[JK479]

I found a 1 owner, 128,000 loaded x3 35i. Loaded with options I didn’t even have in 2014. Adaptive cruise was an option?

It’s 10,000. Maybe the wrong car to want to own at this point? I have a mechanic and it would be a third car…

[Wgosma]

Mileage is quite reasonable for 12 y/o car. Suggest you check accident record, service and ownership records- if you get serious about it pay your mechanic to do pre-purchase inspection. PP or is car in Dealer/retailer lot?
Good luck!

[JK479]

Originally Posted by Wgosma

Mileage is quite reasonable for 12 y/o car. Suggest you check accident record, service and ownership records- if you get serious about it pay your mechanic to do pre-purchase inspection. PP or is car in Dealer/retailer lot?
Good luck!

It’s a local BMW dealer. 1 owner and clean carfax. I realize its old but only rims are in tough shape.

Should BMW Disclose anything about the condition?

[JK479]

Originally Posted by JK479

It’s a local BMW dealer. 1 owner and clean carfax. I realize its old but only rims are in tough shape.

Should BMW Disclose anything about the condition?

Oops it’s Mercedes Benz next door selling it. Sales said it went through bmw for service prior to sale. Should I get a PP? Maybe it’s smart?

[Wgosma]

I’d pay for PP inspection- over the last 16 years I’ve purchased three older E39 sedans, all private sale/single owner cars- always did inspections. IMO It’s money in the bank on these cars.

Service/repair records likely can be had if car was serviced at one dealership. As recall BMW North America does retain service records on all USA cars, but that is only thru the car's warranty period; once work is done outside warranty the only source of the info is the BMW Dealer who performed the work.

[mwat]

I don’t think it’s adaptive cruise, my LCI X3 has the cruise control that will brake for you as you toggle down the speed. I forget what it’s called but it’s not “read the car in front of your speed and set the cruise control based on that” type of system.

[pungo]

Originally Posted by mwat

I don’t think it’s adaptive cruise, my LCI X3 has the cruise control that will brake for you as you toggle down the speed. I forget what it’s called but it’s not “read the car in front of your speed and set the cruise control based on that” type of system.

Agreed, I think it's called "Dynamic Cruise Control", so if you're going down a hill where gravity may take the vehicle past the set cruise speed, it will apply the brake. Kinda dumb if you asked me since it wastes energy where in many many situations, you may want to carry more speed down the hill to carry momentum to go up the next hill, though it does prevent you from "speeding" if set below the allowable ticking speed

So not adaptive, if the car in front of you slows, it doesn't slow you down to prevent hitting the car.

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by mwat

I don’t think it’s adaptive cruise, my LCI X3 has the cruise control that will brake for you as you toggle down the speed. I forget what it’s called but it’s not “read the car in front of your speed and set the cruise control based on that” type of system.

My pretty much base model 2012 X3 cruise functions like yours- I don’t see any special designation as to ‘adaptive’ or whatever in owners manual. (S544A Cruise Control with Brake Function)

[JK479]

Originally Posted by pungo

Agreed, I think it's called "Dynamic Cruise Control", so if you're going down a hill where gravity may take the vehicle past the set cruise speed, it will apply the brake. Kinda dumb if you asked me since it wastes energy where in many many situations, you may want to carry more speed down the hill to carry momentum to go up the next hill, though it does prevent you from "speeding" if set below the allowable ticking speed

So not adaptive, if the car in front of you slows, it doesn't slow you down to prevent hitting the car.

Oh very true! I actually drove an e90 with adaptive back on the day. And it was a manual!

[JK479]

12XE X3 xDr35i
A52 Space Gray Metallic
LUCZ Leather Nevada Chestnut
ZAP Sport Activity Package
2A1 19" Alloy Double Spoke Wheels
2TB 8-Spd Sport Auto Transmission
2XA Sport steering wheel w/paddles
3AT Roof rails in Satin Aluminum
3XL X-Line exterior trim package
481 Sport seats
775 Anthracite headliner
ZCW Cold Weather Package
248 Heated Steering Wheel
465 40/20/40 Split Rear Seat
494 Heated front seats
ZPP Premium Package
316 Power tailgate
319 Universal garage-door opener
322 Comfort Access keyless entry
417 Rear manual side window shades
430 Auto-dimming mirrors
431 Auto-dimming rearview mirror
488 Lumbar support
493 Storage package
563 Lights Package
ZTP Technology Package
3AH Rear View Camera w/ Top View
508 Park Distance Control
609 Navigation system
615 Online Information Services
6NL BMW Asst w/enhanced BT & USB
6UH Real Time Traffic Information
1CA CO2 relevant vehicles
1CD Brake Energy Regeneration
216 Servotronic
249 Multifunction steering wheel
2VB Tire pressure monitor
302 Alarm System
402 Panoramic moonroof
420 Privacy glass
423 Floor mats
459 Power Front Seats
5UXWX7C58CL737759
2012
12XE X3 xDr35i
A52 Space Gray Metallic
LUCZ Leather Nevada Chestnut
MSRP
$42,400.00
$550.00
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$1,750.00
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—
—
—
$700.00
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—
—
$3,450.00
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
$3,200.00
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Bmw MSRP
OEM Verified
WHILE GREAT EFFORT IS MADE TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION ON THIS DOCUMENT, ERRORS DO OCCUR SO PLEASE VERIFY INFORMATION WITH A DEALERSHIP REPRESENTATIVE.
FDA47
2024-04-23 21:06:58.075620

4AD Brushed Aluminum trim —
4NE Blow-by heater —
4NG Black high gloss instr panel —
521 Rain sensor and auto headlight —
522 Xenon headlights —
524 Adaptive light control —
534 Dual Zone Auto Climate Control —
544 Dynamic Cruise Control —
639 BMW Assist with Bluetooth —
676 Hi-fi sound system —
693 Satellite radio preparation —
697 DVD Area coding, North America —
6AA BMW TeleServices —
6AB TeleService Control —
6NF Smartphone Integration —
6NR BMW Apps $250.00
6VC Combox controller —
8KC Oil Chg 15,000 miles/24 months —
8S4 Variable Light Decoding —
8SC TeleService Activation —
8TN Daytime driving lights —
9AA Transport protection —
ZRF Run-flat tires —
Freight
$995.00
Net Total $53,295.00



Not a bad build!!!

[pungo]

The concerning thing is BMW touting 15k mile oil changes and lifetime drivetrain fluids so they can advertise a lower cost to maintain. So if followed, this one may have only had 8 or so oil changes when IMHO, it should have had double that. As well, the drivetrain fluids may have never been touched, when they should be coming up on their 2nd change, especially the trans/transfer case/front front diff. Review the maintenance records to determine the fluid change intervals, the lifeblood of the drivetrain.

[JK479]

Originally Posted by pungo

The concerning thing is BMW touting 15k mile oil changes and lifetime drivetrain fluids so they can advertise a lower cost to maintain. So if followed, this one may have only had 8 or so oil changes when IMHO, it should have had double that. As well, the drivetrain fluids may have never been touched, when they should be coming up on their 2nd change, especially the trans/transfer case/front front diff. Review the maintenance records to determine the fluid change intervals, the lifeblood of the drivetrain.

Good point… PPI might be worth it

[tracer bullet]

I'm not in tune with X3 values on the used market but it feels like a lot for any 12 year old car with that many miles, given it's not an enthusiast car in high demand and hard to find. I could be very wrong but I do wonder what you could get for a little more money.

That said, pungo and wgosma here pay far more attention to these cars and if they're happy, I am too!

[JK479]

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

I'm not in tune with X3 values on the used market but it feels like a lot for any 12 year old car with that many miles, given it's not an enthusiast car in high demand and hard to find. I could be very wrong but I do wonder what you could get for a little more money.

That said, pungo and wgosma here pay far more attention to these cars and if they're happy, I am too!

The selling price is 8900- dealer is doing 2800.00 in service. It drove nicely but there is a whistle from the ac compressor.

Overall the reason I want it is because I love the look and quality of the car. All 4 wheels need to be sanded and repainted..

[mwat]

Originally Posted by JK479

The selling price is 8900- dealer is doing 2800.00 in service. It drove nicely but there is a whistle from the ac compressor.

Overall the reason I want it is because I love the look and quality of the car. All 4 wheels need to be sanded and repainted..

I'd be curious to know about the $2800 service.
If the oil changes are regular (5k-7k) and the trans fluid/TC case fluid has been changed at least once I would feel more comfortable.

Will have to do a charge pipe immediately too, so keep that in mind.

[E36M3]

I own a 2012 X3 35i. You need to get a thorough PPI with someone who knows these vehicles. Things I would want to know:

- Has the valve cover been replaced yet? If not it needs to be as the PCV diaphragms go bad in them and oil gets into your intake

- Has the transfer case, differential and transmission fluids been changed? The transfer case fluid if not changed wears a thrust bearing inside the case and can create a noise at this mileage if it wasn’t maintained.

- When was the oil filter housing gasket and oil thermostat gasket changed? Common leak points on these.

- Has the intake manifold to intercooler pipe been replaced? They always break

- Have the belt, tensioner and idler pulley been replaced?

- Have the lower control arms with the large rubber thrust bushing been replaced along with the lower ball joint at the hub? If not plan on having to do this.

- Has the radiator overflow ball, the small plastic line leading to it and the level indicator in the bottom of it been replaced?

- Last time the water pump and thermostat was changed as they last about 60k miles

- Has the oil pan gasket and oil level sensor gasket been changed recently? If not it’s due and is not an insignificant job.

- Has the Mickey Mouse hose been replaced? It’s a common failure point and will lead to loosing all coolant.

If these items have not been done recently you must set aside a decent amount to get them done or do it yourself. It’s a great driving vehicle but requires you stay on top of things. In addition to the above I’ve also had to walnut blast the intake valves, replace the radiator, A/C compressor, 1 faulty injector, all ignition coils, turbo drain line, replace the transmission to radiator heat exchanger that mounts to the shroud as it was leaking, wastegate solenoid and the rubber lines with silicon and the main hose from the vacuum pump as it was split leading to a loss of vacuum that keeps the wastegate shut to build turbo boost. Of course this is in addition to normal maintenance like brakes, coolant, oil, brake fluid changes and spark plugs.

BTW mine is at 175k.

[JK479]

Originally Posted by E36M3

I own a 2012 X3 35i. You need to get a thorough PPI with someone who knows these vehicles. Things I would want to know:

- Has the valve cover been replaced yet? If not it needs to be as the PCV diaphragms go bad in them and oil gets into your intake

- Has the transfer case, differential and transmission fluids been changed? The transfer case fluid if not changed wears a thrust bearing inside the case and can create a noise at this mileage if it wasn’t maintained.

- When was the oil filter housing gasket and oil thermostat gasket changed? Common leak points on these.

- Has the intake manifold to intercooler pipe been replaced? They always break

- Have the belt, tensioner and idler pulley been replaced?

- Have the lower control arms with the large rubber thrust bushing been replaced along with the lower ball joint at the hub? If not plan on having to do this.

- Has the radiator overflow ball, the small plastic line leading to it and the level indicator in the bottom of it been replaced?

- Last time the water pump and thermostat was changed as they last about 60k miles

- Has the oil pan gasket and oil level sensor gasket been changed recently? If not it’s due and is not an insignificant job.

- Has the Mickey Mouse hose been replaced? It’s a common failure point and will lead to loosing all coolant.

If these items have not been done recently you must set aside a decent amount to get them done or do it yourself. It’s a great driving vehicle but requires you stay on top of things. In addition to the above I’ve also had to walnut blast the intake valves, [...]

Wow- I’m impressed with this summary and a little worried too. Is most of the later items due to the 35i model?

I agree about the PPI. It’s why the car is 10,000.00- I’m realistic and realize it’s going to be a car you have to fix occasionally.

I’m not handy- so this would have to go to a shop.

[E36M3]

The 35i with the N55 is more reliable than the 28i with the N20 having timing chain issues that will eat the motor if not taken care of. The list is between age and mileage cause related but you should expect all of them to happen. Most of the issues are due to design.

What I didn’t mention are the interior door pulls that are rubber coated also deteriorate and the glove box door cover delaminates and needs to be reglued. The rear view mirrors that are auto dimming on the doors also have age related delaminating that starts to cause a split image and only BMW originals have the correct electroluminescent fluid to auto darken at $340 each just for the mirrored glass with intergrated ribbon cable connections. I tried aftermarket but they didn’t auto darken so I bought the originals. If you buy used ones they are the same age and will have similar issues.

I also guarantee that the LED taillights are not operating like they should because the modules that drive the LED lights were very short lived from the factory. You change these yourself with aftermarket ones from eBay or Amazon. I bought a pack of 4 and had to change them all as they burned out one by one.