BMW E83 X3
2006–2010 · X3 (E83) · M54, N52
Last updated
Models and engines by year
| Model | US model years | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0i | 2006 | M54 |
| 3.0si / xDrive30i | 2007–2010 | N52 |
US-market models. Chassis codes: E83. Not sure which one you have? The VIN check decodes year, model and engine.
Bulletins and recalls by year
Show the numbers
| Year | Service bulletins | NHTSA recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 1 | 0 |
| 2008 | 6 | 0 |
| 2009 | 6 | 0 |
| 2010 | 9 | 0 |
| 2011 | 6 | 0 |
| 2012 | 4 | 0 |
| 2013 | 10 | 0 |
| 2014 | 6 | 1 |
| 2015 | 3 | 0 |
| 2016 | 8 | 1 |
| 2017 | 0 | 2 |
| 2018 | 4 | 0 |
| 2019 | 3 | 0 |
| 2020 | 2 | 1 |
| 2022 | 3 | 1 |
| 2023 | 3 | 1 |
| 2024 | 5 | 0 |
| 2025 | 2 | 0 |
| 2026 | 5 | 0 |
Counted by the year BMW filed each document with NHTSA; each chart has its own scale. More filings in a year doesn't by itself mean a less reliable car.
Production
| What | Units | Source |
|---|---|---|
| First-generation X3 sold | more than 600,000 | BMW Group PressClub |
Figures are copied as each source publishes them (retrieved October 18, 2026). "Sold" figures are BMW's reported sales, not production counts. Where we add numbers up, they come from one source. We leave out anything that hasn't been published.
Repair prices for the E83
These repairs apply to engines used in the E83. We don't have a E83-specific estimate for them yet. Each job page shows sourced owner prices from other chassis with the same engine, and you can ask us to price the job for your car.
NHTSA safety recalls 7
- Recall 23V707: vanos bolt 1 SERIES, X3, X5, Z4, 2010–2012. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
- Recall 22V119: PCV valve heater 128I, X3 SAV, X5 SAV, Z4, 2006–2013. 0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5
- Recall 20V017: inflator module 1 SERIES M, 128I, 135I, 325I, 328I, 330I, 335D, 335I, 335IS, M3, X1, X3, X5, X6, X6 ACTIVEHYBRID, 2006–2015. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Recall 17V683: crankcase (PCV) 128I, 328I, 525I, 528I, 530I, X3, X5, Z4, 2007–2011. 0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles.
- Recall 17V605: occupant classification X3, 2006–2010. 5i, X3 3.0i and X3 xDrive30i Sports Activity Vehicles.
- Recall 16V071: inflator module 1 SERIES M, 128I, 135I, 325, 328, 330, 335, M3, X1 SAV, X3 SAV, X5 SAV, X6 ACTIVEHYBRID, X6 SAC, 2006–2015. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Recall 14V176: engine 128I, 135I, 328I, 335I, 528I, 535I, 535I GRAN TURISMO, 640I, X3 SAV, X5 SAV, X6 SAV, Z4, 2010–2012. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Matched from NHTSA's public recall file by model and model year. A recall may cover only some cars from a year, and it may already have been done on yours. Check by VIN →
Service bulletins on file 86
- SIB 11 02 08 VANOS reduced power VANOS reduced power on BMW E46/E60/E61/E70 and other models (2006–2015); BMW explains the cause and the approved repair. Service bulletin · Sep 2020
- NHTSA 10162416 VANOS reduced power VANOS reduced power on N54 engines (2006–2013); BMW explains the cause and the approved repair. Service bulletin · Jul 2019
- SIB 01 10 14 VANOS warranty extension VANOS warranty extension on BMW E60/E70/E82/E88 and other models (2009–2013); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Feb 2018
- SIB 01 09 21 Fuel tank leak check warranty extension Fuel tank leak check warranty extension on BMW G01/G02/G30/F97 and other models (2006–2023); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Aug 2026
- SIB 11 05 05 VANOS ticking noise VANOS ticking noise on BMW E83/E85/E86 models (2006); BMW explains the cause and the approved repair. Service bulletin · Mar 2009
- SIB 12 07 06 Thermostat check engine light Thermostat check engine light on M54/N52 engines (2006–2008); BMW explains the cause and the approved repair. Service bulletin · Oct 2009
- SIB 65 05 26 Air bags service campaign Air bags service campaign on BMW E83/F25 models (2010–2013); the fix is replacing the affected part. Service campaign · Apr 2026
- SIB 65 06 26 Air bags service campaign Air bags service campaign on BMW E83/F25 models (2010–2012); the fix is replacing the affected part. Service campaign · Mar 2026
- SIB 65 01 22 Air bags warranty extension Air bags warranty extension on BMW G01/G02/F26/F97 and other models (2006–2023); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Jan 2025
- SIB 06 64 25 Engine service information Engine service information on BMW E60/E61/E70/E83 and other models (2010); BMW explains the cause and the approved repair. Other communication · Dec 2025
BMW service bulletins and warranty extensions filed with NHTSA that list the E83. Showing the 10 most relevant; see the E83 common problems page for the most frequent bulletin topics.
E83 specs
BMW's US figures we have on file run from 260 hp (X3 3.0si) to 260 hp (X3 3.0si), with 0-60 mph as quick as 7.1 s.
A manual gearbox was offered in model years 2006–2010 (EPA listings). Full E83 specs: every US engine, transmission and drive by year →
Common problems & maintenance
E83 buyer's guide → E83 paint and option codes E83 coding list E83 common problems → E83 maintenance schedule →
Before you pay, check the VIN for recalls. Some failures are covered by a safety recall or a BMW warranty extension.