2008 BMW X3 engine and engine cooling problems
15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 2008 BMW X3 — 23% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2008 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH in cold weather, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was…”
filed Feb 29, 2024
“The contact owned a 2008 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, he turned on the heater and became aware of smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle then started to overheat, and the coolant temperature warning light and the check engine warning…”
filed May 12, 2023
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuitCampaign 17V683000 · Oct 30, 2017
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other X3 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 X3 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 X3 | 6 | 4% |
| 2018 X3 | 4 | 6% |
| 2017 X3 | 22 | 24% |
| 2016 X3 | 18 | 22% |
| 2015 X3 | 15 | 14% |
| 2014 X3 | 19 | 22% |
| 2013 X3 | 13 | 6% |
| 2012 X3 | 2 | 5% |
| 2011 X3 | 24 | 21% |
| 2010 X3 | 14 | 44% |
| 2007 X3 | 16 | 16% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2008 BMW X3
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.