buying a used X3...advise please

[Mark83]

Hi all, as subject states, I'm looking to buy a X3.
looking to spend around 10k and for that I'm looking at 2008 diesel m sport, 70k on the clock.
Does anyone know what I need to lookout for, either work that should of been done or work that will need doing in the future...Particle fliter etc, I really don't know much about bmw 2.0 diesels.
Any info on all aspects would be great. Thanks in advance, Mark

 

[mr wilks]

These can & do blow turbos for fun & it seem's with little warning mainly related to blocked oil feed pipes
If you are not on BMWland then join up & get into the X3 section
Tyres HAVE to be the right ones by that i mean if you deviate from the specced rolling radius then the xmas tree lights are off on the dash
Also don't expect to go anywhere in the snow 7 ice unless you get winter rubber
Again the BMWland X3 section has much knowledge to read through
Ive had one & couldn't fault it but on my Indy's advice bought petrol & paid a lot less for it but paid extra at the pumps as a gamble against potentially costly repairs :?
Nice place to travel but more suited to mrs w than myself :wink:

 

[Fast3000]

Imo that era of x3 were a bit dodgy...better off with a jap suv! Sorry..

 

[Yorkie Z]

Each to there own and all that but why oh why don't you go for an X5.? The X5 is a desirable motor in my eyes, I find the X3 to be rather ugly IMO

Im sure your delighted with my constructive input

 

[dalecan]

My wife's had an X3 for 5 years (not diesel, the 2.5). The car now has 141K on the clock and it's been really reliable. The only issues being:

sunroof cassette; changed under warranty
An issue with the PCV; cost the guts of $800.
Water pump was replaced at about 80K

Other than that it's been great. I'd buy another.

 

[Anonymous]

I believe that a 2008 car would be the N47 engine and if so I would not touch one with a barge pole.

The N47, especially early ones, has well known issues related to it's timing chain and sprockets wearing out. They are installed at the back of the engine so to fix it is a huge job which involves removing the engine from the car.

DPF also an issue.

 

[Ewazix]

Mate in the trade says don't unless you have an excellent warranty on board, it seems there are a lot sold on with latent engine light/sensor faults and engine running problems relating to turbos and emissions. Expensive and hard to sort. Apparently with the BMW D a well used and maintained high miler is a better bet than a car used by yummy-mummy to drop the kids off, visit the gym then lunch, they benefit from long hot runs and frequent lube changes (the car that is, can't comment on yummy-mums)

 

[DPG]

I believe that a 2008 car would be the N47 engine and if so I would not touch one with a barge pole.

The N47, especially early ones, has well known issues related to it's timing chain and sprockets wearing out. They are installed at the back of the engine so to fix it is a huge job which involves removing the engine from the car.

DPF also an issue.

Was going to say the same. The N47 cam chain issue would be enough to put me off.

My sister bought a 2009 X3 but I made sure she got a 2 year BMW warranty thrown in.

 

[Mark83]

Thanks for all the advise. It's for my wife, I'm not particularly found of the looks myself. From the comments you've all given I'm gonna steer clear of it...I'm paranoid about reliability on cars as it is, I wouldn't sleep at night knowing potential failures
I think an X5 would be too big for her. She has a Honda civic now and it's been faultless. I've shown her a few options, but the only other thing she's vaguely liked is the face lifted Land rover, free lander. Has anyone got any suggestions?

 

[ZermattV]

Some thoughts

Volvo XC60 , A4 Avant quattro , VW Tiguan, Nissan QQ

if you want something bomb proof Subaru Forester - but they are not pretty

 

[toolmanchris]

I just brought a new SanteFe and its a really good car but the badge doesnt suit some
Got the 2.2 diesel and it goes like a rocket for its size. Economy not top of the range but it pulls my Twin axle caravan with ease and thats why we got it

 

[Ewazix]

Thanks for all the advise. It's for my wife, I'm not particularly found of the looks myself. From the comments you've all given I'm gonna steer clear of it...I'm paranoid about reliability on cars as it is, I wouldn't sleep at night knowing potential failures
I think an X5 would be too big for her. She has a Honda civic now and it's been faultless. I've shown her a few options, but the only other thing she's vaguely liked is the face lifted Land rover, free lander. Has anyone got any suggestions?

Like Honda, want reliability? Honda CRV should do the trick