Check a VIN

2007 BMW X3 problems

The most common problem on the 2007 BMW X3 is engine and cooling, typically around 124,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical X3 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
73/100
Owner complaints
99
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
46
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
19-20mpg

The worst 2007 BMW X3 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2007 BMW X3

Fire or smoke 16Check engine light 5Overheating 5Stalling 5

Recalls 3

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported January 15, 2020 · 59,965 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 20V017000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)Reported October 30, 2017 · 740,561 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk
An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 17V683000 · Recall details

Air bags: sensor: occupant classificationReported September 28, 2017 · 85,302 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2010 BMW X3 2.5i, X3 3.0i and X3 xDrive30i Sports Activity Vehicles. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if, and how, the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Risk
Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. A second notification letter will be sent when parts are available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 17V605000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2007 BMW X3

Technical service bulletins for the 2007 BMW X3 46

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 46 bulletins for the 2007 BMW X3

2007 BMW X3 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.0L 6‑cyl4WD16-172419-20

What 2007 BMW X3 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 1, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

Intake crankcase heater element caught fire and burnt wires

Filed Aug 8, 2025 · Electrical · 14,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to the dealer to be repaired under an undisclosed Takata recall repair; however, after the recall repair was performed, the horn became inoperable. Additionally, several buttons on the steering wheel also became inoperable. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that the ignition switch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Filed Jul 31, 2025 · Airbags · NY

I’m writing to escalate an unresolved issue following a recent airbag takata recall repair performed at BMW of Manhattan on my 2007 BMW X3 VIN [XXX] ) , license [XXX] Prior to the recall service, there were no airbag or SRS warning lights on my dashboard. Immediately after the repair, however, the airbag light appeared, and I have since been informed by the dealership that it is unrelated to their work and my responsibility to address — despite this issue arising only after their service. This raises serious safety and liability concerns, especially considering the recall involved the airbag system. I respectfully request: A formal investigation into the cause of the warning light A no-cost diagnostic scan by the dealer to confirm or rule out installation error Assistance in resolving the issue promptly under BMW’s recall and warranty obligations. I have documentation from the service visit and can provide photos or service reports upon request. I was never given a document when I first picked up my car and would like to know what was exactly done to my vehicle since your service advisor strongly believes INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 5, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · PA

Had it in bmw dealership for recall to be fixed, that caused my engine light to come on. My engine light was still in when I went back to get it. They said au had to pay $100.00 to have the engine light off. I said I'm not paying if it's a recall. They refused to do anything else. I took it home and put my code reader on it and it was showing code for the part that Was not changed under recall. I have been calling them since and they have not called me back.

Filed Nov 9, 2023 · Seats · MA

I was driving my daughter to school this morning and turned on the seat warmers/heaters. After a few minutes on the road, I started to smell something burning. I couldn’t identify the smell and wondered if it was coming from the heater. I touched the left edge of the driver seat and was immediately burned on my hand. I quickly turned off the seat heaters and noticed that the left edge of the seat was burning. Yes, the safety of me and my daughter was at risk. I swerved when it burned me. No accident, fortunately. This is a known issue from what I’ve researched and it seems a recall was issued in 2006. So why not for this year. Same seat. Very dangerous. Could have been much worse.No, it has not been inspected. The damage is obvious and the only solution is to disable/not use it until a recall is issued. There were no warning lamps, etc. And the fuse didn’t blow, either. Problem has been reproduced.

Filed Oct 18, 2023 · Steering, Transmission · NJ

Summary of complaint: We own a 2007 BMW X3 SUV that we have taken to the BMW Mt. Laurel NJ dealership for service since we bought the car over five years ago. On August 15th 2023, we took the car for a scheduled service and oil change. We paid $3000 + and brought the car back home first week of September when the car was purportedly repaired. My husband noticed that the car was not driving quite well. The steering was tight. When we called BMW they told us it might take a few drives for things to get back to normal. Then our 29 yr old daughter came from NYC where she resides to visit is for the weekend. On Sunday Sept 10th 2023, She went on an errand for us to Moorestown area. At a stop sign when she was not moving the car, the car started a spin in all directions. The oncoming vehicles thankfully avoided hitting her and she was able to come to a stop. Our daughter was terrified. After calming down she called to let us know what happened. She was so shaken up she barely managed to drive back home. We then called BMW right away when they opened on Monday and told them what happened. They came to pick up the car from our house to check it out and see why it spun out of control in circles. Then the service Dept called and said the car spun out of control due to a transfer case issue. I then questioned them why they did not properly diagnose this initially instead of us wasting $3000+ on repairs and still the car was not safe to drive. I then contacted Robert Durante the Asst service manager and he has not been too nice. BMW should do the right thing.I just paid over $3000 for car repairs in September and car did a spin out on Sept 10th less than two weeks after repairs was completed. The car was worse off when repairs was completed than when I brought it in. Way I see it, an inexperienced mechanic or a negligent mechanic worked on our car. I have NEVER had any problems with repairing our car with the dealer service department till this incident.

Filed Sep 8, 2023 · Airbags, Brakes · WA

1. My car is very old and has 189,000 miles. Takata airbag recalls are now known and issued by the NHSTA, it shows that I have 6 recalls and BMW does not see the recalls. As well as my brakes they are super soft and the only thing I did for the brakes is replace new brake pads they are OEM and also my emergency parking brakes are not working. It is avaible for inspection. 2. My safety while driving the car is at risk because I dont know if the airbag will work or fail at any moment. 3. The problem has not been solved and BMW Seattle states that, "We do not see any recalls, and I am not saying that there isn't but because of the age of the car I don't know." BMW Seattle service receptionist states. 4. The vehichle has not been inspected for any safety recalls or notices. I have tried to call them about the safety and they always deny and say I dont know. 5. First it was the engine warning and now the low tire preasure light. But I always keep my car on top of things. But like I said 6 recalls that BMW don't see and I have called them about is very concerning for my safety and they safety of my passengers as well as kids that ride with me.

Filed May 15, 2023 · Airbags · 127,000 miles · CA · crash · 2 injuries

The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH the vehicle T-bone crashed into the side of a tractor trailer. During the crash the front driver side and passenger side airbags did not deploy. The driver sustained head, neck, back and internal injuries and the front passenger sustained head, neck, back and leg injuries. No further information was available. Both occupants were transported to the hospital. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle towed away. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 127,000.

Filed Apr 27, 2023 · Engine · TX

The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Mar 29, 2023 · Engine · AK · fire

I received a Recall notice in April 2022 regarding the PCV valve issue stating there was an issue and no fix was avaliable. The veichle caught fire in the drive way on 1/14/2023 and spred to the garage. 2 weeks after the fire on January 31, 2023 I received a fix is avalible notice.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2007 BMW X3 before you buy

Compare the 2007 BMW X3

X3 vs Acura RDXX3 vs Audi Q5X3 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC 300X3 vs Volvo XC60

Other model years

20042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 2007 BMW X3

Is the 2007 BMW X3 reliable?

Owners have filed 99 complaints about the 2007 BMW X3, close to a typical X3 model year.

What is the 2007 BMW X3 year score?

The 2007 BMW X3 scores 73 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW X3: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2007 BMW X3?

Engine and cooling, with 40 complaints, typically around 124,000 miles. Next is airbags (37).

How many recalls does the 2007 BMW X3 have?

3 recalls, covering air bags and engine and engine cooling.

What gas mileage does the 2007 BMW X3 get?

Official estimates for the 2007 BMW X3 range from 19 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 16-17 city and 24 highway.

Share your experience with the 2007 BMW X3

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2007 BMW X3?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN