2004 BMW X3: engine overheating

6 of the 138 complaints about the 2004 BMW X3 describe engine overheating.

owner complaints: 6
of this car's complaints: 4%
typical mileage: 98,621
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 2 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Engine overheating by model year

2025
3
2023
1
2022
2
2021
4
2020
3
2019
21
2018
10
2017
4
2016
2
2015
8
2014
3
2013
7
2012
1
2011
4
2010
1
2009
1
2008
5
2007
5
2006
4
2005
7
2004
6

What owners say

Filed Jan 9, 2018 · Seats · 116,491 miles · OR

Driver's seat heating unit overheats when on high setting, to the point of burning skin through the seat and clothing. Lower left lumbar and seat bottom appear to be impacted. Per service shop, the seat heater grid is broken, causing 40 degree higher temperatures than normal in the left leg area. Ongoing issue, not a single occurrence.

Filed Feb 12, 2015 · Seats · 212,000 miles · OH

The driver's side seat heater overheated causing discomfort to the driver's leg. Turning off the heater stopped the overheating. There was no apparent damage to the seat.

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 Oct 27, 2013 · Electrical, Seats · 98,621 miles · CA · 1 injury

As I was driving on the freeway with the driver's side heated seat on the low setting, I felt a sudden burning sensation on my back of my upper left thigh and shifted slightly, putting my hand under the area to see what was the matter. The rear area of the left side seat bolster had gotten so hot I had to turn off the seat heater immediately. I decided not to turn it on again until another time in late march when I again turned on the seat heater. The same sudden feeling of "overheating" was immediately felt in the same area, I turned off the seat heater, and I haven't used it since then. When my car was in for service for another issue, I mentioned it to my service advisor and asked whether he knew of other similar incidents or whether there was a bmw recall for the issue. He said no to both questions.

Filed Mar 19, 2012 · Seats · 65,000 miles · MN · 1 injury

Drivers side seat warmer overheats and burns seat and causes burns on legs. Do not use seat warmers when driving. Called bmw, claimed this wasn't an issue - was very disappointed in customer service.

Filed Jan 28, 2012 · Seats · 75,000 miles · MD

I have a 2004 bmw that has a serious safety issue. The driver's seat has a seat warmer that burns through the leather and scorches through clothing. This is a danger to anyone driving this vehicle with the seat heater activated. It has caused near misses with other vehicles on the road with both my wife and I driving. Our vehicle is out of warranty and I doubt if the dealership will replace the seat. There are scorch marks on the seat where it overheats as well as burn marks on our clothes. We have stopped using the seat heater on the driver's side to avoid any further incidents. We have called bmw headquarters on many other issues and they refused help with anything concerning this vehicle. The issue list for this vehicle is a long one as you may know. We thank you for any help that you can offer.