2005 BMW X3: engine overheating

7 of the 103 complaints about the 2005 BMW X3 describe engine overheating.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 7%
typical mileage: 83,000
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 Feb 5, 2019 · Seats · 168,000 miles · PA

River's seat heating unit overheats when on high setting, to the point of burning skin through the seat and clothing. Lower left lumbar . 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 Nov 6, 2015 · Seats · 140,000 miles · CO · fire

The left side of the drivers side seat heater has overheated and burned through the leather and my pants. There appears to be similar complaints on this website and a the federal safety agency recall bulletin number 04v575000 for older 5 series vehicles. I think this investigation should be expanded since so many people have experienced this behavior.......updated 12/03/15*bf

Filed Feb 25, 2015 · Electrical, Seats · 80,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw x3. The contact stated that the driver and passenger side heated seat function overheated. In addition, the air bag warning light remained illuminated and the key became difficult to release from the ignition. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Nov 19, 2013 · Seats · 92,000 miles · PA · 1 injury

Driver's seat at left leg bolster area heats up when seat heater element is activated. Shocking or burning sensation is felt due to overheat problem.

Filed Mar 20, 2012 · Seats · 83,000 miles · AE

Driver side seat heater overheated, burned through the leather seat and into coat of driver, leaving dime-sized burn hole approximately 12 inches up on the left "wing" of the seat back. Can no longer use heated seat on driver side, as the same spot begins to smolder when the seat heater is turned on, even on low.

Filed Feb 8, 2012 · Seats · 75,000 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw x3. The contact stated that while driving, the driver side heated seat overheated. The seat became severely hot and burned through the leather seats as well as burning a hole through the contact's pants. The contact was not injured. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 75,000. Updated 02/22/12 *bf updated 03/01/12

Filed Dec 28, 2011 · Seats · 78,000 miles · NY

A driver side seat heater overheated the seat and burned through leaving a hole. This happened while I was driving and caused me to step accelerator mistakenly. This is a serious safety issue and bmw needs to recall all defected parts.