Most common 2007 BMW X3 problems
Share of the 258 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW X3 complaints by model year
Best X3 years: 2023, 2012, 2014. Years to avoid: 2021, 2019, 2025, 2020, 2013. Compare all years →
2007 BMW X3 recalls (5)
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon…
Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of…
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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,…
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.
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)
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.
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.
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
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.
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.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2007 BMW X3:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2007 BMW X3 owners say
Air bags all 78 →
The contact owned a 2007 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at mid-range speed, another vehicle ran a two-way stop sign and hit the front end of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. A police report was filed. The contact and his wife were taken to the hospital where his wife was treated for an injury to her foot (foot location unknown) and the contact was treated for the pain in his back and neck. He was also treated for respiratory issues related to his defibrillator. The whereabouts of the other driver were unknown. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was deemed a total loss by his insurance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
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.
Engine & cooling all 60 →
The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, the coolant temperature and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact then noticed smoke coming out from underneath the hood of the vehicle and he smelled a burning plastic odor. The contact and his family exited the vehicle. The contact opened the hood and sprinkled water to prevent a fire. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor of burning plastic inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the heater was inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Transmission & drivetrain all 52 →
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. …
While driving on interstate 72 in illinois, we noted a low coolant level light. Checked the owner's manual, and it stated that this was not a major issue, but we should check it at the next opportunity. Coincidentally, the other party we were traveling with asked if we wanted to stop for coffee at a location 1.5 miles off the interstate. When we stopped, the low coolant light went off. Before getting back on the road, noticed that coolant was dripping from the front right side of the engine. A repair facility was nearby, and they investigated the leak and determined that it was emanating from a crack in the water pump. Also determined that the cause of the crack was the engine sagging. Further investigation determined that a lower engine mounting bolt was missing entirely. This was replaced along with the water pump, when the engine was jacked back into proper position. …
2007 BMW X3 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 24 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2007 BMW X3 a good car?
Based on 258 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2007 X3 rates use caution: 1.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the X3 at the same age. It is one of the X3 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2007 BMW X3?
The air bags — 78 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about frontal › sensor/control module. Next are the engine & cooling (60) and transmission & drivetrain (52).
How many recalls does the 2007 BMW X3 have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2007 BMW X3, the most recent from March 2, 2022 (crankcase (pcv)). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW X3?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2023, 2012 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2021, 2019, 2025, 2020 and 2013. See the full BMW X3 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2007 BMW X3 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 79,000 miles; 30% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.