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2017 Bmw X3 Engine Problems

30 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data

30
Complaints
2
Recalls
1
Fires
Jan 2025Dec 2024
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Engine Recalls (2)

RECALLCampaign #18V755000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot. The high EGR temperatures may result in these particles possibly smoldering and melting the intake manifold.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary. If a leak has already occurred, the engine intake manifold will also be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

RECALLCampaign #24V608000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Owner Complaints (30)

highENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Oct 2025

Your engine or cooling system has had a problem for almost a year that hasn't been fixed despite multiple repair attempts. You tried to file a claim on BMW's website but the site wouldn't accept your VIN number.

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NHTSA #: 11692266
highENGINE
Filed: Jul 2025

Your engine coolant pump has failed and needs to be replaced. This is preventing you from driving your vehicle safely. Your mechanic confirmed the problem matches a known recall for this issue, and the repair will involve replacing the coolant pump to restore proper engine cooling.

NHTSA #: 11673277
highENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2025

Your engine overheating warning light came on while driving, and your engine RPM climbed higher than normal. The dealer diagnosed a faulty water pump as the cause. This repair will likely involve replacing the water pump and possibly flushing the cooling system.

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NHTSA #: 11668545
highENGINE
Filed: Jun 2025

Your vehicle is overdue for a safety recall repair related to the engine coolant pump that was due nearly a year ago. You should contact your BMW dealer immediately to schedule the recall service to ensure your vehicle's cooling system operates safely.

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NHTSA #: 11668300
highENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2025

Your 2017 BMW X3 is under a safety recall (Campaign 24V608000) affecting the engine and electrical system, but the required repair parts are not yet available from the manufacturer. You haven't experienced any actual failure yet, but the manufacturer has taken longer than expected to make the parts available for the repair. The dealer repair will need to be scheduled once the parts become available.

NHTSA #: 11652406
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2025

You received a recall notice for your 2017 BMW X3 related to the engine and electrical system, but the replacement parts needed to complete the repair aren't available yet. Both the dealer and BMW have confirmed the parts are on backorder. While you haven't experienced any failure yet, the delay has exceeded a reasonable timeframe.

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NHTSA #: 11669511
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2025

Your 2017 BMW X3 is subject to a recall (Campaign 24V608000) affecting the engine and electrical system, but the required repair parts are currently unavailable from the manufacturer. You've been waiting longer than a reasonable timeframe for the dealer to complete this recall work. The manufacturer has not been notified of the delay. The fix will likely involve replacing or updating engine and cooling system components once parts become available.

NHTSA #: 11667403
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2025

Your 2017 BMW X3 is subject to a recall (Campaign 24V608000) involving the engine and electrical system, but the required repair parts are currently unavailable from the manufacturer. The dealer has confirmed that parts have not yet been received, and this delay has exceeded a reasonable timeframe. You may want to follow up with BMW directly or check for updates on parts availability, as the repair cannot be completed until the parts arrive.

NHTSA #: 11655391
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2025

Your 2017 BMW X3 is subject to a recall (Campaign 24V608000) related to the engine cooling and electrical systems, but the required repair parts haven't been made available yet. You've been waiting longer than expected for the manufacturer to provide these parts, and the dealer has confirmed that components needed for the recall are still unavailable. Once parts become available, your dealer will contact you to schedule the repair.

NHTSA #: 11655408
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2025

You received a recall notice for your 2017 BMW X3 related to the engine and electrical system, but the replacement parts needed to complete the repair aren't available yet from BMW. You're concerned that the manufacturer has taken too long to provide these parts, and your dealer hasn't been contacted with an update.

NHTSA #: 11654181
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2025

You received a recall notice for your 2017 BMW X3 (Campaign 24V608000) affecting the engine cooling and electrical system, but the replacement part isn't available yet from BMW. You've been waiting longer than you feel is reasonable for the repair to be completed, and you've contacted your dealer about the delay. BMW is aware of the situation, though you haven't experienced an actual failure yet.

NHTSA #: 11647434
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2025

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at 29 MPH, the engine overheated. The vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact was unaware of any warning lights being illuminated. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer, Tom Hesser BMW (1001 N Washington Ave, Scranton, PA 18509); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11644158
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2025

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11639859
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jan 2025

The recall is almost 6 months old. This vehicle is used as a rental, and it can’t be rented out until something is fixed.

NHTSA #: 11638600
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2025

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11635301
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2025

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11634392
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2024

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, there would be a vibrating sensation and a humming noise coming from the front end of the vehicle near the engine compartment. No warning lights illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11632497
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2024

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and while the vehicle was idling, the engine was running loudly. The vehicle was taken to Whitt's Auto Service Center, where an unknown repair was performed; however, the failure persisted. The check engine and the coolant temperature warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer and another dealer, BMW of Montgomery (731 Eastern Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36117) were contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11630301
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2024

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11630113
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2024

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11628673
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2024

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available; however, the license plate information was provided. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11625968
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2024

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, she observed an odor emanating from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.

NHTSA #: 11622295
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2024

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11618653
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jun 2024

White smoke started coming out from underneath the hood of the vehicle while driving it. When at a stop light, it was emitted at an alarming rate such that it necessitated stopping the vehicle immediately. No warning indicators on the dashboard were illuminated however the smoke was sudden and alarming. The vehicle was stopped on a very busy road during rush hour. A tow truck was used to take the vehicle to an independent service center. It was found that the valve cover was cracked and the camshaft adjuster seal flange gasket was insufficient causing oil to leak. The service center found the valve color leaking oil onto the catalytic converter. Leaking oil can be a fire hazard.

NHTSA #: 11594987
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Filed: Jun 2022

The contact owns a 2017 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine coolant warning light illuminated. The contact refilled the coolant reservoir. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA #: 11467307
mediumENGINE
Filed: Feb 2021

BMW IS USING INFERIOR PARTS AND METAL. I RECENTLY HAD ENGINE WORK COMPLETED BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION HEAT EXCHANGE IS FAULTY AND STAYS OPEN WHICH OVERHEATS THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT OTTO'S BMW TOLD ME THAT IF THE HEAT EXCHANGE IS OPEN IT CAN SEIZE THE ENGINE. TO REPAIR THIS IT COST $1802.74 AND THIS SHOULDN'T HAPPEN TO A BMW. I HAD HAD BMWS IN THE PAST AND NO ENGINE WAS EVER A PROBLEM UNTIL NOW. THEY SHOULD BE REPRIMANDED FOR THESE LATENT DEFECTS. I WAS RIDING AND THE LIGHT FOR THE ENGINE WENT ON AND IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT IT TO OTTO'S BMW. THE CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN MAINTAINED BUT THIS COSTLY REPAIR SHOULD BE PAID BY BMW-USA. THESE CARS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE HIGH END VEHICLE THAT CAN LAST FOR OVER 175K MILES. NOT THIS VEHICLE. IT IS PROBLEMATIC AND THERE ARE TWO CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS OUT THERE REGARDING THIS EXACT PROBLEMS. BMW MUST BE FINED AND MAKE GOOD ON THESE PROBLEMS. ANYTHING LESS WE THE CONSUMER GETS COMPROMISED.

NHTSA #: 11396517
mediumENGINE
Filed: Oct 2020

WHEN I AM COMING TO A STOP SIGN, THE ENGINE REVS UP AND MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO STOP. I NEED TO APPLY THE BRAKES VERY HARD TO AVOID HITTING ANOTHER CAR OR PERSON IN A CRESS WALK. EVEN WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES HARD, THE CAR WILL LURCH FORWARD. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO TWO DIFFERENT BMW DEALERS MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS AND THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THEY TEST DRIVE THE CAR, BUT BECAUSE THE PROBLEM IS SPORADIC AND MAY ONLY OCCUR ONCE A MONTH, IT DOES NOT DO IT WHEN THEY TEST DRIVE THE CAR.

NHTSA #: 11372449
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jun 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 BMW X3. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. INSTEAD, THE VEHICLE LURCHED/ ACCELERATED FORWARD. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SIX TIMES. THE CONTACT PLACED BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SHIFTED THE GEAR INTO NEUTRAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE TACHOMETER REVVED TO HIGH. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF AKRON (500 W EXCHANGE ST, AKRON, OH 44302, (330) 752-2224), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,200. *BF CONSUMER STATED 2ND INCIDENT OCCURED 1-31-19 AND 6-8-19 SAME AS DESCRIBED ABOVE- REPORTED TO BMW CORP IN NJ, NHTSA, AND BNW OF AKRON. ARRANGED FOR A LOANER. TOOK 2017 X3 ON 6/12 - RECEIVED REPORT OF NO PROBLEM IDENTIFIED (ATTACHED) ABOUT 15 OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS REPORTED TO NHTSA FOR 2016, 17, 18 BMW X3. TOLD TO FOLLOWUP WITH DEALERSHIP. MY WIFE WAS A WITNESS TO THE 6-8-19 MAJOR INCIDENT AND WE BELIEVE THE VEHICLE HAS A PROBLEM THAT COULD NOT BE IDENTIFIED YET HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE A VERY SERIOUS IN LIFE OR DEATH. 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

NHTSA #: 11218857
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FireFiled: Oct 2018

I LEASED A 2017 BMW X3 WITH 3370 MILES ON IT SO ALMOST BRAND NEW. I HAVE A 7.6 MILE COMMUTE FROM WORK TO HOME. I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AROUND 230PM PST SOUTH ON THE 405 (HIGHWAY) IN LOS ANGELES. I PULL UP TO MY HOUSE AND PARK THE VEHICLE ON MY CITY STREET. I PARK TURN OFF THE VEHICLE AND LOCK THE DOORS AND WALK INTO MY HOUSE. WITHIN 15 MINUTES, MY NEIGHBOR KNOCKS ON MY DOOR AND INFORMS ME THAT MY CAR IS ON FIRE. WHEN I LOOK OUTSIDE AT MY VEHICLE, IN BETWEEN THE HOOD OF MY CAR AND FRONT WINDSHIELD ARE SPITTING FLAMES OUT ONTO THE WINDSHIELD. IT THEN PROCEEDED TO BURN FAST AND HOT AND THERE WERE 30 FOOT FLAMES THAT HAD RUINED OUR FENCE AS WELL AS SINGED OUR NEIGHBORS TREE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND FINALLY TOOK OUT THE FLAME BUT THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY RUINED. THE TOW TRUCK SHOWED UP LATER BUT HE REFUSED TO TOW THE VEHICLE BECAUSE HE SAW SMOKE AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAD CAUGHT BACK ON FIRE ON THE PASSENGER WINDOW SIDE. AIRBAGS HAD ALSO STARTED BLOWING UP WHEN THE SECOND FIRE CAUGHT. I HAD PUT MY HEAD INTO THE WINDOW WHEN THE FIRE WAS OUT TO RETRIEVE ANYTHING THAT I COULD BUT WITHIN 10 SECONDS OF PULLING MY HEAD OUT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE ANOTHER AIRBAG WENT OFF AND ALMOST TOOK OFF MY HEAD. THERE WAS A DUAL INVESTIGATION WITH BMW AND MY INSURANCE SAFECO. THE INVESTIGATION IS ONGOING. INITIAL REPORT SAID THE DEFECT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE FUEL LINE. IF THIS CAR WAS IN A GARAGE OR ANY CLOSER TO OUR HOUSE EVERYTHING WOULD HAVE GONE UP IN FLAMES. OUR STORY WAS ON THE NEWS AS WELL. THERE WAS NO KNOWN RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE AS I HAVE CHECKED EVERYWHERE. HTTPS://ABC7.COM/LA-FAMILY-DEMANDS-ANSWERS-AFTER-PARKED-BMW-CATCHES-FIRE/4213154/ HTTPS://WWW.NBCLOSANGELES.COM/NEWS/LOCAL/BMW-SPONTANEOUSLY-COMBUSTS-PARKED-ON-LA-STREET-493018841.HTML HTTPS://KTLA.COM/2018/09/13/PARKED-BMW-MYSTERIOUSLY-CATCHES-FIRE-IN-WESTCHESTER/

NHTSA #: 11144413
mediumENGINE
Filed: Sep 2018

THREE INCIDENTS OF UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION OF ENGINE, TWO WHILE PARKING ON CITY STREETS (APRIL 30 AND SEPT 12) AND ONE WHEN STOPPING AT RED LIGHT ON CITY STREET (AUG 1). CAR WAS IN DRIVE AND STARTED REVVING UNEXPECTEDLY AND IMMEDIATELY WENT TO OVER 7,000 RPM. I SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND MAINTAINED BRAKE. REVVING STOPPED AND RETURNED TO NORMAL IDLING WHEN I LIFTED FOOT FROM BRAKE. CAR WAS TAKEN TO BMW SERVICE FOR ONE PARKING INCIDENT AND THE INCIDENT WHILE STOPPING AT RED LIGHT. BMW MECHANICS WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE. FOR LATEST INCIDENT HAVE CONTACTED BMW NORTH AMERICA AND THEY WILL SEND AN ENGINEER FROM HEADQUARTERS TO CHECK VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY, NO COLLISION OR ACCIDENT OCCURRED. HOWEVER, I BELIEVE SOME DRIVERS WOULD HAVE A PROBLEM DEALING WITH SUDDEN UNCONTROLLED REVVING AND INDEED I AM CONCERNED ABOUT A REPETITION, ESPECIALLY IN CITY OR HIGHWAY TRAFFIC.

NHTSA #: 11129293

Other 2017 Bmw X3 Issues