[heatherg]

Hello All,

New to the forum and to BMW's. Need your advice as to whether to purchase a used X3 or not. I have one in my sights, 80k miles, clean Carfax, one owner. Local dealership, can get for $13-$15k.

My story is this...long time 6 speed Jeep Wrangler owner. Last week my e-brake failed on a small incline while parked and started to roll. I tried to stop it so it would not roll onto the main street, but I was sucked under in the process. I have a broken ankle and am pretty banged up, but alive and fortunately my body stopped the vehicle at the curb, so no one else was hurt. As I sit in my boot after surgery, I know I can't drive the Jeep again. I need something safer, yet still fun. I am interested in the X3 and this deal came to my attention.

Please give me some advice here. I left my job before the accident, so price is definitely a consideration, thats why used is in the picture. Is this a reliable vehicle? Are repair costs through the roof? Is this a good deal? Any specific questions I should ask the dealer?

Thank you in advance.

[McNuggetz]

Have a pre purchase inspection done at local BMW dealership. Early models have had issues with timing guides. Read this

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1440225

[MichiganMike]

A BMW X3 is not an inexpensive vehicle to repair and maintain. At the age and mileage of the vehicle you are considering, it would not be surprising to spend $2000 or more in a typical year for maintenance and repairs. If something major goes wrong with the engine, transmission or xDrive, repairs may cost much more.

Edmunds True Cost to Own estimates appear high in my opinion, but provide additional data to consider in your deliberations.
https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/x3/2013/...3/cost-to-own/

[davidk]

Up front, I would say if you have cash flow issues, BMW is most likely not the wisest choice. That being said, the X3 is a very nice vehicle, and fun to drive. I owned a 2013 X3 28i up until February, when I picked up a new X3 M40i. The 2013 gave us no problems, and no warranty issues, but it only had 42,000 miles when traded. At 80,000 miles, you are looking at brakes (if not already replaced), possible water pump replacement, and if you plan on owning it a while, a complete fluid change - transmission, transfer case, F/R differentials, coolant, brake fluid. Definitely have a BMW dealer pull up the service history based on the VIN. If oil changes have been done on the computer based service (CBS) schedule, rather than every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, I would probably stay away from this one, due to the timing chain guide issue with the earlier N20 engines, noted in the link in the previous post. BMW did extend the warranty on those engines for 7 years or 70,000 miles, but yours is past that based on mileage. If you are still interested, definitely pay for a PPI as indicated in the previous post.

[momoboy]

I actually have both (wrangler and X3) so maybe I can help. I am wondering though why BMW vs. an automatic wrangler (assuming now you can't drive a manual now)? They are 2 VERY different vehicles. I love my X3 and have found it to be very reliable. Gas mileage is much better than the Jeep but it requires premium. Handling is better. Highway ride is better. Luxury is better as well as overall performance. It's fun but not "Jeep" fun. Can't put the top down, take the doors off and repair almost anything cheaply like the Jeep. Not trying to talk you out of an X3 but it's just different. And the e-brake on the Jeep is a common problem. Just had mine totally redone

[MichiganMike]

For a cautionary tale of the potential cost of maintaining and repairing a X3 out of warranty, consider the recent post at the link below. In this case, the owner of a 2011 X3 reports replacement of a failed headlight assembly at a BMW dealer was estimated to cost $2700 for the parts alone.

https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sh....php?t=1282986

[Opie55]

I would not buy a 2013 28i. A risk of engine failure that is more than an insignificant risk. What do you mean you left your job? You retired? I have had a '14 for a year and a half, got it used and it has 42k on it now. Repair costs in that time (warranty or not) have been exactly $0. I have put in a new air filter and one oil change. But if something does go wrong, parts prices are stupid high.

[Taoster]

I went to a dealership looking to get a used 335, but ended up buying a used 2013 X3 xdrive 28i off a whim. I love it because I own it now, but also kinda wish I looked at other cars first. The 4 cylinder just doesn't sound like the nice BMW sounding 6 cylinders, not even close. Kinda sounds like a diesel. All my friends think it's a diesel. The notorious timing chain issue is always in the back of my mind when I'm driving around. And then there's the butterfly exhaust flap on my X3 which the previous owner welded shut because they claimed it made noise, is still making rattling noise. But besides that, it's a sweet looking car. I just wish I got the 6 cylinder .

[najnad]

A failed e-brake doesnt make a vehicle dangerous, once it is fixed of course. It is just a cautionary tale that those who are fortunate enough to drive a vehicle with a manual transmission to remember to put the vehicle into first gear and turn the wheels when parking on an incline, along with setting the e-brake.

[MichiganMike]

There is an informative thread on evaluating a used BMW 3 series at the link below.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1517476

Much of the information in this thread on reliability, common problems and maintenance may apply to buying a used X3 with a similar engine and drive train.

[marc x]

I would stay away from the N20 engine!!!!!!!!!!! My n52 has 200k miles and still going strong.

[Riick]

There's millions of N20 engines doing just fine in all models of BMWs, don't listen to the bullshit.

My 28i will smoke a stock 35i in a drag race.

[supernova1]

I got a 2013 X3 with dealer CPO warranty. It did get handy - I had to replace thermostat (its coil no longer responded to temperature decrease commands), front seat cushion (it cracked along the side), stretched timing chain (massive repair involving oil pump chain assembly and VANOS replacement as well), steering rack (clicking sound when turning steering wheel), control rod (worn out), blower fan electronic control assembly.

Plus I have to remember to lock it at night in my garage - otherwise its battery gets drained fast, and then alternator works for a long time trying to recharge it (I can monitor battery voltage while driving). For that matter I use a battery charger once a month to make it easier for the alternator.

All this was annoying, but at least I was covered for all those expenses, and dealer was easy to give me a free replacement BMW for the time of repair. I plan to keep this car for the near future, very pleasant to drive once everything works.

[sweetway]

I have a '13 x3 28 with 70k miles. It has been great with no major issues. Still has the original brake pads within spec, just changing the oils at regular intervals - private mechanic recommends 7500 mis. Takes synthetic oil so this is an expensive service. Prior to this I had a 2004 X3 with the straight 6 and put 140k miles on it. Had just replaced the original battery and the oil filter gasket, and tune ($1200 mol) and I got sideswiped in an intersection and the insurance co totaled the car. Anyway, the x 3 in all forms is a blast to drive, wouldn't own anything else (but I did purchase a Q5 for my wife and she is a little scary to drive with now).

[GuyGTX3SoCal]

I don't understand such concern with a maintained BMW vehicles and the engine. I have owned lots of BMW's over the years. It seems you can tell early on if you got a good one or a bad one. I just sold my 2007 BMW X3 M Sport with 172,000 miles and that thing was solid! Drove so smooth. Serviced when needed and it was extremely reliable.
I have seen BMW's with over 350,000 miles on them in great condition. From what I read on here, you guys are worried about a $50,000 plus car that is about 6 years old. I'm sorry, but this should not be of concern when it comes to engine. If it is, BMW should just shut down shop and stop even trying to make vehicles. Granted, some BMW's seem to have issues with sunroofs, window regulators, headlights, etc....again that goes back to either you get a "good one" or a "bad one"....but overall shouldn't these engines be the "ultimate driving machine"" and able to go longer that 100,000 miles?