BMW X3 knocking problems

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · NC

UNKNOWN cause. while driving approximately 45–55 mph, the vehicle experienced a sudden and unexpected braking event and engine shut down. •The vehicle automatically came to an abrupt, complete stop. •The engine shut off and then immediately restarted automatically. •A “Service Rear Pads” warning appeared after the vehicle auto-restarted. The vehicle did not gradually slow down; it suddenly and forcefully braked to a complete stop and shut down completely. This was a serious and potentially dangerous safety event as an unexpected stop/shut down event at 45–55 mph could have created a significant risk of collision. We contacted the BMW service center and scheduled a diagnostic appointment for June 22. During the June service visit, the dealership performed: diagnostics, rear brakes and rotors replacement, A/C recharge, tire rotation and balance, and oil change/service. Following the June service, we began experiencing new and intermittent symptoms that had not been present before, including: Ticking, metal clanking, new road/tire noise, Changes in vehicle dynamics and overall driving feel, other intermittent noises. On July 21, we contacted BMW to report the new intermittent noises and changes following the June service and requested an appointment to have these concerns evaluated. An appointment was scheduled for July 24. The July MPI identified several concerns that differed substantially from the June MPI, including: Rear differential leak, worn motor mounts, low battery concerns, & uneven tire wear and cracking. We also observed a permanent brake-pad imprint on a new rotor. These discrepancies raised additional questions and we were told by the SM that the technician had “missed” them in June, even though he documented as good. We refused to accept the X3 back for now d/t safety concerns, and we notified BMW of North America for investigation. The cause for the critical shut down event remains unknown. How can Flow BMW assure it's safe to drive?

Filed May 26, 2026 · Brakes · OH

Rear caliper locking up when in reverse. Knocking noise and crunching sound.

Filed Mar 22, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · IL · fire

Car spontaneously caught on fire. Total loss. Drove car home from haircut appointment 5 to 10 minutes away. Parked car as normal and went inside. Within approximately 5 minutes loud knock on door “Your car is on fire!” I came out of my home and saw my car in driveway with fire erupting from engine area onto windshield, and through hole in middle of hood. Took a few seconds of video, then ran into house for large fire extinguisher. Emptied fire extinguisher contents into hole of hood and into fire area coming out from engine area onto windshield.

Filed Jul 30, 2024 · Engine · VA

On 07/06/2024, I turned on my car and hear a loud ticking noise that ticked faster or slower when I tried to accelerate or decelerate the car. I turned the car off and towed it to a AAA mechanic. They reported my engine was damaged and I’ll need a new engine. I towed it to a second mechanic for a second opinion, at Jindal-Andre Automotive/Yellow Cab and the reported engine rod bearings failure on my BMW that has only 86,880 miles.

Filed Mar 6, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · 152,942 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2018 BMW X3. The contact stated while his wife was driving 65 MPH, a message advising to stop driving was displayed, and the vehicle simultaneously shifted into neutral(N) independently. The vehicle stalled in the middle of the highway and failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message advising to drive with caution was displayed after several minutes, and the contact was able to continue driving upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that coolant was leaking from a hose. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that excessive engine temperature could have damaged the cylinder head and the rod bearings. The dealer recommended replacing the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that his son-in-law then towed the vehicle to another facility, where the vehicle was diagnosed by a mechanic; however, no engine failure or coolant leak were found. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 152,942.

Filed Feb 2, 2024 · Engine · IL

Cold weather start camshaft adjuster bolt broke and seized camshaft in place. As a result the oiling system didn’t work properly and ruined the camshaft bearings and crankshaft and rod bearings. Replacement engine exceeds value of the car.

Filed Nov 27, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · FL

1. Whenever I refill my tank the car will start knocking. It will be only for 1 or 2 sudden jerks. I have tried every grade and nearly all the brands of fuel but its still the same. Even I escalated the same issue when I had my car service done. But to no avail. It happens when I refuel the tank. Otherwise, no issue to my surprise. I Need to know if it’s a known issue? If yes then why no one reached out to me to provide solution for it? Its been years i have tried to escalate it but no resolution. 2. When i use turn signals (either left or right) it start skipping click sound. even when the engine is ON and even when auto engine start is switched off. It happens not all the times but occasionally. I also escalated it when i went for service but i was told if its not logged in system then nothing cant be done. For both issues i dont see any resolution. First issue is way too annoying as sometimes i loose power to engine.

Filed Oct 6, 2022 · Steering · CT

After car warms up and while driving in warmer temperatures, steering becomes loose, vehicle drifts in lane and becomes difficult to control. Even with steering assist enabled, vehicle cannot maintain a straight line. Knocking sound from underneath vehicle when steering to center at low speeds.

Filed Aug 19, 2020 · Engine · 70,155 miles · MA

Engine failure at 70155 miles. Connecting rod bearing is spun.

Filed Aug 14, 2019 · Engine · 51,000 miles · AZ

We purchased a 2013 bmw x3 in december 2012. The vehicle has been dealer serviced from day one. In 2018, fairfax bmw replaced the timing chain at no cost when the vehicle had only 45k miles which is highly unusual. In early august I was driving on interstate 81 south travelling from virginia to arizona. The car began making a ticking sound which became progressively louder. I exited the busy highway and barely made it to bmw of roanoke, va. I was travelling the speed limit when the problem began, and was barely able to go 45 miles per hour when I exited. I soon learned that my particular engine (f-25/n20) has a major defect and will literally blow up while driving. Bmw is aware of the problem, and has endangered my health and safety by refusing to correct the problem. A class action lawsuit has been filed in new jersey (chris williams, et.al. V. Bmw north america). The dealer in roanoke said the engine is unrepairable with only 51k miles on the odometer. One last observation in noticed is that prior to starting my trip I checked the engine oil level and it was almost a quart low which had never happened before. I filled the engine to it's recommended capacity and began my travel. There is a list of affected vehicles with engine defects, and my vehicle is on the list.