[LemansblueMsport]

Hello all,

My daughter got approved on her first auto loan and now she's looking for a compact SUV. She's been wanting a used Toyota RAV4 preferably 2013-2014 model ( due to her budget). But looking at those used RAV4, prices are soo high and i'm convincing her to look at bmw x3 ( I have a 328i with NA inline-6 engine) because the 2010 - 2011 with similar mileage of rav4 is the same or even cheaper.

My question is.. how reliable are those 8 speed automatic transmissions? (my bmw has a 6 speed manual so I have no idea how reliable the auto tranmissions are)

Second question, are all X3 AWD? or are there models with rear wheel drive? I've been researching but daughter is in a hurry and too excited to get her car so i thought I'd just ask the forum to get quick help.

I want her to get a used car with least amount of headache. I'm familiar with N52 that's why I'm suggesting her to look at older X3s with the N52 motor ( i shy away from those turbo engines, too many that can go wrong).

[pungo]

The trans is nearly bulletproof with very few issues, change the fluid at 60k miles or so. BMW says it's lifetime, bull$hit...

I wanted a N52, to avoid turbo issues, unfortunately, I couldn't find one with Xenon headlights, they all had Halogens, which suck big time. I drive dark back roads a lot, so for me, I need lighting that I can actually see with. My tiny mountain bike lights make the Halogens look like candles. I settled for a pristine, low miles, fairly loaded 35i I6 turbo, which all have Xenons and couldn't be happier. Gets slightly better MPG than the N52 too.

Good luck on your search.

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by pungo

The trans is nearly bulletproof with very few issues, change the fluid at 60k miles or so. BMW says it's lifetime, bull$hit...

I wanted a N52, to avoid turbo issues, unfortunately, I couldn't find one with Xenon headlights, they all had Halogens, which suck big time. I drive dark back roads a lot, so for me, I need lighting that I can actually see with. My tiny mountain bike lights make the Halogens look like candles. I settled for a pristine, low miles, fairly loaded 35i I6 turbo, which all have Xenons and couldn't be happier. Gets slightly better MPG than the N52 too.

Good luck on your search.

+1 on these comments. Do tranny drain/fill at 60-75K miles with ZF fluid and you're good, also drain/fill transfer case- driveline solid in these cars. I have 2012 X3 28i….N52 has sufficient power and solid motor with less rotating parts- no turbo; BMW I-6 motors near 100% bullet-proof.
Gas mileage not so great at 18/26, but solid car overall, most trouble-free BMW I've owned in past 15 years....next to nothing has failed- I'm at 94K mile mark. (purchased car at 52K miles from original owner).

RWD very hard to find; go AWD, plus resale value will be better.
Good luck/Bill

[Weslsew]

I'm pretty sure the sDrive was only offered starting with the N20 (turbo 4) engine, so I don't think you'll find a N52 that is not xDrive.

The zf 8hp, if maintained, is one of the best transmissions ever made.

However, when comparing a Toyota to a BMW, you need to look at more than just then transmission. The Toyota is going to be much more reliable and worlds cheaper to maintain/repair

[LemansblueMsport]

ok, thanks guys for the help! My daughter originally wanted a 2013/2014 RAV4, but after researching and feedbacks from owners on RAV4 forums, looks like those early 4th gen (2013-2018) RAV4s have issues with torque converters on the 6 spd auto transmission, and the asking prices is soo high almost comparable or even cheaper to get a 2011/2012 X3.

[kevink1]

Another thing to consider with a Toyota is there are many more places that can handle repairs. So many things seem to require coding after a repair on the BMW.

My nearest BMW dealership is 50 miles away. And even when you live near one, there may just be the one place that can handle it so if they don't treat you right you have fewer options.

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by kevink1

Another thing to consider with a Toyota is there are many more places that can handle repairs. So many things seem to require coding after a repair on the BMW.

My nearest BMW dealership is 50 miles away. And even when you live near one, there may just be the one place that can handle it so if they don't treat you right you have fewer options.

A good independent Euro car shop can handle virtually any repair. I've owned these cars for 15+ years and have never had the need to use a BMW dealer for a service or repair issue.

[383vett]

Do some research on the N52 timing guide issues on the earlier X3 model. You don't want her to end up needing a new motor.

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by 383vett

Do some research on the N52 timing guide issues on the earlier X3 model. You don't want her to end up needing a new motor.

...are you sure you're not thinking of the early model N20/N26 4- banger motors?

[Brandoch]

Originally Posted by Wgosma

...are you sure you're not thinking of the early model N20/N26 4- banger motors?

That is correct. The early n20 with the timing chain guide issue. The n52 is basically bullet proof.

[LemansblueMsport]

Yes, we're looking for an x28i X3 with the N52 I-6 motor.. not those ones with the I-4 turbo. I don't like those turbo charged motors, and my 328i has the same I-6 NA N52/N51 and it's been trouble-free so far.

[LemansblueMsport]

One more question,, what is the last model year of X3 that has the N52 inline-6 motor? I'm confused because I'm seeing some with the N20 and some with the N52?

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by LemansblueMsport

One more question,, what is the last model year of X3 that has the N52 inline-6 motor? I'm confused because I'm seeing some with the N20 and some with the N52?

N52 only in first two model years, so 2011-2012; after that it's either 4 or 6 cylinder w/turbos. I suppose the N20's were phased in sometime in 2012.

[cjengland]

Originally Posted by Wgosma

N52 only in first two model years, so 2011-2012; after that it's either 4 or 6 cylinder w/turbos. I suppose the N20's were phased in sometime in 2012.

I have an '07,which engine is in mine?

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by cjengland

I have an '07,which engine is in mine?

Your car is the first generation X3 (E83)....

2006–2010
For 2006, the U.S.-spec X3 lost its 2.5L M54 inline 6-cylinder engine for the 2.5i model. The only model available from 2006 onwards for the U.S.-spec X3 was the 3.0L M54 inline 6-cylinder engine (later, the N52 inline 6-cylinder engine) and the 3.0i model (later, 3.0Si or xDrive30i). This further increased the X3's base price.

In September 2006, the E83 received a facelift with revised headlights, grille, front bumper, tail lights, rear bumper, and interior.

For the 2007 model year, the US market X3 was powered by the N52 inline 6-cylinder engine that debuted on the 2006 E90 3 Series. Internationally, the X3 received smaller engines including the 4-cylinder petrol and diesel options. In Europe, the range started with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol, a 4cyl. turbo diesel and continues with 6-cylinder turbo & bi-turbo diesels. The largest diesel offered was the sport diesel with 213 kW; 290 PS (286 bhp).

[richardodn]

Originally Posted by Wgosma

N52 only in first two model years, so 2011-2012; after that it's either 4 or 6 cylinder w/turbos. I suppose the N20's were phased in sometime in 2012.

According to the parts catalog, for US market model production from 9/11 to 3/12 could have had either the N52 or the N20.

So model year 2010 and 2011 were all the N52. 2012 early production was a mix. Late production was the N20.

However a quick national search on autotrader.com doesn't show any 2012 N20 models. So it sounds like the vast majority of them are the 6 cylinder.

[Asianoak]

Not sure if she's already bought but I'll chime in just in case.

N52 is a solid engine. I was in same boat as you, wanted to avoid turbos and was already familiar with the n52.

I'm at 110k miles and all I've done is maintenance. Brakes, sparkplugs, fluids, filters, oh and new suspension due to mileage. This has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned... knock on wood.

Plus it's vastly more practical than a comparable bmw sedan.

As mentioned above, it can be hard finding one with all the goodies. But it is possible. I got mine fully loaded, everything except the sport package.