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      06-20-2012, 10:05 PM   #1
kalyan120
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2013 & 2012 X3 28i differences

Hi,

I'm planning on purchasing an X3 28i and I see that a new 2013 model has been released. But I don't find much information/reviews on it besides its specs. I went to the dealer and the dealer tells me that it gives 24mpg on highway, but the website www.bmwusa.com shows that it's 28 mpg on highway. I'm getting into the BMW band as a newbie (right now own Lexus and want to move on), and this misinformation or no information seems pretty confusing for me. Can the experts here help me with this. If any of you owns a 2013 X3 28i/35i model, can you please post your review about your bimmer.

Thanks, Kalyan.
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      06-21-2012, 02:55 AM   #2
Renaud
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Not sure about US "(mis)information", but fuel consumption data in Europe are rather unrealistic (which is, by the way, actually good since a number of countries have introduced CO2 taxes whereby the rate is based on fuel consumption data provided by manufacturers). I do not think that a car like an X3 (big, bulky, heavy, Cx of a tank) is the ideal vehicle for you if you seek the best mpg....
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      06-21-2012, 06:18 AM   #3
lukeeesteve
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I saw a mpg photo on this / other forum for 30mpg on the highway. If you cruise on the highway at speed limit, 28 mpg seems realistic.

Why not take the vehicle for an extended test drive and bring it on the highway?
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      06-21-2012, 08:16 AM   #4
nyalpine90
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well 2012 x3 28 has v6 engine

2013 x3 28 has v4 w/ turbos
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      06-21-2012, 09:09 AM   #5
n55x3
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Minor detail but neither motors are in a V format. Both are straight, single turbo setup.

The N20 4 cylinder is what you'll find in the 2013 model as nyalpine mentioned. It has similar architecture to that of the 35i's N55 6 cylinder.

Concerning the dealer quote of 24mpg, that is definitely low for an all highway trip. You can easily get 26 and up. The new 4 cylinder is just that, new, so there isn't a huge amount of reliability data out yet. However it's moved into several BMW models (5 series, 3 series) so it's definitely here to stay. It is actually more powerful than the outgoing N52 6 cylinder (found in the 2012s) and in theory more efficient.

If you have the least bit of nostalgia though the straight 6 found in the 2012 models is a gem. It's been around for years and is as smooth of an engine that you can find. Also, much less complicated than the new turbo 4. If I had to choose between a 2012 and a 2013 in 28i guise it would be a tough one, especially if the remaining 2012s could be had at a deep discount compared to the 2013 models. I feel strongly about the naturally aspirated straight 6. There's just something to be said for a rock solid motor and with no turbo there is less heat and moving parts.

Also, I think 2013 introduced auto start stop in the US (been available in other countries though). Maybe some juggeling of packages and options between the 2 years.

Last edited by n55x3; 06-21-2012 at 09:15 AM..
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      06-21-2012, 09:57 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Renaud View Post
Not sure about US "(mis)information", but fuel consumption data in Europe are rather unrealistic (which is, by the way, actually good since a number of countries have introduced CO2 taxes whereby the rate is based on fuel consumption data provided by manufacturers). I do not think that a car like an X3 (big, bulky, heavy, Cx of a tank) is the ideal vehicle for you if you seek the best mpg....
-1
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      06-21-2012, 10:58 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by n55x3 View Post
I feel strongly about the naturally aspirated straight 6. There's just something to be said for a rock solid motor and with no turbo there is less heat and moving parts.
That is why I purchased the 2012 2.8 in mid March.. My boss talked me out of getting the turbo 4 for the reason you stated above.
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      06-21-2012, 01:27 PM   #8
kalyan120
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Thanks n55x3 for all that info. Very interesting. So what'll be your recommendation? Would you recommend 2012 model if I get it for a discount?

dudley07726 - any great things that you want to share about your car and not so great things as well ?
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      06-21-2012, 02:34 PM   #9
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As stated above, the '13 28i uses a turbo 4 which was recently awarded with the 2012 Engine of the Year Award.

It is more fuel efficient and makes more power than the previous six. It would also improved the weight distribution of the car. That said the n20 has a 'diesel like' sound when started even though it is near silent while driving. There have been reports that the start/stop feature is more obvious with the 4cyl due to the rougher start up.

The '13 cars also get the EcoPro mode and the "driver experience control" rocker switch beside the shifter.

I drove both the '12 and the '13 and although the 2012's six was butter smooth and sounded great I'd personally go with the 2013 as a practical choice.
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      06-21-2012, 02:47 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kalyan120 View Post
Thanks n55x3 for all that info. Very interesting. So what'll be your recommendation? Would you recommend 2012 model if I get it for a discount?

dudley07726 - any great things that you want to share about your car and not so great things as well ?
In my mind it would all come down to the final dollar amount. If you can get an amazing deal on a 2012 I wouldn't hesitate to go that route, especially if there were a couple grand $$$ diff. In theory dealers are more likely to rid themselves of the 2012 models that are on their lot. If you are finding that both models are near the same price I'd probably go with the newer technology. The one other thing i should mention is that the turbo 4 will run much much better at altitude. So if I lived in Denver for example I'd definitely go with the turbo 4.

I see the turbo 4 as being more powerful and more efficient yet the straight 6 may prove to be more reliable in the long run.

Either way they are both great engines. The straight six has won several awards over the years, was on Ward's best engine list in 2006 and 2007, while, as lbgbh mentioned, the turbo 4 was recently awarded a top ten for 2012 and will probably rack up a few more awards over the next couple years.

Moral of the story, you really can't go wrong either way in my opinion.
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      06-22-2012, 08:11 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kalyan120 View Post
Thanks n55x3 for all that info. Very interesting. So what'll be your recommendation? Would you recommend 2012 model if I get it for a discount?

dudley07726 - any great things that you want to share about your car and not so great things as well ?
I love this SUV. Wonderful engine, great trans. No lag issues. Weaskest link this great vehicle for me is most defintely the NAV. I said it before, it pales compared to the NAV in my Lexus and in my Honda CRV (whicj I sold for the X3. I'm not too wild about the climate system as well. Auto does not seem to control fan speed. In my SC 430, Auto is truely "AUTO" everything.
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