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      03-23-2016, 07:02 PM   #1
malicem3
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2011 X3 90k maintenance

Since I finally logged into my bimmerpost account due to my bumper scratches. I figured I'd share some maintenance for, what I consider, a higher mileage F25 N52t. The car is a 2 owner, including me, that I purchased at 88,000 miles.





At 90k I had the following done:
-Front/Rear Differential Fluids ($125 each at Indy)
-Transfer Case Fluid ($160 at Indy)
-Flushed coolant ($141 at Dealer)
-Driver's tie rod + alignment ($500 at Indy)
-New non-RFT Pirelli winter tires ($400 on Tirerack )
-Gloss black kidney grills ($90 ebay since ECS didn't have them -pictured)

Previously, the coolant had been changed once at ~50,000. Spark plugs at 48k.

Items that will need to be addressed:
-Brake fluid
-Spark plugs
-Small oil pan leak (this can be ignored as it's minor but will be monitored)

I found the car to handle/steer more true with the alignment. I don't believe the tie rod needed to be replace though my reputable shop said there was play. Even then, I have the dreaded clunk from the driver's side. Since there is no solution to it, I don't plan on address it unless BMW does something. Unlike some people, I feel no difference with all the fluids changed. I passed on the auto trans fluid since I don't even want to touch the 8spd ZF.

As far as the engine goes, the car pulls strong. I would say at start-up the RPMs will move to 1500 for 2 seconds then drop to 600 where it idles rather smoothly but not perfectly. Sometimes, the start and idle a rough though RPMs are consistent. My other cars include N54 335 and M54 ZHP. The N54 idle is about the same as this N52t so perhaps spark plugs and fuel system treatment will improve it.

I'll update this thread with more maintenance and how the car reacts/I perceive it.

Last edited by malicem3; 03-24-2016 at 08:09 PM..
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      03-24-2016, 07:52 AM   #2
BOSSBMW
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Thanks for the update. Sounds like overall she's holding up pretty well..

Which car has an N52? The F25 X3 was never offered with one, you either have an N20 (4-cyl) or N55, i think ...
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      03-24-2016, 08:32 AM   #3
Barbera335
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Quote:
Originally Posted by beneliezer View Post
Thanks for the update. Sounds like overall she's holding up pretty well..

Which car has an N52? The F25 X3 was never offered with one, you either have an N20 (4-cyl) or N55, i think ...
2011 and 2012 X3 28i had the N52T engine installed. I have a 2011 28i with this engine as well. I love the simplicity of a port injected naturally aspirated inline 6 as opposed to the turbo engines offered now. I have been very happy with mine.
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      03-24-2016, 08:40 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Barbera335 View Post
2011 and 2012 X3 28i had the N52T engine installed. I have a 2011 28i with this engine as well. I love the simplicity of a port injected naturally aspirated inline 6 as opposed to the turbo engines offered now. I have been very happy with mine.
Oh ok, not sure how i missed it.

xDrive28i (243PS) 2010– 2,996 cc (182.8 cu in) I6 (N52B30) 243 PS (179 kW; 240 hp)@6600 312 N·m (230 lb·ft)@2600–3000
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SOLD-['06 325i TiAg] [19" VMR VB3 HYPERBLACK] [Blacklines] [OEM Xenon Conversion] [35% Tint] [M-Tech Rear] [M-Tech Front] [Black Vinyl Roof] [Slotted/Drilled Rotors, Cool Carbon Pads] [PBX]
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      03-24-2016, 08:41 AM   #5
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Just curious - what do you expect to pay for the spark plugs? I'm currently at 58k and have not had them replaced (original owner). I'm due for brakes and an oil change at 60k so will probably have them done then (at indy shop, not dealer).


Thanks,
dr
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      03-24-2016, 08:06 PM   #6
malicem3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BOSSBMW View Post
Thanks for the update. Sounds like overall she's holding up pretty well..

Which car has an N52? The F25 X3 was never offered with one, you either have an N20 (4-cyl) or N55, i think ...
All my BMWs except the 335 and one of my previous E46s have been taken well north of 150k. I'd say the F25 will be able to do the same. I'm not too pleased about the clunk from the rack but my E90 has a rattle in the drivers window while rolled up. I guess there is always something, sometimes even with brand new vehicles.

Quote:
Originally Posted by denrusso View Post
Just curious - what do you expect to pay for the spark plugs? I'm currently at 58k and have not had them replaced (original owner). I'm due for brakes and an oil change at 60k so will probably have them done then (at indy shop, not dealer).


Thanks,
dr
Good question, DR. I have 2 quotes from Indy shops for $400.

I posted prices because I know others will research the F25 and would like to have some ground for expectations. I know I do.
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      03-25-2016, 11:41 AM   #7
supernova1
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Any desire to clean intake valves at this point? Direct injection engines may be prone to excessive carbon deposits in the valve areas - this can be directly related to a rough idle.

I still can not find long-term data for N20 valve deposits, may be you can share your thoughts on this?
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      07-13-2017, 10:31 PM   #8
malicem3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by supernova1 View Post
Any desire to clean intake valves at this point? Direct injection engines may be prone to excessive carbon deposits in the valve areas - this can be directly related to a rough idle.

I still can not find long-term data for N20 valve deposits, may be you can share your thoughts on this?
My car isn't DI. It has a N52t.
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      07-13-2017, 10:34 PM   #9
malicem3
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A few maintenance items have been addressed recently. Worth summarizing...

Mileage is currently at 107,XXX

-Front & Rear Rotors and Pads (100,XXX)
-Alignment (101,XXX)
-Thrust arms (101,XXX)
-Toyo All Season non-RFT Tires (103,XXX)
-Waterpump (107,XXX) The car had thrown a few codes. No complete failure.

Last edited by malicem3; 07-13-2017 at 10:51 PM..
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      07-14-2017, 12:02 AM   #10
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Thanks for info on trans, diffs and transfer case fluids.
Our 2011 X3 N55 is at 95K miles and is due for an oil change at 101K. It's used 1/2 liter of motor oil in the 9K miles since last oil change. Engine is healthy. Got 23.5MPG on a 1300 mile round trip running at 80-100MPH between Albuquerque and Las Vegas.
Dealer changed spark plugs and coil packs at about 60K miles when it was in for other service.
Big what-to-do/or not-to-do at the next service interval are:
Flush coolant?
Trans fluid?
Diffs fluids?
Transfer case fluid?
Serpentine belt?
Hate to "fix" something that ain't broke. What to do, what to do?
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      07-14-2017, 03:07 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 96_Impreza View Post
Thanks for info on trans, diffs and transfer case fluids.
Our 2011 X3 N55 is at 95K miles and is due for an oil change at 101K. It's used 1/2 liter of motor oil in the 9K miles since last oil change. Engine is healthy. Got 23.5MPG on a 1300 mile round trip running at 80-100MPH between Albuquerque and Las Vegas.
Dealer changed spark plugs and coil packs at about 60K miles when it was in for other service.
Big what-to-do/or not-to-do at the next service interval are:
Flush coolant?
Trans fluid?
Diffs fluids?
Transfer case fluid?
Serpentine belt?
Hate to "fix" something that ain't broke. What to do, what to do?
Technically all of those fluids are "lifetime" according to BMW.
So it's up to you if you believe that or not.

Personally I think around every ~60k is a good interval to changed them.
The coolant and diffs are really easy to do yourself. The transfer case and tranny fluid are a little trickier

As for the belt, just change it when it wears out, usually you can see cracking when it's nearing the end of it's life
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      07-14-2017, 08:25 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dreamspeed View Post
Technically all of those fluids are "lifetime" according to BMW.
So it's up to you if you believe that or not.

Personally I think around every ~60k is a good interval to changed them.
The coolant and diffs are really easy to do yourself. The transfer case and tranny fluid are a little trickier

As for the belt, just change it when it wears out, usually you can see cracking when it's nearing the end of it's life
The fluids are not lifetime, contrary to what BMW says. I do my diffs, transfer case, and transmission with a new plastic pan which has the integrated filter, every 60k miles. All of the jobs are fairly easy except the differentials. The front diff has poor access and the rear diff does not have a drain plug so the fluid has to be sucked out of the fill hole. Also, my transfer case has a drain plug but I know on the newer F25s the drain plug has been removed so that fluid will have to be sucked out as well. My 2011 has 82k miles and is running perfectly.
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      07-14-2017, 08:52 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Barbera335 View Post
The fluids are not lifetime, contrary to what BMW says.
Lifetime to BMW now means when the original warranty runs out.

I'll second the 60k recommendation, but did all my e38 fluids @ 100k with no issues
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      07-14-2017, 09:30 AM   #14
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This could be wrong information on the threads that I've read long ago, but I thought a number of years ago BMW backed down from "lifetime" to 100,000 miles. I'm pretty sure specifically regarding coolant. I've changed coolant in all of my cars around the 60k mark, along with transfer case in both X3s I've owned. Havent touched transmissions in any car (expect my manual e46 b/c is so easy).

Also, to the OP - I had the steering "clunk" from the day I drove it home (about 4,000 miles on it when I purchased it as it was a demo/loaner car). After much back and forth with my dealer they replaced the rack at about 45,000 miles. I'm at almost 68k miles now and still no clunk. That part was revised about 8 times between early 2011 and 2014. FYI - Someone on another X3 forum posted what they think it a simple fix for it... tighten some bolt under there or something.
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      07-14-2017, 09:54 PM   #15
malicem3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jman103099 View Post
This could be wrong information on the threads that I've read long ago, but I thought a number of years ago BMW backed down from "lifetime" to 100,000 miles. I'm pretty sure specifically regarding coolant. I've changed coolant in all of my cars around the 60k mark, along with transfer case in both X3s I've owned. Havent touched transmissions in any car (expect my manual e46 b/c is so easy).

Also, to the OP - I had the steering "clunk" from the day I drove it home (about 4,000 miles on it when I purchased it as it was a demo/loaner car). After much back and forth with my dealer they replaced the rack at about 45,000 miles. I'm at almost 68k miles now and still no clunk. That part was revised about 8 times between early 2011 and 2014. FYI - Someone on another X3 forum posted what they think it a simple fix for it... tighten some bolt under there or something.
Hey, I tightened the bolt but found that to only to be a half fix. Like you said, the rack is the culprit. Glad you were able to get yours replaced.
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      07-21-2017, 08:59 AM   #16
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I like to follow the maintenance schedule Bavarian Autosport. It's more aggressive to change fluids more frequently, which make sense if the vehicle is expected to be kept for a long period of time.
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      01-19-2018, 07:02 PM   #17
malicem3
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Update:

We are giving the car to our parents and bought a 76,000 mile '13 N55 X3 (which i'll be getting up to date in the next few weeks). Outside of a few oil changes, here are some other items we've addressed for the '11 X3 N52t.

-Battery 100,XXX (forgot to include this in a previous post. replaced preventatively)
-Valve Cover Gasket 108,XXX
-Windshield 114,XXX
-Driver's window rubber/seal. The window was squealing going up/down. 115,XXX
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