Should I buy One?

Merlin82 · 02-20-2017, 05:13 PM

Well I figured I would come on here to check out some things about a vehicle I'm hoping to pick up. Ive been looking at a newer vehicle to take on the job of my new daily driver. Mostly Ive had domestic cars and a Subaru WRX, so this would be my first BMW.

What I'm looking at is a 2011 X3 with all the Msport package. Its only got 65k KM so the mileage seems nice and low, and its pretty fully loaded. Its the 3.5I X-drive, and ive taken it for a couple test drives and loved it so far. The price is also very good with the mileage it has.

So curious if I should be looking at something else instead or if these are solid vehicles that should last me past 200k. And also curious if there is anything I should know as far as problems to look out for on this thing.

alpwhite46 · 02-20-2017, 08:49 PM

Hey whats the price and what packages does it have on it?
I just picked mine up here in Toronto, 2013, 35i with m-package fully loaded minus rear heated seats and heads up display i paid $29,800

The 35i is definately a better option both fun and reliability wise (the 28i has the chain issue)

You will love the car!

Merlin82 · 02-20-2017, 09:27 PM

Likely it will wind up being 21-22. I think through hunting the only things it doesn't have is the headlight sprayers, and the rear heated seats. I've tried looking at prices to compare and nothing much seems close with that kinda mileage.

hoho_leung · 02-20-2017, 11:39 PM

Better not to pick the first year of a model

Smithy2014 · 02-21-2017, 02:51 AM

Personally I would pick one that's been washed lol

jmxIII · 02-21-2017, 06:48 AM

First notice that the wheels are not the M style 311 which are the standard specially for a M Sport 2011 model. 2nd you should thoroughly check the body for possible repairs from minor collisions, they are more visible around the the trunk and door lids. Also, tiny pecks of dust embedded in the paint which sometimes are not addressed by the paint repair shop. The mileage says that it might have been off the road because of the repairs done. Also, check the battery compartment from sitting water after a touchless car wash, this also indicate a body repair.

If nothing is found then you have a good deal and a great SAV, solid. I have the same model and year, sadly it has some replacements but noticed the things obvious of repairs much later on. Otherwise it is a good SAV never had problems since, 3 years now.

Merlin82 · 02-21-2017, 07:05 AM

Lol it would be detailed before I get it. But everything is all melting here so it doesn't take long to look like that. It has the m sport wheels and will come with them, these are the winter tires on it.

MichiganMike · 02-21-2017, 07:57 AM

My wife and I each drive the X3 35i. While we enjoy our X3 vehicles, be aware these may be more costly to own than the cars you have driven in the past.

Edmunds.com estimates over the next 5 years maintenance and repairs on average for a 2011 X3 35i in my area of the USA will total over $21,000 and total cost to own will be about $47,000. For comparison, a 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R would have average maintenance and repair costs of $7,800 and total cost to own of about $38,000 over the same period.

https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/x3/2011/...4/cost-to-own/

https://www.edmunds.com/subaru/outba...7/cost-to-own/

Merlin82 · 02-21-2017, 08:09 AM

I'm definitely planning for it to be more costly than the domestic cars I have owned. I priced out a bunch of the usual wear items like brakes and oil changes and they wont really cost any different than my current WRX. One thing I do like about this vehicle is it also has a bunch of the service records with it, and most of the stuff was either done at the local BMW dealer, or another shop that specializes in BMW and Porsche. At the end of the day its likely between this, a Ford Edge or possibly a Mazda CX5. I just prefer the X3 since it has a much more sporty driving feel.

02420X3 · 02-21-2017, 08:18 AM

Which '11 X3, 35i or 28i?

35i - Expect to replace the water pump, thermostat, and a leaking gasket underneath the oil filter. Also, check to see if the VANOS bolt recall was necessary/performed. There may also be a recall on the rear ISOFIX childseat latches, but I don't know if that is a Canada recall.

28i - There don't seem to be any consistent "gripe" threads here for the 28i. In '11, the 28i was an inline 6-cyl non-turbo engine, not the later 4-cyl turbo which has many reported (and very expensive) timing chain guide failures. Check on the rear childseat latches.

Merlin82 · 02-21-2017, 08:25 AM

It is the 35i.

So for things like the waterpump, thermostat and stuff. Are those things someone could do themselves? I (usually) enjoy wrenching on cars and there aren't many things that scare me as I have done motor swaps, electrical, trans swaps and all kinds of stuff in between.

alpwhite46 · 02-21-2017, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merlin82

It is the 35i.

So for things like the waterpump, thermostat and stuff. Are those things someone could do themselves? I (usually) enjoy wrenching on cars and there aren't many things that scare me as I have done motor swaps, electrical, trans swaps and all kinds of stuff in between.

Could be done if you are knowledgeable / read up on the guides, but its time consuming.

Also assume you would be doing this in warm weather, not in Edmontons fridgid winter where your garage won't really save you much!

Merlin82 · 02-21-2017, 08:35 AM

Lol, ideally I would be doing it in the summer, but it wouldn't be the first time I would be doing stuff in the winter. Luckily we insulated my garage very well, and have a 70k BTU heater in there so it can get the garage up to 20c in around an hour(Normally hovers between -5 and +5 in there in the winter).

Alfisti · 02-21-2017, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichiganMike

My wife and I each drive the X3 35i. While we enjoy our X3 vehicles, be aware these may be more costly to own than the cars you have driven in the past.

Edmunds.com estimates over the next 5 years maintenance and repairs on average for a 2011 X3 35i in my area of the USA will total over $21,000 and total cost to own will be about $47,000. For comparison, a 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R would have average maintenance and repair costs of $7,800 and total cost to own of about $38,000 over the same period.

https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/x3/2011/...4/cost-to-own/

https://www.edmunds.com/subaru/outba...7/cost-to-own/

I call BS on those numbers, they are insanely high every time i see them from Edmunds. if they were correct no one would ever buy because a loaded 35i in Canada is about $800 a month, so in three years you've dropped $29K. If Edmunds numbers are to be believed, in three years you'd drop what, $13K on r+M and that again on depreciation. So you're within shouting distance of a lease on a brand new vehicle.

Doesn't make any sense.

alpwhite46 · 02-21-2017, 03:52 PM

Yeah i was going to say that it seems unreal to spend those numbers...
maybe that includes insurance, gas and oil changes lol

MichiganMike · 02-21-2017, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alfisti

I call BS on those numbers, they are insanely high every time i see them from Edmunds. if they were correct no one would ever buy because a loaded 35i in Canada is about $800 a month, so in three years you've dropped $29K. If Edmunds numbers are to be believed, in three years you'd drop what, $13K on r+M and that again on depreciation. So you're within shouting distance of a lease on a brand new vehicle.

Doesn't make any sense.

The Edmunds cost to own estimates include expenses you would have to add to the cost of a lease as well. For example, for a 2017 X3 35i the estimate adds $15K over the five year period for fuel and insurance. Over the course of a 3-year lease you probably spend $1500 for tires which get included in the cost to own M&R, so there are additional costs to consider even in a lease. BMW often inflates the residual value to make leases attractive and then makes additional profit selling cars coming off-lease as CPO vehicles. Note the Edmunds cost to own estimate for the 2017 X3 35i is $66498 with $15,937 depreciation in the first year alone.

https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/x3/2017/...8/cost-to-own/

It looks like Edmunds may be using dealer costs for repairs and maintenance, which costs may be much lower if you use an independent and even lower for DIY. The cost to own estimates may not fit your situation, but IMHO these are useful benchmarks to compare alternatives even if the absolute accuracy may be questioned.

02420X3 · 02-21-2017, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merlin82

It is the 35i.

So for things like the waterpump, thermostat and stuff. Are those things someone could do themselves? I (usually) enjoy wrenching on cars and there aren't many things that scare me as I have done motor swaps, electrical, trans swaps and all kinds of stuff in between.

That will come in handy. Conventional wisdom is that one should never own a BMW that is out of Warranty.

MichiganMike · 02-21-2017, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merlin82

It is the 35i.

So for things like the waterpump, thermostat and stuff. Are those things someone could do themselves? I (usually) enjoy wrenching on cars and there aren't many things that scare me as I have done motor swaps, electrical, trans swaps and all kinds of stuff in between.

Owners have changed coolant pumps, but particularly on AWD models this is not an easy DIY project. Read the post by Nevrcm3 at the link below.

http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showth...1219853&page=3

Merlin82 · 02-22-2017, 06:40 AM

Well since nothing sounded too scary from what I heard on here, I decided to bite the bullet and pulled the trigger on it. I will likely pick it up tomorrow or Friday so I'm pretty excited about it. Only plans are to hopefully bring it to a friend for a full detailing and paint coating, and getting the front clear filmed. Ill post up some better pics once I get it and its clean (if I can make it home before it gets dirty again).

Gamb1t · 02-22-2017, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smithy2014

Personally I would pick one that's been washed lol

That's a washed car by Alberta standards.

Congrats OP. Hopefully you are not picking up the previous owner's repair bills.
Have fun. Most of the time the troubles are electrical gremlins in nature because German cars seem to over complicate things.

Partnering up with a good Indie is a good idea. Also look up Mike Miller's maintenance schedule.

02420X3 · 02-22-2017, 09:52 PM

Best of luck, Merlin, and best wishes for a routine-maintenance-only ownership. I love my '11 35i, and have fun with it every day. I hope that you have as much enjoyment with your new acquisition.

Merlin82 · 02-23-2017, 08:08 AM

I ended up getting a 5yr/100k warranty on powertrain when I signed all the papers yesterday, so I'm feeling pretty good about things. Plus it looked like the previous owner was pretty meticulous with service and everything at the local BMW dealer so I feel like it was a good buy. Looking forward to picking it up tomorrow, and then off to get the front clear filmed.

02-20-2017, 05:13 PM	#1
Merlin82 Private First Class 44 Rep 191 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW X3 Xdrive35i Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Edmonton, Alberta iTrader: (0)	Should I buy One? Well I figured I would come on here to check out some things about a vehicle I'm hoping to pick up. Ive been looking at a newer vehicle to take on the job of my new daily driver. Mostly Ive had domestic cars and a Subaru WRX, so this would be my first BMW. What I'm looking at is a 2011 X3 with all the Msport package. Its only got 65k KM so the mileage seems nice and low, and its pretty fully loaded. Its the 3.5I X-drive, and ive taken it for a couple test drives and loved it so far. The price is also very good with the mileage it has. So curious if I should be looking at something else instead or if these are solid vehicles that should last me past 200k. And also curious if there is anything I should know as far as problems to look out for on this thing. Attached Images Last edited by Merlin82; 02-20-2017 at 05:49 PM..
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02-20-2017, 08:49 PM	#2
alpwhite46 First Lieutenant 90 Rep 396 Posts Drives: 2013 X3 35i Mpkg Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Hey whats the price and what packages does it have on it? I just picked mine up here in Toronto, 2013, 35i with m-package fully loaded minus rear heated seats and heads up display i paid $29,800 The 35i is definately a better option both fun and reliability wise (the 28i has the chain issue) You will love the car!
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02-20-2017, 09:27 PM	#3
Merlin82 Private First Class 44 Rep 191 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW X3 Xdrive35i Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Edmonton, Alberta iTrader: (0)	Likely it will wind up being 21-22. I think through hunting the only things it doesn't have is the headlight sprayers, and the rear heated seats. I've tried looking at prices to compare and nothing much seems close with that kinda mileage.
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02-20-2017, 11:39 PM	#4
hoho_leung Private 8 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW X3 Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (0)	Better not to pick the first year of a model
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02-21-2017, 02:51 AM	#5
Smithy2014 Second Lieutenant 50 Rep 219 Posts Drives: X3 2.0d msport Auto Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Midlands iTrader: (0)	Personally I would pick one that's been washed lol __________________ Now - LC1 20d Carbon Black Gone - F25 20d Space Grey
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02-21-2017, 06:48 AM	#6
jmxIII New Member 6 Rep 16 Posts Drives: 2011 F25 M Sport Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	First notice that the wheels are not the M style 311 which are the standard specially for a M Sport 2011 model. 2nd you should thoroughly check the body for possible repairs from minor collisions, they are more visible around the the trunk and door lids. Also, tiny pecks of dust embedded in the paint which sometimes are not addressed by the paint repair shop. The mileage says that it might have been off the road because of the repairs done. Also, check the battery compartment from sitting water after a touchless car wash, this also indicate a body repair. If nothing is found then you have a good deal and a great SAV, solid. I have the same model and year, sadly it has some replacements but noticed the things obvious of repairs much later on. Otherwise it is a good SAV never had problems since, 3 years now.
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02-21-2017, 07:05 AM	#7
Merlin82 Private First Class 44 Rep 191 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW X3 Xdrive35i Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Edmonton, Alberta iTrader: (0)	Lol it would be detailed before I get it. But everything is all melting here so it doesn't take long to look like that. It has the m sport wheels and will come with them, these are the winter tires on it.
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02-21-2017, 07:57 AM	#8
MichiganMike First Lieutenant 132 Rep 362 Posts Drives: 2016 X3 xDrive 35i Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 X3 M40i [0.00] 2016 BMW X3 35i [0.00]	My wife and I each drive the X3 35i. While we enjoy our X3 vehicles, be aware these may be more costly to own than the cars you have driven in the past. Edmunds.com estimates over the next 5 years maintenance and repairs on average for a 2011 X3 35i in my area of the USA will total over $21,000 and total cost to own will be about $47,000. For comparison, a 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R would have average maintenance and repair costs of $7,800 and total cost to own of about $38,000 over the same period. https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/x3/2011/...4/cost-to-own/ https://www.edmunds.com/subaru/outba...7/cost-to-own/
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02-21-2017, 08:09 AM	#9
Merlin82 Private First Class 44 Rep 191 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW X3 Xdrive35i Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Edmonton, Alberta iTrader: (0)	I'm definitely planning for it to be more costly than the domestic cars I have owned. I priced out a bunch of the usual wear items like brakes and oil changes and they wont really cost any different than my current WRX. One thing I do like about this vehicle is it also has a bunch of the service records with it, and most of the stuff was either done at the local BMW dealer, or another shop that specializes in BMW and Porsche. At the end of the day its likely between this, a Ford Edge or possibly a Mazda CX5. I just prefer the X3 since it has a much more sporty driving feel.
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02-21-2017, 08:18 AM	#10
02420X3 Captain 63 Rep 983 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 35i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	Which '11 X3, 35i or 28i? 35i - Expect to replace the water pump, thermostat, and a leaking gasket underneath the oil filter. Also, check to see if the VANOS bolt recall was necessary/performed. There may also be a recall on the rear ISOFIX childseat latches, but I don't know if that is a Canada recall. 28i - There don't seem to be any consistent "gripe" threads here for the 28i. In '11, the 28i was an inline 6-cyl non-turbo engine, not the later 4-cyl turbo which has many reported (and very expensive) timing chain guide failures. Check on the rear childseat latches.
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02-21-2017, 08:25 AM	#11
Merlin82 Private First Class 44 Rep 191 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW X3 Xdrive35i Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Edmonton, Alberta iTrader: (0)	It is the 35i. So for things like the waterpump, thermostat and stuff. Are those things someone could do themselves? I (usually) enjoy wrenching on cars and there aren't many things that scare me as I have done motor swaps, electrical, trans swaps and all kinds of stuff in between.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-21-2017, 08:35 AM	#13
Merlin82 Private First Class 44 Rep 191 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW X3 Xdrive35i Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Edmonton, Alberta iTrader: (0)	Lol, ideally I would be doing it in the summer, but it wouldn't be the first time I would be doing stuff in the winter. Luckily we insulated my garage very well, and have a 70k BTU heater in there so it can get the garage up to 20c in around an hour(Normally hovers between -5 and +5 in there in the winter).
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02-21-2017, 03:52 PM	#15
alpwhite46 First Lieutenant 90 Rep 396 Posts Drives: 2013 X3 35i Mpkg Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Yeah i was going to say that it seems unreal to spend those numbers... maybe that includes insurance, gas and oil changes lol
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02-22-2017, 06:40 AM	#19
Merlin82 Private First Class 44 Rep 191 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW X3 Xdrive35i Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Edmonton, Alberta iTrader: (0)	Well since nothing sounded too scary from what I heard on here, I decided to bite the bullet and pulled the trigger on it. I will likely pick it up tomorrow or Friday so I'm pretty excited about it. Only plans are to hopefully bring it to a friend for a full detailing and paint coating, and getting the front clear filmed. Ill post up some better pics once I get it and its clean (if I can make it home before it gets dirty again).
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02-22-2017, 09:52 PM	#21
02420X3 Captain 63 Rep 983 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 35i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	Best of luck, Merlin, and best wishes for a routine-maintenance-only ownership. I love my '11 35i, and have fun with it every day. I hope that you have as much enjoyment with your new acquisition.
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02-23-2017, 08:08 AM	#22
Merlin82 Private First Class 44 Rep 191 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW X3 Xdrive35i Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Edmonton, Alberta iTrader: (0)	I ended up getting a 5yr/100k warranty on powertrain when I signed all the papers yesterday, so I'm feeling pretty good about things. Plus it looked like the previous owner was pretty meticulous with service and everything at the local BMW dealer so I feel like it was a good buy. Looking forward to picking it up tomorrow, and then off to get the front clear filmed.
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