[dooce]

I'm looking for a vehicle for the wife, we've looked at and drove several vehicles and have decided on an F25. We've driven a couple of them but havent found "the one" yet. I know the n20 has the timing chain guide issues, is there anything else I should look out for on them? What about the n55? I'm sure this is a common topic but I have searched extensively the last few days and didnt come up with anything. Thanks in advance

[Wgosma]

I've owned a 2012 X3 for the past year, purchased used from original owner - it's at 65K miles, I have all the repair records and nothing of any significance has 'broken' - Been driving and doing a lot of DIY work on my Bimmers for 15+ years, I went for the N52 normally aspirated I-6 motor out of simplicity/reliability. Only available in 2011-2012 model year cars.

If you go w/4 banger motor I think you're good as long as it's a later model car, 2015 or later build date.

I'm not all that familiar with the N55 turbo I-6, but from what I've read it's solid. I believe both of the above have direct injection (high pressure fuel pumps), so spark plugs don't last as long as w/port injector older model motors. I think all these motors suffer the stuff like leaking valve cover gaskets, OF housing gaskets over time - typical BMW issues on many of their engines.

Aside from these relatively small issues I've not seen much on the forums about people having 'major' issues with the F25's.

Just be a smart shopper and have a mechanic do a pre-buy inspection before you make the purchase and you should be good to go.

Good luck / Bill

[JeffreyFortuna]

I have a 2011 35i xdrive, purchased it with around 60K on it. Oil filter housing already had been replaced. Starter went bad on me third day of owning it (i hear this is common). Starter is not overly pricey but to replace it you need to remove the intake manifold. I paid an independent shop to do it and I believe it cost me around $600?
I now have 78k miles. Have replaced the radiator (not all that common) and while I was there I changed the electric water pump and thermostat (both seem somewhat common) not a fun job but not hard.
I went with the 35i over the four cylinder after reading about timing chain issues with the smaller motor.
My sunroof shade is broken and stuck back but the sunroof still works, sunroof issues seem common.
We have the sport package and I love the upgraded seats. Overall we like the car!

[pungo]

Beware of the steering rack clunking/knocking noise. Just google it.

[MikesBMW]

I picked up a used 2013 X3 28i with 61K miles and it already had the timing chain and turbo replaced under warranty. There was a slight leak from the oil cap when I purchased it but it seems a new $20 cap has fixed that issue. Everything seems great with the car and I expect to hang on to it for a while.

[JDF25]

Any issues with fuel gauge reading incorrectly? After full fuel refill??

[hogwldfltr]

Just picking up a 2014 Xdrive35i with 86K+mi. A little bit nervous although the car is very sweet. Waiting on the title and examining extended warranties. Massachusetts requires that the car come with a three month warranty which will be good enough to get issues sorted out by a friend's shop if there are any.

[02420X3]

Originally Posted by JDF25

Any issues with fuel gauge reading incorrectly? After full fuel refill??

My '11 F25's fuel gauge has gotten wonky on two occasions. I attribute it to more than a simple full fuel refill, but trying to pack in as much fuel as possible. It's not a good idea to keep squeezing the pump handle again and again after it shuts off.

[lambanog_papi]

Picked up a 2014 x3 x35 with 55k miles a couple of months back was driving like a dream for a good 3 weeks then needed to replace the water pump and thermometer. Back to driving like a dream but gotta keep an eye out and make sure to keep up maintenance religiously