[rpschultz13]

Looking to buy my first BMW, probably X1 or X3, 2L I4. I know the N20 had the timing chain issue and recall in 2015. Assuming that was taken care of, is the N20 any more or less reliable than the newer B48?
I really like the red 2017 x3, last year with N20. Or maybe a 2016+ X1 with B48. My wife is petrified it will be a reliability nightmare… after years of great reliability out of Toyota/Hondas.

[Wgosma]

Been driving these cars for 15 years, every car purchased used from original owner, been driving 2012 X3 past several years. I would recommend you find a car with 6 cylinder engine; particularly with X3- at 4,200+ lbs. these are heavy cars to move- BMW has an excellent reputation for manufacturing one of the best inline 6 engines throughout its history. Get a complete service/repair history and review, pay an independent Euro car mechanic to perform a pre-purchase inspection before you close a deal, money in the bank on one of these cars. Reliability is generally good if you are diligent about regular service, that's key with these cars.

[rpschultz13]

I appreciate the advice, but I’ll stick with an I4. The ones I’ve driven have WAY more pep than the 6cyl minivans I’m used to. 4000# vs 6000# of course. Plenty enough for me.

[BIG_KID]

Originally Posted by rpschultz13

I appreciate the advice, but I’ll stick with an I4. The ones I’ve driven have WAY more pep than the 6cyl minivans I’m used to. 4000# vs 6000# of course. Plenty enough for me.

Good Luck

[rpschultz13]

Originally Posted by Wgosma

Get a complete service/repair history and review, pay an independent Euro car mechanic to perform a pre-purchase inspection before you close a deal,

So where do you find someone like this? And what would be a typical cost?

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by rpschultz13

So where do you find someone like this? And what would be a typical cost?

If you can get shop referral from friend, co-worker or the like that’s good. Cost perhaps $100-150…. You want shop capable of reading the cars computer system to scan for fault codes, and preferably mech who knows BMW cars-

[rpschultz13]

I’ve got a code reader, that would be a start.

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by rpschultz13

I’ve got a code reader, that would be a start.

Yes, very good. Find a reputable shop who can inspect the vehicle, test drive, etc. - gaskets on the oil pan, oil filter housing and valve covers are a weakness on BMW cars….you want the car inspected up on a lift.

[pungo]

Originally Posted by rpschultz13

I’ve got a code reader, that would be a start.

Unless it supports BMW manufacturer specific codes, no. A generic code reader is mostly going to detect emission problems, not hidden BMW errors and history.

Sure the I4 propels the 2+tons of vehicle around adequately, but it has to work pretty hard doing it, therefore causing extra straining. The BMW I6 in known for it's buttery smooth effortless power delivery. It's not like the mpg is that much better in the I4 since it has to work so hard. I'd never select the I4 for such a heavy vehicle, it's a better match for the lighter X1.

[rpschultz13]

Oh actually I’m leaning toward a 16-19 X1, B48

[rpschultz13]

This thread goes into some detail on OBD readers. eBay has the Foxwell 510 for $125. Carly looks cool but it's subscription based so probably the same cost in 1 year and more after, not sure.

I'm an engineer and DIY'er, so part of the fun of owning a BMW is working on it myself. I can't/won't do everything that may need fixed, but I'll tackle some easy to medium difficulty jobs.

[Brandoch]

Not carly, it does not actually register the battery when you tell it to register the battery.

[rpschultz13]

Launch Elite x431 looks similar to the Foxwell nt510 elite or 530

[Wgosma]

BTW......If you haven't already browsed the X1 forum suggest you take a look:
https://f48.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...ht=reliability

[pungo]

Originally Posted by rpschultz13

I'm an engineer and DIY'er, so part of the fun of owning a BMW is working on it myself. I can't/won't do everything that may need fixed, but I'll tackle some easy to medium difficulty jobs.

If you're an engineer, what you want is ISTA+, e-sys with a $15 cable and windows laptop.

[rpschultz13]

Wow. That looks both powerful and complicated. Thanks for the tip, I’ll have to research that.

[pungo]

Originally Posted by rpschultz13

Wow. That looks both powerful and complicated. Thanks for the tip, I’ll have to research that.

NP... I agree, it's more complicated than one of the phone apps, but as an engineer, I didn't find it very complicated at all, though YMMV.

[rpschultz13]

Most/many of the young BMW YouTubers use Carly?!? I get the attraction of an app, but if I wanted an app I’d probably use BimmerCode. Foxwell or Launch x431 for convienence. ISTA seems most capable.

[pungo]

Originally Posted by rpschultz13

Most/many of the young BMW YouTubers use Carly?!? I get the attraction of an app, but if I wanted an app I’d probably use BimmerCode. Foxwell or Launch x431 for convienence. ISTA seems most capable.

Carly is a scam, first they charge you for their proprietary overpriced OBD interface, then they keep charging each year to continue to use it, smh.

Funny you say YouTubers use Carly, makes sense since even a 2 year old can press icons in an app

[Marinesujul]

Originally Posted by pungo

Carly is a scam, first they charge you for their proprietary overpriced OBD interface, then they keep charging each year to continue to use it, smh.

Funny you say YouTubers use Carly, makes sense since even a 2 year old can press icons in an app

You get most of your BMW if you use their dedicated apps. You may not be able to diagnose or read all faults when using other interfaces or apps. But it really depends on what you want to achieve with the tools.