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2007 BMW X3: common problems and reliability
· E83One of the weaker X3 years.
373 owner complaints, most about air bags. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2007 X3?The 2007 BMW X3 has 373 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and engine. Owners most often flag water leaks from sunroof cassette and door sills, soaking carpets.
Safety record for the 2007 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2007 BMW X3 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other X3 years only. How we score it
Is 2007 a good year for the X3?
Across the 23 X3 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 15 (2023) to 452 (2013). With 373 complaints, the 2007 X3 sits above the model's median of 128.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2007 X3
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 20V017000BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
air bags:sensor:occupant classification
Campaign 17V605000BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2010 BMW X3 2.5i, 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.
engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
Campaign 17V683000BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, 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.
What owners report on the E83 X3
Owners of the E83 X3 describe it as genuinely fun to drive, solid-feeling, comfortable, and surprisingly spacious for its size, with strong all-weather AWD grip and a rev-happy naturally aspirated inline-six.
- RecurrentWater leaks from sunroof cassette and door sills, soaking carpets
- RecurrentWindow regulator and window switch failures
- RecurrentTransfer case clunks, worn actuator gear, and sensitivity to uneven tire wear
- RecurrentValve cover gasket and oil filter housing/cooler gasket leaks
- RecurrentCooling system wear (coolant tank, hoses, water pump, thermostat)
Owner insights for the E83 X3. Read the full E83 owner report.
Typical used price
Used X3 listings typically run $16,995–$38,940.
Other X3 model years
Compare every X3 year side by side to see how 2007 ranks against the rest.
Compare the X3 against its rivals
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