[cowsgonemadd3]

I have had a 2006 bmw 330i for around 7 years now. It's been incredibly trouble free, easy to maintain and reliable. Everything people said BMW was not.

I have two kids who arent happy in the back seat of the little car. I want to get another BMW and found out the N52 was still being used in 2011-2012 X3 models.

The early N20 motors had issues with timing chains and I want to skip out on any turbos for now.

I came across many online and it seems BMW had a lot of options and many have a mixture of options.
Must haves for me is HID lights, heated seats and the backup camera. Most seem to have all of these and many even have to electronic rear hatch. I saw some with heated rear seats which was nice for the kids.

Should I pay above KBB price for a used BMW? I know the car market is a mess right now but an old BMW is an old BMW in my mind. Everyone thinks there stuff is worth a lot but come time for me to sell mine and nobody will give me anything. So I know that you never pay asking price.

I found this one in georgia: https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used...351608967/NONE

Think its worth the asking price plus 800 dealer fee and 150 dollar title fee? I will also have to pay over 500 bucks for SC state tax.

[pungo]

Several years ago, when I was looking for a 2011-2012 28i, for the I6 non-turbo, I could not find one with the mileage I wanted in acceptable condition that also had Xenon headlights, almost all of the had the subpar Halogens. I can't help with the value today in today's market, but KBB values+ may be realistic for clean loaded examples. I'm just surprised you're finding them with the options you want since many of the 28i I saw were closer to base models or had higher mileage, several didn't even have leather!

I found a pretty loaded 2011 35i garage queen which even has DHP so I picked it up instead of the 28i. The Bi-Xenon are standard on the 35i as well it's rated for higher highway MPG.

[richardodn]

That's not a terrible price considering the options and mileage. Note that they listed everything available under options and not the ones on the car. I plugged the VIN in at mdecoder.com. As near as I can tell, these are the option packages on that car.

ZCV Convenience package - comfort access, power tailgate, backseat window shades, adaptive Xenon (HID) lights. (Standard on 35i)
ZPP Premium Package
ZTP Technology Package - includes all the cameras and park distance control, enhanced bluetooth and USB (most useful with iPhone), Nav Pro, connected features have all been end-of-lifed
S494A - heated front seat as stand-alone option. It does not have Cold Weather or Cold Weather II packages that include heated steering wheel and headlight washers.
S655A - Satellite Tuner

[cowsgonemadd3]

I really wanted the N52 since it seems to be very reliable and easy to maintain. The N54 in the 35I is likely a different story.

My N52 at nearly 200k miles has only needed coils, spark plugs, water pump and thermostat in the past 100k miles.

It also needs valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket as it smells like oil if you dont use recirculate in the car.

I have seen many with Zenon headlights and many without. I can't imagine the value of a luxury car with crappy headlights to anyone but people who only buy for a badge.

I have spent 7 years on my 330i kicking myself for not getting one with the winter package so I had heated seats. Luxury cars often have less luxury than a honda accord unless you spend a fortune on packages.

I am aiming for and have seen:

S402 Panoramic roof
S494 Front heated Seats
S676 hifi sound
S522 Xenon light
S524 Adaptive
S3Ah reverse camera with side view
Whatever option that allows Bluetooth music streaming

I came across several with all or most of those options in 28i form. Typically though they have 120-150k miles at this point.

For me, the car is a pit stop until I can afford a newer model. The goal will be 3-4 years of ownership so even a higher mile unit isnt too bad.

Anyone have experience with maintaining the M54 35i version of this?

[tom2021]

Welcome to the forum.
There are several reported issues with transmission/differential.
I presume you will check on maintenance records of the car.
Best of luck.

[pungo]

Originally Posted by cowsgonemadd3

I really wanted the N52 since it seems to be very reliable and easy to maintain. The N54 in the 35I is likely a different story.

Anyone have experience with maintaining the M54 35i version of this?

The 35i uses a N55 not the more problematic N54.
I too wanted the N52 over the N55 for the simplicity, but since I couldn't find what I wanted with a N52 so got the N55 with zero regrets. It's been a DD in the family for 4 years now with no issues. The only thing I've done is change all drivetrain fluids, oil changes and brake fluid flushes, I do all my own maintenance so very little invested in maintenance on it. The buttery smooth acceleration of the N55 is impressive for such a heavy vehicle so don't drive one unless you plan on getting one.

The problem with these, is BMW calls the drivetrain fluids lifetime so many never get changed which can cause premature failures, especially with the transfer case.

Originally Posted by tom2021

There are several reported issues with transmission/differential.

I would not go by this statement, the ZF HP8 trans is nearly bulletproof as well as the diffs. Sure, there are some that fail, but it's very rare.

[richardodn]

For 2012 (other years may package features differently):

S402 Panoramic roof - standard on the 35i. Standalone option on 28i or with ZPP (Premium Package)
S494 Front heated Seats - Standalone option or with ZCW (Cold Weather I) Note ZCW includes heated steering wheel and split back bench. ZCX (Cold Weather II) adds heated rear seats and headlight washers. I think 2011 had only ZCW with all the I and II features.
S676 HiFi sound - Standard in all models. S677 is the Top HiFi setup
S522 Xenon light & S524 Adaptive - standard on the 35i. Standalone option on 28i or with ZCV (Convenience Package) 522 and 524 will always be found together.
S3AH reverse camera with top view. Optional with ZTP (Technology Package) Note that there is also S3AG which is reverse camera only.
S6NL Enhanced Bluetooth and USB - Standalone option. Included with S609 Navigation.
S609 Navigation - Standalone option or as part of ZTP (Technology Package)

If top view camera is important, look for cars with ZTP (Technology Package) as it's only available in that package. This also gets you your nav and other infotainment features. ZTP also requires ZPP (Premium Package) which covers the moonroof. You'll still need to verify heated seats and adaptive Xenon lighting.

[cowsgonemadd3]

"I would not go by this statement, the ZF HP8 trans is nearly bulletproof as well as the diffs. Sure, there are some that fail, but it's very rare."

My dad works at ZF here in SC so he has taken apart thousands of these. From what I hear, the ZF transmission is one of the worlds best. My old ZF6HP in the 330i has done well for nearly 200k miles but does jump a little now days.

So which option in 2012 get me bluetooth audio streaming? I do not want to use a USB adapater thing to make it work.

Do you feel the N55 is as reliable as the N52? I am terrified of turbos. I dont have a fortune to replace a lot but we do budget for maintenance.

[pungo]

Originally Posted by cowsgonemadd3

"I would not go by this statement, the ZF HP8 trans is nearly bulletproof as well as the diffs. Sure, there are some that fail, but it's very rare."

My dad works at ZF here in SC so he has taken apart thousands of these. From what I hear, the ZF transmission is one of the worlds best. My old ZF6HP in the 330i has done well for nearly 200k miles but does jump a little now days.

So which option in 2012 get me bluetooth audio streaming? I do not want to use a USB adapater thing to make it work.

Do you feel the N55 is as reliable as the N52? I am terrified of turbos. I dont have a fortune to replace a lot but we do budget for maintenance.

For streaming bluetooth, I believe you need:

• 6NL Enhanced Bluetooth and USB
• 6VC Control for Combox

The N55 will be slightly less reliable than the N52 due to the added components of the turbo, but the turbo and it's components do not commonly fail with exception of one of the plastic charge pipes that gets brittle over time and cracks which requires replacement. It's not an expensive repair and there are aftermarket aluminum pipes kits to use as replacements. I installed a thick strap of rubber with a huge zip-tie at the location they are prone to cracking in an attempt to prevent it from failing, fingers crossed.

With the bi-turbo, there's virtually no turbo lag so the power is always there when needed. The chances of finding the options you want go up with the 35i since they have many standard options as well as many were well optioned.

[cowsgonemadd3]

I drove a 2011 X3 with the N52 and it drove nice but the added weight made it slow(ish). How is fuel economy "combined" on the N55 vs the N52? If it's like 1mpg on the combined its hardly worth the loss of power.

[pungo]

Originally Posted by cowsgonemadd3

I drove a 2011 X3 with the N52 and it drove nice but the added weight made it slow(ish). How is fuel economy "combined" on the N55 vs the N52? If it's like 1mpg on the combined its hardly worth the loss of power.

Yeah, 2+ tons is a lot of weight to haul around, just think about those with a 4 cyl
The N55 actually gets better highway MPG than the N52, I assume because the N55 has to work less therefore more is more efficient. I average 24 mpg with mixed highway and in town in my 35i. I've gotten as high as 30 mpg on a trip keeping it under 70 mph, but typically get 28 highway.

[frisbeeguy]

Originally Posted by cowsgonemadd3

So which option in 2012 get me bluetooth audio streaming? I do not want to use a USB adapter thing to make it work.

Do you feel the N55 is as reliable as the N52? I am terrified of turbos. I don't have a fortune to replace a lot but we do budget for maintenance.

Looks like you will have a wired connection with that car for music, but wireless doesn't look possible based on the options. Bring a cable, and just play around with the idrive.

N55 is going to be less reliable than the N52 and will cost more in maintenance and repairs...extra stress from the turbo. However more reliable than the N54. For all repairs on the N55, there's more to remove (extra labor, extra dollars) and direct injection needs walnut blasting. N52 does not. The N52 is cheaper and more durable long term (greater than 7 yrs or 180K miles), but it's less fun and slower...lol. MPG is N55: 19/26, N52: 19/25. B58, which is in the newer X3s, are the most reliable and are a lot better than the N55 and N52.

[frisbeeguy]

Originally Posted by cowsgonemadd3

Think its worth the asking price plus 800 dealer fee and 150 dollar title fee? I will also have to pay over 500 bucks for SC state tax.

800 dollar dealer fee?!?!!! Too high. $300 max, and ideally would negotiate a $0 dealer fee. It's do-able...or maybe was pre-covid.

SC DMV says $40 title fee, so not sure how you're getting $150 title fee.

[mwat]

I haven't seen any negotiations on dealer fee's in the past 2 years

[pungo]

Originally Posted by frisbeeguy

For all repairs on the N55, there's more to remove (extra labor, extra dollars) and direct injection needs walnut blasting. N52 does not.

I've seen several N55s with excess of 100k miles that didn't need walnut blasting, sure they weren't totally clean, but didn't "need" blasting. YMMV
The N54 is a different story, I've seen those @60k miles that needed blasting badly.

[cowsgonemadd3]

Originally Posted by frisbeeguy

800 dollar dealer fee?!?!!! Too high. $300 max, and ideally would negotiate a $0 dealer fee. It's do-able...or maybe was pre-covid.

SC DMV says $40 title fee, so not sure how you're getting $150 title fee.

Yeah thats just what the guy said. Dealer fees are a crock of crap and everyone knows it. I paid a $500 dealer fee when I bought my wifes brand new Mazda Cx5 and I paid $250 on the last CX5 we bought CPO.

My 330i I bought for $8900 with no dealer fee. I have had it for 7 years.

[cowsgonemadd3]

Originally Posted by frisbeeguy

Looks like you will have a wired connection with that car for music, but wireless doesn't look possible based on the options. Bring a cable, and just play around with the idrive.

N55 is going to be less reliable than the N52 and will cost more in maintenance and repairs...extra stress from the turbo. However more reliable than the N54. For all repairs on the N55, there's more to remove (extra labor, extra dollars) and direct injection needs walnut blasting. N52 does not. The N52 is cheaper and more durable long term (greater than 7 yrs or 180K miles), but it's less fun and slower...lol. MPG is N55: 19/26, N52: 19/25. B58, which is in the newer X3s, are the most reliable and are a lot better than the N55 and N52.

I know I had seen an option for wireless audio streaming on the 2012 model year. BMW assist with enhanced bluetooth or something that comes with the tech package.

Isnt it too soon to say a 2015 motor variant is more reliable than one thats been out for years?

Sounds like I have to debate trade offs. I should hope the high pressure fuel pump issues are taken care of by now(I remember the 2009-2009 335i was a mess) and other than a walnut blast once every 100k, one should be good?

[frisbeeguy]

Originally Posted by cowsgonemadd3

I know I had seen an option for wireless audio streaming on the 2012 model year. BMW assist with enhanced bluetooth or something that comes with the tech package.

Isnt it too soon to say a 2015 motor variant is more reliable than one thats been out for years?

Sounds like I have to debate trade offs. I should hope the high pressure fuel pump issues are taken care of by now(I remember the 2009-2009 335i was a mess) and other than a walnut blast once every 100k, one should be good?

Found this on another thread:
Najnad: you need S6NF (Music Interface For Smartphone) as well as S6NL (Connection Bluetooth + USB Devices Incl.)
https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1732551

So looks like you need the above, especially S6NL for bluetooth music.

Normally, when a new engine is released, yes too soon to see about reliability, but the B58 is an exception. Well engineered and well built (Toyota had input on its design). Closed deck. Less carbon buildup over time than predecessors of course. Less leaky valve covers. Long-term, B58 is better to own. This page is best for explanation: https://bimmerly.com/n55-vs-b58-reliability/

Yeah HPFP is just a pick of what car gets the issue. n52 does not have the HPFP issue. Walnut blasting can be done later than 100K on the N55...but like Pungo said, your mileage may vary. Highway driven often=longer interval for walnut blast. Depends on carbon amount on the valves...easier to do it early.

[cowsgonemadd3]

Isn't the B58 only the M40 variant in 2017 and above X3 models? I see it was first introduced in 2015 in a sedan?

[frisbeeguy]

Originally Posted by cowsgonemadd3

Isn't the B58 only the M40 variant in 2017 and above X3 models? I see it was first introduced in 2015 in a sedan?

Yep, correct. Can also do the B48 if you want...4 cylinder turbo but better than the N20 by far.

[cowsgonemadd3]

Is there a year the N20 became more reliable than the earlier variants? I have been avoiding them due to the timing chain issues in the early model year or two. Are they all bad?

[frisbeeguy]

Originally Posted by cowsgonemadd3

Is there a year the N20 became more reliable than the earlier variants? I have been avoiding them due to the timing chain issues in the early model year or two. Are they all bad?

2015 onwards, but have heard of people still ending up with broken timing chains for 2016 and 2017 years. BMW did change materials, but not sure why some ppl still ended up with broken chains...but chance of getting one after 2015 is a lot less. 2018 X3's and above got the B48...joint collaboration with toyota, so a lot more trustable.
https://bimmers.com/blog/bmw-n20-eng...sues-and-more/
You can do better than this engine for other brands, like Mazda, Audi, etc...ideally would avoid the N20.