BMW X3 Forum
BMW X3 Forum
Welcome to the ultimate BMW X3 community.
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      04-26-2016, 08:01 AM   #1
tonynguyen10
Registered
0
Rep
1
Posts

Drives: audi a4
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: orlando, fl

iTrader: (0)

2012 - 2013 X3 i28 - how reliable are they?

Hey everyone,

I am looking to buy a 12-13 X3. My biggest need is a reliable car that'll go the distance due to my road trips. I may be wrong, but with warranty ending at 55,000 miles or 4 years, if I buy a 12-13, I don't have much warranty, if any, left.

I thought I'd check in with the other owners and see what your experiences are. Can you please share some highlights from a reliability standpoint? Even stories of friends...

I love the look and feel of the car. I'm just concern of it's longevity, thank you!
Appreciate 0
      04-26-2016, 08:44 AM   #2
Barbera335
Captain
168
Rep
660
Posts

Drives: F25
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: socal

iTrader: (0)

I have an 11 X3 28i with the N52 6 cylinder and it has been okay, not stellar reliability wise. It has 70,000 miles. So far I have done

1. Combox replaced due to bluetooth issues
2. A/C evaporator replaced, leaking refrigerant into the interior of the car. Caused a chemical smell
3. Coolant expansion tank replaced, it was leaking
4. All four door seals replaced, discoloration
5. Glovebox door replaced due to warping
6. Ongoing noise from the sunroof rain gutter.

I consider it slightly worse than average reliability wise. Keep in mind a 2013 X3 28i switched to the N20 4 cylinder. Not sure of the reliability of those.
Appreciate 0
      04-26-2016, 09:56 AM   #3
Bruce24
Private First Class
12
Rep
100
Posts

Drives: X3 2.8i
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Boston

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by tonynguyen10 View Post
I thought I'd check in with the other owners and see what your experiences are.
I have a 2013 2.8i, purchased in Aug 2012 with 40K miles, which has been 100% reliable. Other than bringing it in for one recall, my car has only been to the shop for scheduled maintenance.

Overall, I have been very happy with the car. My biggest gripe is with the TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system), which I think is too sensitive. It alarm often in the Fall when it starts to get cold. I come out to the car in the morning and the TPMS alarm. If I go put some air in the tires on my way to work I find one or two of the tires are a couple of PSI down. If I go to work and them take to car to put the air in at lunch when it has warmed up, I can't find a tire that needs air.</micro rant>

-Bruce
Appreciate 0
      04-26-2016, 10:03 AM   #4
dreaming440i
Private
22
Rep
76
Posts

Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe M Sport
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Houston

iTrader: (0)

Consumer Reports has the F25 X3 as "above average" on reliability. TrueDelta has it as "average to above average". I haven't had mine long enough to give personal experience.
Appreciate 0
      04-26-2016, 10:56 AM   #5
denrusso
Private
United_States
7
Rep
71
Posts

Drives: 2013 X3 xDrive28i
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: NY

iTrader: (0)

I've had my '13 X3 28i since September of 2012 and now have roughly 60,000 miles on it. It's only been in the shop for routine maintenance. I now take it to an indy shop every 5k miles for an oil change. Will probably need brakes and spark plugs soon too. So far, pretty good!

I'm impressed at how well the interior leather has held up especially with a child in the back spilling just about everything given to her. Every so often I just take out the child seat and wipe it down with a damp cloth.


Thanks,
dr
Appreciate 0
      04-27-2016, 09:11 PM   #6
mge92
SPEED RACER
mge92's Avatar
United Kingdom
371
Rep
740
Posts

Drives: BMW X5 M50d BMW M2 CS
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: London

iTrader: (2)

I would recommend late 2013 + BMW X3 28i. If you can afford to get a LCI update car that would be best but after owning a 2013 BMW X3 28i produced July 2012, it's been good on reliability but like Barbera335 I have had a bunch of stuff fail which was covered under warranty. I had a friend ROBNYC who had a 2014 BMW X3 28i and they definitely improved the quality and workmanship.
__________________
2019 BMW X5 M50d Artic Grey | 2020 BMW M2 CS Misano Blue
Incoming - Ginetta G56 GT Academy | Incoming - BMW X5M Comp Oxford Green
RIP - 2020 Mini JCW GP Racing Grey | RIP - 2013 X3 xDrive28i Carbon Black
Appreciate 1
      04-27-2016, 09:22 PM   #7
FSociety
IG @bmwF9xG80
FSociety's Avatar
3810
Rep
7,592
Posts

Drives: G80 M3, X4M, G07 X7m50
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: NYC to NJ to Orlando FL

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
2023 BMW G80 M3  [0.00]
2020 BMW X4MC  [0.00]
16' BMW X4 M40i  [10.00]
06 Cadillac STS  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by mge92 View Post
I would recommend late 2013 + BMW X3 28i. If you can afford to get a LCI update car that would be best but after owning a 2013 BMW X3 28i produced July 2012, it's been good on reliability but like Barbera335 I have had a bunch of stuff fail which was covered under warranty. I had a friend ROBNYC who had a 2014 BMW X3 28i and they definitely improved the quality and workmanship.
+1
Thanks mge92 and hes 100%

Also drewxnyc has a 15' X3 28i and LCI is def worth it!
__________________
60-130mph 6.5s X4M #HCP
60-130mph 5.0s G80 M3 #OrlandoAutowerks Sauce

IG: @bmwF9XG80

Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:00 AM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST