2019 BMW X3: water leaks into the cabin

Filed May 6, 2026 · Electrical · MI

Our 2019 BMW X3 M40i shows "EMERGENCY CALL SYSTEM MALFUNCTION" which means the "SOS" system, which is crucial for post-collision response, fails. Erhardt BMW in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan confirmed water leakage due to defective sealing around the roof-mounted shark fin antenna damaged the Telematics Control Box (TCB) and now requires replacement. The estimated cost is $3,600. Some quick research revealed this to be a repeated problem with my vehicle. BMW has acknowledged it as a defect in 2017-2023 model year BMW M440i, M550i, X1, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, 330, 340i and 750i vehicles and fix it at no cost, but only for citizens of [XXX] , as reported by [XXX] of [XXX] . For details, see: [XXX] . This seems unfair to non [XXX] residents like me [XXX] ). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 25, 2026 · Electrical · OK

I am reporting a water intrusion issue in my 2019 BMW X3 involving both the roof-mounted “shark fin” antenna and the sunroof. Water enters the vehicle during normal rain conditions and has caused failure of the emergency call (SOS) system. This presents a serious safety concern, as the emergency communication system may not function in the event of a crash or emergency. Water intrusion also creates a risk of electrical damage and potential malfunction of critical vehicle systems while driving. The vehicle has been properly maintained, and this issue appears to be related to known defects involving water leaks from roof components in BMW vehicles. The total repair cost to address these issues is $4,650.

Filed Dec 1, 2025 · Electrical · MA

Shark Fin cover knocked of roof while washing at car wash. Dealer was notified and referred me to an auto body shop. I paid for the replacement repair. Dealer never notified me about the loose shark fin problems (water leaks) that are currently a problem with is model (X-3 xdrive30i 2019). A constant hissing noise is heard over the speaker system since the incident occurred. This is not a safety issue. a recall should be issued for the loose leaking fin problem.

Filed Feb 17, 2025 · Electrical · OH

I began to receive an “emergency call malfunction” notification on my vehicle. I took it in to be serviced and received this text when I was due to pick up my vehicle “Good morning! Okay, and as far as the TCB we were talking about for the emergency call malfunction.. It looks like there is water coming in through the antenna there (the shark fin, with that being said we would have to replace the shark fin, the tcb and the tcb battery, which is not cheap, out the door that alone is $3,178 installed.. --Kenndehl Swanson Classic BMW MINI” I researched and noticed there was a class action filed with the federal safety agency against BMW for this very issue for X3’s from 2017-2023. I would like my vehicle to be included in this class action lawsuit. BMW has stated that they were aware in the lawsuit. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 22, 2025 · Body, Electrical · DC

The seal of the roof-mounted antenna housing adhesive was faulty. This caused separating from the vehicle allowing water into the vehicle, which damaged emergency call components and equipment. BMW told me this was a know issue, but that the federal safety agency had not yet applied this to my vehicle. Please issue an advisory on this known issue. My car is under 40,000 miles and fairly new still. Adhesive should not be deteriorating this early. Preventative maintenance could not have addressed this factory issue. - Excerpt from BMW inspection: Concern Critical Client States Emergency Call Malfunction On. Aux Battery Replaced Twice. Ref Ro 871625 And Ro 907864. Please Check And Advise Cause FOUND SHARK FIN COVER GLUE TO BE LOOSE AND TO HAVE A SLOW WATER LEAK. WATER DAMAGED TCB MODULE. NO COMMUNICATION WITH TCB MODULE. Correction REPLACE TCB MODULE. REPLACE ROOF ANTENNA. REPLACE SHARK FIN. PROGRAM AND ENCODE TCB MODULE Cost: $2,8550.50

Filed Nov 25, 2024 · Electrical · SC · crash

The TCB Module and Antenna failed due to a water leak through the sealed roof mounted "Shark Fin" Antenna on top of my vehicle. The vehicle is not completely safe to drive due to the failure of the TCB Module in which the Module activates the "Intelligent Emergency Call" in the case of an accident. Crash and airbag sensors activate an emergency call to the BMW call center in the process, a set of relevant data such as how many passengers and their presumed condition or injury as well as the exact position of the my vehicle is sent automatically to the BMW call center and the nearest emergency service provider. The problem has been inspected and confirmed by my local BMW dealer. There is a warning on my odometer that states "Emergency call system not available."