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BMW X3-XDRIVE28I (2011–2017): Technical Data, DTC & Service Schedule
Built 2011–2017 · all production years covered on this single page
2.0L I4 Turbo N20 • Gasoline
© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Bmw X3-Xdrive28I (2011–2017) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair cost4.0
Parts & repairability4.7
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & supportn/a
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Bmw X3-Xdrive28I (2011–2017) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Bmw X3-Xdrive28I (2011–2017) uses BMW TwinPower Turbo 5W-30 engine oil. Its battery is group H6 (BCI), rated at 600A cold-cranking amps. It is powered by a 2.0L I4 Turbo N20 engine. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Engine overheatingFREQUENT
Engine temperature over limits — check coolant level, thermostat and radiator.
Related codes: P0217
Oil pressure sensor: low signalFREQUENT
ECU detects insufficient oil pressure — check oil level and sensor.
Related codes: P0522
Insufficient oil pressureFREQUENT
Oil pressure below critical threshold — stop the engine and check immediately.
Related codes: P0524
Engine control module (PCM) faultFREQUENT
Faulty ECU processor — requires specialist workshop diagnosis.
Related codes: P0606
Throttle actuatorFREQUENT
Throttle actuator motor circuit open — loss of throttle response.
Related codes: P2100
COMMON REPAIRS
Front brake pads
Difficulty: Medium
1.1h
€77 – €99
Rear brake pads
Difficulty: Medium
1.2h
€84 – €108
Engine oil change
Difficulty: Easy
0.4h
€28 – €36
ABS Module
Difficulty: Hard
2.7h
€189 – €243
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
OFFICIAL LABOUR TIMES (OLP)
Standard labour hours from a database of 6.6M+ real shop operations, with an indicative labour-cost estimate for your country.
Brakes8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| ABS Module | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| ABS Pump | 3.4h | € 153–€ 255 |
| ABS Tone Ring | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Front | 1.1h | € 49–€ 82 |
| ABS Wheel Speed Sensor - Rear | 1.1h | € 49–€ 82 |
| Brake Bleed - All Four | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Brake Booster | 3.4h | € 153–€ 255 |
| Brake Booster Check Valve | 0.4h | € 18–€ 30 |
Cooling8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Coolant Bypass Pipe | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Coolant Flush | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Coolant Reservoir | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
| Coolant Temperature Sensor | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
| Cooling Fan Assembly | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Cooling Fan Clutch | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Cooling Fan Motor | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Cooling Fan Relay | 0.4h | € 18–€ 30 |
Electrical8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airbag - Driver | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Airbag - Passenger | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Airbag - Side | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| Airbag Module/Computer | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Alternator | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Alternator Belt | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
| Amplifier | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Antenna | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
Engine8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Boost Pressure Sensor | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
| Camshaft Position Sensor | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Camshaft R&R | 10.8h | € 486–€ 810 |
| Connecting Rod Bearings | 20.2h | € 909–€ 1515 |
| Crankshaft Position Sensor | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Crankshaft R&R | 27.0h | € 1215–€ 2025 |
| Cylinder Head R&R | 8.1h | € 364–€ 607 |
| Cylinder Head Resurface | 10.8h | € 486–€ 810 |
Exhaust8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Injection Check Valve | 1.1h | € 49–€ 82 |
| Catalytic Converter - California | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Catalytic Converter - Direct Fit | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Catalytic Converter - Universal | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| Downpipe | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| EGR Cooler | 4.1h | € 184–€ 307 |
| EGR Tube | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| EGR Valve | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
Fuel system8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Charcoal Canister | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| EVAP Purge Valve | 1.1h | € 49–€ 82 |
| EVAP Vent Valve | 1.1h | € 49–€ 82 |
| Fuel Cap | 0.1h | € 4–€ 7 |
| Fuel Filler Neck | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Fuel Filter | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
| Fuel Filter - In-Tank | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| Fuel Injector - Single | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
HVAC8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| AC Accumulator | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Clutch Coil | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| AC Compressor | 3.4h | € 153–€ 255 |
| AC Compressor Clutch | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| AC Compressor Oil Add | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
| AC Condenser | 3.4h | € 153–€ 255 |
| AC Evaporator | 8.1h | € 364–€ 607 |
| AC Expansion Valve (TXV) | 5.4h | € 243–€ 405 |
Steering8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Center Link/Drag Link | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Electric Power Steering Module | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Electric Power Steering Motor | 3.4h | € 153–€ 255 |
| Idler Arm | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Pitman Arm | 1.6h | € 72–€ 120 |
| Power Steering Fluid Flush | 0.7h | € 31–€ 52 |
| Power Steering Gear Box | 4.7h | € 211–€ 352 |
| Power Steering Hose - High Pressure | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
Suspension8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Air Line | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Air Spring/Air Bag | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Air Suspension Compressor | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Air Suspension Height Sensor | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Air Suspension Valve Block | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| Ball Joint - Lower | 2.4h | € 108–€ 180 |
| Ball Joint - Upper | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Ball Joints - Upper and Lower | 4.1h | € 184–€ 307 |
Transmission8 operations
| Operation | Labour hours (OLP) | Est. labour cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kickdown Cable | 1.1h | € 49–€ 82 |
| Neutral Safety Switch | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Overdrive Solenoid | 2.7h | € 121–€ 202 |
| Shift Cable | 2.0h | € 90–€ 150 |
| Shift Linkage | 1.4h | € 62–€ 105 |
| Shift Solenoid - Single | 5.4h | € 243–€ 405 |
| Shift Solenoids - All | 11.7h | € 526–€ 877 |
| Torque Converter | 9.0h | € 405–€ 675 |
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (0)
No official recall verified for this vehicle in the NHTSA database.
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1
Powertrain
P0171
System Too Lean Bank 1
Powertrain
P0300
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
Powertrain
P0441
EVAP Incorrect Purge Flow
Powertrain
P0128
Coolant Thermostat Below Regulating Temperature
Powertrain
P0455
EVAP System Leak Detected (Gross Leak)
Powertrain
P0700
Transmission Control System (MIL Request)
Powertrain
P0507
Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected
Powertrain
P0174
System Too Lean Bank 2
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P1555
powertrain
CRITICALP1553
powertrain
MODERATEP1525
powertrain
HIGHP1521
powertrain
HIGHP1397
powertrain
HIGHP1396
powertrain
HIGHP1352
powertrain
HIGHP1348
powertrain
HIGHP1347
powertrain
HIGHP1346
powertrain
HIGHP1188
powertrain
HIGHP1085
powertrain
MODERATEP1084
powertrain
MODERATEP1083
powertrain
MODERATEP1755
powertrain
MODERATEP1612
powertrain
HIGHP1570
powertrain
CRITICALP1086
powertrain
MODERATEP1519
powertrain
MODERATEP1747
powertrain
HIGH
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
58 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
Run-Flat Warning (BMW) (Bmw)Tyres
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
CBS — Brake Fluid (BMW) (Bmw)Brakes
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
CBS — Oil Service (BMW) (Bmw)Engine
iDrive System Fault (Bmw)Electrical
DSC OFF (BMW) (Bmw)Chassis
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
585 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Bmw X3-Xdrive28I across model years 2011–2017. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
27 crash reports 22 fires 12 injuries
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 2013225
Model year 2011124
Model year 2015104
Model year 201484
Model year 201248
Most reported components (all years)
Engine211
Electrical System94
Power Train94
Engine And Engine Cooling71
Air Bags46
Unknown Or Other43
Sample reports
The contact owns a 2014 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… (MY 2014)
The high beams on the car malfunctioned. The sheathing material on the wires is supposedly “Soy based” and breaks down with heat and time. When the wire insulation breaks down beyond a certain point, it will crumble off of the wires, lea… (MY 2014)
The contact owned a 2015 BMW X3. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The contact stated that unknown warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a… (MY 2015)
The vehicle (at 102k mileage) failed to start at the heavy traffic interaction without any warning signs, and was then towed to a local BMW shop. A mechanic found the broken timing chain guard with many debris of plastic guard recovered… (MY 2013)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 2011–2017.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does fault code P0003 mean on the Bmw X3-xdrive28i?
Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Low This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0002 mean on the Bmw X3-xdrive28i?
Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Range/Performance This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0001 mean on the Bmw X3-xdrive28i?
Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit/Open This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are brakes problems common on the Bmw X3-xdrive28i?
Yes — 64 of 572 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the brakes. One owner reported: “I CAME OUTSIDE ONE MORNING TO FIND THAT ALL MY WINDOWS WERE ROLLED DOWN, THE SUNROOF WAS ROLLED COMPLETELY BACK, AND THE DOORS WERE UNLOCKED. IT HAD BEEN RAINING HEAVILY THE NIGHT BEFORE AND THE INTER…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are electrical problems common on the Bmw X3-xdrive28i?
Yes — 221 of 572 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “I had my car towed into bmw dealership for a vanos recall repair,it went in for the repair the repair was 'done' but before picking it up they told me they were unable to qc/start my engine to verify …” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are engine problems common on the Bmw X3-xdrive28i?
Yes — 297 of 572 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “I had my car towed into bmw dealership for a vanos recall repair,it went in for the repair the repair was 'done' but before picking it up they told me they were unable to qc/start my engine to verify …” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
What is the right battery for the Bmw X3-Xdrive28I (2011–2017)?
The battery specified for the Bmw X3-Xdrive28I (2011–2017) is group H6 (BCI), with a cold cranking rating of 600A. See the Battery section on this page for the main cross-references between brands.
What engine oil should I use on the Bmw X3-Xdrive28I (2011–2017)?
The engine oil specification for the Bmw X3-Xdrive28I (2011–2017) is BMW TwinPower Turbo 5W-30. Always use the viscosity grade approved by the manufacturer: a different oil can reduce engine protection and void the warranty. Check the change interval in the Maintenance section.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Bmw X3-Xdrive28I (2011–2017)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Bmw X3-Xdrive28I (2011–2017) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Bmw X3-Xdrive28I (2011–2017) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
This spec sheet is updated with data verified from OEM sources and shop databases. If you spot an inaccuracy or have additional data on the Bmw X3-Xdrive28I (2011–2017), let us know — every correction improves quality for all users.