09-22-2018, 12:46 PM | #1 |
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Previous E46 DIYer considering a used X3
Hello everyone!
TL;DR: Previous owner of an E46 323i with basic-to-medium DIY maintenance experience considering a 2014-2015 X3 xDrive28i with more or less average mileage (for its age). Looking to learn what to expect, how maintenance costs are, and how difficult it is to DIY common issues. I'm aware of some engine issues with pre-2014 models, which is why I'm trying to stick to 2014 and up. Full Background: As the title says, I'm a previous owner of an 2000 323i E46 that I enjoyed driving. I sold it a few years ago when I moved from east coast to west coast (San Diego), and I own a 2017 e-Golf and a 2012 5-spd Passat. My wife and I want to replace the Passat with a small SUV for some more utility space. Needless to say, we're considering a used F25 X3, among some other choices. So far, top of our list are 2015-2016 Mazda CX-5 and 2014-2015 BMW X3. I know they are a bit in different categories and not really apples to apples. But it's what's on our mind, nonetheless. With BMWs, I know they are higher performance, higher standard, better interiors, better handling and better overall driving feel. However, they're also more complex and more expensive to repair. I used to do a lot of DIY stuff on my E46 to offset the maintenance costs, like oil changes, filters, belts, brakes, window regulators (E46 owners will know what I'm talking about ), and even a bit more involved stuff like spark plugs, pulleys, and on the more complex side, alternator replacement, oil-filter housing gasket replacement, and even control arms and bushings one time (wouldn't do that again!). I don't consider myself super mechanically inclined, but with enough DIY instructions and pictures from forums such as this one, I'm OK taking on some work myself. The trouble is, I don't have as much time for DIY these days as I used to back when I owned the E46. I'm still interested in doing at least some work on an X3, at least the regular maintenance, to help offset maintenance costs (and I KNOW they would be higher than the Mazda CX-5). Which brings me to my question: For someone like me, based on the description above, what should I know about potentially getting a 2014-2015 X3, with let's say around average number of miles on it? I know pre-2014 models have known issues with the 4-cylinder engines, so Im trying to stay with 2014 and up. I also want to keep the cost down as we're not really looking to spend a ton on a used vehicle. Which probably means not getting a 6-cylinder model (and also to keep MPG down), and probably not going any newer than 2015. Also, can you confirm what the standard warranty is on X3s? Is it 4yrs/50k miles, right? I don't know what chances I have of finding something still on warranty from those years, but just wanted to make sure I know my parameters. I appreciate whatever wisdom you could share! Thanks! Last edited by jiveman; 09-23-2018 at 11:10 PM.. |
09-22-2018, 03:44 PM | #2 | |
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Depending on your driving style and needs, consider a 2015 X3 28d. |
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09-22-2018, 04:11 PM | #3 |
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I'd opt for the Mazda CX-5 over the Lci 28i. Better fuel economy, less maintenance, cost of ownership. Both feel equally as sporty to drive handling wise. The 35i variant I'd choose hence its a taller 335i.
35i >cx5. Cx5>Lci 28i. |
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09-22-2018, 08:10 PM | #4 |
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I have a 2011 28i that I bought new. It currently has 96k miles. Since I bought it I have had to replace the combox, all 4 door seals, AC evaporator, coolant expansion tank twice, 12 volt battery, multiple software updates, glove box door due to delamination, and most recently the PCV valve for a recall. It has been more needy than any other car I have owned but overall not terrible and it has met my expectations
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09-22-2018, 08:20 PM | #5 | |
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Off the top the X3 isn't siginificantly different than any other BMW of its age and if you've owned one already and have some decent DIY background then you know what to expect. You may have no issues, lots of issues, minor or serious, DIY-able or not, just don't know. More likely than other brands i.e. Mazda but still not altogether likely. I'm more curious what you really need though. # people you plan to carry and how often, how much you enjoy taking on ramps a bit fast, cargo needs i.e. trips tot he compost site, Home Depot, camping? |
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09-23-2018, 07:44 AM | #6 | |
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Drives: 2016 X3 xDrive 35i
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http://www.rightfootdown.com/cars/au...nents-n26-too/ https://bmwtechnician.com/2016/08/07...g-chain-issue/ https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1482736 You might want to pay extra attention to the service history and driving history of any used X3 you are considering. There has been some speculation that shorter oil change intervals, say 5K to 7.5K miles, instead of 10K miles or more, may help to avoid some problems. Some suggest that avoiding repeated engine re-starts by turning off the auto stop/start feature or using the vehicle mostly for longer trips may avoid some stress on the timing chain. https://techmax.ca/BMW-repair/proble...-timing-chain/ |
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09-23-2018, 12:14 PM | #7 | ||||||
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Thank you all, useful info here!
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https://www.edmunds.com/mazda/cx-5/2015/features-specs/ https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/x3/2015/features-specs/ Quote:
So overall, the need for an SUV is driven by the fact that we now own a house, and there is more need for Home Depot/Costco trips and for other supplies from time to time, compared to when we lived in an apartment. The idea being, since we must have two vehicles anyways for different schedules and work commutes, than having a small all-electric e-Golf + an SUV would cover our bases well. Quote:
Just wondering how much worse MPG do you get by turning off auto start/stop feature? |
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09-23-2018, 02:47 PM | #8 | |
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Sounds like you're ont he right track with your expected uses, but do keep in mind depending on how many Home Depot trips you have they do rent out trucks and will deliver. Not saying you should actually buy a Miata but keep that in mind and let the daily driving be more of your guide |
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09-23-2018, 03:36 PM | #9 | |
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Drives: 2016 X3 xDrive 35i
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https://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/...save-fuel.html If the potential savings of 1 or 2 mpg from auto start-stop are really important to you, note the Mazda CX5 takes regular gas while the X3 requires premium gas and the Mazda should average a couple MPG more than the X3. Last edited by MichiganMike; 09-23-2018 at 03:47 PM.. |
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