x3 xDrive20d

[Gabs]

Hi

I'm an absolute newb to the BMW stable and on the hunt for a X3 xDrive20d.

I currently drive a 2016 Mazda Akera 2.2D which I bought 3 years ago. We bought it blind and shipped it in from Nigel, but it really wasn't well looked after by the previous owner and besides all the preventative maintenance we did, it still cost us quite a bit of bucks during her time with us. (in hindsight we probably should have flown up and taken a look at it).

Besides all the drama, she served her purpose as my mom van, many family holidays and rallies in the Cape farmlands (we did put on quite a bit of mileage)

I've looked at a few x3's and managed to drive one today (2018 model). My question really is what do I need to look out for?
Any advice / tips would be much appreciated.

Note: The one I looked at today had 2 different brand and sized tyres on the front and back. Is the difference in size based on the xDrive? It was last serviced at BMW in 2022, but had a sticker on the inside of the driver side door that says it had been serviced in 2023 by someone other than BMW (although this wasn't picked up on the system).

Cheers!

 

[Gabs]

Here's a link to the ad of the one I looked at today:

BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport for sale in Milnerton - ID: 27433487

Used 2018 BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport For Sale - R 399 995 - ID: 27433487

www.autotrader.co.za

 

[MR_Y]

Here's a link to the ad of the one I looked at today:

BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport for sale in Milnerton - ID: 27433487

Used 2018 BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport For Sale - R 399 995 - ID: 27433487

www.autotrader.co.za

The spec on the advert (as per the technical details) is for a G01 X3. The car being sold is an F25 (previous model). The G01 was launched in 2018, so that F25 could have been a late run out model of the previous generation.

A VIN check will allay some worries.

 

[Gabs]

The spec on the advert (as per the technical details) is for a G01 X3. The car being sold is an F25 (previous model). The G01 was launched in 2018, so that F25 could have been a late run out model of the previous generation.

A VIN check will allay some worries.

Thanks for your reply - that is useful info. I will ask the dealer for the VIN🙏🏽

 

[MR_Y]

Thanks for your reply - that is useful info. I will ask the dealer for the VIN🙏🏽

The member, Cosiman, on this forum should be contacted to assist with VIN checks

 

[Gabs]

The member, Cosiman, on this forum should be contacted to assist with VIN checks

Thank you🙏🏽 I'll reach out to him. I seen another one that looks good but it's up in Pretoria. Have reached out to the dealer to request more info. Also done a fair bit of reading on here about what to look out for, especially with comments, service history and mileage.

 

[Gabs]

Here's a link to the other one. I didn't realise that the 2017 models didn't come with reverse cameras. I'm really spoilt in the Mazda as it came standard with all the bells and whistles. Either way, drove an X3 yesterday and mentioned to my husband that the drive quality between the two is chalk and cheese😅

BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport Auto for sale in Pretoria - ID: 27477604

Used 2017 BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport Auto For Sale - R 379 900 - ID: 27477604

www.autotrader.co.za

 

[Gabs]

The member, Cosiman, on this forum should be contacted to assist with VIN checks

How do I PM someone? I went onto his profile but I don't see an option🙈

 

[///M Individual]

Hi  Gabs

Great choice of replacement.

Please have a look at this thread and send the vehicle information to Coisman in his specified format via email:

Doing Enatis checks on vehicles

@Coisman i know you definitely receive this quite often but it really is worth saying again how much we appreciate the efforts you take to help us. I am one of the people who has bought with confidence and also avoided huge financial losses from your advice.🙌

www.bmwfanatics.co.za

Regarding reverse camera, it was an optional extra regardless of what year model. Although, front and rear PDC seems to suffice on our F25.

 

[MR_Y]

Here's a link to the other one. I didn't realise that the 2017 models didn't come with reverse cameras. I'm really spoilt in the Mazda as it came standard with all the bells and whistles. Either way, drove an X3 yesterday and mentioned to my husband that the drive quality between the two is chalk and cheese😅

BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport Auto for sale in Pretoria - ID: 27477604

Used 2017 BMW X3 xDrive20d M Sport Auto For Sale - R 379 900 - ID: 27477604

www.autotrader.co.za

I had a 2016 CX5 2.0i petrol.
My X3 20d is faster, but the CX5 felt like a more chuckable car to drive around spiritedly. The CX5 is lighter and more fun to drive at low speeds - feels like a raised hatchback than an SUV to drive.

I think an Akera 2.2d (like what you had before) will be difficult to beat in terms of specifications. I also like the interior of the CX5 more than the X3. The CX5 has an Audi look and feel to it.

I understand you had issues with your CX5, but I honestly feel that a 2.2d CX5 is better (ease of driving, specs, build quality) than an X3 20d. If you are going for an X3, in order to get a proper upgrade over your CX5 then rather look for a 2018 X3 30d, or the newer facelifted X3 20d (post 2021, I think) where the tech specs and fit and finish is really worth the premium.

Disclaimer: I know some earlier 2.2d CX5 models had some engine/turbo issues. To my knowledge, this was rectified in the later models.

 

[FILV]

Pity you got a rough CX5. I drove my mother in laws 2016 2.0 Active many times,and now their facelift 2018. The 2016 always surprised me how well it drove and quality of the interior. The facelift is just a whole different league. They added an extra 50KG's just in extra sound deadening. They even did small details like lower the wipers bellow the bonnet, made the gaps between the doors to the body to lower air turbulence and road noise. Double layered rubbers on the doors, carpeted the rear wheel wells inside the boot. The ride is dead silent, even on a badly tarred highway. i have jumped out only to realize the car was still on because it is so silent and the engine so smooth. The Akera will always be better spec'd than a F25 X3. They come standard with Bose, leather, the headsup display, sunroof.

Im guessing your budget is around R400 000?

If so... i strongly suggest you go test drive a facelift 2.2 Akera. The difference between your shape and the newer one is really quite vast. Just the front seats bug me as the bottom piece is shorter, so it feels shorted than the the older style chairs.

If you are looking for a clean X3 at the price, my Friends wife is selling hers. It is probably the cleanest LCI F25 out there, and legit one owner, lady owned, non smoker full Bmw service history and best spec'ed X3 out there. I would have bought it but unfortunately my budget cant stretch to that price.

 

[Gabs]

Thank you for all your comments - I appreciate them

I'll give you a brief history of the Mazda and why I am opting to steer clear of it.
I really loved the Mazda (given we probably did buy a lemon), but I'll share a bit of our experience with our car.

Shortly after we got the car the engine light came on We immediately took it to Mazda. It took them over a month and a half to diagnose the fault, which ended up being the EGR valve being blocked (I realise that this is a common issue on the Diesels but then surely they should know that?). A few months later the oil light came on and it was the oil pick up being blocked. Since it sits within the sump they had to drop it. It cost us R10k+ based on the standard hours to do the job. I then had a leak on a part that Mazda identified as a faulty part (upgraded on the newer version), and it took them 7 days alone just to import the part. There have been a number of other issues which they have struggled to diagnose.

We've got two friends who have the same car and they've experienced the same issues (perhaps it's the model). Everything that needed to be done has been super labour intensive based on the build of the car and so while I'd love to get into a later model, the experience overall has left a bit of a bitter taste.

Besides that, it really is a lovely car and it's a real pity. I had always intended to get into a BMW and so now is the time

 

[Gabs]

Pity you got a rough CX5. I drove my mother in laws 2016 2.0 Active many times,and now their facelift 2018. The 2016 always surprised me how well it drove and quality of the interior. The facelift is just a whole different league. They added an extra 50KG's just in extra sound deadening. They even did small details like lower the wipers bellow the bonnet, made the gaps between the doors to the body to lower air turbulence and road noise. Double layered rubbers on the doors, carpeted the rear wheel wells inside the boot. The ride is dead silent, even on a badly tarred highway. i have jumped out only to realize the car was still on because it is so silent and the engine so smooth. The Akera will always be better spec'd than a F25 X3. They come standard with Bose, leather, the headsup display, sunroof.

Im guessing your budget is around R400 000?

If so... i strongly suggest you go test drive a facelift 2.2 Akera. The difference between your shape and the newer one is really quite vast. Just the front seats bug me as the bottom piece is shorter, so it feels shorted than the the older style chairs.

If you are looking for a clean X3 at the price, my Friends wife is selling hers. It is probably the cleanest LCI F25 out there, and legit one owner, lady owned, non smoker full Bmw service history and best spec'ed X3 out there. I would have bought it but unfortunately my budget cant stretch to that price.

Thank you for this. Please could you share your friends wife's details with me? Or ask her to get in touch with me? whatever is easiest

 

[Gabs]

I find this forum super helpful! I messaged the dealer of the white one above and they got back to me now. Apparently, it has a missing service interval for 2022 and 2023. Based on that alone we won't be interested in it. I asked for the registration number and Vin and they provided it - and then mentioned about the missing service history. Interesting!

 

[MR_Y]

If you can live with slightly less space than an X3, an X1 20d may be an option...

 

[r0ckf1re]

I find this forum super helpful! I messaged the dealer of the white one above and they got back to me now. Apparently, it has a missing service interval for 2022 and 2023. Based on that alone we won't be interested in it. I asked for the registration number and Vin and they provided it - and then mentioned about the missing service history. Interesting!

You are making a great choice going for an X3.
When I looked at getting it, the exact car you have was an option and imo, it didn’t come close
to the X3 in terms of drive, power delivery and just the feel and build. I still have my 2016 X3, I haven’t had any major issues till date, zero rattles. Everything in the interior is still intact and still fairly close to new. It’s sitting on 117k KM’s. Be patient, I am sure you will find one in good condition.


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