2011 BMW X3 transmission problems

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Transmission · OH

Car would not start, diagnosed that the Cam shaft sensor was not showing a signal. Discovered BMW had a Vanos recall – (Campaign 23V‑707) Contacted BMW of North Canton for recall. Dropped of the BMW on Aug 1st. Received a call August 3rd from [XXX] that the technician could not get the hood open and they wanted to charge me for diagnostic time. I refused and said I would stop after work to open the hood. Miraculously they called back and the hood opened. Received video and inspection report on [XXX]. The video from Will the technician clearly showed the Exhaust Vanos bolts missing. The exhaust cam was no longer tied to the vanos valve and was free to move. The Exhaust was clearly out of time with the intake and crank. The intake vanos had some bolts replaced. The technician clearly states the engine is out of time. He clearly states that the bolts fell down into the engine. In addition the video showed items that they recommended as additional services out of my pocket. I declined all additional charge as we perform that work at home. On [XXX] I had a conversation with [XXX] that the technician performed the Vanos recall but the car would not start and they wanted me to authorize diagnostic time. She claimed that if it was something the Tech done then I would not be responsible for the charges, if it wasn’t related to the work the technician performed than I would be responsible. She would not define what would be considered the technicians fault and what would be chargeable. I asked for a leak down test or compression test as part of the work done due to the recall due to the fact that the bolts sheered off and the engine was out of time. She refused saying it would have to be billable to me. I explained that it is ridiculous since the compression is directly related to the timing/ Vanos system. They refused to do a compression test and would only proceed if I agreed to being charged for diagnostic time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 13, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 8,000 miles · KS

The contact owns a 2011 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into neutral. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was linked to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the engine and redesigned the timing gear assembly. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed the parts were not yet available. The contact called another local dealer, BMW of Northwest Arkansas (2500 SE Moberly Ln, Bentonville, AR 72712, (479)286-3012); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed May 27, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · CA

I own a 2011 BMW X3 with an N55 engine and am experiencing VANOS-related issues consistent with TSB SIB 11 02 13 and Recall 23V‑707. While my VIN isn’t currently listed, my vehicle falls within the affected model years, and I’m seeing identical DME fault codes (130E11, 120408) and drivability symptoms. I’m concerned about potential engine damage and request an inspection and consideration for goodwill repair or inclusion in the recall.

Filed Apr 15, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · NY

In July 2022, the VANOS bolts in my 2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i failed, causing major internal engine damage. This is the exact defect later identified under BMW Recall 23V‑707. The bolts sheared off while driving, disabling the vehicle. I paid $5,000 out of pocket for full repairs using OEM parts at Masny Motorwerks (BMW specialist in Rochester, NY). BMW did not issue the recall until more than two years later. At that time, there was no remedy available. A fix was not released until December 2024. I followed BMW’s reimbursement process: I visited BMW of Rochester in person on January 28, 2025 and submitted my invoice to the service advisor. I followed up by phone twice — no response. I submitted a full reimbursement claim to BMW North America on March 31, 2025 with all documentation. BMW replied on April 8 with a boilerplate response redirecting me back to the same dealership. I then followed up again with full documentation. BMW replied again, refusing to take responsibility and offering no support. I have submitted everything twice and followed the TREAD Act process in good faith. BMW has failed to reimburse me or process the claim properly.

Filed Feb 26, 2021 · Acceleration, Engine · 81,000 miles · MI

While driving on a motorway at moderate speeds of about 45 MPH, vehicle started throwing dynamic stability control, engine check light and traction control deactivation warnings and started cutting out power to the wheels although the engine continued to idle smoothly. Stranded on the motorway for a while and then after switching off and switching on the ignition couple of times, vehicle started to drive forward in limp mode. Had to pull over for safety and towed the vehicle to a local mechanic shop. They said the accelerator pedal failed and stopped sending any signals to engine control unit. They replaced the gas pedal and everything seems to be back to normal.

Filed Nov 17, 2019 · Transmission · FL

I am constantly getting drivetrain malfunction error messages. The car's performance is really bad. Not getting full power. Car has started shaking a little. Also exhaust sounds louder than it should.

Filed Feb 25, 2019 · Engine, Transmission · 96,222 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw x3. The contact stated that the transmission malfunctioned when switching from first to second gear. As a result, the vehicle shook and vibrated severely. During the failure, the check engine and power train malfunction indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to edison open road bmw (731 us highway 1, edison, nj) to be diagnosed, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,222.

Filed Nov 6, 2018 · Engine, Transmission · 96,750 miles · VA

Experienced drive train malfunction warning along with shaking and limp mode numerous times which resulted in 2 repairs last year in the thousands only to find out it was due to the cam shaft bolts recall at the root of the initial cause of the failures that resulted. Bmw was hesitant to pay initially but my husband is a litigation attorney and once he got involved, they were quick in doing the right thing. I am currently having issues with the no warning light showing to warn me of a low coolant level. It was not until after smoke appeared from the engine area and a burning smell that the warning finally appeared. I immediately stopped and waited for it cool off & had coolant put in, warning light disappeared. Currently smelling a burning smell and hearing a squeaking noise so have a service scheduled tomorrow for the valve heater recall and hope bmw will address any issues stemming from that that may be causing other issues. Also to report, rarely ever use the glove box yet the corner of the glove box has come apart and will not reattach. I saw this has been an issue reported by many bmw x-3 owners and I will be expecting bmw to do the right thing and pay to fix this known defect.

Filed May 18, 2018 · Transmission · 52,000 miles · CA

Bmw x3 xdrvie35i power train malfunction showed up very frequently while I drove on highway, shuddering violently and I had to stop the vehicle. This problem became a serious issue lately that I could no longer drive my x3 anymore. I made an appointment at a local bnw dealership and hope they would take care of it.

Filed Mar 11, 2018 · Transmission · NC

Power train malfunction note appeared. Took the car to the dealership and battery was replaced. It happened again one week later. They replaced the coils. The warning appeared again.