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BMW X3 2004

The 2004 BMW X3 came with 2 engines: 2.5 L 6-cylinder, 3.0 L 6-cylinder. It gets 17 to 18 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA. 1 recall campaigns and 40 owner complaints are on record.

Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD AWD
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BMW X3
Representative photo of the X3. It may show a different year or version. Photo: Alexander-93 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · resized and cropped

Specs

Engine
2,500 cc
6
Cylinders6
TransmissionAutomatic · 5 speeds
DrivetrainAWD
Dimensions (L × W × H)4,570 × 1,850 × 1,670 mm (179.9 × 72.8 × 65.7 in)
Wheelbase2,790 mm (109.8 in)
Curb weight1,830 kg (4,034 lb)
Body styleSport Utility Vehicle - 4WD

Dimensions and weight: median of the 2 versions in Canada's official specifications (NHTSA vPIC). Each version differs slightly.

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Safety

Crash-test results across markets. They can vary by version and equipment.

NHTSA NCAP
Results · 2004 BMW X3 4-DR. w/SAB
🇺🇸 Local data

Fuel economy (MPG)

🇺🇸 Local data
City
15 MPG
Highway
22 MPG
Combined
17 MPG
Emissions
325 g/km
COâ‚‚

By version

EngineTransmissionDrivetrainCityHighwayCombined
2.5 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds AWD 15 MPG 22 MPG 17 MPG
2.5 L 6-cylinder Manual · 6 speeds AWD 15 MPG 22 MPG 18 MPG
3.0 L 6-cylinder Automatic · 5 speeds AWD 14 MPG 21 MPG 17 MPG
3.0 L 6-cylinder Manual · 6 speeds AWD 15 MPG 23 MPG 18 MPG

EPA figures for each version sold in the U.S.

Recalls

1 campaign🇺🇸 Local dataNHTSA
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL 08V384000 · 2008-08-05 · NHTSA
Consequence · Remedy

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.

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 BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2008. BMW WILL ALSO EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THESE VEHICLES TO 10 YEARS FROM FIRST REGISTRATION WITHOUT ANY MILEAGE LIMIT. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

4 campaigns🇨🇦 CA dataTransport Canada

It may not apply to vehicles sold in your country. Check with your VIN at the source.

Airbag 2024392 · 2024-07-03 · Transport Canada
Details

Issue: This recall applies to vehicles that may be equipped with a replacement sport or M-sport steering wheel that has a Takata airbag. Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: BMW will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver-front airbag module. To learn if your vehicle is affected by this recall, owners may: • Visit <a href= https://www.bmw.ca/en/ssl/VehicleRecall.html> https://www.bmw.ca/en/ssl/VehicleRecall.html</a> • Contact your preferred or local BMW Retailer • Call BMW Customer Relations Recall Services at 1-855-217-3002

Label 2012129 · 2012-04-12 · Transport Canada
Details

Certain vehicles fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Specifically, the compliance label does not indicate the wheel rim size, as required by the Standard. Correction: Due to the inconsequential nature of this non-compliance, no action will be taken.

Seats And Restraints 2008307 · 2008-08-26 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat can fatigue during field usage depending on the seat configuration, vehicle geometry, manner and frequency of front passenger entry/exit. Over time micro cracks could develop in the side flanks of the mat, which could lead to a break of the conductive path and the system will recognize a failure and with exception of head protection system the front passenger air bag will be deactivated. The airbag On/Off lamp will be illuminated to make the occupants aware of the deactivation. Correction: The occupant detection mat will be granted a warranty extension of 10 years.

Label 2004053 · 2004-02-10 · Transport Canada
Details

On certain vehicles, the compliance label does not meet the requirements of CMVSS 120. The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the front axle is missing and the GAWR for the rear axle is incorrect. Correction: Dealer will install new correct labels.

Common problems

40 reports🇺🇸 Local data

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 2025-09-06 · NHTSA

Odometer failed - unable to get this fixed!

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS 2023-07-25 · NHTSA

AIRBAG LAMP REMIANS ON DUE TO FAILED PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTION MAT. HONOLULU BMW DEALER CLAIMS RECALL 08V384000 WAS PERFORMED JULY 18, 2008- WHICH IS THE EXACT SAME DATE LISTED IN THE RECALL AS BMW'S REPORT DATE TO NHTSA. THE RECALL CAMPAIGN AND PROCEDURE DID NOT GET PUBLISHED OR BEGIN FOR NEARLY A YEAR LA…

AIR BAGS Crash 1 injured 2022-11-01 · NHTSA

The contact ownd a 2004 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, she dozed off behind the wheel when the vehicle crashed into the rear of a tow truck. As a result, the front end of the vehicle was damaged. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained an injury to the head and bodi…

AIR BAGS 2022-01-27 · NHTSA

The airbag light is on our BMW and my 16 years daughter is driving this car. I cannot believe that BMW did not issue a recall. According to Repair Pal: "What are the symptoms of a bad Air Bag Occupant Sensor? Failing occupant sensors can show one of two symptoms. They may stay on at all times, causing the passenger …

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE Fire 2020-07-08 · NHTSA

CHECK OIL LIGHT CAME ON SO VEHICLE WAS PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WITHIN SECONDS, SMOKE HAD ENGULFED THE ENGINE BAY. THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES WITHIN A FEW MINUTES.

AIR BAGS Crash 2020-03-02 · NHTSA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE SHE FELL ASLEEP BEHIND THE WHEEL WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TOW TRUCK. THE CONTACT STATED SHE PULLED OVER AFTER THE IMPACT WOKE HER UP. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOT AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NO…

ENGINE Crash 2020-02-15 · NHTSA

WHILE SITTING AT A RED LIGHT THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND I COULDN'T CONTROL IT OR STOP IT WHILE PUSHING HEAVILY ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OR ME. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE.

STRUCTURE 2020-01-07 · NHTSA

WHILE DRIVING MY SUNROOF FLEW OFF THE VEHICLE AND SHATTERED INTO PIECES. THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 35 MILES PER HOUR ON A CITY STREET

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2020-01-07 · NHTSA

WATER SEEPS INTO THE VEHICLE FROM AN UNKNOWN LOCATION AND CAUSES A MOLD EFFECT DUE TO SATURATION OF THE FLOOR IN THE BACK PASSENGER AREA. DOOR AND SUNROOF WEATHERSTRIPPING HAVE BEEN PROFESSIONALLY CHECKED AND DEEMED NOT THE CAUSE.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2019-03-22 · NHTSA

HEADLAMP BULB OUT AND UPON REPLACEMENT IT WAS NOTED THE COATED WIRING TO THE XENON SYSTEM TO RIGHT AND LEFT HEADLIGHT IS BRITTLE (THE WIRES PLASTIC COATING IS FALLING OFF)AND IN SOME PLACES EXPOSED WIRING WAS FOUND. ELECTRICAL TAPE NEED TO WRAP THE WIRING TO AVOID POTENTIAL FIRE. LATE NOTICE TO THIS SITE I WAS UNAWARE…

SEATS 1 injured 2018-11-24 · NHTSA

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT WARMER BURNED SKIN AND SCORCHED LEATHER SEAT COVER WHEN TURNED ON.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2018-11-02 · NHTSA

INSULATION ON WIRING INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY IS CRACKING AND FALLING OFF WIRING HARNESS CAUSING A SHORT AND BLOWN FUSE WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET.

All 40 reports, grouped by component

Questions

What engine does the 2004 BMW X3 have?
The 2004 BMW X3 came with 2 engines: 2.5 L 6-cylinder, 3.0 L 6-cylinder.
What is the fuel economy of the 2004 BMW X3?
It gets 17 to 18 MPG combined depending on the engine, per the EPA.
Does the 2004 BMW X3 have recalls?
1 recall campaigns are on record. The latest concerns Air Bags (2008-08-05).
What are the common problems of the 2004 BMW X3?
40 owners have filed complaints, most often about Air Bags.

Other years

Which BMW X3 year to buy? Recalls and complaints by year

Other models by BMW

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