[1125ASL]

I consider buying a '13-'14 X3 xDrive28i w/N20 2.0T engine and ZF 8-speed A/T (no manual transmission.) Average miles for such vehicle range from 120k-140k.

Does anyone want to add anything to these N20 engine notes? https://bimmers.com/blog/bmw-n20-engine-reliability-known-issues-and-more/

Research indicates the ZF A/T is very reliable.

Beyond the drivetrain, what about the rest of the subject vehicle? Is it generally reliable compared to industry norms or should I expect high non-warranty service fees?

Any other advice for a person shopping for an F25?

This X3 will only see about 5k miles per year in my possession.

TX!

[pungo]

Originally Posted by 1125ASL

I consider buying a '13-'14 X3 xDrive28i w/N20 2.0T engine and ZF 8-speed A/T (no manual transmission.)

Unless the timing system has been replaced with revised parts, run.....
Personally, for a vehicle this heavy, I'd only consider the inline 6 for the buttery smooth power delivery it's know for.

[1125ASL]

The '11-'12 X3 base engine was the normally aspirated 3.0L I-6, replaced in latter MYs by the 2.0L I-4 turbo. When I first read about the F25 the base NA I-6 seemed very attractive. Then I learned about the I-4 and leaned that way and now after hours of research I'm back full circle to the I-6 giving me a sense of comfort and security that the I-4 fails to produce.

I have no idea what the I-4 sounds like when revved but my recollection of late 90s-early '00s BMW I-6s is that the only known engine that makes better music on the cam is a Porsche boxer-6. And the BMW is not too far behind the Porsche in this regard.

Having driven dozens of I-4 vehicles both cars and motorcycles, till proven otherwise I presume it's unlikely any I-4 would rival the music from a BMW I-6. That said, my 2004 titanium-metallic Saab 9-5 Aero wagon w/2.3L I-4 turbo sounded decent when revved.

[brianhinton77]

I have a 2011 x3 x28i and I’m right at 186K. The x3 still puts smiles on my face everyday…proper maintenance and these motors are wonderful. I change oil every 5k miles, all drivetrain fluids and transmission every 50K miles, and just replace wear and tear items as needed (brakes & tires). I’m about to do the control arms in the front and i expect that I’ll be smiling bigger as it’s needed it for some time now.

[Opie55]

A 2011 28i is a 6. My best advise OP is that if you are3 set on those 2 years, get a 2014. Although you will read the timing belt issue is into 2015, virtually all reported failures are 2013s. I have a 2014 and it has been fine up to the current 68k miles.

[slowblackx3f25]

I'd stay away from the older x3's... anything older than 2016/2017 is a no-no for me.

I have a 2017 x3 28i and it drives really well. I stay on top of all maintenance all year around. I don't beat on it. Highway driven mostly.

I am second owner, purchased at 50k KM (31k miles), I'm at 155k KM (96k miles) now, no issues other than thermostat replacement, rear diff seal replacement, and all 4 points of drive train oil flush and refill.

Brakes/tires changed. Run flats are NOT comfortable at all.

IF I can do it all over again, I would get the i6 engine because the x3 is heavy...

[Brandoch]

Originally Posted by slowblackx3f25

I'd stay away from the older x3's... anything older than 2016/2017 is a no-no for me.

I have a 2017 x3 28i and it drives really well. I stay on top of all maintenance all year around. I don't beat on it. Highway driven mostly.

I am second owner, purchased at 50k KM (31k miles), I'm at 155k KM (96k miles) now, no issues other than thermostat replacement, rear diff seal replacement, and all 4 points of drive train oil flush and refill.

Brakes/tires changed. Run flats are NOT comfortable at all.

IF I can do it all over again, I would get the i6 engine because the x3 is heavy...

Well if you go older, 2011-2012 then you will get the i6.

[Dekero]

I own a 2011 x3 35i with the N55... And having researched the truck prior to purchase decided you couldn't give me an N20 equipped BMW regardless of model... The timing chain system regardless of whether it's been replaced will mess up... Not to mention the N55 has so much power. I also own anE70 , 2013 X5 35i and having put 223k+ miles on it have been very impressed with the N55.

Steer clear of the N20.

[Ivan67]

Depending on your expectations from the vehicle, whether you want a decent power and fuel efficient or a more powerful I6. I have a 2014 X3 with an N20 at 100k miles now. I had no issues with it, other than regular wear/tear items. I perform my own maintenance (oil changes at 5k) It has been good on commuting, as well as on road trips. My wife drives it most of the time. I did the timing chain tensioner upgrade recently and ignition coils. I installed an oil catch can to reduce the carbon buildup, but it hardly collects crankcase oil/residue, as compared to my 335d’s. BTW, I have read that they recommend intake CBU cleaning on the N55?

[slowblackx3f25]

Originally Posted by Ivan67

Depending on your expectations from the vehicle, whether you want a decent power and fuel efficient or a more powerful I6. I have a 2014 X3 with an N20 at 100k miles now. I had no issues with it, other than regular wear/tear items. I perform my own maintenance (oil changes at 5k) It has been good on commuting, as well as on road trips. My wife drives it most of the time. I did the timing chain tensioner upgrade recently and ignition coils. I installed an oil catch can to reduce the carbon buildup, but it hardly collects crankcase oil/residue, as compared to my 335d’s. BTW, I have read that they recommend intake CBU cleaning on the N55?

5k oil change is that in miles?

[slowblackx3f25]

Originally Posted by Brandoch

Well if you go older, 2011-2012 then you will get the i6.

Yes, but I'm sticking to the N20 and I will keep it running strong for a loooong time. (Please God).