[Senilsson]

SEE POST #68

Hey guys,

Wife and I are expecting our first child and are in need of a bigger car, we currently drive a Volvo S60 2015 with 116k miles on it - great car besides the size.
We are both from Sweden but live in Chicago nowadays. Back home in Sweden it's cheap and easy to find a good wagon that suits all your needs but there's nothing really that I like for our budget ($10k to $13k) so I have sort of given up and moved on to look at SUV's. At first we thought a 2013 VW Tiguan would be a good idea but it's way too small and it feels like a tractor in comparison to the Volvo.
After that I tried to convince the wife of a reliable old Honda or Toyota but she flat out refuses, lol. Not that they are any nicer than a VW.

I used to work for BMW back in Sweden and I have owned two F10's, a 2010 with the N52 I6 and a 2016 with the N47 diesel engine. Both were awesome cars and never got me any issues.
I'm now looking at different X3's with around 70 to 90k miles but reading about them online is a bit discouraging. I don't remember them being that bad in Sweden but anyway, it seems like the 2011 with the N52 is the most reliable but there are some decent 2014's out there for sale. My biggest gripe is the N20 engine and the timing chain issues.

Not sure if it's been blown out of proportion or not, but I can not deal with an engine replacement bill. Smaller repairs are to be expected of course and that's not an issue but a $5000+ won't be fun.

I'm just rambling at this point but for my budget, do you think it makes sense to go for a 2011 or is a newer model like a 2013 or 2014 a better choice despite the N20? There's even some 2015's with really high miles on them out there..
Some options I've been looking at:
2015 xDrive28d (N47?) - 133k miles https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...2200/overview/
2014 xDrive28i (N20) - 88k miles https://www.starautoworks.com/invent.../x3/a14702493/
2012 Xdrive28i (N52) - 97k miles https://route52auto.com/vdp/16526805...yette-IN-47906


Any help is appreciated! Thanks

[e30lover318i]

I personally hate the n52. No power with all the same upkeep of the N55. Vanos solenoid failure, electric water pump, aluminum bolts snapping, starter failure, PCV failure and integrated with valve cover. I think the N55 is the best power plant for the f25.

[mike_MAN]

Very high mileage, I can't speak on reliability from these types of cars, but do not get one with halogen headlights. I also don't know about the diesel motors.
And yes, stay away from the N20 motors. prior to the 2016? model. Its a crapshoot but do you really want to throw your money on something that may or may no fail? Too stressful.
I've heard nothing but great things about the N52 motors so the (N52) - 97k miles is your best candidate within your budget.

[Senilsson]

Originally Posted by e30lover318i

I personally hate the n52. No power with all the same upkeep of the N55. Vanos solenoid failure, electric water pump, aluminum bolts snapping, starter failure, PCV failure and integrated with valve cover. I think the N55 is the best power plant for the f25.

Interesting take, I thought that the N55 was as unreliable as the N20 but I could be wrong.

Originally Posted by mike_MAN

Very high mileage, I can't speak on reliability from these types of cars, but do not get one with halogen headlights. I also don't know about the diesel motors.
And yes, stay away from the N20 motors. prior to the 2016? model. Its a crapshoot but do you really want to throw your money on something that may or may no fail? Too stressful.
I've heard nothing but great things about the N52 motors so the (N52) - 97k miles is your best candidate within your budget.

Yea, with a baby on the way I don't want to have a huge expense like an engine replacement in the back of my head so that rules out the N20.
It's interesting to see how some people hate the N52 and some think it's a pleasure to drive, lol. I will test drive one and see how it feels.

[e30lover318i]

I’d say it’s about the same as the n52 reliability wise maybe a tad bit more reliable. I’ve got 125k on mine and only thing That looks to have been done on the motor was the water pump, valve cover gasket, and charge pipes. I also service an f10 535, all I’ve done to that car is a “PCV heater” ,valve cover gasket, oxygen sensor. The women got the car brand new she said that all she’s ever done to the car other than that was brakes and tires. Mileage was 90k when I first started servicing.

Have you looked into the F48? My wife has one it’s been a fantastic car. The size is smaller almost the same as the e83

[najnad]

Look at this 35i near you:
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing

Build date of April 2013:
https://www.mdecoder.com/decode/5uxwx7c52el983452

[Senilsson]

Originally Posted by e30lover318i

I’d say it’s about the same as the n52 reliability wise maybe a tad bit more reliable. I’ve got 125k on mine and only thing That looks to have been done on the motor was the water pump, valve cover gasket, and charge pipes. I also service an f10 535, all I’ve done to that car is a “PCV heater” ,valve cover gasket, oxygen sensor. The women got the car brand new she said that all she’s ever done to the car other than that was brakes and tires. Mileage was 90k when I first started servicing.

Have you looked into the F48? My wife has one it’s been a fantastic car. The size is smaller almost the same as the e83

That's promising. Insurance and gas mileage is pretty the same for the N55, I just saw the added turbo as another problem and haven't looked into it that much. Will check some more.

I actually like the F48 but it's a tad small and a bit expensive. Can't find any examples under 17-18K.

[najnad]

Or consider this X5 35i:
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing

[evilchargerfan]

Senilsson

Like yourself, our x3 was purchased due to a baby

We come from very boring cars as of late (honda fit, toyota prius, subaru justy), so we were ready for some power and luxury back in our lives. that said, we eliminated honda crv / toyota rav 4 .... etc ... we simply chose to pay more, than the economical and reliable japanese counter part simply because this is what we "want"

I cant common on anything diesel as I personally have never owned one, but I will say I avoided the n20 for the same reasons as you're concerned about (timing chain issues, no thanks)

For reliability, the n52 is the way to go. We went with the n55 because we were in love with its power, and ease of increasing more power (if you're into that kinda thing)

We've owned our car for a little under a year, and are about $1800 in, as far as maint and repairs go. by the end of the year, I predict we'll be at 2k. The car was purchased for 11k with 110k on the odo.

If we could get to 200k, and have invested 13k to 15k ... I'd be happy.


(YMMV on prices)

[Senilsson]

Originally Posted by najnad

Look at this 35i near you:
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing

Build date of April 2013:
https://www.mdecoder.com/decode/5uxwx7c52el983452

It looks decent, I don't like the aftermarket wheels though. There are a few X3 35i's with lower miles in the same price range as well.

Originally Posted by najnad

Or consider this X5 35i:
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing

Thanks! Not a fan of the E70 though. F15 looks amazing though, but that's for someone with a bigger wallet than me

[Senilsson]

Originally Posted by evilchargerfan

Senilsson

Like yourself, our x3 was purchased due to a baby

We come from very boring cars as of late (honda fit, toyota prius, subaru justy), so we were ready for some power and luxury back in our lives. that said, we eliminated honda crv / toyota rav 4 .... etc ... we simply chose to pay more, than the economical and reliable japanese counter part simply because this is what we "want"

I cant common on anything diesel as I personally have never owned one, but I will say I avoided the n20 for the same reasons as you're concerned about (timing chain issues, no thanks)

For reliability, the n52 is the way to go. We went with the n55 because we were in love with its power, and ease of increasing more power (if you're into that kinda thing)

We've owned our car for a little under a year, and are about $1800 in, as far as maint and repairs go. by the end of the year, I predict we'll be at 2k. The car was purchased for 11k with 110k on the odo.

If we could get to 200k, and have invested 13k to 15k ... I'd be happy.


(YMMV on prices)

That sounds great, thank you for sharing!

Edit:
I know this one has some cosmetical damage on the front and trunk but it seems like a solid car overall for the price. Carfax is telling me there hasn't been any major issues and it's been regularly serviced.
2012 35i with 94k miles https://www.swapmotors.com/buy/listi...f9cf0e50ae1bdb

[evilchargerfan]

personally, I LOVE the ones with cosmetic damage, it gives me room to haggle

GL, with whatever you end up with

[Senilsson]

Originally Posted by evilchargerfan

personally, I LOVE the ones with cosmetic damage, it gives me room to haggle

GL, with whatever you end up with

Yea, that's right. Thanks man!

[Wgosma]

I bought a 2012 X3 28i (N52 motor) from the original owner 3 years ago - I've driven it from 51K to 85K miles and no issues, except of course the standard BMW leaking valve cover and OFH gaskets. Easy replacement job, I DIY a lot of things on my cars.

I think you'd be good to go with a 4-banger, model year 2016 or later. Turbo 6 is solid motor, but I saw that engine as potentially a tad bit more prone to needing attention compared to the normally aspirated N52, that's why I went N52. That newer engine w/turbo brings bit more complexity:

- Turbo (more moving parts)

- Direct Injection - nice for performance/economy but two fuel pumps, one for high pressure. Spark plug life is shorter, coil packs push near 2X the voltage as port injected motor....they are more likely to fail in long run. No fuel to 'wash' the intake valves - I've read a few posts about walnut blasting at higher mileage, which can be bit pricey.

Maybe the bigger thing to keep in mind when buying a car with 75K+ miles: In my experience owning Bimmers for the past 15+ years, and driving 2 of them in excess of 200K miles it's important to keep in mind when these cars hit around the 120K+ mile mark you are edging into area of some costly maint. items:

- shocks/struts...maybe thrust and/or control arm bushings
- water pump (advisable even if no issues, i.e. PM)
- VCG, OFHG, maybe even pan gasket

Whatever you do, if you find a car to your liking pay a local Euro car mechanic to perform a pre-purchase inspection - that's money in the bank when buying used BMW's.

Good luck/Bill

[najnad]

Not sure I would go for the one with front/rear cosmetic damage...very dirty inside, only 1 key...sounds and looks like a vehicle that was not properly maintained. Could be lots of issues waiting to pop up. Def get an independent inspection done on that one before you make an offer. Changes are basic maintenance needs to be done...oil, brakes, plugs...in addition to the higher mileage maintenance...trans, diff, transfer case fluids changed, maybe change shocks/struts....and of course a full inside/out detail and replace the missing 2nd key.

[tracer bullet]

Originally Posted by najnad

...sounds and looks like a vehicle that was not properly maintained.

Agreed to this!

I will just say that for a 10 - 13k budget, I would not go BMW. You are just asking for something with issues. You might get lucky, but odds are not in your favor. I think some great advice has been given, so I could be wrong, but it gives me the chills.

Look at a Mazda CX9 or something.

[pungo]

Originally Posted by Senilsson

Edit:
I know this one has some cosmetical damage on the front and trunk but it seems like a solid car overall for the price. Carfax is telling me there hasn't been any major issues and it's been regularly serviced.
2012 35i with 94k miles https://www.swapmotors.com/buy/listi...f9cf0e50ae1bdb

This one looks neglected, I would pass.

In your price range, I'd stay clear of N20, TC only fixed in newer models
I'd step up your price slightly and get something <75k miles
N52, most reliable, xenon is optional
N55, most power, xenon is stock

[mike_MAN]

I agree with what many have said.
Buying a BMW within your budget, you'll get one with higher mileage. You can expect to pay more for maintenance services sooner.

If you take that money and put it into your budget instead, it might a better option to get a lower mileage car.

If that is your max budget, I'd go one with the N52 motor if you can find a good one.
I was also looking for one, but we're talking about a 8+ yr old car. I couldn't find one in good condition.

But as mentioned, check out the Mazda CX-5 and CX-9. They compared themselves to BMW, Audi, and Mercedes when they came out with the new generation. Something to consider when shopping within your budget.
Good luck on your search.

[e30lover318i]

I agree with pungo, your not going to get a late model n20 in that price range. And you don’t want to deal with disappearing guides, what about putting $8-10k down at a deal on a CPO? And finance the rest to expand your budget ? Plus a lot of dealers give a 1-2 year warranty on the pre own so you will be less stressed about it having problems. My brother went this route it worked out very well for him.

[Senilsson]

OK, I hear what you are saying. I understand that there are repairs to the cars. I worked as a Service Manager at a BMW dealership for 6 years so it's not like I don't know what I'm getting myself into.
Biggest issue is that most X3's(or BMW's in general) in Sweden are diesel and I have limited experience with the gas powered equivalent we have here in the states.
I understand that brakes, shocks, some electrical components here and there might fail on a 100k miles car but I honestly don't think they're THAT bad from my experience. Now I know that the N20 is crap basically and I will only go for an example with N52 or N55.

I'm still trying to sell my Volvo and depending on how much equity I will get from it I might push the budget up a little bit but I don't see myself spending more than $15k. Right now there's plenty of options with around 70-80k miles for that kind of money and hopefully whatever I get will treat me well.
I just can't deal with a Toyota, Mazda etc. I'll rather have a repair once in a while.

[Greenman7612]

My son just replaced a 2011 X3 with the N52 engine. GEICO totaled his old car with 130,000 miles that I had bought as a CPO with 25,000 miles. Other than a state mandated headlight replacement (PA) and vanos solenoid gasket replacement and new serpentine belt and idler, that car just had regular oil changes.
He bought another one for $12,500 with 61,000 miles on it and a lot more features. I also have a 2011 X3 with the N52 engine. It has 45,000 miles and no issues.
These have NO turbos which I think is a plus! If you buy a turbo engine that has NOT had regular 7,000 mile oil changes, watch out!
We looked at changing the valve cover gasket and it seemed near impossible to get the PCV valve off near the firewall so we gave up. I am sure others here have been able to do it.
Good luck! I have a 2013 N20 in a F10 so I am worried. Just keeping a ear on it. The 2015 N20s had the fix as far as I know. I would not touch a N20 from 2012 to 2014.

[Wgosma]

Greenman: are you referring to the breather hose connection or more than that?

I've done the valve cover on my N52, it's not a bad job; in my estimation the thing that makes it bit of a pain is the removal of the electrical harness from the fuel injectors; I was able to remove the valve cover with the harness in place but to reinstall the cover I had to get the harness out of the way- pulling off the small 'C' clips to release the connectors is tedious, but doable.

Bill