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      07-23-2022, 02:55 PM   #1
Bimmeritist91
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2012 X3 timing belt issue

I'm looking at buying a 2012 X3 with 122k miles. Ok so I know about the timing belt issues on the N20 engine. I've read it effects from 2013 to 15 or just before 2015. So my two questions. First question was the timing belt issues caused by material choice or a design flaw so if the timing chain tensioner was replaced would I be good? Second question is did it really effect the 2012 X3s?
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      07-23-2022, 04:36 PM   #2
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1st, Welcome to the forum...
2nd, AFAIK, the 2012 US models did not have the N20 engines.
3rd, BMW uses a chain, not a belt.
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      07-23-2022, 10:56 PM   #3
Wgosma
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Input the last 7 digits of the cars VIN No. into real OEM.com and verify which motor is in the car.
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      07-24-2022, 02:53 PM   #4
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You didn't tell us which model of X3 you were looking at. If you're looking at the X3 xDrive 35i, this model has the N55 3.0L turbo charged 6 cylinder. This N55 motor doesn't have much fuss with the timing chain issues. I personally own this model and it's been solid at 130k miles.

On the other hand, we have the xDrive 28i which from 2011-2012 is the N52, a 3.0L naturally aspirated 6 cylinder, another solid engine. But there was a transition somewhere in 2012 where they switched to the N20 2.0L turbo charged 4 cylinder and this is the motor with the timing chain issues.

If you have photos of the engine bay, you can tell which engine it has, typically by the shape and design of the engine cover.
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      07-25-2022, 02:01 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by burningmango View Post
You didn't tell us which model of X3 you were looking at. If you're looking at the X3 xDrive 35i, this model has the N55 3.0L turbo charged 6 cylinder. This N55 motor doesn't have much fuss with the timing chain issues. I personally own this model and it's been solid at 130k miles.

On the other hand, we have the xDrive 28i which from 2011-2012 is the N52, a 3.0L naturally aspirated 6 cylinder, another solid engine. But there was a transition somewhere in 2012 where they switched to the N20 2.0L turbo charged 4 cylinder and this is the motor with the timing chain issues.

If you have photos of the engine bay, you can tell which engine it has, typically by the shape and design of the engine cover.
Attachment 2939509
I have a 2011 BMW X3 xdrive 28i and my engine does not look like any of the engines you pictured. I believe it is an N52 though

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      07-25-2022, 03:59 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Barbera335 View Post
I have a 2011 BMW X3 xdrive 28i and my engine does not look like any of the engines you pictured. I believe it is an N52 though

Yeah thats an n52
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      08-08-2022, 11:02 AM   #7
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Oop, my 2013 X3 is definitely a N20
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      08-08-2022, 11:07 AM   #8
Tommy68
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wgosma View Post
Input the last 7 digits of the cars VIN No. into real OEM.com and verify which motor is in the car.
Thanks. Another way is www.bimmer-tech.net by VIN
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      08-08-2022, 01:04 PM   #9
Wgosma
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N20: from what I've read there were numerous issues on 2013 and earlier engines, no recall but BMW did eventually extend warranty period. The issue was a design flaw in the plastic chain guides (bmw uses a chain, not a belt).

If you can verify the cars engine was fitted with the redesigned components you should be OK going forward.

Read this: https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=27378776
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      08-08-2022, 02:02 PM   #10
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BMW N20 Common Problems & Reliability Issues

https://bmwtuning.co/bmw-n20-common-problems/
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