The high pressure pump of these common rail diesels (Bosch CP4) can fail while driving.
Applies to the engine N47D20, N57D30, B47D20.
2010–2017. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.

M 93 / Attribution
What to watch for
The list covers the generation, the engines and the transmissions. Once you pick the version, only the faults that apply to it stay.
The high pressure pump of these common rail diesels (Bosch CP4) can fail while driving.
Applies to the engine N47D20, N57D30, B47D20.
In these engines the water pump is not belt driven but has its own electric motor.
Applies to the engine N52B30, N55B30.
The chain guide of the early N20 engines is brittle: if it breaks, the chain goes slack, and from then on the timing is imprecise.
Applies to the engine N20B20.
In these diesels BMW put the timing chain at the back of the engine, on the gearbox side.
Applies to the engine N47D20, N57D30.
The internal fins of the exhaust gas recirculation cooler crack over time, and glycol coolant leaks into the intake, where it mixes with soot.
Applies to the engine N47D20, N57D30, B47D20.
On the early model years the timing chain of the B47 stretches faster than intended.
Applies to the engine B47D20.
Repair: 1,200–4,500 EUR
Four aluminium bolts hold the housing of the variable valve timing (VANOS).
Applies to the engine N52B30, N55B30.
The B47 replaced the N47, and the maker fixed the timing chain problem.
Applies to the engine B47D20.
10 more faults belong to this generation. On the version page, only the ones that apply stay.
The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done. The list covers the whole generation. We did not filter it by model year. Some apply only to a narrower production window.
Most recent: 30 March 2023
A12/00868/23Safety recallInjuries30 March 2023 · EU Safety GateThe airbag may deteriorate over time, and if deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 30/03/2023
A12/01929/23Safety recallInjuries29 June 2021 · EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag can deteriorate due to high humidity and temperature variations. In the event of an accident in which the airbag deploys, this could result in fragments from the inflator casing coming loose and injuring the vehicle’s occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 29/06/2021
A12/01930/23Safety recallInjuries29 June 2021 · EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag can deteriorate due to high humidity and temperature variations. In the event of an accident in which the airbag deploys, this could result in fragments from the inflator casing coming loose and injuring the vehicle’s occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 29/06/2021
17V605000AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATIONAIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION28 September 2017 · NHTSA (USA)BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2010 BMW X3 2.5i, X3 3.0i and X3 xDrive30i Sports Activity Vehicles. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if, and how, the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Risk: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. A second notification letter will be sent when parts are available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
17V495000AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULEAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE8 August 2017 · NHTSA (USA)BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i, X3 xDrive35i, and M6 Convertible vehicles and 2013 M6 Coupe vehicles. The affected vehicles have a driver's frontal air bag inflator that may have been improperly welded.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator housing could separate from the base plate and result in metal striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's front air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
A12/1202/17Safety recallInjuries8 August 2017 · EU Safety GateThe housing of the driver’s front airbag inflator may have been incorrectly welded. In the event of a crash with airbag activation, the inflator may consequently rupture. Metal fragments created as a result could pass through the airbag, causing fatal injuries to the vehicle occupants.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 08/08/2017
16V704000STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEMSTEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM3 October 2016 · NHTSA (USA)BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one model year 2017 BMW X3 xDrive 28i vehicle manufactured on June 7, 2016. This vehicle has electronic power steering (EPS), and the contact pins on the EPS control unit may not have been welded properly resulting in increased resistance.
Risk: An increase in pin contact resistance can increase the risk of a fire, even while the vehicle is parked and ignition is off.
Remedy: The vehicle was repaired at the dealership before sale. Therefore, an owner notification notice will not be issued for this campaign. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
13V570000AIR BAGSAIR BAGS15 November 2013 · NHTSA (USA)BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 X3 xDrive 28i/35i vehicles manufactured February 11, 2013, through February 27, 2013. Due to a production process error, the tear seam on the instrument panel was not manufactured correctly.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the air bag could improperly deploy, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the air bag's protection and increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger. In addition, parts or fragments from the air bag system could strike and injure the front passenger or other vehicle occupants.
Remedy: BMW has notified owners and dealers will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
11V341000STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEMSTEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM29 June 2011 · NHTSA (USA)BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 27, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 8, 2011. A CONTROL MODULE IN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) UNIT MAY MALFUNCTION, RESULTING IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE.
Risk: SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
A12/00608/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe screw connection from the passenger's airbag to the instrument panel may not have been manufactured according to specifications. As a result, if the airbag is activated, the panel cover may break into pieces, which will be propelled against the passenger increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/00783/23Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe airbag propellant may deteriorate over time, and If deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/01981/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateA seam on the inflator housing of the driver airbag may not have been correctly welded. In case of accident, when the airbag is deployed, the inflator can burst, releasing metal parts which could cause injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/02712/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateDue to faulty rear-most screws, the screw fixings of the boot's lashing rails can fail in the event of a rear-end collision with heavy intrusion, and penetrate the backs of the rear seats. This increases the risk of injury to the occupants of the rear seats. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/02833/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/03030/23Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe propellant within the integrated inflator of driver airbags can deteriorate during time. If the airbag deploys, it could result in fragments from the inflator casing injuring the vehicle’s occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of Motor Vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/03084/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateDue to faulty rear-most screws, the screw fixings of the boot's lashing rails can fail in the event of a rear-end collision with heavy intrusion and penetrate the backs of the rear seats. This increases the risk of injury to the occupants of the rear seats. The vehicles concerned have already been modified in connection with the recall code 0051960500. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/0440/18Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateIt is possible that the screws for attaching the rear spoiler were not fitted. The spoiler could become detached at high speeds endangering following vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/0656/18Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateIn case of deployment of the driver airbag module, the gas generator could burst. If the gas generator bursts, metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
SR/00596/26Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe driver airbag inflator may malfunction due to long-term degradation. In this case, if the airbag is deployed in an accident, the internal pressure in the inflator may be too high. The inflator could burst. Metal fragments may cause injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
SR/00620/25Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe propellant in the inflator of the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments of the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
SR/03830/25Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety GateWater may come into contact with the starter relay and gradually cause corrosion. This could affect the electrical connection inside the relay and make the engine difficult to start. It may also result in a short circuit and could cause the starter to overheat leading to a fire when the vehicle is in motion or when it is parked with the ignition off. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
Engines and transmissions in this generation
A fault is often tied to the engine, not to the whole generation. You find the engine code in the registration document.
F25 · 2010–2017
The fault list opens on the version page.
59 versions
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
N47D20 · GS6
X3 sDrive18d
2010–2014 · X3 sDrive18d
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
N47D20 · ZF8HP
X3 sDrive18d
2010–2014 · X3 sDrive18d
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
N47D20 · ZF8HP
X3 sDrive18d Business
2010–2014 · X3 sDrive18d Business
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
N47D20 · GS6
X3 sDrive18d Business
2010–2014 · X3 sDrive18d Business
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
N47D20 · ZF8HP
X3 sDrive18d Executive
2010–2014 · X3 sDrive18d Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
N47D20 · GS6
X3 sDrive18d Executive
2010–2014 · X3 sDrive18d Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
N47D20 · GS6
X3 sDrive18d High Executive
2010–2014 · X3 sDrive18d High Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
N47D20 · ZF8HP
X3 sDrive18d High Executive
2010–2014 · X3 sDrive18d High Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · GS6
X3 sDrive18d
2014–2017 · X3 sDrive18d
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · ZF8HP
X3 sDrive18d
2014–2017 · X3 sDrive18d
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · GS6
X3 sDrive18d Business
2014–2017 · X3 sDrive18d Business
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · ZF8HP
X3 sDrive18d Business
2014–2017 · X3 sDrive18d Business
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · GS6
X3 sDrive18d Executive
2014–2017 · X3 sDrive18d Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · ZF8HP
X3 sDrive18d Executive
2014–2017 · X3 sDrive18d Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · ZF8HP
X3 sDrive18d High Executive
2014–2017 · X3 sDrive18d High Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · GS6
X3 sDrive18d High Executive
2014–2017 · X3 sDrive18d High Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
N20B20 · ZF8HP
X3 sDrive20i
2014–2017 · X3 sDrive20i
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
N20B20 · ZF8HP
X3 sDrive20i Business
2014–2017 · X3 sDrive20i Business
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
N20B20 · ZF8HP
X3 sDrive20i Executive
2014–2017 · X3 sDrive20i Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
N20B20 · ZF8HP
X3 sDrive20i High Executive
2014–2017 · X3 sDrive20i High Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · ZF8HP
X3 xDrive20d
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive20d
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · GS6
X3 xDrive20d
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive20d
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · GS6
X3 xDrive20d Business
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive20d Business
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · ZF8HP
X3 xDrive20d Business
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive20d Business
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
N47D20 · B47D20 · GS6
X3 xDrive20d Executive
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive20d Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · ZF8HP
X3 xDrive20d Executive
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive20d Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · ZF8HP
X3 xDrive20d High Executive
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive20d High Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · GS6
X3 xDrive20d High Executive
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive20d High Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
N20B20 · GS6
X3 xDrive20i
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive20i
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
N20B20 · ZF8HP
X3 xDrive20i
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive20i
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
N20B20 · GS6
X3 xDrive20i Business
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive20i Business
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
N20B20 · ZF8HP
X3 xDrive20i Business
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive20i Business
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
N20B20 · ZF8HP
X3 xDrive20i Executive
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive20i Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
N20B20 · GS6
X3 xDrive20i Executive
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive20i Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
N20B20 · GS6
X3 xDrive20i High Executive
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive20i High Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
N20B20 · ZF8HP
X3 xDrive20i High Executive
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive20i High Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · GS6
X3 xDrive20d
2014–2017 · X3 xDrive20d
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · ZF8HP
X3 xDrive20d
2014–2017 · X3 xDrive20d
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · GS6
X3 xDrive20d Business
2014–2017 · X3 xDrive20d Business
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · ZF8HP
X3 xDrive20d Business
2014–2017 · X3 xDrive20d Business
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · ZF8HP
X3 xDrive20d Executive
2014–2017 · X3 xDrive20d Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · GS6
X3 xDrive20d Executive
2014–2017 · X3 xDrive20d Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · GS6
X3 xDrive20d High Executive
2014–2017 · X3 xDrive20d High Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · ZF8HP
X3 xDrive20d High Executive
2014–2017 · X3 xDrive20d High Executive
2.0 l · 1997 cm³
N20B20 · ZF8HP
X3 xDrive28i
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive28i
2.0 l · 1997 cm³
N20B20 · ZF8HP
X3 xDrive28i Executive
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive28i Executive
2.0 l · 1997 cm³
N20B20 · ZF8HP
X3 xDrive28i High Executive
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive28i High Executive
3.0 l · 2979 cm³
N55B30 · ZF8HP
X3 xDrive35i
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive35i
3.0 l · 2979 cm³
N55B30 · ZF8HP
X3 xDrive35i Executive
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive35i Executive
3.0 l · 2979 cm³
N55B30 · ZF8HP
X3 xDrive35i High Executive
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive35i High Executive
3.0 l · 2993 cm³
N57D30 · ZF8HP70
X3 xDrive30d
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive30d
3.0 l · 2993 cm³
N57D30 · ZF8HP70
X3 xDrive30d Executive
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive30d Executive
3.0 l · 2993 cm³
N57D30 · ZF8HP70
X3 xDrive30d High Executive
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive30d High Executive
3.0 l · 2993 cm³
N57D30 · ZF8HP70
X3 xDrive35d
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive35d
3.0 l · 2993 cm³
N57D30 · ZF8HP70
X3 xDrive35d Executive
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive35d Executive
3.0 l · 2993 cm³
N57D30 · ZF8HP70
X3 xDrive35d High Executive
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive35d High Executive
3.0 l · 2996 cm³
N52B30 · ZF8HP
X3 xDrive28i
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive28i
3.0 l · 2996 cm³
N52B30 · ZF8HP
X3 xDrive28i Executive
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive28i Executive
3.0 l · 2996 cm³
N52B30 · ZF8HP
X3 xDrive28i High Executive
2010–2014 · X3 xDrive28i High Executive
Neighbouring generations
F25 (2010-2017). If the listing is from the changeover year, look at the neighbour too.
Common questions
2010–2017. The changeover year can fall in two generations. If the listing is from that year, look at the neighbour too.
No. It depends on the engine and the transmission too.
The fault list is.
We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.