2007 BMW X3 SAV: engine stalls while driving

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 Mar 14, 2012 · Transmission · 45,000 miles · WA

There is a delay in throttle response through the 1-2, 2-3 upshift when accelerating from a stop; there is a lack of power or hesitation when reapplying throttle, during either a 4-3 or 3-2 tip-in downshift. This may occur after slowing and coming to a stop on a hill and then continuing into a turn; harsh downshifts when slowing on a roadway with hills; downshifts become violent. Bmw dealer has looked at vehicle twice for same concern but seems to be getting worse. This all happens under light acceleration. The vehicle has almost stalled 3 times in the last 2 days, once making a left turn with oncoming traffic at an intersection with no light, and the other two times while entering a roundabout. Bmw na says see a dealer and the dealer does nothing.

Filed Jan 15, 2012 · Transmission · 38,800 miles · CA

Transmission continues to hesitate @ low gears, especially at initial accelerations while stopped @ a stop sign or signal light. Automatic transmission hesitates,car jolts trying to find the right gear. The car then jumps into a higher gear and dangerously accelerates rapidly. In addition, when driving on a steep downhill decline, the car adjusts well; however, when transitioning to a level surface street after a steep downhill, the gear will not shift into the appropriate gear (I.e., was stuck in previous gear). On 6/14/2010, took car to dealer. They "performed bmw diagnosis control unit function, there is no fault record in control unit, and at test drive i9 could not duplicate customer complaint at this time." no fix was provided. After years of minor jolts when accelerating (I believe in 1st and 2nd) & then a rapid kick acceleration to 3rd, no major incidents have occurred but safety on road has been compromised. I have learned to ease into accelerations with this car and do not allow anyone to drive this car because of unexpected hesitations/accel. On 1/14/2012, I had a close call entering an intersection after I was stopped at a light. As I proceeded into the intersection to turn left, the car hesitated & stalled in middle of intersection, then jerked forward and yellow transmission light came on. I parked on the side of the road, put it in "p" & turned engine off. Turned it back on and tranny light remained on and car would not accelerate in "d"; however, it would allow me to "reverse." it took three attempts (on/off engine) and the car went into "d" with hesitation. I attempted to drive home and car stalled at the next light. Was stuck in middle of road for 2 minutes trying to get it in gear. "d" finally worked. I parked in a lot, turned engine off for 15 minutes. Car has been working ok rest of day but it is not safe! This is seriously dangerous!!!!!

Filed Feb 23, 2011 · Transmission · NJ

Transmission on my 07 bmw x3 is not handling properly. I have had it in for service multiple times, and yet again for redlining and stalling. This is extremely dangerous, and I would have never expected this from a bmw. Waiting for service dept. To call back with a crazy price that I have to pay to fix this problem now.

Filed Jul 1, 2008 · Transmission · 5,000 miles · IL

Bmw x3 stalls/hesitates when accelerating to merge into normal traffic flow. Vehicle has problems when accelerating from a stoplight or sign. Transmission rev's very high. Have experienced dangerous or life threatening moments when driving this csr. Have had previous bmw's and never had this problem. Have taken car in for servicing once and it is going in again.

Filed Feb 16, 2008 · Transmission · 400 miles · CT

The automatic transmission does not appropriately respond to driver input, variously displaying hesitation of up to 3 seconds, abrupt upshifts and downshifts, and occasional stalls. It is so unpredictable that one avoids pulling into traffic, or turning left across incoming traffic. Not an ultimate driving machine. This is a bmw x3 2008 model.

Filed Nov 12, 2007 · Transmission · 1,030 miles · OR

Transmission won't shift smoothly between the gears. This is a major safety issue. Between gear 1 and gear 2. It seems to want to stall at the start.

Filed Nov 7, 2007 · Transmission · 1,000 miles · MD

This is related to the transmission. 1)there is a delay in throttle response through the 1-2 upshift when accelerating from a stop. 2)there is a lack of power or hesitation when reapplying throttle, during either a 4-3 or 3-2 tip-in downshift. This may occur after slowing with a closed throttle. 3)harsh downshifts when slowing on a roadway with a rising gradient. This is a very serious problem as it may cause an accident when trying to merge into traffic, or cause a rear end collision since the vehicle almost stalls at some points upon take off. Life threatening. There have been 4 attempts so far to correct this issue by the dealer with little success. This was done by reprogramming the computer module that controls shifting. The 2007 model and back do not have this problem. It is specifically automatic transmission.