A select group of BMW X3 sport utility vehicles has been recalled in the United States due to a potential safety issue involving the rear cargo rails. The automaker has determined that the rails may become damaged in a rear end collision, leading to their detachment and increasing the risk of injury to rear passengers.
The recall affects a limited number of G01 generation X3s produced between 2018 and 2022. BMW initiated the investigation after receiving reports of difficulties with a previous safety recall repair procedure.
The issue stemmed from the length of the rear cargo rail bolts, which in some cases were not long enough to securely fasten the rails to the vehicle body. To address the problem, BMW will replace the bolts on all affected vehicles.
Owners of the recalled X3s will be notified by mail starting in December 2024 and can verify if their vehicle is included using BMW’s VIN lookup tool. The BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina is a hub for SUV production, home to the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and XM models.
Among these, the X3 is offered in various trims, including the high performance M and M Performance versions. The M40i, powered by a single turbo six cylinder engine, delivers 382 horsepower and 369 pound feet of torque.
The range topping M version, equipped with a twin-turbo 3.0 liter engine, generates up to 503 horsepower and 479 pound feet of torque. BMW is currently transitioning to a new generation of X3 models, including the electric ZA5 and the M50, which features a revised B58 engine with improved performance and efficiency.
While the old-gen X3 M remains available for purchase, the new gen models offer a wider range of options and starting prices, with the xDrive30 base model starting at $49,500 and the M50 topping $64,100.
