[Preston1305]

Hello! My parents for my first got me a 2014 X3. We are a family that mainly drives American cars so we aren’t very familiar with how BMW really runs. I have been driving it for about 3 months and I really love the car. I was wondering if any of you guys have any tips to get the most out of it.

Also, I put the My BMW app in my phone as it says all 2014 and newer BMW models are compatible. Then when I enter my vin number it doesn’t let me use any of the features. Is there a way to get around this?

[Opie55]

How many miles and what service records do you have? It may be due for some stuff or it may not.

[pungo]

Welcome to the forum...
Take the vehicle to a BMW specialist and have the timing system thoroughly checked since they're known to fail on the N20 (28i), which can causing the engine to self destruct $$$$$$
If not done already, I recommend having the timing system replaced with the revised parts $$$
Should have selected the 35i which is not prone to the timing system failure, as well, that tiny 2 liter 4 cyl has to work way harder pulling around a 2+ ton vehicle whereas the buttery smooth power of the 6 cyl effortlessly propels the vehicle with minimal change in mpg.
BMW claims the drivetrain fluids are lifetime, they're not, have them all changed @~70k miles.

[energysaver29]

We have a 2016 x3 with N20 engine bought in 2019 as CPO. Put 60k miles since purchase. Been very reliable. Only problem was front differential - replaced with a used one a year ago when I heard some grinding noises. No OFGH leaks or other oil leaks. We do change oil and other maintenance on schedule. Been using 0w20 BMW oil. Will likely drain and replace additional fluids around 100k - eg 8AT, transfer case and rear diff. Will check thermostat and water pump too. Drives very well. With a 240hp engine, I don’t feel engine overworks as such, but I use sports mode when needed. Edit - we change oil around 6-8k miles. Been using dealer, indie or diy.

[mwat]

My mother got 50k miles out of her 17 X3 N20 (updated timing chain compared to pre 15 units) She had absolutely 0 issues with hers. Just changed the oil and tires.