[lake x7]

My daughter is looking at a 2014 x3 28i with 41,000 miles. she lives outside of Denver and drives up I70 to ski often. Is this a good car for winter mountain driving, does it have enough power to move with traffic up the mountain? Is this a reliable car, what issues does she need to look at, does this car have the cam guide problem?

[GNX423]

I will give you my opinion, and that is about all it is worth.
Plenty of power and capability in bad weather, comfortable to drive overall solidly built vehicle.

I would not say they are as reliable as other non-feature rich, not over engineered vehicles and they are expensive to fix at the dealer. 2014 is subject to the timing chain issue.

I entered into this automotive relationship with a blown engine due to the timing issue, and chose to replace the engine myself with a 2016 328 engine.

Mike

[Ejryan10]

Originally Posted by lake x7

My daughter is looking at a 2014 x3 28i with 41,000 miles. she lives outside of Denver and drives up I70 to ski often. Is this a good car for winter mountain driving, does it have enough power to move with traffic up the mountain? Is this a reliable car, what issues does she need to look at, does this car have the cam guide problem?

Seems like the general consensus is to stick with a '16 or later if you are going the xdrive 28i route to avoid the timing chain issue. Anything prior to the '16 will potentially have the timing chain break and destroy your engine. I have a '16 xdrive 28i myself and I find it more than adequate going up the mountains in NC (which I know is nothing compared to where she lives). Do I wish I had more power? Hell yes, but I feel I can tune it down the road to get some more performance myself. Build quality had been great for me so far, although I'm waiting for the potential glove box peeling to begin at some point, apparently somewhat common, but an easy DIY fix. I'd say if you are looking for anything before a '16 X3 though, you may want to go the 35i route. Just my 2 cents!

[lake x7]

Thanks for the input, I'll tell her to keep on looking.

[Wgosma]

BMW inline 6 cyl motors are near bullett-proof, in 15 years of driving Bimmers all with 6's ive never had any major issues. leaky gaskets yes but never anything more- ran 2 sedans to over 200K miles.

[richardodn]

With the 8 speed auto the 28i will have no problem getting up the mountains. Plus if she's in ski traffic she won't be going all that fast anyway. Whatever she does end up with, I recommend dedicated winter tires.

[carsbill]

I live in Colorado and have owned BMW's since 1986 - rear wheel drive, AWD sedans, coupes, conv. and a X5 and a X3 all with 6 cylinders and a few with turbo's. I had a 4cyl 318i and never had issues with going to the mountains in any of the vehicles - a must is to have good winter tires - I prefer ice and snow tires like Michelin Ice X. Are they reliable - yes if you are willing to do preventative maintenance. Why preventative - because they are performance vehicles. All vehicles are expensive to repair not just BMW's. Would I recommend a BMW X3 for your daughter - yes and there many good Indy shops in the Denver area.

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by carsbill

I live in Colorado and have owned BMW's since 1986 - rear wheel drive, AWD sedans, coupes, conv. and a X5 and a X3 all with 6 cylinders and a few with turbo's. I had a 4cyl 318i and never had issues with going to the mountains in any of the vehicles - a must is to have good winter tires - I prefer ice and snow tires like Michelin Ice X. Are they reliable - yes if you are willing to do preventative maintenance. Why preventative - because they are performance vehicles. All vehicles are expensive to repair not just BMW's. Would I recommend a BMW X3 for your daughter - yes and there many good Indy shops in the Denver area.

+1 regards PM....do that and your Bummer will last a long reliable life.

[HPR]

Originally Posted by carsbill

I live in Colorado and have owned BMW's since 1986 - rear wheel drive, AWD sedans, coupes, conv. and a X5 and a X3 all with 6 cylinders and a few with turbo's. I had a 4cyl 318i and never had issues with going to the mountains in any of the vehicles - a must is to have good winter tires - I prefer ice and snow tires like Michelin Ice X. Are they reliable - yes if you are willing to do preventative maintenance. Why preventative - because they are performance vehicles. All vehicles are expensive to repair not just BMW's. Would I recommend a BMW X3 for your daughter - yes and there many good Indy shops in the Denver area.

I live in the Denver metro area and heartily endorse everything you've posted here. Good winter specific tires are a must as is preventative maintenance. Take care of your car and it will take care of you.