F25 X3 3.5D high mileage. Gamble?
Discussion
I was nearly going for a Volvo XC70 but after seeing lots of potential engine issues I’m considering going back to a bmw straight 6 ( I had a 130i and loved it).
I’m potentially looking at a 2012 X3 3.5d with 130k+ miles. I’ve heard of chain issues on the 4cyl but not so much on the 6cyl. I’ll still check for chain noise.
Anything else I should be looking out for specifically and can these engines do big mileages ( obviously depending on its current and previous service history)?
I’m potentially looking at a 2012 X3 3.5d with 130k+ miles. I’ve heard of chain issues on the 4cyl but not so much on the 6cyl. I’ll still check for chain noise.
Anything else I should be looking out for specifically and can these engines do big mileages ( obviously depending on its current and previous service history)?
I sold mine a few years ago with 120k - fabulous car.
Has it had the EGR recall done - it was a while ago, but worth checking
Goes without saying but a full history helps, along with a decent MoT record.
How big are the wheels - I had optional 20s and the rear suspension needed re-aligning.
Finally - check the tyre brand. Some of these by the time they get leggy, don't have the OEM 'Star' marked tyres, which could cause transfer box issues. The symptom of that is jerking through the transmission when accelerating.
Has it had the EGR recall done - it was a while ago, but worth checking
Goes without saying but a full history helps, along with a decent MoT record.
How big are the wheels - I had optional 20s and the rear suspension needed re-aligning.
Finally - check the tyre brand. Some of these by the time they get leggy, don't have the OEM 'Star' marked tyres, which could cause transfer box issues. The symptom of that is jerking through the transmission when accelerating.
Hi Ranger
Thanks for the info.
There is an outstanding Recall but haven’t had the chance to check out which one it is ( rang about another and it was airbag computer).
Just spoken to the seller and it’s on Hancook all round but don’t know if that’s starred. That’s good you mention that as a 3.0d I’m also looking at has a different brand on each corner.
It’s MOT history is pretty good with just the usual tyre stuff and play in steering rack that’s apparently been done.
Many thanks
Thanks for the info.
There is an outstanding Recall but haven’t had the chance to check out which one it is ( rang about another and it was airbag computer).
Just spoken to the seller and it’s on Hancook all round but don’t know if that’s starred. That’s good you mention that as a 3.0d I’m also looking at has a different brand on each corner.
It’s MOT history is pretty good with just the usual tyre stuff and play in steering rack that’s apparently been done.
Many thanks
regular servicing and having * marked tyres would be the biggest 2 things to watch for.
if the car has had annual oil changes vs 2yrs/20k miles, even better, stops the engine sludging up and causing timing chain issues.
we have had 2 30d engines and both were / are serviced every year and have had no issues.
also ours were / are run on premium diesel help reduce carbon build up.
if looked after, they can take mileage well.
at the age you are looking at, maybe factor in a gearbox oil change, especially if changes are not smooth
if the car has had annual oil changes vs 2yrs/20k miles, even better, stops the engine sludging up and causing timing chain issues.
we have had 2 30d engines and both were / are serviced every year and have had no issues.
also ours were / are run on premium diesel help reduce carbon build up.
if looked after, they can take mileage well.
at the age you are looking at, maybe factor in a gearbox oil change, especially if changes are not smooth
It’s been serviced nearly every year although I don’t know what has been done in those services just yet. Visiting it tomorrow.
I always get my cars oil changed every year so will do the same with this. If it hasn’t had the gearbox oil changed I’ll get it done. Hopefully the tyres are star marked.
I always get my cars oil changed every year so will do the same with this. If it hasn’t had the gearbox oil changed I’ll get it done. Hopefully the tyres are star marked.
Most if not all of the horror stories surrounding the N57 engine's rod/main bearing, chain, crank pulley dampener and heavy oil consumption issues are due to neglect and abuse.
And I include 'waiting for stuff to break before caring' as neglect. No one ever lifts bonnets anymore. A simple monthly visual check can save you £1000s if an issue is caught in time. People are just way too reactive in this country when it comes to cars, and then whine like b
hes when presented with large bills as a consequence of their indifference.
Anyway......
If looked after it is is easily a 300,000 mile capable motor.
It has very few design flaws, but one worth mentioning is is warping valve covers, which is a consequence of the 650 deg C DPF regen temps heat soaking that corner of the engine bay. That causes a nice oil leak at the back of the engine which will spray onto the DPF/Exhaust if it gets bad enough....so again......visual checks are key.
Assorted O rings and gaskets on the trans/oil heat exchanger, flanges and thermostat housing etc can flatten off over time losing their crush, causing weeps, but that's just wear and tear and not a design flaw.
Depending on useage & mileage, the EGR cooler, pre-turbine pressure sensor pipe and the MAP sensor can need clearing out of soot at certain intervals. Again, not a flaw on BMW's part, but rather an "It is what it is" thing thanks to EU emissions regs.
There was an update to the upper chain tensioner circa 2019, so get that fitted. It just stops the cold startup rattle.
And I include 'waiting for stuff to break before caring' as neglect. No one ever lifts bonnets anymore. A simple monthly visual check can save you £1000s if an issue is caught in time. People are just way too reactive in this country when it comes to cars, and then whine like b
hes when presented with large bills as a consequence of their indifference.Anyway......
If looked after it is is easily a 300,000 mile capable motor.
It has very few design flaws, but one worth mentioning is is warping valve covers, which is a consequence of the 650 deg C DPF regen temps heat soaking that corner of the engine bay. That causes a nice oil leak at the back of the engine which will spray onto the DPF/Exhaust if it gets bad enough....so again......visual checks are key.
Assorted O rings and gaskets on the trans/oil heat exchanger, flanges and thermostat housing etc can flatten off over time losing their crush, causing weeps, but that's just wear and tear and not a design flaw.
Depending on useage & mileage, the EGR cooler, pre-turbine pressure sensor pipe and the MAP sensor can need clearing out of soot at certain intervals. Again, not a flaw on BMW's part, but rather an "It is what it is" thing thanks to EU emissions regs.
There was an update to the upper chain tensioner circa 2019, so get that fitted. It just stops the cold startup rattle.
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