bmw x3 2005 Complaints

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

brand new 2005 bmw x3 3.0 passenger airbag light stays on {meaning it is deactivated} when occupied with 110 lb occupant is sitting in it. *jb

Reported in: PORTLAND OR || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93435W

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

started the car and started driving out of the parking lot. as turning the corner very slowly, the rear wheel went over the curb. at that point car started accelerating rapidly and hitting the brake didn't help. crashed into the wall of the building, at least at 30 mph and the car got totaled. contacted bmw and they said they'll send an inspection engineer. haven't heard from them since. *nm

Reported in: SANTA CLARA CA || Crash: Y || VIN #: WBXPA934X5W

AIR BAGS

dt*: the contact stated the airbag activation indicator light illuminated. although the dealership and manufacturer were notified no inspections or repairs have been made.

Reported in: ALEXANDRIA VA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93495W

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

drivers seat warmer burned through vinyl seat causing a hole in seat and burn to driver. car is currently at dealer being repaired. car was at dealer day before because of ignition not working properly. they were unable to determine problem. next day incident occurs.

Reported in: PURCELLVILLE VA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA73475W

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

tl*the contact owns a 2005 bmw x3. the vehicle has bridgestone turanza el42, size p235/55r17 tires. while driving various speeds, the contact's vehicle makes a loud noise underneath the hood. the vehicle was taken to a dealer approximately six times, but they could not duplicate the failure. the vehicle was then taken to another mechanic and they stated that the steel belts failed on both front tires, which was the cause of the noise. the current mileage was 13,539 and failure mileage was 200. updated 03-18-08 *bf

Reported in: PALM BAY FL || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93435W

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM

2005 bmwx3 is making me sick. i turned the heat on & i started to feel ill. my symptoms got worse ,my throat was swollen, completely lost my voice as a direct result of what i breathed in. bmw looked at the car & advised of "defect in the evaporator housing" and what i am breathing in is "mold due to condensation. advised of a kit to fix it. i refused to pay. i called bmw & their canned response was this was not under warranty but "environmental." i refused to give up, the service manager admitted (or slipped) that bmw had an internal memo circulating with exactly what to tell customers and not to cover it.. the local service manager agreed to eat the chg. my dr. determined i had a direct &fast allergic reaction. it took 4 weeks to recover. friday we had a rain storm in nj. i drove an hour ,could barely see and turned on the defroster. the smell came out of the vents .i couldn't see,but i was scared of getting sick. this became a life and death situation on route 287 n in nj. i used the defroster for less than 5 minutes. on the way home i was too scared to use it, still raining yesterday (sunday 5-18) it was raining. i turned the car on put the defroster on & same thing happened. i have the symptoms again but it has not gotten to the point of my throat closing because i knew to shut it off. this means i can't use my defroster, heater or air-conditioner or i will get very sick. i will call the local dealer today who will tell me i can pay to have them run lysol through the vents. i reached out to bmw headquarters the first time. they ignored my issue even when i told them i ended up sick, at the dr. & that i knew about their internal memo. my car is under warranty. i have to get this matter addressed asap. if anything happens to me while i am driving, due to not being able to defrost my windows in a storm there is a chance my throat will close up and i an accident.

Reported in: WHITEHOUSE STATION NJ || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93485W

STRUCTURE

interior door rattles/creaks from seals/door sill. extremely noisy when driving. sounds as if the car is going to cave in or as one person said, sounds like your driving a wood car. i looked up several sites, it appears it is an on-going issue. i just received the car june 28,08. please assist if there is a fix.

Reported in: MELBOURNE FL || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93465W

AIR BAGS

safety restraint air bag passenger side safety light intermittent signal remains on, when a passenger is seated in seat weighing over 40 pounds. driver dash board indicates the safety restraint air bag is not on when passenger over 40 pound is seated in passenger seat. the safety airbag light indicates the passenger air bag will not deploy.

Reported in: SALINAS CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93465W

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

safety restraint air bag passenger side safety light intermittent signal remains on, when a passenger is seated in seat weighing over 40 pounds. driver dash board indicates the safety restraint air bag is not on when passenger over 40 pound is seated in passenger seat. the safety airbag light indicates the passenger air bag will not deploy.

Reported in: SALINAS CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93465W

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

i own a bmw x3 that has the front air bag mat sensor problem that has been noted worldwide bmw recall. the problem is that they have not noted the x3 with sport seats being part of the recall, although all other models with the same seat has been noted. i just had my x3 serviced, and also ask them to repair the seat mat that has failed, but the dealer stated that this seat was not listed, but did have the common failure that has brought forward the recall. i am asking that nhtsa notify bmw and insist that they have left out the x3 with sport seats.

Reported in: WESTMORELAND TN || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93455W

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE

auto type: 2005 bmw x3 sav. the vehicle has had a history of failures with the operation system with regard to the transmission function and most recently we experienced a brake failure. when the brake pedal was pushed the vehicle accelerated. we had the vehicle towed in for repair and was told that they could find nothing wrong. this is the same result each time although the diagnostic reports show operating system failures. when questioned, we were told that he vehicle "corrected itself". all of this is in writing. when we approached bmw of north america, they have repeated denied any errors, and even have told us that we cannot use their diagnostic information. this seems to be quite a cover up between bmw and the dealer (vob auto sales, rockville md). i have full documentation for your review.

Reported in: POTOMAC MD || Crash: N || VIN #:

SUSPENSION:FRONT

auto type: 2005 bmw x3 sav. the vehicle has had a history of failures with the operation system with regard to the transmission function and most recently we experienced a brake failure. when the brake pedal was pushed the vehicle accelerated. we had the vehicle towed in for repair and was told that they could find nothing wrong. this is the same result each time although the diagnostic reports show operating system failures. when questioned, we were told that he vehicle "corrected itself". all of this is in writing. when we approached bmw of north america, they have repeated denied any errors, and even have told us that we cannot use their diagnostic information. this seems to be quite a cover up between bmw and the dealer (vob auto sales, rockville md). i have full documentation for your review.

Reported in: POTOMAC MD || Crash: N || VIN #:

SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC

auto type: 2005 bmw x3 sav. the vehicle has had a history of failures with the operation system with regard to the transmission function and most recently we experienced a brake failure. when the brake pedal was pushed the vehicle accelerated. we had the vehicle towed in for repair and was told that they could find nothing wrong. this is the same result each time although the diagnostic reports show operating system failures. when questioned, we were told that he vehicle "corrected itself". all of this is in writing. when we approached bmw of north america, they have repeated denied any errors, and even have told us that we cannot use their diagnostic information. this seems to be quite a cover up between bmw and the dealer (vob auto sales, rockville md). i have full documentation for your review.

Reported in: POTOMAC MD || Crash: N || VIN #:

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

auto type: 2005 bmw x3 sav. the vehicle has had a history of failures with the operation system with regard to the transmission function and most recently we experienced a brake failure. when the brake pedal was pushed the vehicle accelerated. we had the vehicle towed in for repair and was told that they could find nothing wrong. this is the same result each time although the diagnostic reports show operating system failures. when questioned, we were told that he vehicle "corrected itself". all of this is in writing. when we approached bmw of north america, they have repeated denied any errors, and even have told us that we cannot use their diagnostic information. this seems to be quite a cover up between bmw and the dealer (vob auto sales, rockville md). i have full documentation for your review.

Reported in: POTOMAC MD || Crash: N || VIN #:

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

auto type: 2005 bmw x3 sav. the vehicle has had a history of failures with the operation system with regard to the transmission function and most recently we experienced a brake failure. when the brake pedal was pushed the vehicle accelerated. we had the vehicle towed in for repair and was told that they could find nothing wrong. this is the same result each time although the diagnostic reports show operating system failures. when questioned, we were told that he vehicle "corrected itself". all of this is in writing. when we approached bmw of north america, they have repeated denied any errors, and even have told us that we cannot use their diagnostic information. this seems to be quite a cover up between bmw and the dealer (vob auto sales, rockville md). i have full documentation for your review.

Reported in: POTOMAC MD || Crash: N || VIN #:

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

air bags in bmw x3 manufacture date sep 2005. my vehicle is fully loaded and the airbag sensor is defective in the passenger seat according to bmw tests ran on the truck. this is the same issue identified in nhtsa campaign number 08v384000, however bmw will not rework the sensor issue. they are telling me that i have to pay over 1100 euro, as i am station in germany and purchased the vehicle through military car sales. since it is the exact issue found in the same year and model of the recalled vehicles this should be considered and repaired. yet bmw states that my vehicle was not i=one of the over 200000 which was included in the recall. how am i to determine if my vin number was affected. my vehicle was produced during the same time frame and it was special ordered. please assist if possible.

Reported in: APO AE || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93476W

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw x3. while idling at a traffic light the engine stalled; followed by smoke coming from underneath the hood. as a consequence the risk for fire and vehicle crash were increased. the vehicle was towed to a dealer for inspection. however the technicians had the vehicle for 72 days to replace the cooling fan. the failure mileage was 50,500. the current mileage was 51,000.

Reported in: FLORENCE SC || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93485W

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

to whom it may concern; i am a canadian citizen, however this complaint involves a vehicle originally purchased in the usa. i bought a 2005 bmw x3, which is exhibiting the issue exactly as described in nhtsa campaign number: 08v384000, as follows.... recall: 2004-2006 bmw x3 nhtsa campaign number: 08v384000 www.nhtsa.dot.gov manufacturer bmw of north america, llc recall date: jul 18, 2008 potential number of units affected: 200000 description air bags:frontal summary bmw is recalling 200,000 my 2006 3 series sport seat, my 2004-2006 5 series standard and sport seat, and my 2004-2006 x3 passenger vehicles. depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit, small cracks have developed in the mat. if this occurs, the front passenger air bags, with the exception of the head protection system, will be deactivated and the air bag warning lamp as well as the passenger air bag "on-off" lamp will be illuminated. consequence in this situation the front passenger air bags will not deploy even if a sufficiently severe accident would occur and occupant protection provided by the system would not be possible. remedy dealers will rework the front passenger seat sensor mat so that external force application to the seat does not cause a crack to the mat. the recall is expected to begin during late september 2008. bmw will also extend the warranty on these vehicles to 10 years from first registration without any mileage limit. after contacting bmw of north america, they informed me my vin / vehicle is not affected by this recall. i believe that it is, and this is a serious safety issue as the passenger seat airbag system has been deactivated in my vehicle. there may be many more vehicles affected by this defect then those originally included in this recall and this should be investigated.

Reported in: AURORA ONTARIO CANADA 00 || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93435W

STRUCTURE

bmw x3 2005. purchased last december with 43,115 miles. currently has 48,000+. car has been in shop four times for interior of car being wet. last visit to mechanic was last week and it is wet inside again. mechanic has checked and cleaned drainage tubes. has checked sunroof. has not found a specific mechanical reason for the leaking.

Reported in: KENSINGTON MD || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93435W

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

tl*the contact owns a 2005 bmw x3. he stated that the air bag light came on and caused the air bag system to malfunction. the dealer confirmed that nhtsa campaign id number: 08v384000 component: air bags frontal were related to the failure; however, his vin was not included. the contact was quoted $1100 by the dealer to repair the vehicle. the contact stated that the vehicle will not be repaired. the failure mileage was 64000 and current mileage was 64989.

Reported in: TAKOMA WA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93415W

SEATS

my drivers seat burned a hole through the leather and singed my pants. almost caught on fire and i almost lost control of my vehicle. the car filled with smoke and i now have a pea sized hole in my seat. the heating element apparently has shorted out inside the seat. i read there have been other occurrences of this on these vehicles on some of the websites but there is no recall out, but there should be. this is extremely dangerous. occurred on 12/31/2009 on my bmx x3 2005. i called the dealer and they said the seat would need to be replaced at my cost of $1500.

Reported in: CLAYTON IN || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93425W

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

tl*the contact owns a 2005 bmw x3. the contact was driving approximately 25 mph on normal road conditions. the driver side heated seat was activated. suddenly, an unexpected excessive high voltage of heat penetrated through the bottom of the seat. the driver pulled over to the side of the road and deactivated the heated seat system. the driver sustained a minor burn to the left leg and the driver seat cover exhibited a burn mark. the vehicle was able to resume normal operation. the dealer was notified of the malfunction. there was concern of the safety risk involved. the failure mileage was 31,000.

Reported in: BALTIMORE MD || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93445W

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

i was in a unsafe area so i locked the doors an closed all the windows with my keys inside with me to wait for my husband to return. when he returned a few mintues later i could not open the car to let him in. i was locked inside my car with keys in hand. power windows would not open,sunroof would not open, door locks would not open. the car would not manually open even when tried on all doors many times using the "2 pull" method. i could drive the car and drove to the dealer where i bought it at. they could not figure out how to unlock the car and they had me crawl to the back hatch to try to use a release but there was none. i had been in the car a few hours aat this point and began to feel panicked. at that point they had to break a window to get me out. the car is still at dealer and i was told they are looking into why and no response is yet as to why the manual unlock would not work when all the electric stopped working. i had paid for a extra warrenty on the car and it is currently covered.

Reported in: IRVINE CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93425W

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

i was in a unsafe area so i locked the doors an closed all the windows with my keys inside with me to wait for my husband to return. when he returned a few mintues later i could not open the car to let him in. i was locked inside my car with keys in hand. power windows would not open,sunroof would not open, door locks would not open. the car would not manually open even when tried on all doors many times using the "2 pull" method. i could drive the car and drove to the dealer where i bought it at. they could not figure out how to unlock the car and they had me crawl to the back hatch to try to use a release but there was none. i had been in the car a few hours aat this point and began to feel panicked. at that point they had to break a window to get me out. the car is still at dealer and i was told they are looking into why and no response is yet as to why the manual unlock would not work when all the electric stopped working. i had paid for a extra warrenty on the car and it is currently covered.

Reported in: IRVINE CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93425W

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

i was in a unsafe area so i locked the doors an closed all the windows with my keys inside with me to wait for my husband to return. when he returned a few mintues later i could not open the car to let him in. i was locked inside my car with keys in hand. power windows would not open,sunroof would not open, door locks would not open. the car would not manually open even when tried on all doors many times using the "2 pull" method. i could drive the car and drove to the dealer where i bought it at. they could not figure out how to unlock the car and they had me crawl to the back hatch to try to use a release but there was none. i had been in the car a few hours aat this point and began to feel panicked. at that point they had to break a window to get me out. the car is still at dealer and i was told they are looking into why and no response is yet as to why the manual unlock would not work when all the electric stopped working. i had paid for a extra warrenty on the car and it is currently covered.

Reported in: IRVINE CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93425W

VISIBILITY:SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY

tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw x3. the contact stated the vehicle exhibited an electrical shortage and was taken to the dealer. the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure but did advised that the sun roof exhibited a leak and would need to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the approximate failure and current mileages were 51,000

Reported in: SAN JOSE CA || Crash: N || VIN #:

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw x3. the contact stated the vehicle exhibited an electrical shortage and was taken to the dealer. the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure but did advised that the sun roof exhibited a leak and would need to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the approximate failure and current mileages were 51,000

Reported in: SAN JOSE CA || Crash: N || VIN #:

STRUCTURE

water leaving in the rear passenger side.

Reported in: JERSEY CITY NJ || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA73405W

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

tl*the contact owns a 2005 bmw x3. the contact stated that they had to replace the water hose three times since purchasing the vehicle. the dealer replaced the hoses but they continued to burst. the contact was concerned about the damage being done to the engine when the failure occurred. the failure mileage was approximately 10,000 and the current mileage was approximately 67,000.

Reported in: MATTAPAN MA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA73445W

STRUCTURE

hatch back is leaking water into the hatchback of x3. water leakage in front of car from hood into bilateral sides of dash board which damaged carpet and belongings.

Reported in: MATTAPAN MA || Crash: N || VIN #:

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

heated seat caught fire, burning through thick leather upholstery. 2005 bmw x3, 36,000 miles. not repaired, out of warranty, bmw only willing to pay for half of replacement, consumer cost 700 dollars.

Reported in: BLOOMINGTON IN || Crash: N || VIN #:

SEATS

heated seat caught fire, burning through thick leather upholstery. 2005 bmw x3, 36,000 miles. not repaired, out of warranty, bmw only willing to pay for half of replacement, consumer cost 700 dollars.

Reported in: BLOOMINGTON IN || Crash: N || VIN #:

SEATS

bmw driver heated seat causes severe burnes

Reported in: CLIFTON PARK NY || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93415W

SEATS

2005 bmx x3 seat warmer on the driver's side burnt through the seat and burnt my leg. the dealer refuses to recognize this is a product defect and will replace the seat.

Reported in: PANAMA CITY FL || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93405W

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

on december 26th, 2010 my daughter was driving our 2005 bmw x3 when it stopped in the middle of a street about a block from our house. there was a lot of smoke and for a moment she thought that the vehicle was on fire. we got it towed to a local service station that diagnosed the problem as hydro-locking. they cleaned it up but did not have a fix for the problem. i called motorwerks bmw in minneapolis and explained the problem and was told i will get a call back. i didn't hear back and called again after a couple of days. i was asked to bring it to the dealership and the earliest appointment was january 24th, 2011. on january 20, 2011, my wife was driving the same vehicle home from work at 11:30 pm when it stopped in the middle of a busy and dangerous intersection in fargo, north dakota. the temperature outside was -22f. she must have driven the car about 2 miles when she saw a huge white smoke coming out of tail pipe and within a few minutes the vehicle completely stopped. we got it towed to the same service station as before and called my insurance agent the next morning. the agent did some investigation and advised us to get it towed to another service station in moorhead mn that works mostly on imports. this service station knew what the problem was as they had fixed five to six others in the last couple of months. they got the parts from the motorwerks bmw dealership, fixed the problem and i got the vehicle back on 1/27/2011. they also mentioned that somebody had tried fixing the problem earlier but did not quite finish it. we are the original owners of it and have always taken it to motorwerks bmw in minneapolis for all work. the total without the two towing was $1028. i have read that other bwm owners living in cold places with high humidity have had the same problem. i am scared to have any family member drive the vehicle. have others had the same problem? can it happen again? what should i do?

Reported in: FARGO ND || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93465W

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

airbag warning light illuminated and will not turn off. bmw diagnosed problem as failure of passenger seat mat sensor. now passenger airbag status lamp will not turn off.

Reported in: ARLINGTON VA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA73415W

AIR BAGS

airbag warning light illuminated and will not turn off. bmw diagnosed problem as failure of passenger seat mat sensor. now passenger airbag status lamp will not turn off.

Reported in: ARLINGTON VA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA73415W

AIR BAGS

tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw x3. the contact stated that the front passenger air bag light would constantly illuminate on the instrument panel. the vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. the approximate failure mileage was 70,000. the vin was unavailable.

Reported in: VOORHESS NJ || Crash: N || VIN #:

SEATS

heated drivers seat burned through leather and scorched drivers pants.

Reported in: COLORA MD || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93465W

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

heated drivers seat burned through leather and scorched drivers pants.

Reported in: COLORA MD || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93465W

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

seat warmer caught on fire! while parked in the driveway with the engine running, i turned on both manufacturer-installed front seat warmers (outside temp. 36 degrees farenheit) for my son and i. i felt a pinching on upper left thigh / buttock. thought it was a bug. shifted in the seat, and felt it again, more painful this time. lifted myself from the seat a bit to look at the seat and see what was poking or pinching me, saw smoke coming out of a new hole on the left side of the seat. looked through the hole, and saw flames and smelled burning. immediately, turned off the seat warmer, got out of the vehicle, reached over and turned off the vehicle. the seat smoldered for another couple of minutes. called my spouse to check if it was still smoldering, but it had stopped. took the vehicle to the dealer to get it checked out.

Reported in: NEW MARKET MD || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA73495W

SEATS

seat warmer caught on fire! while parked in the driveway with the engine running, i turned on both manufacturer-installed front seat warmers (outside temp. 36 degrees farenheit) for my son and i. i felt a pinching on upper left thigh / buttock. thought it was a bug. shifted in the seat, and felt it again, more painful this time. lifted myself from the seat a bit to look at the seat and see what was poking or pinching me, saw smoke coming out of a new hole on the left side of the seat. looked through the hole, and saw flames and smelled burning. immediately, turned off the seat warmer, got out of the vehicle, reached over and turned off the vehicle. the seat smoldered for another couple of minutes. called my spouse to check if it was still smoldering, but it had stopped. took the vehicle to the dealer to get it checked out.

Reported in: NEW MARKET MD || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA73495W

SEATS

i have a 2005 x3! this morning my driver side seat nearly went up in flames!! so scary!! lucky i wasn't in traffic or on the highway, i was able to jump out and address the problem. is there a recall number for the heated seats yet? i have seen allot of issues with the bmw 04-08 x3 heated seats. most people are getting burnt and this could be very dangerous for us owner while driving. something need to be done, lucky it was me driving and not my wife. thank you

Reported in: ARLINGTON VA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93465W

SEATS

a driver side seat heater overheated the seat and burned through leaving a hole. this happened while i was driving and caused me to step accelerator mistakenly. this is a serious safety issue and bmw needs to recall all defected parts.

Reported in: PORT JEFFERSON STATION NY || Crash: N || VIN #: 3VWSK69M22M

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

my wife's heated driver seat burned a hole in the vinyl seat cover and through her sweater. dealer says this is not covered by warranty, but it appears to be a common problem for the x3. an internet search reveals several complaints. additionally, a recall was announced for the bmw 5 and 3 series for the same issue. i hope the ntsb conducts a quick response. thanks. *kb

Reported in: WASHINGTON DC || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93445W

SEATS

my wife's heated driver seat burned a hole in the vinyl seat cover and through her sweater. dealer says this is not covered by warranty, but it appears to be a common problem for the x3. an internet search reveals several complaints. additionally, a recall was announced for the bmw 5 and 3 series for the same issue. i hope the ntsb conducts a quick response. thanks. *kb

Reported in: WASHINGTON DC || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93445W

AIR BAGS

tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw x3 2.5. the contact stated that at engine startup, the air bag warning light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the mat sensor for the air bags needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the vin did not qualify for repairs under nhtsa campaign id number: 08v384000(air bags:frontal). the failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 57,000.

Reported in: LOS ANGELES CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA73445W

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw x3. the contact stated that while driving, the driver side heated seat overheated. the seat became severely hot and burned through the leather seats as well as burning a hole through the contact's pants. the contact was not injured. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 75,000. updated 02/22/12 *bf updated 03/01/12

Reported in: SEATTLE WA || Crash: N || VIN #: WVXPA93435W

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

driver side seat heater overheated, burned through the leather seat and into coat of driver, leaving dime-sized burn hole approximately 12 inches up on the left "wing" of the seat back. can no longer use heated seat on driver side, as the same spot begins to smolder when the seat heater is turned on, even on low. *kb

Reported in: APO AE || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93455W

AIR BAGS

i originally asked seattle bmw to look into this problem of the seat belt warning system buzzer sounding when there was no passenger in the seat. at this point the car was still under warranty (2007) and they said the problem was corrected. upon driving home to olympia, wa the buzzer began sounding again and the warning light remained illuminated. recently, i was having a failure of the rear driver's side window repaired at the northwest bmw dealership in tacoma. i was told the cost would be approx. $1600. another customer there was talking to me about my situation and told me his friend has the same year (2005) x3 and has the same problem. despite the bmw recall 08v384000, the dealer as well as bmw of north america say the vehicle is not covered under this recall. this appears to be the "corporate" response to all owners. front seat passengers are in danger should these vehicles be involved in an accident. dot needs to get on this issue to protect consumers! *js

Reported in: OLYMPIA WA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93465W

SEAT BELTS

i originally asked seattle bmw to look into this problem of the seat belt warning system buzzer sounding when there was no passenger in the seat. at this point the car was still under warranty (2007) and they said the problem was corrected. upon driving home to olympia, wa the buzzer began sounding again and the warning light remained illuminated. recently, i was having a failure of the rear driver's side window repaired at the northwest bmw dealership in tacoma. i was told the cost would be approx. $1600. another customer there was talking to me about my situation and told me his friend has the same year (2005) x3 and has the same problem. despite the bmw recall 08v384000, the dealer as well as bmw of north america say the vehicle is not covered under this recall. this appears to be the "corporate" response to all owners. front seat passengers are in danger should these vehicles be involved in an accident. dot needs to get on this issue to protect consumers! *js

Reported in: OLYMPIA WA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93465W

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

i originally asked seattle bmw to look into this problem of the seat belt warning system buzzer sounding when there was no passenger in the seat. at this point the car was still under warranty (2007) and they said the problem was corrected. upon driving home to olympia, wa the buzzer began sounding again and the warning light remained illuminated. recently, i was having a failure of the rear driver's side window repaired at the northwest bmw dealership in tacoma. i was told the cost would be approx. $1600. another customer there was talking to me about my situation and told me his friend has the same year (2005) x3 and has the same problem. despite the bmw recall 08v384000, the dealer as well as bmw of north america say the vehicle is not covered under this recall. this appears to be the "corporate" response to all owners. front seat passengers are in danger should these vehicles be involved in an accident. dot needs to get on this issue to protect consumers! *js

Reported in: OLYMPIA WA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93465W

SEATS

tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw x3. the contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph with the heated seat warmer in activation when suddenly the heating element began to penetrate the contact's clothing with an excessive amount of heat. the contact immediately deactivated the heated seat warmer. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who advised that the driver's seat would need to be replaced in order for the heated seat warmer to operate properly. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 83,000. ..updated 11/14/12 *bf

Reported in: IRVINE CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93485W

POWER TRAIN

2005 bmw x3 transfer case failure. power will stop being transferred to the wheels properly causing the vehicle to hesitate or stop in traffic.

Reported in: FOOTHILL RANCH CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93495W

AIR BAGS

the air bag warning light is on continuously. there is no physical damage to the system. the car has never been in a collision. there is a recall on this system for the 2004 model, but not the 2005 model.

Reported in: SANDWICH MA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA73465W

SEATS

i used the heated seat function for the drivers seat in my 2005 bmw x3 and it rapidly heated up becoming unbearable to sit on. i immediately turned it off and stopped the car and got out because the seat was too hot to sit on and because there was a burning smell coming from under the seat. after a while the smell dissipated and the seat was cool enough to use. i have not used the heat function since and am waiting for my bmw dealer to check it and get back to me.

Reported in: EAST NORWICH NY || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA934X5W

SEATS

the drivers seat warmer caught fire and burned on the left hand side of the seat. the seat warmer wires were exposed and burned the seat and through my pants.

Reported in: SANTA FE NM || Crash: N || VIN #:

SEATS

on christmas morning, december 25, 2012, the driver of the vehicle started the car, activated the seat warmer, and we immediately detected a burning odor in the car. we drove less than approx. 1/2 block and pulled over to determine the problem. the seat warmer was so hot that it had begun to burn a hole in the bottom seat cushion. the burn hole stopped because we identified the defect quickly and immediately turned off the warmer. i have reported the defective seat warmer to bmw.

Reported in: CHICAGO IL || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93475W

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

i was driving the vehicle and turned on the driver side heated seat. i turned it on to the first setting which is the highest. after about 2 minutes i started to smell something burning. then i also felt my leg burning. the heated seat had heated up so much that it melted a small hole in the leather where my left outside thigh would touch the seat. i am unable to use the heated seat anymore because i am afraid of getting burned worse.

Reported in: LINCOLN NE || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA934X5W

SEATS

i was driving the vehicle and turned on the driver side heated seat. i turned it on to the first setting which is the highest. after about 2 minutes i started to smell something burning. then i also felt my leg burning. the heated seat had heated up so much that it melted a small hole in the leather where my left outside thigh would touch the seat. i am unable to use the heated seat anymore because i am afraid of getting burned worse.

Reported in: LINCOLN NE || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA934X5W

AIR BAGS

i had just started the car and the airbag light came on in the instrument cluster. the passenger air bag on/off light was also illuminated. from that time on both lights are on and i'm concerned that we don't have a passenger airbag. i'm guessing it has something to do with that sensor that tells if someone is sitting in the passenger seat.

Reported in: LINCOLN NE || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA934X5W

SEATS

i had just started the car and the airbag light came on in the instrument cluster. the passenger air bag on/off light was also illuminated. from that time on both lights are on and i'm concerned that we don't have a passenger airbag. i'm guessing it has something to do with that sensor that tells if someone is sitting in the passenger seat.

Reported in: LINCOLN NE || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA934X5W

AIR BAGS

tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw x3. the contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the passenger side seat sensor needed to be replaced. in addition, the dealer advised that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 08v384000 (air bags). the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance. the failure mileage was 16,500.

Reported in: TUSCAN AZ || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA934X5W

SEATS

upon driving my x3 i turned on my drivers side seat heater and within a few minutes it started getting so hot that it began to burn the top part of my left leg. i had to turn it off and lift my leg off the surface of the seat a bit until it cooled off. it appears there is a problem on the left side of the seat (bolster). it happens now everytime i attempt to use it...i have owned this vehicle from day one and never had this problem before. i have not smelled any burning odors yet but there is a serious problem with the seat. my wife has experienced the same thing !...this needs to be addressed by bmw and corrected before there is a fire or bodily injury. so for safety reasons and preventing burns i am unable to use this feature i paid so dearly for...i will be contacting the dealership on monday to advise them of this problem.

Reported in: HUBER HEIGHTS OH || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93435W

SEATS

while using the heating device for the seats i smelled something burning and felt heat on my pants. i turned the heating device off. there was a small burn stain left on the seat, which has turned into a small hole.

Reported in: UPPER MARLBORO MD || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93425W

STRUCTURE:BODY

our vehicle was stopped behind a single vehicle at a red light. without warning, the vehicle accelerated and struck the car immediately in front of our vehicle. after striking the vehicle, our car then accelerated again into the intersection and was struck by a vehicle moving legally with a green light through the intersection. our vehicle went to the curb where it accelerated once again which caused it to jump the curb and crash through a steel fence and into a light pole where it finally came to rest. there were three acceleration events with the driver's right foot off the gas pedal. the vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurer, geico and was removed from service.

Reported in: WALL TOWNSHIP NJ || Crash: Y || VIN #: WBXPA93405W

STEERING

our vehicle was stopped behind a single vehicle at a red light. without warning, the vehicle accelerated and struck the car immediately in front of our vehicle. after striking the vehicle, our car then accelerated again into the intersection and was struck by a vehicle moving legally with a green light through the intersection. our vehicle went to the curb where it accelerated once again which caused it to jump the curb and crash through a steel fence and into a light pole where it finally came to rest. there were three acceleration events with the driver's right foot off the gas pedal. the vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurer, geico and was removed from service.

Reported in: WALL TOWNSHIP NJ || Crash: Y || VIN #: WBXPA93405W

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

our vehicle was stopped behind a single vehicle at a red light. without warning, the vehicle accelerated and struck the car immediately in front of our vehicle. after striking the vehicle, our car then accelerated again into the intersection and was struck by a vehicle moving legally with a green light through the intersection. our vehicle went to the curb where it accelerated once again which caused it to jump the curb and crash through a steel fence and into a light pole where it finally came to rest. there were three acceleration events with the driver's right foot off the gas pedal. the vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurer, geico and was removed from service.

Reported in: WALL TOWNSHIP NJ || Crash: Y || VIN #: WBXPA93405W

SEATS

when i use the heated seat on the drivers side, there is a hot spot that gets so hot if you don't roll onto your right hip you will get a serious burn.

Reported in: STONY BROOK NY || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA73445W

AIR BAGS

there is a recall on the bmw 2005 x3 passenger airbag. my car is not included in the recall but, has the same problems as the cars with the recall. the airbag light goes on, it goes off, it goes on, it goes off and then finally it stays on so the airbag doesn't work. i brought it into the dealer and they confirmed it is the sensor mat.

Reported in: STONY BROOK NY || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA73445W

AIR BAGS

my airbag light is illuminated on the dash along with the "passenger airbag off" light overhead, even when someone is seated and buckled into the passenger seat. i called bmw and was told that even though my car model and year was included in the recall summary (nhtsa campaign id # 08v384000), according to them it was not affected and will not be paid for--even though i am experiencing the exact same problem as is detailed in the summary. reading through other forums and the complaints on this site leads me to believe that more vehicles were affected than what was initially covered in the recall.

Reported in: SAINT LOUIS MO || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93485W

SEATS

i turned on the heated seat feature on my 2005 bmw x3 and about 5 minutes later my leg started to get very hot. i reached down with my hand and it was so hot that it burnt my hand. i started to smell smoke and quickly turned off my heated seat. when i got home i looked on my driver seat and noticed a small brown burnt spot on the left side cushion of my driver side seat. thankfully i noticed it right away, if it was on any longer i'm not sure what would have happened! this is very dangerous and i could have been badly burnt.

Reported in: FRANKLIN NC || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93405W

SEATS

driver's seat at left leg bolster area heats up when seat heater element is activated. shocking or burning sensation is felt due to overheat problem.

Reported in: OIL CITY PA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93425W

SEATS

driver seat heat mat got too hot causing smoke, damage to clothing, and skin injury in less than a minute after turning the system on high. the seat had been functioning normally the day before. the seat cover is visibly damaged at a single point about the size of a quarter. the spot is on the left seat pan bolster 2/3's back from the front edge of the seat pan.

Reported in: SALEM OR || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93485W

SEATS

while driving to work (approx. 2 mile trip) on a cold morning (outside temp 18 deg f) turned on driver's side heated car seat at maximum setting. prior to this incident, the seat heater had functioned properly although left side of seat always seemed to somewhat hotter than rest of seat. within 1.5 mile, seat became extremely hot on left side of seat bottom 2/3 back from front and i began to smell a strong burning plastic odor in the car. i immediately turned off seat heater. arrived at office and upon inspection, discovered a blackened burnt spot on the seat leather at the location where extreme heat had been.

Reported in: BEND OR || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93485W

SEATS

upon turning on my driver side heated seat within 2 minutes of driving started to smell a burning and then a burn/shocking sensation on left thigh. adjusted while driving then realized my seat was burning me on the left leg. pulled over and got out of car and saw my seat was smoldering (smoke and burning). realized it must be the heated seat. turned off seat warmer and waited for 5 minutes and realized had a small hole through my pants. after seat cooled, drove home and inspected a burn hole better at home and put ice on a 1st to 2nd degree burn on my left upper thigh.

Reported in: SALEM VA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93485W

AIR BAGS

i took my vehicle for an oil change and other minor services and the mechanic advised "srs light on for passenger seat occupancy sensor". the passenger air bag on-off lamp and the air bag warning lamp have both been illuminated simultaneously for several months. i called bmw customer relations and was advised that my vehicle does not fall under the current front seat occupant protection mat recall.

Reported in: MOORESTOWN NJ || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93495W

AIR BAGS

front passenger side air bag is turned off (light notification), when no one is in passenger seat and no items are on seat the warning light goes on and buzzer will not stop, as if some weight is on seat. bmw has issued recall for this problem (76536 & 72651), but not for this vin. this is a severe safety issue since airbag is turned off by car and can not be turned on by driver or passenger. also, have to have seat belt activated all the time. have noticed that several people have made this same complaint online and bmw has not corrected issue.

Reported in: ROCKLIN CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93455W

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

front passenger side air bag is turned off (light notification), when no one is in passenger seat and no items are on seat the warning light goes on and buzzer will not stop, as if some weight is on seat. bmw has issued recall for this problem (76536 & 72651), but not for this vin. this is a severe safety issue since airbag is turned off by car and can not be turned on by driver or passenger. also, have to have seat belt activated all the time. have noticed that several people have made this same complaint online and bmw has not corrected issue.

Reported in: ROCKLIN CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93455W

SEAT BELTS

front passenger side air bag is turned off (light notification), when no one is in passenger seat and no items are on seat the warning light goes on and buzzer will not stop, as if some weight is on seat. bmw has issued recall for this problem (76536 & 72651), but not for this vin. this is a severe safety issue since airbag is turned off by car and can not be turned on by driver or passenger. also, have to have seat belt activated all the time. have noticed that several people have made this same complaint online and bmw has not corrected issue.

Reported in: ROCKLIN CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93455W

SEATS

i was driving home from work on i-90 in washington state and felt a sudden painful sharp pin point sensation in my left upper outer posterior thigh. i thought i was being stuck by a pin or something sharp. i put my hand down to pull out the sharp object and then felt a small spot in my seat that was burning hot. i almost lost control of my car from the severity of the pain in my fingers and thigh. i turned off the seat heater and the hot spot went away quickly. when i got home i turned the heater on again - and the same thing happened. i had a dime sized red burn mark on my thigh. this was only a minor injury, but i am lucky i did not receive a more serious burn, and that a fire did not start and that i was not in an accident. this is an extremely dangerous defect.

Reported in: KIRKLAND WA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBXPA93465W