BMW X3 Transmission Malfunction: Common Issues and Ways to Fix Them

A reliable SUV, the BMW X3 model, enjoys great popularity in the US. It's thus no surprise you decided to buy one yourself. And for a while, all seemed well. But then came the transmission issues. Your BMW X3 took its sweet time shifting gears. Sometimes, it refused to shift them at all. Soon, you started to worry about your safety while driving this SUV. Is it time to invest in a new car?

Transmission malfunction message highlights

• Common reasons:transmission fluid low, transmission sensors glitchy, gearbox is out of order
• How to fix:add fluid if needed, change transmission fluid, replace the transmission
• Possible consequences:ignoring will lead to fatal transmission failure
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Not recommended
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$200-$5,000

Is a transmission malfunction a serious issue on your BMW X3?

Every car needs a functional transmission, including your BMW X3. Although it doesn't directly affect your engine's performance, it does impact the quality of your ride. When the transmission goes bad, your BMW X3 won't shift gears properly.

This means the shifts will either be delayed or won't work at all. Driving in this condition can be extremely dangerous, especially in heavy traffic where you need to shift gears constantly. To avoid getting into an accident, make sure you address the problem as soon as possible.

But even if you don't get into an accident, you shouldn't drive your BMW X3 in this condition. The transmission malfunction will only grow worse with time. As a result, the repair costs will be much higher.

8 common symptoms of a transmission malfunction on your BMW X3

The transmission is one of the most important components of your BMW X3. When it goes bad, driving your car will become a nightmare. The gears may shift with delays or not at all. This can be a huge health hazard on the road. If you experience these symptoms, you should have your BMW X3 checked by a professional.

Here's a list of 8 common symptoms of a bad transmission on your BMW X3:

1) The 'Check Engine' light appears on the dashboard of your BMW X3

The first diagnosis step of every car issue is checking the dashboard. Your car's computer usually detects the issue and lights up the dashboard accordingly. That's exactly what happens when your transmission malfunctions. Although the 'Check Engine' light isn't unique to transmission issues, it's a sign that your BMW X3 doesn't function properly. For the most accurate diagnosis, make sure you check out the other symptoms on this list.

2) Your BMW X3 leaks transmission fluid

Whether manual or automatic, the transmission on your BMW X3 requires transmission fluid to function properly. This fluid lubricates its components. In case of a leak, the fluid levels will drop too low. As a result, the transmission components will generate a lot of friction. This in turn leads to overheating and decreases the lifespan of your transmission.

Transmission fluid is usually brownish-red. If you can't see any leaks, it's still a good idea to check the fluid levels. If the fluid doesn't touch the marker, you'll have to replenish it. This is often enough to fix the symptoms on our list.

3) Your BMW X3 doesn't shift gears properly

Delayed shifting is the main reason you should have your transmission checked. This affects both automatic and manual transmissions. In case you drive a manual, you may also have a hard time moving the shifter into the upper gears.

Unfortunately, delayed shifting isn't the worst of your concerns. Sometimes, your BMW X3 may not shift into a higher gear at all. Unresponsive transmission can lead to lethal accidents. If you experience this symptom, take your BMW X3 to the nearest auto shop.

4) The gears on your BMW X3 slip regularly

This issue affects mostly automatic transmission. When your gears slip, it means the transmission fails to match your current speed. As a result, your BMW X3 may not accelerate when you hit the gas pedal. Sometimes, your transmission may even slip into lower gears spontaneously. We advise against driving your car in this condition. Not only is it dangerous, but it may make the damage even more severe in the long run.

5) Your BMW X3 doesn't idle smoothly

Another common symptom of a transmission malfunction on your BMW X3 is rough idling. However, idling issues may also arise due to engine-related problems. Make sure your BMW X3 exhibits most of the symptoms on this list before you jump to draw any conclusions.

6) Your BMW X3 trembles during shifting

Another common symptom is trembling. You can experience it whenever your BMW X3 shifts to a different gear. This can range from minor tremors to the whole car shaking. This can happen for several reasons. The most common one is low transmission fluid levels. Alternatively, some of the gears may be damaged.

7) Your BMW X3 emits a burning smell

A burning smell is never a good sign. If it happens together with the other symptoms on this list, your transmission fluid may simply be running low. As we mentioned earlier, low fluid levels lead to more friction. This causes the transmission to overheat. Once the fluid starts evaporating, you may notice a burning smell.

Apart from transmission fluid leaks, this may also happen if you used the wrong type of transmission fluid while replenishing it. Such high temperatures aren't good for your transmission. The damage will only worsen with time. To avoid any unnecessary costs, make sure you address the issue as quickly as you can.

8) Your BMW X3 produces grinding or whining noises

This symptom often occurs because of low transmission fluid levels. As the friction increases, the metallic parts of your transmission will start grinding against each other. This causes unpleasant noises. Left unchecked, the gears will start wearing down, until they break. That's all the more reason to address this issue as quickly as you can.

While low transmission fluid levels may lead to these sounds, it may also happen simply because your BMW X3 is too old.

4 common causes behind a transmission malfunction on your BMW X3

Now that you know what a malfunctioning transmission on your BMW X3 looks like, it's time to have a look at the causes. Some of them are easy to fix on your own. However, others may call for replacing the whole transmission. These replacements are often neither easy nor cheap.

Here are the 4 common reasons why your BMX X3 transmission malfunctions:

1) Low transmission fluid levels

Your BMW X3 transmission can't function properly without sufficient fluid levels. When they run low, you'll face issues such as high friction and heat. This will cause your transmission to wear down prematurely.

But what causes low transmission fluid levels? It may happen simply because you haven't added enough fluid to the system during maintenance. Luckily, this is something you can fix easily. Things become more complicated if you experience a fluid leak.

In this case, replenishing the fuel will be more of a temporary solution. To resolve the transmission malfunction for good, you'll have to find the source of the leak. If you can't find it on your own, it may be time to take your BMW X3 to the nearest auto shop.

2) Electrical issues

An unstable electrical current can negatively affect the transmission of your BMW X3. Components such as the battery and voltage regulator both impact your transmission's performance. If either one goes bad, you may experience issues such as slipping gears. Checking for loose connections should thus be your priority when diagnosing this issue. Replacing the battery or voltage regulator may also help.

3) Computer issues

This cause applies mostly to automatic transmissions. Your BMW X3 controls the gears via a computer. In case of an error, the computer won't shift gears properly, leading to transmission malfunction. Unfortunately, this isn't something you can fix without professional help.

4) Worn down transmission

The transmission consists of several metallic components. As you rack up the mileage on your BMW X3, these components will wear down. This will eventually affect your vehicle's performance. If you own an old vehicle, the problem may simply be due to old age. Your next choice will be between replacing the transmission or buying a new car altogether. Sometimes, the latter may be the more cost-effective option.

Can you fix a transmission malfunction on your BMW X3 on your own?

Fixing the transmission malfunction on your BMW X3 depends on the nature of the problem. Luckily, you can fix most of the issues yourself.

For instance, fixing transmission fluid issues couldn't be easier. All you need to do is refill the fluid up to the recommended line. To prevent these problems altogether, make sure you check the levels every month. However, you may need to visit an auto shop if you experience fluid leaks.

Battery and voltage regulator issues are a bit trickier, although still manageable. In this case, you'll want to check for any loose connections at the terminals. Sometimes, you'll have to replace the whole failing part.

When it comes to computer-related issues, you'll need to visit a mechanic. The same goes for transmission-based problems. The transmission wears down with increasing mileage. The more you drive your BMW X3, the sooner you'll face these problems. However, a good transmission should last you at least 300,000 miles.

As far as repair costs are concerned, we don't have good news. Transmissions are very expensive components, costing anywhere from 3,000 to 7,000$. At this point, you may be better off investing in a new vehicle.

Our final thoughts on the BMW X3 transmission malfunction

Without a good transmission, driving your BMW X3 may feel like a nightmare. The gears won't respond to your changing speed, which can be dangerous in heavy traffic. Moreover, your vehicle may give off a burning smell and odd noises.

This can happen for several reasons. The most common one is low transmission fluid levels. When it runs too low, your transmission will malfunction, leading to the issues mentioned earlier. It may also happen due to a bad battery, voltage regulator, or computer. Sometimes, these issues arise simply because your transmission is too old.

Repair costs depend on what causes the malfunction on your BMW X3 in the first place. If it's due to insufficient transmission fluid, the repairs won't cost more than the transmission fluid itself. But if you have to replace the whole transmission, be ready to spend as much as 7,000 $.