2007 BMW X3 SAV: sudden loss of power

Filed Sep 14, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 89,000 miles · GA

Experiencing recurrent electrical issues including multiple episodes of complete loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking while driving at 15-25 MPH. This includes an episode of the vehicle's engine cutting off without warning during a turn on a busy street resulting in immediate loss of power steering and brakes, nearly resulting in a head-on collision. Vehicle will restart immediately and without difficulty after incident occurs. Vehicle has also experienced multiple episodes of a battery drawing down voltage and non-start in the morning despite a new and fully charged battery. Battery has been replaced and problem persisted. Software was updated yet problem continues to persist. No issues found by mechanic.

Filed Aug 6, 2014 · Brakes, Engine · 134,530 miles · MO

I was driving on the interstate, exiting an off ramp, decelerating in speed when the engine died, the car stalled and I lost power steering. This very same thing happened 5 weeks prior while I was on the interstate traveling 60 MPH.

Filed Jan 28, 2014 · Transmission · 108,000 miles · MN

Severe acceleration and deceleration issues with transmission on 2007 bmw e83 x3. Once the engine has reached normal operating temperature, transmission issues are more noticeable. My vehicle does not respond immediately to throttle input when starting from a dead stop. Several hesitative jerks are felt and then the vehicle accelerates very slowly. Often times during this sequence, the exhaust emits a huge plume of smoke, blinding drivers behind the vehicle. Upon deceleration, my vehicle may downshift harshly, generating a forward surge of acceleration because the transmission fails to match engine revs with the lower gear; I have only experienced this particular characteristic at low speeds (<20 MPH). Also while decelerating, my vehicle may lose power, which results in a loss of power steering, making the vehicle very difficult to turn. I have not been able to determine a deceleration rate that "triggers" this behavior. I am a test engineer and a performance driving instructor with bmw cca. I have regularly driven bmws over the past decade and have never experienced this issue with any other models that I have driven (e46, e39, e63). I also have limited racing experience in e30 bmws. I.e. I know how an engine/transmission is suppose to accelerate and decelerate under a wide variety of conditions. These acceleration/deceleration issues are very concerning to me.

Filed Feb 13, 2011 · Acceleration, Electrical · 21,000 miles · CA

After multiple attempts to remedy the situation, bmw has been unable to resolve the transmission and the intermittent loss of power and most recently "limp-home" mode occurrence associated with the drivetrain on the 2007 bmw x3. The symptoms 1st presented itself as a loss of power from a start. Upon pressing the accelerator, the vehicle did not respond and then responded with a surge or lurching forward. This makes for unpredictable and dangerously erratic vehicle performance. After multiple visits (+4) and multiple complaints along with the sound of gear or differential noise, the dealership finally did some type of ecu update that appeared to resolve the problem. The noise never subsided and recently the car was inoperable forcing a tow after upon pressing the accelerator the vehicle went into transmission limp-mode. As usual, the symptoms "can't be duplicated" once codes are cleared yet the ecu is throwing multiple codes for transmission limp-mode and code 56be for clutch gears 2 and 6. I believe that this is a very dangerous situation to either press the accelerator and for it to be non-responsive then have a delayed vehicle surge not proportional to the input and timing of the accelerator depression and/or press the accelerator and experience significantly curtailed vehicle power due to the "limp-home" condition. This has been a recurring issue since the purchase of the vehicle on 5/31/2009.

Filed Jul 29, 2008 · Transmission · 2,000 miles · MA

Bmw x3 sav surges forward or looses power unexpectedly. Unexpected power surge happens mostly when taking turns, coming out of the turn the car takes off. Loss of power, happens often when going up a hill or sometimes after a stop to take a turn then all of a sudden accelerates uncontrollably. Have had car in to dealer 5 times and still is not resolved.

Filed May 27, 2008 · Transmission · VA

We had a new 2007 bmw x3 that had horrible transmission problems. It was very scary - the car would hesitate when you wanted it to accelerate, it would seem to lose power at times - a real disaster and safety concern. Bmw was totally unresponsive - told us all sorts of nonsense about us not knowing how to drive. Initially they kept the car for a month claiming they needed software. Then they replaced the transmission. That still didn't fix the car. We sent the car back for service again, and after another month they said they couldn't fix it. Finally, after jerking us around for a long time, they agreed to swap the car out for a 2008, but even then, the way it was handled was abominable. The whole time we were dealing with bmw, they kept acting like they had never heard of the problems we were having, yet a simple search of the internet revealed the many many complaints that are exactly the same. Obviously, bmw is trying to avoid a recall.

Filed Apr 3, 2008 · Transmission · 500 miles · MD

Vehicle hesitates from stop. Transmission constantly "hunts" for proper gear. Vehicle exhibits loss of power when merging into traffic, or making turns.