[Ad-330i]

Hi guys

Went to look at a 2011 f25 x3 xdrive20d last week auto 8 speed, on the test drive the car felt a bit rough on idle for a few minutes but did settle down (car was in drive) and on pull away, is this normal I drive a 330i auto which is so smooth so was a bit worried ?

Car had only done 30k with full bmw service history.

Let me know you thoughts ?

Cheers

[akshay1234]

Compared to a 6 cylinder petrol engine the 20d will be rough. Its normal. The 20d isn't known to be a very smooth or refined engine.

[Portimao318]

yes, I would also think it to be normal. Any diesel engine will be louder and a bit rough when cold, compared to a petrol.

[Ad-330i]

Originally Posted by akshay1234

Compared to a 6 cylinder petrol engine the 20d will be rough. Its normal. The 20d isn't known to be a very smooth or refined engine.

Thanks for replying I have driven a 120d 177bhp but that was manual that seems a lot smoother in comparison it almost like the x3 was pulling away in second gear?

[Ad-330i]

Originally Posted by Endre2

yes, I would also think it to be normal. Any diesel engine will be louder and a bit rough when cold, compared to a petrol.

The engine was already warm as he had driven it to work and back had only sat there for around 15-20 minutes before we took it out ?

As a passenger you could feel the vibration for a few minutes ?

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by Ad-330i

Hi guys

Went to look at a 2011 f25 x3 xdrive20d last week auto 8 speed, on the test drive the car felt a bit rough on idle for a few minutes but did settle down (car was in drive) and on pull away, is this normal I drive a 330i auto which is so smooth so was a bit worried ?

Car had only done 30k with full bmw service history.

Let me know you thoughts ?

Cheers

Agreed the 2.0d is a little lumpy and clattery when cold. I found that out when I test drove one. It is a little slow off the mark, but then it is a heavy 4X4. If you can stretch to the 3.0d, then that is the one to go for because it is quite a smooth engine. I am very pleased with mine. It is no slouch with a 0 to 60 of around 6 seconds.

[Ad-330i]

Originally Posted by Peter_R

Agreed the 2.0d is a little lumpy and clattery when cold. I found that out when I test drove one. It is a little slow off the mark, but then it is a heavy 4X4. If you can stretch to the 3.0d, then that is the one to go for because it is quite a smooth engine. I am very pleased with mine.

Thank Peter happy to hear it sounds normal, it's mainly going to be used for work running up down the motor way so ideally the cheaper tax and mpg from the 2.0d would be ideal

I would be tempted to change the 330i for a m sport x3 3.0d

Does the later 184bhp engine suffer with the chain guide problem ?

[PX3]

I too find the 2.0D to be a tad on the noisy side, as well as being a little hesitant on pull away (almost as if you need to put your foot down more - and I have the auto). Otherwise whilst driving at a steady speed it is pretty smooth and quiet.
I would definitely recommend the 3.0D if this is likely to bother you in the long term (or maybe the LCI X3 as this is supposed to be more refined, but I'm guessing you don't want to pay that much!).
For me it may not help driving a petrol most of the time and only driving the X3 Diesel during the weekends? Maybe I'm just focusing in on it more so.

Good luck either way.

[Ad-330i]

Thanks Pete, I don't mind it being a bit lumpy if that's the way it's meant to be. I was just worried there was something work with it..

[ianfp]

What you describe sounds fairly normal. I went from a 330i to 20D and it took me a while to get used to it. Given the choice again, I would still go for the 20D as it suits my requirements. the 30D is great, but I couldn't justify it for all the bumper to bumper traffic I drive in most days. Incidentally, if left in 'drive' the car does pull away in second gear. I have taken to using steptronic manual shifts even in traffic. That way I can always keep the car at the revs I want. It is also very quick away from the lights especially if you use auto hold on the hand brake.

[BigDave]

have had my 20d for 9 months and noticed slow take away at roundabouts. car is using 2nd gear. If you then give it more throttle it takes off and you end up trying to avoid hitting someone who has just pulled out in front of you at the next exit. Agree engine is noisy from cold but once warm and cruising it is quiet. Best car I have ever owned

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by Ad-330i

Does the later 184bhp engine suffer with the chain guide problem ?

Although it is the N47 engine, there does not seem to be any reported problems as it is after the modification date. Perhaps use google to see if anything shows.

By the way, do not be surprised if you do not get the BMW claimed optimistic mpg

Incidentally the LCI model uses the later B47 engine that develops 190 bhp.

[Portimao318]

Originally Posted by Ad-330i

The engine was already warm as he had driven it to work and back had only sat there for around 15-20 minutes before we took it out ?

As a passenger you could feel the vibration for a few minutes ?

I dont know if that is normal for a warm X3 20d. But if my Koleos 2.0 D would be like that, I would be worried. My car does not vibrate at all.

I would advise you to testdrive another X3 with the same engine, before you buy this one. Better be safe than sorry.

[Ad-330i]

Thanks everyone for the advice I'll try and test drive another one before viewing it again !

Cheers

[plymjack]

Good luck.... the dealer tells me X3 are still quite rare - sice we came to ours from another make it seems very civilized but having tried a few BMWs since it is a tad "lumpy" and noise, but not to much to get used too.

[atrueb]

There is a thread here somewhere about jolty acceleration. Seems to be sluggish also on 3l motors.
I have a 2l diesel and would agree on the cold start and slight vibration. Vibration will always be an issue with a 4 cylinder diesel. As long as you don't go under 1100rpm you'll be fine.
Accelerating in comfort mode can be somewhat "boring" or as the name states "comfortable", but hey.... If you want good responsiveness then select sports mode.
If your wallet allows it, then get the smoother 6 cylinder. Mind you, the price difference can be enormous: USD 15k in Switzerland! Low service costs and efficiency are the pros for the 20d. Explains why 2l diesel is most popular in Germany;-)

[gIzzE]

I have got the 20d xDrive, after years in M3s, 535d, 335i etc. etc. I knew what I was getting into, but I also had an E91 320d that I put a CRD-T+ stage two tuning box on and that transformed it.
So I did the same with the X3, it is the most impressive tuning I have done to a car.

I had a DMS mapped 535d, a Juice Box on my 335i, Revo maps on Audis, and the Brabus box on my E Class, but the CRD-T+ has seen the biggest gain of any of them.

They are not the cheapest but often come up on eBay, any from any of the 2 litre diesel BMWs will fit.

http://www.diesel-performance.co.uk/...ails.php?id=10


Oh, and the fact this just doesn't drop below 40mpg and sees 50 on a run is great. I usually get around 600 miles to a tank.

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by gIzzE

I have got the 20d xDrive, after years in M3s, 535d, 335i etc. etc. I knew what I was getting into, but I also had an E91 320d that I put a CRD-T+ stage two tuning box on and that transformed it.
So I did the same with the X3, it is the most impressive tuning I have done to a car.

I had a DMS mapped 535d, a Juice Box on my 335i, Revo maps on Audis, and the Brabus box on my E Class, but the CRD-T+ has seen the biggest gain of any of them.

They are not the cheapest but often come up on eBay, any from any of the 2 litre diesel BMWs will fit.

http://www.diesel-performance.co.uk/...ails.php?id=10


Oh, and the fact this just doesn't drop below 40mpg and sees 50 on a run is great. I usually get around 600 miles to a tank.

Sounds good to me!

I have used tuning boxes from various manufacturers since the 1990s, on VWs, Audi's, and lately two BMWs.

I will look at my X3 when out of warranty, because no matter what is claimed, the fact that the engine has been used outside its design envelope (for UK) is recorded.

[Portimao318]

What about this tuning box for a petrol (X3 2.0i) . Would that not damage the engine on the long run ? After all, a diesel-engine is usually much stronger.
Will I lose my 2 year BMW warranty ?

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by Endre2

What about this tuning box for a petrol (X3 2.0i) . Would that not damage the engine on the long run ? After all, a diesel-engine is usually much stronger.
Will I lose my 2 year BMW warranty ?

The engines can take the increase in power in their stride, so it is extremely unlikely to do any damage whatsoever.

It is BMW that is being pedantic and says that any performance enhancement not authorised by them voids the whole drivetrain warranty.

[TuffLittleUnit]

My two penneth - had a 2011 X3 2.0d for 3 years and it never vibrated in a way that could be felt. It was a tad rough when cold but once warmed up and on the motorway I got more cabin noise from the wing mirrors rather than the engine. A couple of months before it went back it developed a rattling in the dashboard which was clearly engine related - this was immediately after an MOT and service so my guess is that the service staff didn't put everything back properly. Took it back in twice but got the usual "no fault found". Still - it was a good way of getting a good valet for free

LCI engine seems a bit more refined but it's still noticeably a diesel.