2004 BMW X3: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Jul 8, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 168,000 miles · WI · fire

Check oil light came on so vehicle was pulled to the side of the road. Within seconds, smoke had engulfed the engine bay. The entire vehicle was engulfed in flames within a few minutes.

Filed Dec 28, 2016 · Electrical, Seats · 5 miles · MD

Driver's side seat burned through the seat and burned the jacket when the seat heater was turned on while my wife was driving. This is the second time it happened in this car. First time it happened while the car was under warranty, and the dealership (silver spring bmw of md) replaced the seat under warranty. In this case got lucky it did not catch fire or cause any injury to us. This situation easily could have ended up in a car fire. I was stunned to hear how lithely bmw na approach towards my concern when I called to lodge a complaint. At highway speed this could have been a fatal situation due to distraction this burn created worst car on fire.

Filed Feb 19, 2015 · Seats · 98,000 miles · WI · 1 injury

Driver side seat warmer was set on the medium setting, smelled something burning and then started to feel pain in my leg, because the heated seats had melted the leather and burned my pants and my leg.

Filed Dec 10, 2014 · Seats · 72,440 miles · NY

March 2013 -driver side heated seat became extremely hot. Now, december 2014, driver side heated seat become too hot to keep on and a burning smell is very noticeable.

Filed Sep 22, 2014 · Electrical, Seats · 80,000 miles · WA

Driving on freeway and driver's side seat heater overheated burning seat and creating abundant smoke inside car's cabin. This was a very dangerous situation on the freeway and I have no doubt that the seat would have caught fire if I hadn't felt the burning sensation early enough. Dealer stated that they had never heard of this happening and quoted $1200+ repair. Researched online and found many similar occurrences. Decided not to repair and chance the same happening again. Disconnected wiring to seat heater.

Filed Feb 21, 2013 · Seats · 145,000 miles · NY · fire · 1 injury

Felt a burning under my leg and smelled burning plastic. Parked the car and my scarf was melted to the seat and smoke was coming from it. Pulled on my scarf to get it off and noticed a hole burnt in the seat from the heated seat element. Parts of the seat were stuck to my scarf and pants. Made sure the seat stopped smoking and wont use the heated seats anymore.

Filed Feb 2, 2012 · Engine · AK

While driving at freezing temperature, white smoke came from the engine room. I stopped the engine and found huge leak of oil from the valve cover. I needed to add 1 quart oil which mean 1 quart of oil was leaked out. I had a mechanic look at it and was told that the leak was caused by freezing oil separator. Since the oil separator was designed incorrectly, it stops working by the frozen condensate in cold climate. And, it cause high pressure in the crankcase and consequently oil leak through the valve cover gasket. The problem may cause a complete engine failure.

Filed Dec 3, 2010 · Seats · 74,248 miles · VA

Heated driver seat started burning my leg/buttock and smelled electrical burning smell. Turned off heated seat.

Filed Feb 1, 2007 · Seats · 27,000 miles · IL · fire · 1 injury

As I was driving my 2004 bmw x3 during cold weather, I smelled something burning. I pulled my car over, turned off the heat and checked under the hood. The smell had dissipated and I could see no smoke or any evidence of fire. I restarted the car with the heater turned off, and shortly after, felt a strong burning sensation on my hip and realized that my coat was on fire. I stopped the car and jumped out and used a large book to smother the fire on the driver's seat. Field's bmw in northbrook, il took the car back that same day, and the next day confirmed a seat heater fire. I went to my doctor to confirm the burn on my leg. As of today, feb. 1, I have not received any offer, settlement, or satisfaction from bmw. I called bmw north america myself, and received a return call from jay hansen, who seemed responsive, but I have not heard from him since. Amazingly, since the day after the fire, when they called to confirm the cause of the fire was the seat heater, I have not heard from the dealership.

Filed Jan 19, 2007 · Seats · IL · fire · 1 injury

Tl*- the contact stated that whiled driving on the morning of 01/17/06, the thermostat on her seats turned on high. The contact stated that she smelled something burning and pulled to the side of the road. She then turned off the heater in the vehicle and opened the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that she found nothing wrong. She got back in the vehicle and started driving without the car heater on. The contact stated that about 1/2 mile later she felt burning on her legs. She jumped out the vehicle and noticed the driver seat was on fire. The fire burned through the leather. The contact called the bmw dealership and the vehicle was towed. The dealership stated that the wires in the seat had malfunctioned. The dealership would repair the vehicle or end the lease on her vehicle. The contact stated that the dealership has offered to take care of any medical expenses and replace her clothing. The contact stated that the dealership did inform her that this failure has happened on numerous occasions.