[CustomE90]

I want to buy an x3 for my wife. I am deciding between a 2012 or a 2013. I want it to be pretty well loaded up, with the m sport trim. However, she doesnt need power (unlike me) so I was thinking to save on price/gas we would just go with the 28i.

Other than getting one year newer and paying more for it, does anyone have an opinion on one model year over the other? Didnt they change the 28i in 2013 to be a turbo 4 rather than straight 6?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[rcliffor]

I don't know about the turbo, but I am happy with the 2012 straight six. On a cross country trip fully loaded at Interstate speeds, I averaged 24.5 mpg. Around town I average about 19.5 mpg (that is 100 percent in town with no highway driving.)

[dudley07726]

Originally Posted by CustomE90

I want to buy an x3 for my wife. I am deciding between a 2012 or a 2013. I want it to be pretty well loaded up, with the m sport trim. However, she doesnt need power (unlike me) so I was thinking to save on price/gas we would just go with the 28i.

Other than getting one year newer and paying more for it, does anyone have an opinion on one model year over the other? Didnt they change the 28i in 2013 to be a turbo 4 rather than straight 6?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

I am glad I purchased a 2012 with the straight 6. Fabulous engine. No turbo. Less I have to worry about the better.

[mge92]

I have the n20 4 cylinder and have had no major problems so far and none with the engine. She has a lot of get go and will do 30 mpg doing 75 on the highway but the city is on the other end of the spectrum being low teens but then again I have a heavy foot and have the 20 310m wheels on there. You should try driving them back to back.

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by CustomE90

Didnt they change the 28i in 2013 to be a turbo 4 rather than straight 6?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

The 28i change from a straight 6 to a 4 cylinder turbo in mid model year 2012.

[Bimar]

if you want better consumption without compromise in performance the N20 is the ticket. Int he X4 its super quiet dunno about the X3 form.

[mge92]

^The N20 has been ironed out since 2012 when they first put it into the x3 so consumption in city may not be as good as the inline 6.

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by inamik75

if you want better consumption without compromise in performance the N20 is the ticket. Int he X4 its super quiet dunno about the X3 form.

There are some compromise in performance:

X3 28i 0-60 : 6.8 sec. quarter mile 15.0 @ 90.8

X3 35i 0-60 : 5.8 sec. quarter mile 14.1 @ 97.0

http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/t...rack-test.html

[Bimar]

Originally Posted by The X Men

There are some compromise in performance:

X3 28i 0-60 : 6.8 sec. quarter mile 15.0 @ 90.8

X3 35i 0-60 : 5.8 sec. quarter mile 14.1 @ 97.0

http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/t...rack-test.html

He is comparing both 28i versions ie the 6 cylinder version and the 2 liter version.

[mge92]

X3 28i 4 Cylinder 0-60 : 6.8 sec.

X3 28i Inline 6 0-60 : 6.7 sec.

Basically no difference. However, the 4 cylinder does have more torque.

[Bimar]

Originally Posted by mge.92

X3 28i 4 Cylinder 0-60 : 6.8 sec.

X3 28i Inline 6 0-60 : 6.7 sec.

Basically no difference. However, the 4 cylinder does have more torque.

And better theoretical mpg

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by inamik75

And better theoretical mpg

But the I6 sounds a lot better, and its more reliable and more refined.

[CustomE90]

Thanks for all the input guys - I always somehow end up back in this forum and am always impressed by the knowledge. I think the 2012 (early MY with I6) is the route I will take for what seems to be a few reasons - solid/reliable engine, not a major difference in accel/gas mileage, lower price given 1-yr older.

Now on to the search - let me know if you have one to sell me, ha.
Thanks!

[mge92]

http://www.bmwrockville.com/certifie...e2f579f172.htm
http://www.bmwoftowson.com/certified...94f530c860.htm
http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/de...9887/overview/

[woodchuck1]

Good choice. BMW has been renowned for their silky smooth naturally aspirated inline sixes for decades. I may be wrong, but I don't think they have any left. I think the 2012 with the six is the way to go. It's the last of its kind.

[Want the thrill]

Originally Posted by CustomE90

Thanks for all the input guys - I always somehow end up back in this forum and am always impressed by the knowledge. I think the 2012 (early MY with I6) is the route I will take for what seems to be a few reasons - solid/reliable engine, not a major difference in accel/gas mileage, lower price given 1-yr older.

Now on to the search - let me know if you have one to sell me, ha.
Thanks!

Don't know where you are in Michigan, but I bought my X3 from Harold Zeigler and highly recommend them. They have one in stock:

http://www.haroldzeiglerbmw.com/used...WX5C5XCL721082

Ask for Toni Bonazzi who is the Sales Manager. Great guy who is easy to work with and is a straight shooter.

[Bimar]

Originally Posted by CustomE90

Thanks for all the input guys - I always somehow end up back in this forum and am always impressed by the knowledge. I think the 2012 (early MY with I6) is the route I will take for what seems to be a few reasons - solid/reliable engine, not a major difference in accel/gas mileage, lower price given 1-yr older.

Now on to the search - let me know if you have one to sell me, ha.
Thanks!

Just ensure the warranty work on the Vanos recall is done. I miss the non Tubo I6 the sounds was awesome, the N20 is super quiet at least in the X4, like a Merc

[Bimar]

Originally Posted by The X Men

But the I6 sounds a lot better, and its more reliable and more refined.

The N20 won engine of the year, and men is it quiet and the torque, can see why Bimmer dumped it but it will surely be missed. Have not heard of reliability issues of the N20 would like to know.

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by inamik75

The N20 won engine of the year, and men is it quiet and the torque, can see why Bimmer dumped it but it will surely be missed. Have not heard of reliability issues of the N20 would like to know.

I think you mean the N52, BMW is still using the N20 to this date. As far as the N52, BMW dump it because they need to achieve better overall gas mileage in their lineup in order to meet upcoming government regulations.

[nyalpine90]

i like the swooooooooshin when i hit the pedal, i dont miss the I6

[m_alnimah]

If the i4 had the sound of the i6.. The i4 sounds like any normal 2.0 engine without TPT :/

[bagekko]

If your looking for a M Sport version, 2012 vs 2013 is the least of your concerns. When I bought our 2011 2.8 (I6) MSport, it was only the 2nd one I had found within 500 miles and I was looking for a 2011/2012. I investigated over a 100 CPO's.

Unless you have a preference of Turbo4 vs Inline6, just go with whatever year has all the options you want that you can find.