2016 BMW X3 x28d

andreigbs

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 27, 2004
Location
Walworth Co., Wisconsin
TDI
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Out with the old, in with the new.

Just traded my last TDI for this, getting full trade value and a good discount since the X3 had been sitting on their lot for nearly 6 months.

It was a one-owner lease that was turned in, BMW tried to sell it as CPO and gave up after a couple months last year. Local dealer in Madison, WI bought it at auction and tried to sell it as well, starting Aug 2019. Fast-forward to this past weekend and they made me a deal I couldn't pass up.

Bim (from "James May, Our Man in Japan") came with 49xxx miles, all records and books (some of which were still in plastic wrap), rubber and carpet floor mats, 2 key fobs, brand new brakes all around and a fresh oil change. It is equipped pretty basic for a BMW, but it has everything I need. No pano or sun/moonroof, so nothing to leak. No navigation, since I use my phone for that anyway.

It does have adaptive LED headlights with auto high beams, rearview cam, park assist and proximity sensors front and rear.

From what I found in the books and online, while not an official CPO sold by BMW it still has the following coverage:
-8yr/80k miles on catalytic converter, ECU, SCR system, DPF.
-10yr/120k miles on NOx sensors.

It is most definitely a step up from the Golfs and Jettas I've been driving for many years. The trouble is the BMW forums aren't very knowledgeable about these cars and very few diesel owners frequent them. That is not the case here, where we have many specialists and other motorheads.

As for fuel economy, the past few days driving it I'm seeing 35 MPG average on the display; I'll give it a few tanks with manual maths to confirm.

Any other BMW diesel owners: I'd welcome your thoughts and experiences as I take Bim onwards to (hopefully) at least 150k miles. I may no longer drive a TDI, but I'm sticking around to learn what I can and participate where possible.

Pics for your enjoyment:







 

KITEWAGON

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2009
Location
Seacoast, NH
TDI
2014 Touareg Exec, 2014 JSW
Nice ride. I have to admit that I didn't realize that a diesel X3 even existing in North America. That has to be a pretty rare car. I can't imagine that they sold many of them.
 

andreigbs

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 27, 2004
Location
Walworth Co., Wisconsin
TDI
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Thanks, I'm enjoying it immensely.

Likely they didn't sell too many, which would also explain why it's been sitting on the lot this long AND why the BMW dealer gave up trying to sell it themselves.

I guess no takers for the smaller diesel, although I think they had better luck earlier on with the 335d, 535d, and the X5s, and especially as they aren't making any more diesels. People that tend to buy BMWs do so for the performance, and their minds don't exactly equate diesel with performance.

Sly that I am, I'm looking at tuning options already... The standard 180hp and 280 lbs-ft torque is great, don't get me wrong. Much better than my neutered TDI post-fix. But I'm looking at tunes that bring 40-60hp extra and similar numbers in torque increases. I'd also love to run less EGR and assorted emission choke holds. We shall then see what performance is.
 

tomo366

TDI Lifer, Member #68
Joined
Jun 30, 1997
Location
Kensington, Maryland USA
TDI
2015 Jetta SEL TDI
Most were Lease Vehicles because they were a hard sell..... and they are now coming back off lease same thing Happened in 2017 with the 328d cars just paid mine off
 

andreigbs

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Joined
Sep 27, 2004
Location
Walworth Co., Wisconsin
TDI
N/A
Agreed, and that's especially the case with BMWs where folks would rather not pay to maintain them when the dealer does it "for free" (no such thing, it's built into the price of the car itself).

How has your BMW diesel been treating you? How many miles and what unexpected repairs have you had to do, if any?
 

IndigoBlueWagon

TDIClub Enthusiast, Principal IDParts, Vendor , w/
Joined
Aug 16, 2004
Location
South of Boston
TDI
'97 Passat, '99.5 Golf, '02 Jetta Wagon, '15 GSW
That's a rare car. I like them. You may already know this, but Jason's TD Repair in Oregon WI can take care of that for you if you don't want to use the dealer. He's both a BMW and a diesel specialist.
 

tomo366

TDI Lifer, Member #68
Joined
Jun 30, 1997
Location
Kensington, Maryland USA
TDI
2015 Jetta SEL TDI
Agreed, and that's especially the case with BMWs where folks would rather not pay to maintain them when the dealer does it "for free" (no such thing, it's built into the price of the car itself).

How has your BMW diesel been treating you? How many miles and what unexpected repairs have you had to do, if any?
Love the car.... dropped 3K when I bought it 2.5 years ago to buy a extended service and maintenance warranty so BMW has performed all service to date
Or the most part it has been Trouble Free I had a CEL for a #4 injector cleared it several times finally took it in They replaced all 4 and did a brake job so for the 1st time ever an Extended Warranty Paid for itself it runs out in July....Paid it off last month and Bought a Jeep Grand Cherokee Eco Diesel Love it Too! So the BMW isn’t getting driven everyday all is good Wife drives my 2015 Jetta TDI!
 

jck66

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jan 4, 2001
Location
Greenwich, CT, USA
TDI
12 Passat SE / 14 BMW 535d
Congrats on your ride - a rare beast indeed. There are a few of us who post over on bimmerfest as well; there is a diesel-specific subforum that gets some light traffic.
 

tomo366

TDI Lifer, Member #68
Joined
Jun 30, 1997
Location
Kensington, Maryland USA
TDI
2015 Jetta SEL TDI
Congrats on your ride - a rare beast indeed. There are a few of us who post over on bimmerfest as well; there is a diesel-specific subforum that gets some light traffic.
there wass a red CPO X3 here for about 8 Months Thought about it but didnt like the beige interior...and is sort of small for my tastes Jeep is so much bigger
 

andreigbs

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 27, 2004
Location
Walworth Co., Wisconsin
TDI
N/A
IBW: Thanks, yep I have Jason's shop saved as a favorite though I have yet to visit him. Hoping not to have to, since I can do most of my own maintenance. Definitely good to have him nearby though. Quick question: the oil change kit listed on idparts, is that oil the LL-12FE spec that is called for? Or is LL-04 inclusive of it? According to my manual, LL-04 "may be used" if the 12FE stuff isn't available. The 12FE spec is a 0w30.

Tomo: that's encouraging that nothing major has happened. I'm hoping that with my engine being a 2016 that was (and now will be) properly cared for that I won't have to worry about injector issues. Fuel filter will be due soon.

I especially enjoy the smoothness of the 8-spd and the low revs at highway cruising speeds. It is a joy to be in.

I passed up a couple other specimens too; no HIDs or LEDs, beige interior and a white-ish silver metallic paint that the wife did not like.

jck: Thanks! I visited bimmerfest and I think I may have posted an introductory thread, but I really don't see much in the way of knowledge or in-depth information like here at TDIclub. I'll have to keep digging though. This really is one of the best forums.
 
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tomo366

TDI Lifer, Member #68
Joined
Jun 30, 1997
Location
Kensington, Maryland USA
TDI
2015 Jetta SEL TDI
IBW: Thanks, yep I have Jason's shop saved as a favorite though I have yet to visit him. Hoping not to have to, since I can do most of my own maintenance. Definitely good to have him nearby though. Quick question: the oil change kit listed on idparts, is that oil the LL-12FE spec that is called for? Or is LL-04 inclusive of it? According to my manual, LL-04 "may be used" if the 12FE stuff isn't available. The 12FE spec is a 0w30.
Tomo: that's encouraging that nothing major has happened. I'm hoping that with my engine being a 2016 that was (and now will be) properly cared for that I won't have to worry about injector issues. Fuel filter will be due soon.
I especially enjoy the smoothness of the 8-spd and the low revs at highway cruising speeds. It is a joy to be in.
I passed up a couple other specimens too; no HIDs or LEDs, beige interior and a white-ish silver metallic paint that the wife did not like.
jck: Thanks! I visited bimmerfest and I think I may have posted an introductory thread, but I really don't see much in the way of knowledge or in-depth information like here at TDIclub. I'll have to keep digging though. This really is one of the best forums.
My 328d was a lease car and was about 7 miles from away from me until it was turned back in, they didn’t clear the Navigator! I have all the service records, love the Car! love my VW also!
This one actually gets about the same Fuel Mileage as my Jetta! And it is smoother quieter (Run Flats not withstanding! ) and has many more options than the Jetta! This one was 52k new! The Jeep really has a sweet smooth shifting 8 Speed also! It was 54K new
 

IndigoBlueWagon

TDIClub Enthusiast, Principal IDParts, Vendor , w/
Joined
Aug 16, 2004
Location
South of Boston
TDI
'97 Passat, '99.5 Golf, '02 Jetta Wagon, '15 GSW
Quick question: the oil change kit listed on idparts, is that oil the LL-12FE spec that is called for? Or is LL-04 inclusive of it? According to my manual, LL-04 "may be used" if the 12FE stuff isn't available. The 12FE spec is a 0w30.
I can check on this. I don't think the LL-04s we stock are inclusive of 12FE, but I'm betting the only difference is a fuel economy standard that makes it a 0w instead of a 5w. Mercedes has flip-flopped on this several times with their diesels.

EDIT: Looks like owners manuals list both oils. Oddly, the 328d manual shows LL-04, but in 2018 it shows both LL-04 and 12FE. And the X3 shows LL-04 until 2016, when it too shows both. In my opinion that supports my fuel economy theory. I'd probably run LL-04, but Rowe also has a product that is 12FE and we'll see if we can get some.

Also, BMW has been trying to standardize its oils across the range to reduce the number of SKUs. the dealer has to stock. This may be part of the trend. VW is doing something similar their new VW branded oil (Mobil, apparently) is a 0w30 for the 507.00 spec where it was a 5w30.
 
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andreigbs

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Joined
Sep 27, 2004
Location
Walworth Co., Wisconsin
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N/A
Thanks for checking, IBW. Yeah I'm familiar with the MB flip-flop as I sometimes switch between 229.51 and 229.52 oils.

Trying to consolidate to one oil for both diesels, that will do a great job protecting the engine first and foremost, then the downstream components.

From my reading so far, LL-04 oils would be just as good at protecting the engine while the 12FE may provide a small FE bump, but some argue it comes at the cost of potentially sacrificing turbocharger's life due to lower HTHS.

So much to read and get educated on...
 

IndigoBlueWagon

TDIClub Enthusiast, Principal IDParts, Vendor , w/
Joined
Aug 16, 2004
Location
South of Boston
TDI
'97 Passat, '99.5 Golf, '02 Jetta Wagon, '15 GSW
I'd probably consolidate to the Rowe Hightec Synt RS DLS or Total Quartz INEO MC3. Both are both LL-04 and MB 229.52.
 

andreigbs

Veteran Member
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Sep 27, 2004
Location
Walworth Co., Wisconsin
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IBW: that sounds reasonable. I've used the Total in my TDI before but not in the Bluetec. Currently running M1 ESP 5w30 which was on sale at Walmart. I'm also seeing other domestics (Pennzoil Platinum Euro, Valvoline MST) that meet the 229.52 and LL-04 spec, so I definitely have options. I do like to get everything I need at once in a kit, like idparts offers.

Thanks Pete. I wasn't particularly looking for a BMW either, just for a diesel SUV to replace my Jetta with. In fact, I was looking specifically for another Bluetec like a GLK250 or ML250 but nothing was showing up in the price and mileage range I wanted.

I had read a lot on the V6 TDI and decided to skip the Touaregs/Q7s/Cayennes and Q5. Even with the extended emissions warranty, they gave me significant pause. It didn't help that the model years in my price range were 2012s or so; the wife said they're too old and I agreed.

Those 7 series diesels are even more rare than the A8. I've seen probably one or two over the years. This X3 looks common, as many are coming off lease and getting bought as CPOs but I do get doubletakes as people try to figure out what the letters mean on the driver and passenger side doors. I tend to scoot well before they can see it too well anyhow...
 
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KITEWAGON

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2009
Location
Seacoast, NH
TDI
2014 Touareg Exec, 2014 JSW
I had read a lot on the V6 TDI and decided to skip the Touaregs/Q7s/Cayennes and Q5. Even with the extended emissions warranty, they gave me significant pause. It didn't help that the model years in my price range were 2012s or so; the wife said they're too old and I agreed.

Interesting, I thought that the V6 TDI was regarding as being pretty reliable. Ours has been. Its the other "wear" items that are a bit pricey on the Touareg. The Q5 seems most comparable to the X3d.
 

andreigbs

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Joined
Sep 27, 2004
Location
Walworth Co., Wisconsin
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I kept reading about timing chain failures and outrageous replacement costs. And with the "fix" they burn through DEF at much higher rates, along with continued worries about the DPF.

My budget was $20k or under and I couldn't find anything newer than 2013s with pretty high mileage within 100 miles of me. I had been looking for about 6 months and drove several Touaregs in that time, as well as a few Q7s.

The size of the X3 is just right for my needs, and the mileage/power combo was optimal for my 200-mile daily commute. I can always add more power with a tune, but for now I'm just getting to know it.

At what mileage did you obtain your Touareg? They are indeed rather pricey to maintain.
 

mech644

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 7, 2007
Location
Blue Hill, Maine
TDI
'00 Golf, '14 Touareg
Pardon me if I hop on this thread, curious if there are any longer term feedback on the X3.
Looking at diesel Q5 and X3 as a new vehicle for my wife.
Going with a Q5 is an easy choice but it’s almost as much vehicle as my Touareg. X3 seems to check a lot of the boxes for her, though I’m a little hesitant. No BMW dealer within 3.5 hrs of here. I do almost everything our cars require but there will undoubtedly be a dealer thing at some point.
Only notable X3 issue I’m aware of is the bevel box (not a transfer case sine it has no ranges) has an elevated failure rate, but that opinion comes from perusing the 3 series diesels 2 years back.
Thanks for anything anyone has to share.
 

IndigoBlueWagon

TDIClub Enthusiast, Principal IDParts, Vendor , w/
Joined
Aug 16, 2004
Location
South of Boston
TDI
'97 Passat, '99.5 Golf, '02 Jetta Wagon, '15 GSW
Can't comment on the car but I can on the transfer case. Jason from Jason's TD repair in Wisconsin is a BMW enthusiast. He says if you change the gear oil in the transfer case every 40-60K miles you won't have a problem. People don't like to do it because the gear oil is $90/liter. But it only takes about 8 oz.
 

jck66

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jan 4, 2001
Location
Greenwich, CT, USA
TDI
12 Passat SE / 14 BMW 535d
People don't like to do it because the gear oil is $90/liter. But it only takes about 8 oz.
Well, the gear oil is expensive plus on some BMW's (not sure about the X3) the transfer case is a pain to access and service (you have to drop the exhaust to get to it, then there's no drain plug so either suck the old fluid out or remove and invert the thing to drain). I've got two of them - lovely cars but not always friendly to service... :(
 

IndigoBlueWagon

TDIClub Enthusiast, Principal IDParts, Vendor , w/
Joined
Aug 16, 2004
Location
South of Boston
TDI
'97 Passat, '99.5 Golf, '02 Jetta Wagon, '15 GSW
Don't think you have to drop the exhaust on the 328d.

And people wonder why I avoid AWD. :)
 

andreigbs

Veteran Member
Joined
Sep 27, 2004
Location
Walworth Co., Wisconsin
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For most maintenance items, it seems to me that the X3 diesel is manageable for the enthusiast with some experience. The air filter and its assembly basically snap off the top of the engine once the cover is popped off.

I like that the DEF refill is inside the fuel filler door, not in the trunk somewhere.

The oil filter is a bit of a pain only because one must first remove the air filter assembly to get easy access to it.

It has a dipstick to facilitate vacuum extraction of oil.

The fuel filter is a bit of a pain since it's under the car, but it doesn't need to be done too often (book says every 5th oil change, but I prefer to go by mileage).

The transmission and driveline are items I'd let a pro drain and refill. For one, I don't like getting under there if I don't have to. Two, those fluids stink and I don't want to get them on me, my clothes, or my garage floor. Three, they're done rarely and not worth the headache to potentially mess up. I paid a few hundred for all driveline fluids to be replaced on my Bluetec at around 60k miles and I'll pay to do them again at 120k miles.

Same goes for Bim.

I was in the same boat as you, trying to decide on which diesel AWD would be my next vehicle and the X3 won out. If you commute a lot and fuel economy matters, the X3 4-cyl will return no less than 32MPG and more than likely 34-36.

The V6 TDI is thirsty no matter what chassis it powers, and the potential of the timing chain(s) to go bad prematurely (along with continued DPF issues even post-fix) steered me away from them.

Good luck and all the best in your search.
 

Rob Mayercik

Veteran Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2001
Location
NJ, U.S.A.
TDI
2002 Jetta GLS, Baltic Green/Beige
People don't like to do it because the gear oil is $90/liter. But it only takes about 8 oz.
Wait, what? That seems like an awful small fill capacity for a transfer case (if that's the correct term in AWD systems).

If it's got to hold up to 40-60K miles with only 8oz to go around, it's no wonder the stuff's so pricey. Must be some serious wunderfluid...
 

mech644

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 7, 2007
Location
Blue Hill, Maine
TDI
'00 Golf, '14 Touareg
Thanks one and all for the responses.
Q5 or X3 it will be wife’s car. ‘14 Touareg and I have a great relationship.
I believe the box is referred to as a bevel box. Fluid volume is small because the thing is physically small, probably doesn’t have any clutches, etc inside, just gears and a few bearings. Costly little box to purchase so I’d spend $100 on fluid every 30k and hope it got to 150 before wearing out.
For my purposes I don’t characterize the Touareg as thirsty. My Touareg reliably did 29-30, 90% of the time refill at same pump, hand calculated average on the receipt (have every one for last 4 years). 4 weeks post fix it’s looking like 26-28.
If my wife couldn’t get +34 out of an X3 id be disappointed. Our old ALH golf would do 47 with me driving it, she would easily get 53. I’m sure it could do so again if I’d ever put a clutch in it and put it back on the road.
Both Q5 and X3 have + and - that seem to offset, but a lot will depend on what she likes when she drives them. Most likely doing a road trip down to Boston this weekend to check some out.
 

pdh

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 18, 2007
Location
Newfoundland, NJ
TDI
2015 Golf TDI, 2014 BMW 328d, X Drive
MY BMW Diesel

I bought my 328d X-Drive as a CPO in 2016 w/37k on it to replace a 2003 328xi (E46) w/120k. This diesel now has 63k & gets 45mpg highway.
I had the transfer case and trans fluid changed at 40k according to ZF's (the manufacturer) recommendation. I do not believe in BMW'S" life time fill" unless the transmission has +80k on it....then there may be issues with slippage.
I've had no problems mechanically with this car. Unfortunately, I do not trust my dealer 100% (maybe 75%). It seems they ALWAYS find a bent rim or bubble in a tire or something beyond routine maintenance.
Nevertheless, I'm very happy with the car. I HOPE it lasts 200k, then I'll be ecstatic.
 

andreigbs

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Sep 27, 2004
Location
Walworth Co., Wisconsin
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So far so good on mine as well. I've been doing lots of reading over on the diesel subforum of bimmerpost and it seems the 3er had quite a few issues with the transfer cases. Something about the spline shaft wearing and guibo not absorbing the vibrations and such. Plenty of folks have upgraded those (guibos) and added Loctite to the spline to prevent wear (https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=488 for more posts).

My X3 is currently returning between 33 and 36 MPGs depending on road/traffic/weather conditions and I'm very happy with it. (I've also ordered my Kerma Qpro software update, but that may be a separate thread.)

Planning on having all the driveline fluids replaced at or before 60K, since most of my 200-mile daily drive is freeway.
 

WrEkkED

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2008
Location
Toronto
TDI
'04 TDI Sport
Congrats on the purchase!

Have to agree with the transmission fluid. I have an X5 35i 18mpg ;) , the transmissions fluid and oil should be changed more frequently than suggested if planning to get the most out of the car. I do the 15k oil change at the dealer, but I do an additional halfway on my own.

Same as any german, keep up with the maintenance and she should treat you well.
 

Blue_Hen_TDI

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Oct 23, 2005
Location
Slower, DE
TDI
owned: 96 B4V, 06 Golf, 12 NMS, 15 GSW
Welcome to the BMW diesel world. If you're on FB, this group can be kind of resourceful: https://www.facebook.com/groups/NABDOG/

There are a few wise arses, but as long as you're not asking the dreaded "which oil should I use" or "I pulled this code from a generic code reader; what's wrong with my car?", they will give you insightful answers.
 
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