, I WOULD NOT BUY ANY BMW ANYMORE

Mileage: 88,848

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, A LIGHT CAME ON AND SAID SOMETHING ABOUT OIL PRESSURE ETC. I COULDN'T READ EVERY WORD, I HAD TO KEEP MY EYE ON THE ROAD. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT THE CAR STOPPED RUNNING AND I BARELY MADE IT TO THE BERM. IT WAS TOWED BY AAA TO A SERVICE STATION WHO DIAGNOSED THAT IT "JUMPED TIME" AND THAT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. THE ENGINE WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED.

Mileage: 133,500

ROUTINE OIL CHANGE AND MECHANIC ADVISED IMMINENT TIMING CHAIN FAILURE BECAUSE OF ENGINE WHINING (87280 MILES). SERVICE MANAGER RECOMMENDED NOT DRIVING THE CAR BECAUSE OF LIKELY ENGINE FAILURE. AFTER TIMING CHAIN REPLACEMENT, DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON REPEATEDLY WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS ELEVATIONS AND SPEEDS. TOOK TO DEALER WHO ADVISED NOISY TURBO WASTEGATE LIKELY PROBLEM (88,919 MILES). TIMING CHAIN DEFECT WELL KNOWN TO BMW BUT ONLY WARRANTEED FOR 70,000 MILES IS DISINGENUOUS. ENGINE FAILURE ON A CAR AVERAGING 12.5K MILES A YEAR WITH LESS THAN 100K WITH KNOWN ENGINE DEFECTS IS FRUADULENT AT A MINIMUM.

Mileage: 87,280

CAR HAS 89000 MILES. AT LOW SPEEDS, IT DRIVES FINE. ON HIGHWAY, "DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION" LIGHT APPEARS DURING MODERATE-HEAVY ACCELERATION. TODAY, ON A CROWDED 4 LANE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 70MPH, CAR LOST ALL POWER, GAS PEDAL WAS USELESS. I WAS BARELY ABLE TO LIMP TO BREAKDOWN LANE AND SPEED DROPPED TO ABOUT 15-20 MPH BY THE TIME I COULD GET THERE, THROUGH LOTS OF HONKING AND SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. I SHUT THE CAR OFF FOR ABOUT 2 MINUTES, RESTARTED IT AND IT WORKED AGAIN. I TRAVELLED AT ABOUT 55MPH IN RIGHT LANE THE NEXT 15 MILES HOME WITHOUT ISSUE. I WAS WITH MY WIFE AND 7 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS ISSUE TO HAVE WITH A CAR.

Mileage: 89,000

CAR DISPLAYED SIGN DRIVE-TRAIN MALFUNCTION/OIL PRESSURE LOW AND WITHIN 30 SECONDS STOPPED. IT WENT FROM 50 MPH TO ZERO IN 30 SECONDS. I BARELY SURVIVED A MAJOR ACCIDENT OVER A BUSY HIGHWAY (RT 78 EAST BOUND IN NJ). LATER ON BMW SERVICE CENTER REPORTED ENGINE FAILED FOR UNKNOWN REASON. I CAME TO KNOW THERE ARE MULTIPLE COMPLAINT AGAINST BMX X3 2013 SIMILAR MODEL AND MANY DRIVERS LIKE ME BARELY SURVIVED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. BMW IS PLAYING WITH OUR LIVES BY NOT RECALLING THIS MODEL. IT IS CLEARLY A MAJOR MANUFACTURING FAULT IN THIS ENGINE. THERE ARE MULTIPLE LAWSUITS ON BMW BUT I DO NOT HEAR ANY POSITIVE OUTCOME. I CAN NOT BELIEVE NO AUTHORITY IS TAKING ANY ACTION ON BMW FOR MAKING FAULTY CAR LIKE THIS AND NOT HOLDING THEM ACCOUNTABLE.

Mileage: 90,000

AUGUST 10, 2020. I WAS DRIVING TO THE STORE ABUT 10 MILES FROM HOME ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY AND MY 2013 BMW X328I, SUDDENLY STARTED TO GO CRAZY IN A MANNER THAT I NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE A LOT OF LIGHTS SUCH AS, (ENGINE, ABS, DSC, DTC, BRAKES,POWERTRAIN, AND STIMULATION. THE VEHICLE BECAME NON-DRIVABLE AND A SAFETY HAZARDOUS IN NATURE THAT IT ALMOST CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I ACT IN A EMERGENCY STATE OF MIND AND WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A NEARBY PARKING LOT AT 15315 MERRY CAT LN, BELLE HAVEN, VA 23306. I PROCEEDED IN CALLING THE AAA TOWING COMPANY TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO MY PLACE OF RESIDENT. *DT *TR

Mileage: 97,000

AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I HAD AN ALERT THAT SAID "DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION" AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN. I QUICKLY HAD TO TAKE THE UPCOMING EXIT. AS I WAS TRYING TO CHANGE GEARS, THE CAR REMAINED IN NEUTRAL AND CONTINUED TO DRIVE SLOW. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER AND STOP THE CAR. AT THAT POINT, THE VEHICLE DID NOT TURN BACK ON.

Mileage: 92,700

I AM ON ENGINE NUMBER 3 ON MY 2013 BMW X3. FIRST ENGINE LOCKED UP WHILE REPAIR SHOP WAS INVESTIGATING WHY EGINE LIGHT WAS ON. NO RECALL OR NOTICES AT THAT TIME FOR VEHCLE AND OVER THE 50K MILE WARRANTY. CHEAPEST REPAIR WAS FINDING A USED ENGINE, $8,000 VS $14,000 FOR BMW TO REPAIR. TURNS OUT THIS WAS A HIGHLY NOTED ISSUE WITH N20 CODE. WHILE IN SHOP FOR REPLACEMENT NOTICE COMES FROM BMW FOR EXTENDED MILEAGE SERVICE (NOT A RECALL). AFTER REPAIR I SUBMITTED WARRANTLY PAPERWORK BASED ON LETTER FROM BMW WITH RECEIPTS FROM DEALERSHIP, ONLY TO BE DENIED. 2 YEARS LATER DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE 85 IN NORTH CAROLINA SUMMER WITH AN INFANT AND 3 YEAR OLD ENGINE STALLED OUT AND LOCKED UP. TOOK TO MECHANIC TO LEARN SAME ISSUE AS BEFORE HAPPENED STILL NO RECALL - BUT THERE WAS A KIT NOT FOR A DIFFERENT TIMING CHAIN! I SPENT $6,000 THIS TIME TO REBUILD AS THE VALUE FOR SCRAPPING WAS MINIMAL, MECHANIC WHICH IS A BMW SPECIALIST WOULD NOT EVEN CONSIDER BUYING FOR SCRAP DUE TO THIS KNOWN ISSUE. HE ALSO REFERRED ME TO THE CLASS-ACTION SUITS OPEN FOR THIS. I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE A DIME FOR THE MFG DEFECT. A KNOWN ISSUE HAS BEEN FOUND, A FIX HAS BEEN RELEASED BUT NO OWNERSHIP OF THE DEFECT BY BMW.

Mileage: 69,000

WHILE BMW X3 WAS UNDER WARRANTY, WE HAD DRIVETRAIN FAILURE COME ON AND REPEATEDLY TOOK TO BMW SLUGGISH BUT BARELY DRIVEABLE . THE DEALER SERVICE NEVER MADE SUBSTANTIAL REPAIRS UNDER WARRANTY. FINALLY MY WIFE HAD A SHUTDOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF I-90 AND WE INSISTED THEY TAKE A CLOSER LOOK FOR WHICH THEY CHARGED US $3000 JUST OUT OF WARRANTY TO GET IT BACK, CLAIMING THERE WAS A CAM DEFICIENCY. 6 MONTHS LATER, THE X3 HAD A CATASTROPHIC SHUTDOWN AGAIN IN MIDDLE OF I-90 HIGHWAY OUTSIDE ROCKFORD IL. GOING 65 MPH AND NEARLY CREATED AN ACCIDENT. VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO ROADSIDE AND TOWED TO BMW DEALER . BMW DECLARE IT UNREPAIRABLE AND OUT OF 75,0000 MILE EXTENSION FOR BREAKAGE OF TIMING BELT CHAIN . SERVICE MANAGER ADMITTED TIMING BELT ISSUE WAS EVIDENT DURING THE 75,0000 PERIOD, HOWEVER THE DEALER SERVICE INDICATED THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO WARN CONSUMERS. BMW NOAM CHARGES US $6900 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. BMWS HANDLING OF A DANGEROUS PROBLEM IS FRAUDULENT AT BEST. THEY HIDE BEHIND PERIPHERAL PROBLEMS TO ADDRESS THE BIG PROBLEM THAT CAUSES CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE SO AS MANY 2013 X3 MODELS MAY AGE PAST THE 75,0000 TIMING BELT CHAIN LIMIT AND THEY WON'T BE RESPONSIBLE FOR 100% OF THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT. THEY ARE CREATING A GREAT RISK TO PUBLIC SAFETY.

Mileage: 80,000

ON 6/23/20, AT APPROX., 6:15 AM, MY 2013 BMW X3 VEHICLE (APPROX. 68,000 MILES) LOST ENGINE POWER AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PULL OUT FROM A BUSY AND CONGESTED N/B 215 FREEWAY (NEAR THE W/B 10 FREEWAY EXCHANGE) IN COLTON, CALIFORNIA. PRIOR TO LOSING ENGINE POWER, AND AT ABOUT LESS THAN ONE MINUTES BEFORE, MY VEHICLE'S LOW OIL LIGHT SENSOR HAD COME ON, THEN QUICKLY CHANGED TO A DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION SENSOR -- WARNING ME TO DRIVE MODERATELY, BUT THAT WAS MEANINGLESS BECAUSE MY VEHICLE HAD ALREADY BEGAN TO LOSE ENGINE POWER. I SLID TO A SLOW STOP INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE OF THE FREEWAY AFTER CUTTING OFF NUMEROUS VEHICLES BEHIND ME IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE IT OFF THE FREEWAY.

Mileage: 68,000

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE. THE MALFUNCTION TRANS LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND WAS TOLD I HAD A OIL LEAK AND THE AIR TUBE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE PROGRAMMING UPDATE. THE NEXT DAY BMW SERVICE ADVISOR, [XXX] CALLED TO TELL ME MY TIMING CHAIN NEED TO BE REPLACED AND IT WOULD COST OVER 7000$. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. HE GAVE ME HIS ADVICE OR TWO OPTIONS I HAD, I COULD PAY FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS AND HAVE A VEHICLE OR JUST FIX WHAT WAS DISCUSSED AND TRY TO SELL MY VEHICLE TO SOMEONE ELSE. I ASKED HIM TO HELP ME AND PUT ME INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, HE SAID OH NO WE CAN'T DO THAT. I ASKED WHY, IT'S YOUR CAR YOU SOLD IT TO ME. [XXX] TOLD ME BMW KNOWS WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CAR YOU WON'T GET ANYTHING FOR IT, YET HE WANTED ME TO SELL IT TO ANOTHER FAMILY AND ENDANGER THEIR LIVES. I WASN'T GOING TO HEAR FROM HIM AGAIN, VERY UNPROFESSIONAL. IT MADE ME SICK. I CALLED AND SPOKE WITH CUSTOMER RELATIONS A WOMAN BY THE NAME OF [XXX] AND WAS TOLD AFTER 4 DAYS OF INVESTIGATION, THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR ME. I TOLD THEM THEY COULD HAVE THE VEHICLE, I'M NOT PAYING FOR THEIR MANUFACTURE DEFECT. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. BMW IS ENDANGERING LIVES BY ALLOWING CONSUMERS TO PURCHASE VEHICLES WITH KNOWN DEFECTS. I WOULD HAVE NEVER PURCHASED MY 2013 BMW X3 28I IN MARCH 2017 IF I HAD KNOWN I WOULD HAVE PROBLEMS @ 80,000 MILES. THIS IS CRAZY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

TIMING-CHAIN BREAK DUE TO TIMING GUARD WHICH IS MADE FOR A PLASTIC BREAK AND ENGINE FAILURE, ITS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH BMW N20 ENGINE, THEY UPGRADE THE EFFECTED PART IN 2015 TO FIX IT BUT CARS THAT HAVE THESE N20 MODEL EARLIER GETTING THIS FAILURE AND BMW NOT TAKE OWNERSHIP IF ITS AFTER 7 YEARS OR 70000 MILES. *TR

Mileage: 69,000

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. I RECEIVED AN ERROR MESSAGE ABOUT LOW OIL PRESSURE AND WITHIN A MINUTE MY CAR LOST POWER AND PUT ITSELF IN NEUTRAL. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY SAFELY BECAUSE IT COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS LOSING POWER SUDDENLY IN THAT WAY. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START BACK UP AND I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. ANOTHER ONGOING ISSUE I HAVE HAD, IS THAT THE POWER TRAIN MALFUNCTION ERROR LIGHT COMES ON ALMOST EVERY TIME I DRIVE AND THE AUTO SHOP HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY AND HAD OTHER WORK DONE THAT DID NOT SOLVE THIS PROBLEM.

Mileage: 90,000

ENGINE STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY (NO POWER/POWER STEERING/ENGINE SHAKING) WHILE ON HIGH SPEED ROAD WITH WIFE AND 2 YEAR OLD VEHICLE. MECHANIC NOTED OIL PUMP/DRIVE TRAIN FAILURE ASSOCIATED WITH A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT CURRENTLY UNDERWAY WITH BMW. ENTIRE ENGINE MUST BE REPLACED.

Mileage: 90,000

TIMING CHAIN ISSUE. I HAVE A DRIVETRAIN WARNING IN WHICH I HAVE READ NOTHING BUT COMPLAINTS ON THIS. TIMING CHAIN BREAKING EVEN WITH VERY LOW MILE AND YES I AGREE WITH THE PUBLIC THAT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL DEAL. THIS SO BAD FOR BMW WITH THEIR REPUTATION FOR BEING SUCH GOOD CARS.

Mileage: 77,900

MY VEHICLE HAS 98,902 MILES AND I HAVE BEEN GETTING A 'DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION' ERROR MESSAGE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I TOOK THE CAR TO TWO MECHANICS AND WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE TIMING CHAIN. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THIS ISSUE IS, I FOUND COUNTLESS FORUMS OF OTHER OWNERS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE.

Mileage: 98,000

AT ROUGHLY 71,000 MILES, WHILE PARKED AT A RED LIGHT, 200 MILES FROM HOME ON A HOLIDAY WEEKEND, MY CAR HAD A MAINTENANCE WARNING AND WOULDN'T MOVE.THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIRS WERE AROUND $7,000. ACCORDING TO ONLINE FORUMS, THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM.

Mileage: 71,000

MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON A CITY STREET WHEN THE CAR GAVE AN ALERT: 'DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION'DRIVE MODERATELY.' THEN MY HUSBAND GOT ANOTHER ALERT: 'OIL PRESSURE LOW' WHICH WARNED NOT TO DRIVE. FORTUNATELY, BY THAT POINT HE WAS ON OUR BLOCK SO HE MOVED THE CAR VERY SLOWLY TOWARDS OUR HOUSE. THE CAR SHUT DOWN, BUT HE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO PARK THE CAR STREETSIDE. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY AND LEARNED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN HAD MALFUNCTIONED AND THE CAR WAS INOPERABLE UNTIL THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. JUST THE DAY BEFORE THIS VEHICLE FAILURE, WE WERE COMING HOME FROM SEEING FAMILY FOR THE HOLIDAYS. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY OR ANY OTHER BUSY ROAD, WE COULD HAVE BEEN IN SERIOUS DANGER. THERE WAS VERY LITTLE TIME TO GET TO A SAFE PLACE BECAUSE THE CAR SHUT DOWN SO QUICKLY. I'M GRATEFUL THAT MY HUSBAND WAS SO CLOSE TO HOME WHEN THIS HAPPENED. AS IT IS, WE'LL BE INCURRING CONSIDERABLE EXPENSE TO REPAIR A CAR THAT BMW SEEMS TO KNOW HAS A MAJOR DEFECT. THE CAR IS A 2013 BMW X3 WITH AN N20 ENGINE; IT HAS ABOUT 107,000 MILES ON IT. THAT'S A LOT OF MILES, BUT NOT NEARLY SO MANY THAT SUCH A MAJOR VEHICLE MALFUNCTION COULD REASONABLY BE EXPECTED. THERE IS NO REASON THAT THE TIMING CHAIN SHOULD FAIL ON A CAR THAT WE HAVE MAINTAINED AND CARED FOR. THIS IS THE KIND OF PROBLEM YOU MIGHT REASONABLY EXPECT AROUND 150,000 MILES, BUT WE'RE NOT AT THAT POINT. I'VE SINCE LEARNED THROUGH SOME RESEARCH THAT MANY BMWS WITH N20 ENGINES MADE IN 2010-2015 HAVE HAD THESE TIMING CHAIN ISSUES AND THAT IT IS WELL KNOWN TO MANY OWNERS AND TO BMW ITSELF. IN 2017, THEY PROVIDED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY TO COVER TIMING CHAIN ISSUES UP TO 7 YEARS/70,000 MILES. THAT'S AN ABSURD LIMIT FOR AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF A VEHICLE'S BASIC ENGINEERING, ESPECIALLY COMING FROM A LUXURY CARMAKER THAT CLAIMS TO PROVIDE "THE ULTIMATE DRIVING EXPERIENCE."

Mileage: 107,000

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY BRAKING TO SLOWDOWN AT A LIGHT AS I WAS COMING INTO TOWN. MESSAGE CAME ON THAT OIL PRESSURE WAS LOW AND TO CALL ROADSIDE ASSIST. MOVED OFF HIGHWAY AND CUT ENGINE ON AND OF TWICE. MESSAGE CLEARED BUT DECIDED TO DRIVE HOME. MESSAGE CAME ON DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION DRIVE MODERATELY SO I CONTINUED ON FOR ABOUT 1.5 MILES AT SLOW SPEED. A CLICKING SOUND COULD BE HEARD. THE CAR JUMPED INTO NEUTRAL SO I COASTED TO A SAFE SPOT AND TRIED TO PUT CAR IN DRIVE UNSUCCESSFULLY. TURNED ENGINE OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART. TOW TRUCK PUT ON FLATBED TO MECHANIC WHO THEN RAN A A SCAN. HE SAID THE ENGINE IS RUINED AND WILL NEED REPLACING. THE DEALER IN SAN ANTONIO, TX REPLACED THE TURBOCHARGER TWICE WITH THE LAST BEING IN THE FALL OF 2017. NOTHING WAS MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS SUCH A PROBLEM WITH THIS THAT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY HAD BEEN GIVEN. OUR CAR HAS 94,000 MILES. WE HAD JUST DRIVEN THROUGH HOUSTON IN A STORM. THIS COULD HAVE COST US OUR LIVES IF WE HAD BEEN STRANDED IN THE FLOODING HIGHWAY BLOCKING TRAFFIC LET ALONE OTHER LIVES.

Mileage: 94,000

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT SPEED 55 - 65 MILES PER HR, THEN STUDENTLY I GOT A MESSAGE, ENGINE LOSS POWER, AND THE CAR SUDDENLY STOP. I WAS ABLE TO SLIDE TO THE SIDE OFF ROAD. CAR WAS TOWED TO BMX DEALER. THE I RECEIVED LATER, I HAD ENGINE FAILURE. THEY SAID IT IS COMMON PROBLEM DUE TO MANUFACTURER PROBLEM. CAR WAS 106,117 MILES. REALLY SURPRISING TO SEE CAR ENGINE FAILED THIS WAY. SOMETHING MUST BE WRONG WITH THE MANUFACTURE. ALSO SO DANGEROUS FOR A CAR TO FAILED STUDENTLY ON ROAD THIS WAY. RISK OF ACCIDENTS.

Mileage: 1,060,714

FAULTY TIMING CHAIN AND GUIDES. BMW IS ALREADY AWARE OF THIS ISSUES WITH THE N20 TYPE OF ENGINE AND EXTENDED OUT A WARRANTY MANY OF THE VEHICLES BUT MOST OF THE TIMING CHAIN FAIL JUST AFTER THE 70K MILE LIMIT IMPOSED IN THE EXTENSION. BMW OFFERED ME NO HELP IN THIS MATTER AND I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR A REPAIR ON A VEHICLE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPAIRED.

Mileage: 96,000

STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA, WARNING LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING A DRIVERTRAIN PROBLEM, CAR LOST POWER. RESTARTED CAR; WOULD ONLY MOVE SLOWLY (AT 20-30MPH). COMPUTER RECOMMENDED DRIVING MODERATELY. LATER GOT THE PROBLEM FIXED BY LOCAL DEALER. ABOUT 5 MONTHS LATER, SAME ISSUE OCCURRED. STARTED CAR AT WORK TO DRIVE HOME. SAME WARNING LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING THE SAME ISSUE. CAR WOULD MOVE ONLY AT UP TO 30MPH. LUCKY BOTH TIMES THE PROBLEM CAME UP AT LOCAL STREETS. IF ON HIGHWAY, CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES WOULD OCCUR.

Mileage: 33,360

AT APPROX. 60,200 MILES, I WAS DRIVING DOWN A SECONDARY ROAD, MOVING AT ABOUT 45 MPH AND RECEIVED THE DRIVE TRAIN WARNING AND AS I WAS PULLING OVER, I RECEIVED THE LOW ENGINE PRESSURE WARNING. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND HAVE MY VEHICLE TOWED.

Mileage: 60,200

I HAVE A 2013 BMW X3 WITH 85K MILES AND WAS DRIVING ON A 4-LANE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH WHEN A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING A DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION AND THAT I SHOULD 'DRIVE MODERATELY'. WITHIN SECONDS, A SECOND WARNING LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING LOW OIL PRESSURE AND THAT I SHOULD 'ADD A QUART OF OIL'. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE CAR SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL WITHOUT ME TOUCHING THE GEAR SHIFT. I TURNED THE CAR OFF TO CHECK THE OWNER'S MANUAL ABOUT THE DRIVETRAIN WARNING LIGHT, AND THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. THE ENTIRE SCENARIO LASTED ABOUT 10-15 SECONDS, AND PRIOR TO THIS, I HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR AND WAS DILIGENT ABOUT PERFORMING ROUTINE SERVICE ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE CLOSEST BMW DEALERSHIP. I RECEIVED A CALL THE FOLLOWING DAY NOTIFYING ME THAT CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE HAD OCCURRED TO THE ENGINE AND THAT I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE! APPARENTLY, THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDE BROKE, THE PIECES FELL INTO THE OIL PAN AND LODGED AGAINST THE SCREEN THAT KEEPS DEBRIS OUT OF THE ENGINE, AND STARVED THE ENGINE OF OIL. WHILE I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE $12,000 REPAIR BILL, I AM EQUALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE DANGER THAT IS POSED BY THE SUDDEN AND COMPLETE DISABLEMENT OF THE VEHICLE THAT COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CAR OWNER OR TO ANOTHER DRIVER WHO ENCOUNTERS THE DISABLED CAR ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM. I SPOKE WITH 3 SERVICE ADVISORS AT 3 DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS, AND THE SERVICE ADVISORS SAID 'IT IS A RECURRING PROBLEM'. I ALSO REVIEWED NHTSA AND CARCOMPLAINTS.COM WEBSITES AND FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. I ANTICIPATE MORE INCIDENCES OF TIMING CHAIN GUIDE FAILURE MORE DRIVERS REACH 75K PLUS MILES.

Mileage: 85,000

VARIOUS FAILURES IN POWER TRAIN INCLUDING TRANSFER CASE, TURBO, HIGH PRESSURE FUEL INJECTION, AND TRANSMISSION. FAILURES HAVE HAPPENED WHILE TRAVELING ON CALIFORNIA FREEWAYS. FAILURES SOMETIMES REQUIRE TOWING. SOMETIMES CAUTION DRIVER TO PROCEED AT LOWER SPEEDS.

Mileage: 75,000

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60-70 MILES, THE LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY A DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT THEN CAR COMPLETELY LOST ALL POWER INCLUDING BREAKS AND STEERING. LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO A SERVICE LANE. THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART AND HAD TOW TO THE DEALER. DEALER PERFORMED AN OIL ANALYSIS AND FOUND LOTS OF METAL SHAVINGS/PARTICLES IN THE OIL WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SEIZE. MEANWHILE THE OIL WAS JUST CHANGED 3 WEEKS PRIOR. CLEARLY THIS IS MANUFACTURE DEFECT. BMW NORTH AMERICA DOES NOT WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE NUMEROUS CLASS ACTIONS SUITS REGARDING TIMING CHAIN FAILURE WHICH CAUSES THE ENGINE TO SEIZE DUE TO FAILURE OF PLASTIC TIMING CHAIN GUIDES. HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO REPAIR DEFECTIVE ENGINE. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL AS THIS COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC IF SOMEONE WAS SERIOUSLY HURT OR EVEN KILLED. BMW DOES NOT VALUE THE SAFETY OF THEIR CONSUMERS NOR DO THEY STAND BY THEIR PRODUCTS. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. IN GOOD CONSCIENCE, I WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND THIS "ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE" TO ANYONE!

Mileage: 86,000

ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 10PM DURING INCLEMENT RAINY WEATHER 350 MILES FROM MY HOME. FIRST, THE OIL PRESSURE WARNING REDUCE SPEED APPEARED. WHILE TRYING TO SAFELY GET OFF THE FREEWAY THE DRIVE TRAIN WARNING APPEARED. AT THAT TIME, VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND I PULLED TO THE SHOULDER IMMEDIATELY. AFTER VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CLOSEST EUROPEAN CAR MECHANIC, THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND INDICATED THE TIMING CHAIN BROKE WHICH CAUSED ENGINE FAILURE. THE TIMING CHAIN IS ONLY WARRANTED UP TO 70K MILES. VEHICLE HAS 83K MILE. THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT ENGINE ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE AND BMW SHOULD OFFER A RECALL FOR FAILED COMPONENTS. UNACCEPTABLE TO HAVE A FAILED ENGINE AND I PLAN TO TAKE THIS ISSUE TO BMW CORPORATE.

Mileage: 83,000

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 75MPH AND PUT THE CAR INTO SPORT MODE, IT SUDDENLY WENT FROM 2000 RPM CRUISING TO 6000 RPM AND BACK TO ZERO. THE CAR HAD LOST COMPLETE POWER. I PUSHED THE GAS AND NOTHING HAPPENED; LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND PULL OVER. I TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. THE RADIO, AIR, AND WINDOWS STILL WORKED BUT NOTHING ELSE. I HAD AAA TOW THE CAR TO THE CLOSEST BMW DEALERSHIP. THE BMW DEALERSHIP CALLED ME TO ASK IF I HAD A DEAD BATTERY; I TOLD THEM BATTERIES DO NOT DIE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. BMW THEN CALLED ME BACK TO TELL ME THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED AND IT WAS TOTAL FAILURE, BUT THEY COULD NOT TELL ME ANYTHING SPECIFIC WHEN I ASKED. THEY SAID I COULD PAY $6,000 IN LABOR TO HAVE A MECHANIC RIP IT APART TO FIND THE EXACT CAUSE AND THEN PAY THE ADDITIONAL COST TO HAVE WHATEVER WAS BROKEN REPLACED OR THAT I COULD GO AHEAD AND PAY $10,000 UPFRONT TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED. A 2013 CAR, THAT HAS ROUTINE MAINTENANCE SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS HAPPEN. I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT FROM THIS, AND NOW I HAVE NO CAR TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 106,000

START/STOP SWITCH CAUSES TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION STOPPING FORWARD MOTION OF VEHICLE FROM STANDING START CAUSING FAILURE TO PROCEED SUDDENLY. TURNING OFF THE SYSTEM IS THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING. DANGEROUS SITUATION PULLING INTO TRAFFIC IS THE RESULT. THIS HAS HAPPENED DAILY.

Mileage: 23,000

DRIVING (2013 X3 28I) VEHICLE WITHOUT CONCERNS, INCIDENTS OR WARNINGS UNTIL THE OIL PRESSURE WARNING" LIGHT CAME ON. SLOWING DOWN TO TRY AND MAKE IT THE MILE LEFT TO MAKE IT HOME. AFTER THE "OIL PRESSURE WARNING" CAME ONE, LESS THAN A MINUTE LATER THERE WAS A "DRIVE-TRAIN MALFUNCTION" WARNING. NOW LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO PULL OVER, IT WAS LESS THAN ANOTHER MINUTE WHEN CAR LOCKED UP AND STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. LIVING ON A CURVY ROAD, I WAS IN A VERY BAD SITUATION, DUE TO BEING BETWEEN TWO CURVES, JUST AFTER DARK. CAR WOULD NOT START OR GO INTO NEUTRAL. IT HAS BEEN 10 WEEKS AND CAR DIAGNOSIS HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. WITHOUT WARNINGS AND TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE. I WAS NOT HURT IN ANY WAY, AND THANKFULLY SOMEONE STOPPED TO BLOCK THE CURVE SO PEOPLE WOULD SLOW DOWN. I WAS STUCK WAITING FOR HELP FOR AN HOUR. TOW-TRUCK DRIVER COULDN'T GET INTO NEUTRAL TO LOAD ON HIS TRUCK. I DID BUY THIS AS A 1 OWNER, LEASE RETURN, AND PUT THE TOP ASC WARRANTY ON IT. THE OWNER OF A QUALITY IMPORT REPAIR SHOP SAYS HE HAS NO IDEA AND HAS NEVER COME ACROSS ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE. SHORT OF PULLING EVERYTHING APART TO TRY AND FIGURE OUT A SPECIFIC PROBLEM, HE DOES NOT WANT TO TRY AND REPAIR IT. GOING TO HAVE TO TOW IT TO THE DEALER AND HOPE THEY WILL GIVE SOME ANSWERS. 10 WEEKS AND NO CLOSER TO AN ANSWER THAN ON DAY ONE.

Mileage: 81,000

THE BRAKING SYSTEM HAS STOPPED WORK AND ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH. THE BRAKE GUILD AND BRAKE PADS ALL CHECK OK BUT VACUUM HAS BEEN LOST TO THE BOOSTER. YOU CAN HERE THE CAM MAKING NOISE WHEN YOU START THE VEHICLE AND THE NOISE HAS BEEN SINCE WE PURCHASED IT AND BMW STATES THAT'S NORMAL. I FEEL LIKE THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT DONE CORRECTLY. ALSO THERE SEEM TO BE A DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION THAT BMW CAN NOT FIGURE OUT. PLEASE HELP

SHIFTING IS ERRATIC, ESPECIALLY ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. BOTH WIFE AND MYSELF NOTICED THIS ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS DRIVING BY OURSELVES. DEALER SAYS THERE ARE NO CODES AND IT DRIVES LIKE ALL OTHER X3'S. IT DOES NOT DRIVE LIKE OTHER X3'S AS WE WERE GIVEN A NEW X3 AS A LOANER.

Mileage: 25,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WARNING INDICATORS FLASHED FOR THE OIL PRESSURE LOW AND DRIVE TRAIN, AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO COAST AND RANDOMLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT METAL SHAVINGS WERE IN THE OIL. FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS REQUIRED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A SECOND INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP FOR FURTHER TESTING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

Mileage: 78,000

HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR APPROX. 5 MINUTES IN RESIDENTIAL AREA. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING & BLACK SMOKE THRU DASHBOARD. COULD SEE FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD. WITHIN 5-6 MINUTES CAR WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. NOTHING LEFT EXCEPT FOR THE FRAME. TOTAL LOSS, ALMOST NO WARNING.

Mileage: 75,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PICK UP SPEED AND STARTED HESITATING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVETRAIN WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

Mileage: 45,000