2006 BMW X3 BMW X3 2006

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2006 BMW X3 repairs by problem area

Engine (38%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (13%)

Brakes and Traction Control (3%)

Suspension and Steering (10%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (28%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (3%)

Other (6%)

Chart based on 103 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2006 BMW X3.

2006 BMW X3 repair cost distribution

$2500+ (2%)

$1000 - $2499 (15%)

$500 - $999 (19%)

$100 - $499 (26%)

< $100 (38%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 85 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2006 BMW X3

Engine not specified

BMW X3 in New Mexico, United States
Mar 2012 - Apr 2012
Apr 2012

80000 mi

US $50
headlights blinking off and on. 

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2006 BMW X3 4dr SUV

225-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual AWD

BMW X3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2017 - Sep 2017
Apr 2017

118000 mi

US $480
Service engine soon light came on. Computer diagnostic code indicated air fuel mixture was lean. Replaced O2 sensor. 
Sep 2017

125000 mi

US $4100
Replace transfer case 
BMW X3 in Wisconsin, United States
Jun 2009 - Jan 2013
Sep 2012

83000 mi
Passenger weight matt for airbag system failed 
BMW X3 in Tennessee, United States
Apr 2013 - Dec 2017
May 2013

58800 mi

US $2000
No XM radio, part cost $800. Leak in window washer tank. 
Jun 2014

71000 mi

US $405
A/c recharge 
Aug 2014

73000 mi
A/C was recharged again, suspect bad evaporator. 
Oct 2015

88000 mi
Srs and traction control, four wheel drive malfunction. Replaced actuator gear. Sunroof leak 
Oct 2016

94200 mi

US $2000
Replaced A/C evaporator 
BMW X3 in Connecticut, United States
Nov 2013 - Mar 2015
Dec 2013

152000 mi

US $500
Replaced the radiator, hoses, thermostat and water pump. 
Jan 2014

US $200
Replaced rear shocks which were original and worn. 

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2006 BMW X3 4dr SUV

225-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

BMW X3 in California, United States
May 2013 - Dec 2014
Jun 2013

78000 mi

US $600
Left Front Shock blew line needed to be replaced 
Dec 2013

82000 mi

US $950
The coolant system has been a problem for over a year. I originally had the thermostat replaced, then the reservoir burst. The reservoir and hoses were replced but the thernostat seemed to be fine do it wasnt replaced again... 
Mar 2014

83000 mi
then the thermostat failed. 
BMW X3 in New York, United States
Dec 2012 - Jan 2013
Jan 2013

US $460
AC and drive belt replaced to pass inspection 
BMW X3 in North Carolina, United States
Nov 2012 - Nov 2014
Jan 2013

115000 mi
SES light came on. Lean Code was reported. Smoke Test performed to check for leaks. None found. Cleaned Mass Air Flow sensor. Light went out, readings normal. However - it is back on again after 300 miles. Back to the shop it goes! 
Nov 2014

150000 mi

US $618
Transmission was completely replaced. Warranty paid for all but $300 Drive shaft was cracked during the transmission repair. Repair shop at fault, but couldn't prove it. So paid cost (no labor) for a used drive shaft. Transfer Case and Engine had multiple oil leaks. Losing a quart of oil a day. Warranty refused to pay, even though I had a Powertrain Warranty. 
BMW X3 in Kansas, United States
Apr 2013 - Sep 2015
Feb 2014

97300 mi

US $1800
Bad radiator. Replaced water pump at same time, even though the pump was still working. Most economical way to protect for future failure. 
Mar 2014

98000 mi

US $250
Battery 
Jul 2014

99000 mi

US $2395
AC dryer in dash AC dryer in dash 
BMW X3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Apr 2015 - Mar 2017
Sep 2016

132000 mi

US $150
Car has developed leaks in oil and coolant 
BMW X3 in British Columbia, Canada
Oct 2015 - Sep 2018
Nov 2016

133920 mi

C $700
troubleshoot and clean condenser 
BMW X3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Mar 2015 - Jul 2018
Jul 2017

138000 mi

US $350
Left front strut leaked out. Both front struts were replaced along with strut mounts 
Mar 2018

145700 mi

US $45
When opened, hood would barely stay up in colder weather. Replaced weak hood lift supports (gas springs). 
Apr 2018

146847 mi

US $260
Left rear shock broke in two pieces, replaced both rear shocks and mounts. 
May 2018

147115 mi

US $20
Windshield washer pump cracked and drained fluid. Pump was replaced. 
Jul 2018

150358 mi

US $298
Tires were wearing unevenly, control arm bushings were worn. Control arms and ball joints were replaced. 
BMW X3 in California, United States
- Jan 2008
Jan 2008

20000 mi

US $10
Passenger airbag sensor replacement, covered under warranty. 
BMW X3 in Ohio, United States
Sep 2015 - Apr 2017
Aug 2016

124300 mi

US $2500
Exhaust issues 
Apr 2017

134000 mi

US $250
Leak in windshield washer pump 
BMW X3 in Kentucky, United States
Oct 2012 - May 2014
Dec 2012

63000 mi

US $750
Vacuum leak caused the need to replace the idle control valve 
Nov 2013

86000 mi
Belt tensioner replaced along with primary belt Intermittent airbag light. Primary air bag sensor mat in passenger seat replaced under a BMW recall in effect for 10 years/unlimited miles. 
Feb 2014

88600 mi

US $1200
All cooling system parts replaced including radiator, fluids, overflow container, thermostat...basically everything but the belt and tensioner 
May 2014

90000 mi
A/C needed to be charged. Dealer said that boots are leaking, need to be replaced before metal on metal becomes a major issue. 
BMW X3 in Ontario, Canada
Feb 2015 - Jul 2016
Mar 2015

96100 mi

C $1700
We were hearing weird rubbing noises. Thought it was wheel bearings. Turned out to be the driveshaft. Replaced it. 
May 2015

98000 mi

C $500
Small leak in A/C. Fixed was required before recharge allowed. 
BMW X3 in Michigan, United States
Jul 2012 - Aug 2012
Aug 2012

71000 mi
Bought X3 Nov 11 with CPO active with an end date of May 12. It doesnt get hot in michigan until June. We noticed right away with temps above 86 that the AC didnt work well. Cold air would only come from the drivers side vents. Needs charge 
BMW X3 in Wyoming, United States
Aug 2010 - Jun 2018
Nov 2010

32000 mi

US $800
replaced headlight housings,they would diffuse the light so at night you could not see well,like old lead glass windows in an old home...own my own shop, added $250 for labor. 
Feb 2011

33000 mi

US $20
Check engine light came on, verified fuel trims, off a little - added injector cleaner and told the wife to stop putting around in her car, to drive it like she stole it. It has been very cold this year and she drives 2 miles to work and back. 
May 2011

35400 mi

US $50
trip 2 yellowstone,halfway,cel,evap code,finished trip,major snowstorm,lots of fun,car great,chked out,small tear intake boot to air cleaner,replaced,all good,i am a ase master,20+ yrs,easy repair for me-not for normal folks, still love x3 
Dec 2012

45000 mi

US $700
4x4 function problems..had to replace shift motor. 
Jan 2013

34300 mi

US $650
when the weather got cold dme ram failed.. all kinds of service bulletin's. requested assistance from BMW. They paid half the list price of the DME ($692). 
May 2014

54000 mi

US $150
replaced body to door seals, worn flat, more maint and wear, 
Apr 2015

59300 mi

US $200
oil filter housing gasket and line, 
Mar 2018

73000 mi

US $1400
driveline carrier bearing started making noise at minus 2 and running 80+ on interstate, thought it was possible tcase issue, pulled tcase and replaced bearings, chain etc..normal at somepoint in all x3 lives, viewed it as a future maint item, tcase had some minimal wear replaced bearings replaced driveshaft carrier bearing felt it was most of the noise issue. drove out vehicle nxt week on a 5-600 mile run 2-3 mountain passes and still the...suv to have with snow tires in bad weather. 
BMW X3 in Arkansas, United States
Sep 2010 - Jul 2013
Nov 2010

72000 mi

US $1200
Scheduled to have trans case replaced this month ($1100.00).  "Check Engine Soon" light came on so I had a diagnostic-check performed ($157.00). DISA valve is cracked and leaking air-needs to be replaced ($250.00 plus $262.00 labor). 
Jul 2013

128000 mi
Struts 
BMW X3 in New York, United States
Jun 2009 - Jun 2012
Jan 2010

32000 mi
Replaced cracked coolant overflow reservoir. Bluetooth failed, dealer replaced module. Told me it failed because my son's phone was not 100% compatible with the system which caused it to lock up and fail after time. Also caused battery to die. Replace cracked Coolant overflow reservoir, replace bluetooh module 
Apr 2010

34000 mi

US $100
After a few months the bluetooth failed again because dealer did not update software. They replaced the module again and updated software at their expense. $730. replace another bluetooth module, update software to accomodate newer phones 
Mar 2012

49000 mi

US $100
Replaced torn throttle boot cover 
BMW X3 in New Mexico, United States
Feb 2010 - Apr 2012
Sep 2011

43000 mi

US $60
Window drive cog snapped. Second one at 43k on the ODO. Common problem with BMWs 
Apr 2012

50000 mi

US $250
Right Front Strut was leaking; thus replaced. 
BMW X3 in Ohio, United States
Dec 2009 - Jun 2013
Mar 2010

56000 mi
wind and water leak from sunroof - rear passenger area faulty fuel injector causing hesitation at wide open throttle. One replaced 
Apr 2011

75800 mi

US $50
DISA valve failed, causing lean condition report from both O2 sensors but a normal condition from the MAF, so it threw two faults - P0170 and P0171 Drivers heated seat only working on back, not seat. Part would have cost $650 if not under warranty!! Included the leather seat because the heater is bonded to the leather. Dumb. Tire pressure Monitor System (TPMS) kept going off. Dealer noticed a non standard valve cap, which is a no-no I guess due to electrical conductance being different than the stock caps. Cost 1.37. Might have fixed it - at least so far. 
BMW X3 in South Carolina, United States
Jul 2012 - Aug 2012
Aug 2012

80000 mi

US $1500
I had an oil leak. My oil pan was damaged. That had to be replaced. 
BMW X3 in Alabama, United States
Jun 2009 - Feb 2012
Nov 2010

68580 mi

US $50
Vents on the passenger side were blowing air that was noticeably warmer than that from the driver's side. The AC evaporator was replaced. Repair was covered by CPO warranty. Vents on the passenger side were blowing air that was noticeably warmer than that from the driver's side. The AC evaporator was replaced. Repair was covered by CPO warranty. 
Nov 2011

80500 mi

US $380
Had problems with hot starts. Dealer identified as bad fuel pump. During repair, dealer found that fuel check valve/filter was also bad. Fuel pump was covered under warranty ($50 deductible), valve/filter cost $330 P&L. 
Jan 2012

83000 mi

US $858
Crankcase ventilation valve went out. Dealer replaced valve and attached hoses. 
BMW X3 in Ontario, Canada
Oct 2011 - Sep 2016
Sep 2013

55800 mi

C $1300
Broken driver seat warmer 
Mar 2016

65100 mi

C $90
Intake boot had a crack. Changed the intake boot. 
Aug 2016

65920 mi

C $250
Replaced the thermostat 
BMW X3 in California, United States
May 2010 - Jun 2022
Jun 2010

37000 mi
soft brake pedal, replaced master cylinder 
Jan 2012

62300 mi

US $200
spongy brake pedal,brake fluid replaced 
Mar 2013

52000 mi

US $800
Oxygen sensor replacement 
Jan 2015

60000 mi

US $100
Soft pedal, goes to floor when stopped with very little effort. Bleed brakes helped for a little while. 
BMW X3 in Missouri, United States
Feb 2012 - Mar 2016
Mar 2012

102000 mi
Passenger side air bag light would come on intermittently. After talking to the service manager, it was determined to be in a particular campaign recall. Sensor harness or switch was replaced (since it cracks?) at no charge. 
Nov 2012

114000 mi

US $500
There is a well documented issue with the Transfer Case Actuator. Basically the gear starts to wear out and at low gear the transmissions seems to make a dull 'thunk'. See Service Information bulletin supersedes S.I. B01 07 03 dated April 2 
Mar 2013

119000 mi

US $500
Rear coils were cracked, replacement was recommended. Its a known issue with the 3 series, unfortunately BMW does not cover it. 
Jul 2014

148000 mi

US $350
Replace pulley. 
BMW X3 in Pennsylvania, United States
Sep 2011 - Dec 2013
Mar 2013

65000 mi

US $800
Two Broken Coil springs - rear 
Sep 2013

73000 mi

US $1700
Mis-diagnosed new battery...screwed up a lot of other problems 
Dec 2013

73000 mi
Seal Oil Leak 
BMW X3 in New Jersey, United States
Jul 2011 - Dec 2014
Sep 2011

62000 mi
coolant level low for no clear reason; dealer refilled. 
Feb 2014

130000 mi

US $127
Front windshield washer pump failed and replaced. Coolant level keeps falling low. Coolant expansion tank replaced. Still dropping. 
Jun 2014

135000 mi

US $1500
Replaced both front struts due to leak 
Aug 2014

136000 mi

US $80
Battery dead. Replaced. Coolant level kept falling despite refilling. AC Evaporator found to be leaky. Too expensive ($2K-$3K) to replace. 
Dec 2014

137000 mi
Coolant leak never fixed. AC evaporator leak never fixed. 
BMW X3 in Wisconsin, United States
Oct 2009 - Jun 2011
Nov 2009

39000 mi
harsh shifting in standard automatic mode - especially from 3rd to fourth gear - not present in steptronic mode. 
Apr 2010

41000 mi
bad O2 sensor 

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2006 BMW X3 4-door

6-cylinder automatic AWD

BMW X3 in British Columbia, Canada
Aug 2014 - Mar 2017
Dec 2014

93620 mi

C $50
coolant leak from lower rad hose. replaced o-ring on lower rad hose (viton 38x4mm) and temp sensor (viton (8x3mm) 
Jan 2015

94020 mi
Error message on fuel system. Reset & problem did not reappear. 
BMW X3 in Panama
Sep 2010 - Dec 2011
Oct 2010

27900 mi
Fuel pump failed unexpectedly; the car had to be towed. The dealer replaced the fuel pump that was not on stock and had to be flown from Germany. One week after being retrieved from the shop (fuel pump problem) the airbag light came on permanently. Took to dealer who diagnosed it to be a failure of the driver's airbag. Part not on stock so it was ordered. 

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2006 BMW X3 Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2006 BMW X3 problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.