MotorDeets

2011 BMW X3 Sav: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2011 BMW X3 Sav: 1 recall, 13 owner complaints.

1vehicle recalls
13owner complaints
0mention a crash
–best combined mpg
2011 BMW X3 Sav
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #14V176000 · 2014 · 156,137 vehicles

What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (vanos) unit can loosen over time and May possibly break.

Why it matters: If the bolts loosen or break the engine May have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four vanos housing bolts for both vanos units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an…

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine4
Steering3
Airbags3
Transmission & drivetrain2
Other / unknown2
Seats1
Body & structure1
Electrical1

What owners describe

The 2011 BMW X3 Sav has 13 owner complaints, ranking #5 of 6 X3 Sav model years for complaints (well below the 46 average). Complaints peaked in 2017 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 68,300 miles. Neighboring years: 2010 (23 complaints, 3 recalls), 2012 (6 complaints, 0 recalls).

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 BMW X3 Sav.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2011 BMW X3 Sav manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2011 BMW X3 Sav manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2011 BMW X3 Sav manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2011 BMW X3 Sav manual

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FAQ

Does the 2011 BMW X3 Sav have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2011 BMW X3 Sav. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2011 BMW X3 Sav problems?

Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (4), steering (3), airbags (3).

Where can I get a 2011 BMW X3 Sav repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other X3 Sav years

200720082009201020112012