07-23-2022, 02:55 PM | #1 |
Registered
0
Rep 1
Posts |
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?
|
07-23-2022, 04:36 PM | #2 |
Colonel
879
Rep 2,546
Posts
Drives: Z4MC-X3-35i-525i, Corrado G60
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: MD
|
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. |
Appreciate
0
|
07-24-2022, 02:53 PM | #4 |
New Member
13
Rep 27
Posts |
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. |
Appreciate
0
|
07-25-2022, 02:01 PM | #5 | |
Captain
169
Rep 660
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-25-2022, 03:59 PM | #6 |
Check out my Youtube @n55david!
1296
Rep 3,533
Posts
Drives: 2017 m240i, 2015 X3 x35i
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Michigan USA
|
Yeah thats an n52
__________________
2017 m240i xDrive 10.99@122.86mph bootmod3 stage 2+ ots
2015 335i xDrive 10.95@124.99mph w/bm3 - SOLD 2015 X3 x35i pwg 12.96 catless w/bm3 stage 2 93 ots IG: @n55david For pics and updates! Youtube: @ n55david For videos or Racing etc |
Appreciate
0
|
08-08-2022, 11:07 AM | #8 | |
New Member
2
Rep 20
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
1
Wgosma806.00 |
08-08-2022, 01:04 PM | #9 |
Lieutenant Colonel
806
Rep 1,905
Posts |
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 |
Appreciate
0
|
08-08-2022, 02:02 PM | #10 |
New Member
2
Rep 20
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|