BMW X3 won't shift problems

Filed Dec 7, 2023 · Fuel system · 61,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The power train warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the high-pressure fuel pump. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V586000 (Fuel System, Diesel) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 61,000.

Filed Jul 26, 2023 · Fuel system · CA

Fuel pump control module stopped working causing the engine to stop. It would not restart. Also, the car would not shift out of park into neutral, thus it could not be moved. This happened on a highway in traffic and created a very dangerous situation. Apparently, this fuel pump control module has a history of failing in hot weather. In this particular case the vehicle had been operating in 100 degree weather for a few hours.

Filed Jun 5, 2023 · Engine · PA

Drive train warning goes off & the N20 timing chain belt needs replaced. Very dangerous when driving. Car goes in limp mode, not being able to go over 30th. Engine blows if not fixed immediately. Quoted 7,000-10,000 to fix. More than vehicle is worth. Happened 3 weeks after warranty expired. Has never failed inspection previously and havent any issues. Should be recalled for being a lemon. 2013 BMW x3 28i.

Filed Feb 10, 2023 · Engine · FL

On Tuesday, January 31, 2023, my engine failed while driving my car. The answers to your questions regarding the incident are listed below: •Component or system that failed: The Engine failed. •Safety risk: My safety, as well as the safety of others was at risk. I was driving and suddenly without warning, I felt a strong jolt and noticed a loss of power. I looked down and noticed that my car shifted into neutral without warning. I tried to move the gear back into drive, but it would not shift. I had just enough power to glide into a parking lot and I turned the car off hoping I would restart it to place the car back into gear. After I turned the car off, it would not start and I had the car towed to the dealership. This is a dangerous safety issue and I could have been in a serious accident because my car suddenly stopped while driving. This could have placed other drivers at risk as well. After my incident, I researched the issue and discovered that other BMW X3 owners have had engine failures as well. This issue is known by BMW and they are putting their customers at risk by not issuing a recall for this problem. •Problem confirmed by dealer: Yes, the BMW dealership did confirm that it was an engine failure. Please see attached file for details. •Vehicle component been inspected: The vehicle has not been inspected by parties other than the dealership. •Prior warnings: Before my engine failed, I did not receive any warning lights or messages. Also, my car did not exhibit any other symptoms. In fact, my car was repaired for another issue two weeks before my engine failed and the dealership did not alert me to any engine issues. Lastly, they ran a diagnostic on my car when I got new brakes in December and there were no issues related to the engine.

Filed Feb 8, 2023 · Engine · TN

I purchased this as a used car online and had it delivered to me. It hasn’t been a year of owning it yet and my car is now un-drivable. I was driving down the road and my transmission malf light came in and my car went into limp mode. I had to get it towed and the local shop who has it said it’s a broken timing chain from a failure. I’ve never had any issues and then all of a sudden now I have an estimate of $3627 to be able to drive my car. Upon researching, my model/year has a known issue for this happening. I feel stuck and don’t know what to do but feel like I need help so I can get my car back running. It barely has 105k miles on it. The dealership I purchased it from never mentioned any known issues with it.

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 Jun 15, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · TX

I was driving down the road and my vehicle went into limp mode. The malfunction trans light came on. I took it to the dealership for diagnostics and was told I had a oil leak and the air tube needed to be replaced as well as the programming update. The next day bmw service advisor, [xxx] called to tell me my timing chain need to be replaced and it would cost over 7000$. I don't know what to do. He gave me his advice or two options I had, I could pay for the cost of repairs and have a vehicle or just fix what was discussed and try to sell my vehicle to someone else. I asked him to help me and put me into another vehicle, he said oh no we can't do that. I asked why, it's your car you sold it to me. [xxx] told me bmw knows what is wrong with the car you won't get anything for it, yet he wanted me to sell it to another family and endanger their lives. I wasn't going to hear from him again, very unprofessional. It made me sick. I called and spoke with customer relations a woman by the name of [xxx] and was told after 4 days of investigation, there's nothing they can do for me. I told them they could have the vehicle, I'm not paying for their manufacture defect. Something needs to be done. Bmw is endangering lives by allowing consumers to purchase vehicles with known defects. I would have never purchased my 2013 bmw x3 28i in march 2017 if I had known I would have problems @ 80,000 miles. This is crazy. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Nov 9, 2018 · Airbags, Seat belts · 2,000 miles · CA

2018 bmw x3 m40i: upon start up the vehicle displays a warning 'seatbelt restraint system malfunction.' the car the enters a limp mode and says to drive to the nearest bmw service center and that some safety features are unavailable. Power assist steering no longer works, and the vehicle defaults to 4wd mode. Additionally, it further states airbag functionality is limited, and crash avoidance is unavailable, but that driving is still possible! What's disturbing is that I discovered that many other late model bmw owners are reporting this same issue. The few that have had it resolved said it's a sensor failure in one of the front seats. This sensor is tied to the restraint system and the airbag. Bmw service center has attempted to fix this malfunction on my x3 on three separate occasions without success. I am worried that my airbags or seatbelt will fail in a collision.

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 Feb 13, 2017 · Engine · 60,000 miles · MN

I have 3 parts in my vehicle that are now identified as needing replacement by my mechanic. I went to the mechanic after my vehicle went into "limp" mode while driving at 45mph in normal conditions and I received a message stating my vehicle was overheating. My mechanic advised that I need a new water pump, a new thermostat, and while it's not related, I also need a new oil housing gasket. It sounds like these are all common failures on these vehicles and my mechanic noted "it's not a matter of if these items will fail, but when". Moreover, one simple google search will tell you the same. If these parts are truly an issue, why are then not recalled? My car going into limp mode while driving on a highway should be considered a safety concern, particularly in populated metro areas with a toddler in the back seat. Unfortunately, to repair these 3 parts, I've been quoted $1500 for the repairs, which is absolutely ridiculous for a car that has 60,000 miles on it.