MotorDeets

2007 BMW X3: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2007 BMW X3: 3 recalls, 98 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
98owner complaints
3mention a crash
20best combined mpg
2007 BMW X3
Photo: RL GNZLZ from Chile · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

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

Airbags Vehicle recall #17V605000 · 2017 · 85,302 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.

The fix: 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. A second notification letter will be sent when parts are available.

Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #17V683000 · 2017 · 740,561 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: An electrical short can cause the parts within the pcv valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

The fix: 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.

Airbags Vehicle recall #20V017000 · 2020 · 59,965 vehicles

What's wrong: These inflators May explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 9 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Airbags37
Engine25
Engine & cooling16
Seats14
Other / unknown12
Electrical10
Transmission & drivetrain6
Speed control / throttle3

What owners describe

The 2007 BMW X3 has 98 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 23 X3 model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 87). Complaints peaked in 2018 (32 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 11 years old, at a median of 110,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2006 (143 complaints, 2 recalls), 2008 (66 complaints, 3 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.0 L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive172420Premium
3.0 L 6-cylManual 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive162419Premium

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 2007 BMW X3.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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

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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
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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
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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 2007 BMW X3 manual

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FAQ

Does the 2007 BMW X3 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2007 BMW X3. 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 2007 BMW X3 problems?

Owners have filed 98 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (37), engine (25), engine & cooling (16).

What gas mileage does the 2007 BMW X3 get?

EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2007 BMW X3 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 years

20042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026