2011 BMW X3 XDRIVE28I power train problems

“Car would not start, diagnosed that the Cam shaft sensor was not showing a signal. Discovered BMW had a Vanos recall – (Campaign 23V-707) Contacted BMW of North Canton for recall. Dropped of the BMW on Aug 1st. Received a call August 3rd from [XXX] that the technician could not get the hood open and they wanted to charge me for diagnostic time. I refused and said I would stop after work to open the hood. Miraculously they called back and the hood opened. Received video and inspection report on [XXX]. The video from Will the technician clearly showed the Exhaust Vanos bolts missing. The exhaust cam was no longer tied to the vanos valve and was free to move. The Exhaust was clearly out of time with the intake and crank. The intake vanos had some bolts replaced. The technician clearly states the engine is out of time. He clearly states that the bolts fell down into the engine. In addition the video showed items that they recommended as additional services out of my pocket. I declined all additional charge as we perform that work at home. On [XXX] I had a conversation with [XXX] that the technician performed the Vanos recall but the car would not start and they…”

“The contact owns a 2011 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into neutral. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the engine and redesigned the timing gear assembly. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed the parts were not yet available. The contact called another local dealer, BMW of Northwest Arkansas (2500 SE Moberly Ln, Bentonville, AR 72712, (479)286-3012); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000. Parts distribution disconnect.”

“I own a 2011 BMW X3 with an N55 engine and am experiencing VANOS-related issues consistent with TSB SIB 11 02 13 and Recall 23V-707. While my VIN isn’t currently listed, my vehicle falls within the affected model years, and I’m seeing identical DME fault codes (130E11, 120408) and drivability symptoms. I’m concerned about potential engine damage and request an inspection and consideration for goodwill repair or inclusion in the recall.”

“In July 2022, the VANOS bolts in my 2011 BMW X3 xDrive28i failed, causing major internal engine damage. This is the exact defect later identified under BMW Recall 23V-707. The bolts sheared off while driving, disabling the vehicle. I paid $5,000 out of pocket for full repairs using OEM parts at Masny Motorwerks (BMW specialist in Rochester, NY). BMW did not issue the recall until more than two years later. At that time, there was no remedy available. A fix was not released until December 2024. I followed BMW’s reimbursement process: I visited BMW of Rochester in person on January 28, 2025 and submitted my invoice to the service advisor. I followed up by phone twice — no response. I submitted a full reimbursement claim to BMW North America on March 31, 2025 with all documentation. BMW replied on April 8 with a boilerplate response redirecting me back to the same dealership. I then followed up again with full documentation. BMW replied again, refusing to take responsibility and offering no support. I have submitted everything twice and followed the TREAD Act process in good faith. BMW has failed to reimburse me or process the claim properly.”

“WHILE DRIVING ON A MOTORWAY AT MODERATE SPEEDS OF ABOUT 45 MPH, VEHICLE STARTED THROWING DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL DEACTIVATION WARNINGS AND STARTED CUTTING OUT POWER TO THE WHEELS ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO IDLE SMOOTHLY. STRANDED ON THE MOTORWAY FOR A WHILE AND THEN AFTER SWITCHING OFF AND SWITCHING ON THE IGNITION COUPLE OF TIMES, VEHICLE STARTED TO DRIVE FORWARD IN LIMP MODE. HAD TO PULL OVER FOR SAFETY AND TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP. THEY SAID THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED AND STOPPED SENDING ANY SIGNALS TO ENGINE CONTROL UNIT. THEY REPLACED THE GAS PEDAL AND EVERYTHING SEEMS TO BE BACK TO NORMAL.”

“I AM CONSTANTLY GETTING DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION ERROR MESSAGES. THE CAR'S PERFORMANCE IS REALLY BAD. NOT GETTING FULL POWER. CAR HAS STARTED SHAKING A LITTLE. ALSO EXHAUST SOUNDS LOUDER THAN IT SHOULD.”