01-07-2018, 01:09 PM | #1 |
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Could use some help shopping for used F25
Hello!
Moving back to the US next week and need to buy a car ASAP. Was originally going to head straight for a Honda CR-V, but then totally forgot to consider a used F25. I really like the G01's, but they're out of my price range. I've never owned an X3 before (or any BMW, really) so I was hoping y'all could help me out a bit. Wondering what year(s) I should go for or avoid, which engine to get, and what options/trims are must-haves. I will be living in Chicago, but commuting in some nice traffic for 40 miles per day (20 each way), 5 days a week. I plan on doing a lot of road trips with this car, so good gas mileage and a navigation system are plusses for me. Speaking of living in Chicago, heated everything is going to be a must! Finally, I plan on tracking a motorcycle, so it'd be nice to be able to tow it. So yeah... any suggestions or things to look out for when shopping for a used F25? Appreciate all the help!! Last edited by nickname89; 01-07-2018 at 03:00 PM.. |
01-07-2018, 03:05 PM | #2 |
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Stay away from the 2013-2016ish 28i with the N20 four cylinder. They have timing chain issues. Some have extended warranty.
The 2011-2012 28i have the naturally aspirated N52 I6 (240hp) The 35i has the turbo/intercooled N55 I6 (300hp) We got the 2011 28i it has plenty of power for us. When you find one you like enter the VIN on BMW site and it will bring up all the Options when it was built. .02 |
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01-07-2018, 03:54 PM | #3 | |
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01-07-2018, 08:05 PM | #4 |
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Havent driven a diesel version of the F25, but if you want to tow, I would suggest the 35i version. Not many got the factory tow package, so be prepared to get an aftermarket hitch installed...several threads on here talk about those.
I highly recommend getting the lighting package and technology package for the bi-xenon and head-up-display, respectively. And I think the M-Sport package is worth it for the steering wheel alone. Whats your budget? |
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01-08-2018, 12:46 AM | #5 | |
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01-08-2018, 03:50 PM | #6 |
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The 2.0l will tow a motorcycle no sweat, I barely felt my Waverunner behind my E91. Avoid the N20 engine with build dates prior to Feb 2015, so you are looking at late 2015 models.
Execuhitch makes very nice looking Class 3 hitch but it will cost you, although less than the factory hitch. |
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01-08-2018, 04:36 PM | #7 |
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For under $35k you can find some 2014 X3 35i, M-sport, technology package and cold weather package in the chicago area no problem.
Under $40k and you can get this 2015 X3 35i, M-sport, tech & cold: https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...&modelCode1=X3 |
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01-08-2018, 11:59 PM | #8 | |
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01-11-2018, 07:27 AM | #9 |
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My recommendations would be the following:
2015+ (nice updates) 35i M Sport Lighting package Tech package Cold weather package |
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01-12-2018, 08:03 AM | #10 |
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Have you considered a cpo 2016+ X1 or new 2018 x1. I have as second car. Better gas mileage, design, and pricing. Get with tech and premium packages.
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01-12-2018, 10:56 AM | #11 |
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I recently picked up a 2013 X3 x28i M Sport. Artic white with nevada black leather. Every option BMW offers except xenon lights and active cruise control with 34k miles.
BMW extended the warranty on the N20 engine until 2020 or 70k miles whatever comes first so no worries there. It's faster than the 2010 BMW 328i it replaced and gets the same fuel consumption. It will easily tow it's 3500lb rating without breaking a sweat. I have the EcoHitch Stealth hitch ($375 shipped) and the Tekonsha T-Connector harness adapter ($96 on Amazon). Having the camera point at my hitch wasn't worth spending $1000 on the OEM stuff, who cares. The Ecohitch might not be as fancy as the others that cost twice as much, but the receiver still unbolts when not in use. $375 to remove a bolt to remove the receiver so there's no visible hitch behind the car or $900 to have a twist handle that does the same thing. No brainer. I can remove a bolt. The only downfall of the 2013 is the ConnectedDrive will need a $1200 update to connect to ATT's network. Again, who cares if i can't unlock my doors on my cell. I don't like the LCI update so I didn't get one. To me the LCI update makes things feel and look cheap. It's a downgrade in my eyes. I also did not want the 35i for the $3000 premium. It offered no real world benefits other than worse fuel consumption. For $199 I can get a Burger JB+ Quick Install tuner which will make the 28i run circles around a stock 35i without the horrible fuel mileage. Last edited by Riick; 01-12-2018 at 01:21 PM.. |
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01-12-2018, 06:46 PM | #12 |
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I have not considered the X1. I am 6'3", and most of my friends are equally as tall, and I always imagined that the X1 would be too small. I definitely check them out in the dealer though. Thanks for the suggestion!
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01-12-2018, 06:48 PM | #13 | |
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01-13-2018, 02:43 AM | #14 | |
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I saw earlier that you'd like to stay under 35k. I bought a CPO 2015 35i X Line with every available option except for the drivers assistance plus package. I negotiated the price to $33,500. The thing was less than 3 years old since the owner did a lease pull ahead. Had 38k miles on it and the car has zero flaws anywhere in the interior or exterior. Have you driven the 35i and 28i both? The 35i is well worth it and it doesn't carry much of a premium on the used market. The 35i comes with standard upgrades such as the Lighting package and panoramic moonroof. After 2016+ the 35i comes with the HK audio as standard as well. The real world fuel mileage is the same between the 28i and the 35i. The N20 has been a terrible engine and it's a BMW, and BMW's are meant to have an inline six engine. The 28i sounds awful and runs out of steam at around 70 MPH. |
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01-13-2018, 09:14 AM | #15 |
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It doesn't "run out of steam" at 70mph. Stop making stuff up. The N20 on the dyno it makes around 230whp and 270ftlb torque. The inline 6 n/a 3.0 it replaced only makes around 190whp and 190ftlb torque. The N20 runs circles around the N52. Quit being a BMW elitist saying they're only supposed to have inline 6. You do know the most famous BMW of them all, that started it all, was a 4 banger right?
A Burger tune brings it to 260whp. A stock X3 35i makes around 250whp. The X3 isn't a drag race car. It's a 4500lb SUV. On the used market the 35i easily brings $3000 premium over a 28i. Why spend $3000 for 250whp when you can save $2800 and have 260whp. The only crossover I'd get 35i is an E series X1. The E84 is literally just a BMW 335ix with a hatchback body bolted on. The F series X1 is complete garbage and an embarrassment. Let's pretend it doesn't exist and erase it from the BMW history timeline. Last edited by Riick; 01-13-2018 at 09:33 AM.. |
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01-13-2018, 10:32 AM | #16 | |
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What I mean by "Runs out of steam" is that after 70 MPH, the car is sluggish and passing power sucks. And it's not 4500 pounds, not even in it's heaviest form. It's just over 4000 in the sDrive 28i trim. Furthermore, the X3 is the F30 chassis and is quite fun to drive for an SUV. The 35i makes it even more fun to drive and the engine noise actually sounds fitting for the nearly 60k vehicle it is. The N20 is a terrible motor, it sounds weak, and has several known issues. The first BMWs could get away with a 4 cylinder because they were small and light, they weren't SUVs. I'd take an N52 over the N20 any day and most people would agree with me. The smoothness of an inline 6 is something truly special. I wouldn't want to tune the N20, it's already a budget engine as it is with known weak points. Buy the 35i, you'll regret it later. |
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01-14-2018, 07:39 AM | #17 |
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I have an x3 35i M-Sport, 2013.
Bought it used. It has the sport suspension delete so very comfortable but no very sporty. It is also very heavy and it shows when driving on icy/snowy roads. Quite surprised to have been able to knock the shocks 2-3 times already on a small bump (was going fast though). Water pump died at 60k miles, battery died at 65k. Overall vehicle is very comfortable, the 35i sound is why I bought it for and I enjoy its sport mode on a daily basis. Definitively would recommend with an extended warranty, but be prepared for expensive repairs. |
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01-15-2018, 08:42 AM | #18 |
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Any buyer of a used BMW needs to be prepared for expensive repairs...its part of the price you pay for driving a BMW.
The same can be said for: Porsche; Mercedes; Audi; Lexus; Range Rover; Jaguar; etc |
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01-15-2018, 11:12 AM | #19 | |
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I recently was shopping both the N20 and N55 X3's. I bought the N55 because it doesn't have a failing timing chain, it is faster and it sounds better. The N20 was pretty good with adequate power, but the timing chain problem allowed me to justify buying the engine I really wanted because it would be better in the long run. The 35i usually can be found with more options which was important to me. I really don't like Leatherette. Also coming from an e91 with the N52 I have been conditioned to BWW inline 6s. Also had a Lexus with the 2JZ years ago and grew to love the I-6. Last edited by Aspen235; 01-15-2018 at 11:17 AM.. |
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01-15-2018, 12:22 PM | #20 |
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I'm very close to my service advisor at Field's BMW in Orlando.
They've only had 2 N20s have timing chain failure. Ever. There's no stress or reported failures of any N20 due to a Burger tune. They'll run forever at 260whp. If that means I get 35i speed for thousands less hell yeah. The 35i is statistically less reliable. It's not a good motor it's been plagued with failures of all sorts from day one. |
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01-15-2018, 12:36 PM | #21 |
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I was wondering about your numbers Riick.
According to Burger a stock N55 in a 135i makes 288hp/329 tq. So +30hp and +26tq vs a tuned N20. Add the JB+ and the N55 goes to 315/356 which is 20% more power than a tuned N20. I don't think you will be out running a 35i. The N55 after 2013 gets an improved water pump, the coils are good, the HPFP is good, really nothing to worry about other than the serpentine belt and tensioner. The N54 was a nightmare and the N20 class action suits continue. |
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01-15-2018, 12:48 PM | #22 | |
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I have an example of both (N26 and an N52 in an X3 X-drive). The N52 has more than 190hp/tq trust me. You can stomp on it and it WILL get out of it's own way pretty quickly. Sounds much better than the N2x-series as well. My N26 is tuned moderately and not worried about timing chain issues,etc. Stock they're at 228-230hp and 250ish WTQ..(not 270..but i wish!). My car numbers are 250hp/317tq which is more than enough currently. There IS a tune out for the N52 that I might look into. (Yes, I know no turbos/boost tweaking.)
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