2012 BMW x3 xdrive35i xDrive35i
5UXWX7C59CL889565
Vehicle history report for the 2012 BMW x3 xdrive35i (VIN 5UXWX7C59CL889565). Title: Clean. 83,552 mi reported. Registered in Wa. No open recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
![2012 BMW x3 xdrive35i xDrive35i, Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] — representative vehicle photo for VIN 5UXWX7C59CL889565](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5b/BMW_X3_Xdrive35i_2012_%2814744813737%29.jpg)
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN 5UXWX7C59CL889565
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls None found
No open NHTSA recall campaigns were found for this 2012 bmw x3 xdrive35i.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 48 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 BMW x3 xdrive35i, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
💥 1 involved a crash
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 48
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2012 BMW x3 xdrive35i.
POWER TRAIN
Over about seven years and roughly 70,000 miles of ownership, this 2012 BMW X3 generated repeated “Drivetrain malfunction” warnings and loss of drivability despite extensive repairs by multiple authorized BMW dealers. I paid approximately $15,000–$20,000 out of pocket for dealer repairs, and my third‑party service contract (CarShield) paid an additional roug…
NHTSA ODI #11727392AIR BAGS
Front passenger seat occupancy mat defect causes disabling of passenger airbag. Recalls have been issued for the same issue in other models. Issue confirmed by dealership. Persistent warning lamp alert.
NHTSA ODI #11631946VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
I emailed BMW of Arlington on [XXX] detailing the critical safety issue I experienced with my BMW X3 2012 on Sunday [XXX]. I was driving on the tollway northbound from [XXX] in Grand Prairie in the pouring rain with my wipers on, and the car suddenly started braking and decelerating from the 70 mph cruising speed to 40 mph in seconds. The car behind me nearl…
NHTSA ODI #11592023ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle was driving rough before stalling with the drivetrain malfunction warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with a fault code variable camshaft timing control. The dealer made other repairs to the vehicle, and the fault co…
NHTSA ODI #11569246POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X3. The contact stated that after his wife parked the vehicle, she shifted the gear into the park (p) position however, after his wife exit the vehicle, the vehicle inadvertently rolled and crashed into a post without warning. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. No police report was filed. The contact no…
Crash · NHTSA ODI #11536328AIR BAGS,SEATS
A malfunction of the front seat occupancy mat will prevent the passenger air bag from deploying in the event of an accident and displays a malfunction warning. This malfunction has been the subject of several BMW NHTSA recalls but so far none have been issued for this vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11504700ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 BMW X3. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was shaking and hesitating during acceleration. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V176000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not includ…
NHTSA ODI #11467813AIR BAGS
I am reporting a common issue I’ve seen a lot of BMWs have with the seat occupancy sensor. I just wanted to report this to see if it could be a potential recall, since it is a safety concern.
NHTSA ODI #11463165+ 40 more complaints on record.
