2018 X3 20d xDrive

[MR_Y]

Update...

As posted elsewhere (Naked Insurance thread), I decided to process the hail damage through insurance through Auto Body Specialists Midrand (BMW approved). While they are at it, they will sort out the minor panel misalignment issues that I noted on the bonnet (as mentioned earlier here, this was due to the previous owner's non-BMW approved repairs).

Besides PDR, the car will also get paintwork done on the bonnet and roof.

All this work will make this car look pretty much good as new.

Since my wife is very happy with the X3 (prefers driving it over the Macan, because it is easier and more practical to use), we will likely keep it a while longer. With this in mind, I will get a vinyl wrap for the peeling plastic bits in the centre console area (issue posted earlier on this thread).

The Alenzas tyres (again, refer to earlier posts in this thread for issues) have been behaving themselves. Granted, I have not used the X3 for long distance holiday trips for the last few months. I do have tyre insurance with TWT to mitigate some of the cost of another unrepairable puncture.

The stuttering throttle issue (refer earlier post above) seems to have gone away. Will still ask BMW to check it at the next service.

Overall fuel consumption is at 8.5 litres per 100 km, noting that it is mainly used in traffic for the school and office run. I need to open her up with a weekend drive. I can imagine a clogged DPF if I don't do this.

Overall, relatively happy with the car. Interesting to see that these cars of 2018 vintage have dropped significantly on the used market (my car is valued at R450k). Most of the these will be out of Plan (unless extended) and those on BMW finance/lease plans would be returned back to dealers, or owners are upgrading or downgrading or hitting their balloon payment obligations. This would drive up supply on the used market.

While I do miss the creature comforts of the Volvo V60 (which this car replaced in 2022 Oct), the X3 seems more rough and ready for everyday stuff. Very practical and spacious. Qualities that soccer moms prefer.

 

[MR_Y]

So, the panelbeater (Auto Body Specialists Midrand) notified me that the car will be ready in next few days for collection. The PDR technician (who is outsourced) has completed all the dings and the painting process is underway. Then polishing will follow.

Now, when I go to fetch the car, I will do all the basic checks - see paint colour and if any issues in blending in with other body panels, check panel gaps, check roof liner to see if it was fitted back firmly, check bonnet alignment.

Are there any other checks that I should do? The hail damage was on the roof, bonnet and front fenders.

 

[///M Individual]

So, the panelbeater (Auto Body Specialists Midrand) notified me that the car will be ready in next few days for collection. The PDR technician (who is outsourced) has completed all the dings and the painting process is underway. Then polishing will follow.

Now, when I go to fetch the car, I will do all the basic checks - see paint colour and if any issues in blending in with other body panels, check panel gaps, check roof liner to see if it was fitted back firmly, check bonnet alignment.

Are there any other checks that I should do? The hail damage was on the roof, bonnet and front fenders.

Ensure the "shark fin" antenna is fitted back correctly and functions like GPS, telemetry etc. works fine. Also so it doesn't develop any leaks around where it was glued back.

 

[MR_Y]

Ensure the "shark fin" antenna is fitted back correctly and functions like GPS, telemetry etc. works fine. Also so it doesn't develop any leaks around where it was glued back.

Never thought of that.
Thanks 👍

 

[MR_Y]

Update

Car is back from Auto Body Specialists Midrand. They fixed the misaligned bonnet too.
Everything seems to work fine - all electronics, all lights, all panels look fine to me.

The tracking device has gone wonky and is sending out false alerts. I assume something must have shifted as part of the repair process. Will look into this with the tracking company.

Glad to have the car back and glad to give that awful AMT transmission Swift 1.2 back...

 

[MR_Y]

Motorplan expiry advice needed..

So my Plan expires in Sep/Oct this year (end of the 6th year extension) and I am not keen to upgrade to 7th year extension.

Anyway, it seems that my next scheduled service will be after the expiry date.

How do I get BMW to do comprehensive check of the car and replace any items needing attention (fully understand that if items are within tolerance levels then they cannot replace) before my Plan expires?

On Volvo (again, I am standing on my Volvo soapbox here...), they offer a full check and attend to items just before the Plan expires.

I guess one brute force solution will be to rack on the mileage and hit the next service before Oct...

 

[BouncyNinja]

Motorplan expiry advice needed..

So my Plan expires in Sep/Oct this year (end of the 6th year extension) and I am not keen to upgrade to 7th year extension.

Anyway, it seems that my next scheduled service will be after the expiry date.

How do I get BMW to do comprehensive check of the car and replace any items needing attention (fully understand that if items are within tolerance levels then they cannot replace) before my Plan expires?

On Volvo (again, I am standing on my Volvo soapbox here...), they offer a full check and attend to items just before the Plan expires.

I guess one brute force solution will be to rack on the mileage and hit the next service before Oct...

Or just ask them

If you have a good relationship with the dealer you been using, I’m sure they will be willing to give it a once over and find something to bill bmw for


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[MR_Y]

Or just ask them

If you have a good relationship with the dealer you been using, I’m sure they will be willing to give it a once over and find something to bill bmw for


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The service I have been getting from this dealer has been inconsistent.
My last interaction with them was not good

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Honestly speaking I don't think you have anything to worry about. Just keep up with maintenance items and the car will be good.

 

[///M Individual]

Motorplan expiry advice needed..

So my Plan expires in Sep/Oct this year (end of the 6th year extension) and I am not keen to upgrade to 7th year extension.

Anyway, it seems that my next scheduled service will be after the expiry date.

How do I get BMW to do comprehensive check of the car and replace any items needing attention (fully understand that if items are within tolerance levels then they cannot replace) before my Plan expires?

On Volvo (again, I am standing on my Volvo soapbox here...), they offer a full check and attend to items just before the Plan expires.

I guess one brute force solution will be to rack on the mileage and hit the next service before Oct...

All comes down to relationship with the service advisor/technician bud. BMW has become very strict even more so when motorplan is about to expire.

The nice things to have done will be shocks, new discs and pads all round, control arms.

 

[MR_Y]

All comes down to relationship with the service advisor/technician bud. BMW has become very strict even more so when motorplan is about to expire.

The nice things to have done will be shocks, new discs and pads all round, control arms.

Agree.
Especially with gravel road driving, a check of the suspension components is important - control arms are one of them.

My last service advisor was like a Nazi enforcer. Very strict - made me feel like they were doing me a favour for attending to any items under Plan and made a remark that the car is old so you expect things to break and Motorplan will not cover everything. I understand that some people unfairly milk their Motorplan, but surely that does not give them the right to treat all customers the same.

 

[///M Individual]

Agree.
Especially with gravel road driving, a check of the suspension components is important - control arms are one of them.

My last service advisor was like a Nazi enforcer. Very strict - made me feel like they were doing me a favour for attending to any items under Plan and made a remark that the car is old so you expect things to break and Motorplan will not cover everything. I understand that some people unfairly milk their Motorplan, but surely that does not give them the right to treat all customers the same.

That's not on bud. I would have gave him a mouthful for that line!

 

[modocrat]

Agree.
Especially with gravel road driving, a check of the suspension components is important - control arms are one of them.

My last service advisor was like a Nazi enforcer. Very strict - made me feel like they were doing me a favour for attending to any items under Plan and made a remark that the car is old so you expect things to break and Motorplan will not cover everything. I understand that some people unfairly milk their Motorplan, but surely that does not give them the right to treat all customers the same.

He deserves a 1-star Google rating.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

That's not on bud. I would have gave him a mouthful for that line!

Definitely. That behavior is not on.

 

[MR_Y]

After spending a few days in the deep KZN South Coast, crossing over into EC, I am happy to report that the car performs excellently. Also, racking up mileage now that my Macan is gone means that I will hit a major service before the plan expires.

Not sure if it is the combination of moist sea air and being at low altitude, but the car feels sprightly even in the mid range, regardless of the 50ppm fuel brand used.

I had a nice, friendly run against a new GLC 300d (2.0 4 cylinder 190kw/550nm) from Shelly Beach to Umkomaas on the N2. The 300d is a faster car, but in the varied traffic conditions the 20d kept up pace not too far behind. I am getting used to the manual shift function on the gearbox - much better to knock down a gear rather than kickdown the throttle in certain situations.

Fuel consumption average for the trip so far is just over 6.0 litres per 100km without even trying to save fuel.

Space wise, I may consider a roof box in future - but maybe just hiring one instead of buying one - if I need to carry more passengers for long distance holidays. Currently, at a small squeeze, I can take 2 passengers, my spare wheel and enough luggage for an 8 day long holiday (partly self catering).

Mileage is at 62,000km and nothing really to complain about on this 6 year old car. Some minor trim scuffs will need to be touched up (silver paint has peeled off the centre console)

 

[BouncyNinja]

After spending a few days in the deep KZN South Coast, crossing over into EC, I am happy to report that the car performs excellently. Also, racking up mileage now that my Macan is gone means that I will hit a major service before the plan expires.

Not sure if it is the combination of moist sea air and being at low altitude, but the car feels sprightly even in the mid range, regardless of the 50ppm fuel brand used.

I had a nice, friendly run against a new GLC 300d (2.0 4 cylinder 190kw/550nm) from Shelly Beach to Umkomaas on the N2. The 300d is a faster car, but in the varied traffic conditions the 20d kept up pace not too far behind. I am getting used to the manual shift function on the gearbox - much better to knock down a gear rather than kickdown the throttle in certain situations.

Fuel consumption average for the trip so far is just over 6.0 litres per 100km without even trying to save fuel.

Space wise, I may consider a roof box in future - but maybe just hiring one instead of buying one - if I need to carry more passengers over long distances. Currently, at a squeeze, I can take 2 passengers, my spare wheel and enough luggage for an 8 day long holiday.

View attachment 21450

We drove down to south coast, 5 in the car, and heavily loaded with water , it was suuuch a pleasure to drive down ( barring the issues caused by bmw at the last service)

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[MR_Y]

We drove down to south coast, 5 in the car, and heavily loaded with water , it was suuuch a pleasure to drive down ( barring the issues caused by bmw at the last service)

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Why no Sport mode used on the trip 😎

 

[BouncyNinja]

Why no Sport mode used on the trip

Fines

I’m a cheap bastard that way


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[CK4LIFE]

After spending a few days in the deep KZN South Coast, crossing over into EC, I am happy to report that the car performs excellently. Also, racking up mileage now that my Macan is gone means that I will hit a major service before the plan expires.

Not sure if it is the combination of moist sea air and being at low altitude, but the car feels sprightly even in the mid range, regardless of the 50ppm fuel brand used.

I had a nice, friendly run against a new GLC 300d (2.0 4 cylinder 190kw/550nm) from Shelly Beach to Umkomaas on the N2. The 300d is a faster car, but in the varied traffic conditions the 20d kept up pace not too far behind. I am getting used to the manual shift function on the gearbox - much better to knock down a gear rather than kickdown the throttle in certain situations.

Fuel consumption average for the trip so far is just over 6.0 litres per 100km without even trying to save fuel.

Space wise, I may consider a roof box in future - but maybe just hiring one instead of buying one - if I need to carry more passengers for long distance holidays. Currently, at a small squeeze, I can take 2 passengers, my spare wheel and enough luggage for an 8 day long holiday (partly self catering).

Mileage is at 62,000km and nothing really to complain about on this 6 year old car. Some minor trim scuffs will need to be touched up (silver paint has peeled off the centre console)

View attachment 21450

Also had a friendly run against the G01 X3 20d Msport on N4 from Rusti to PTA. Tried to push the guy, next minute I'm approaching 170km/h and I couldn't get past him,. Decided to slow down since my mother was my passenger. All of the sudden I have an itch for G01.. 😎

 

[BouncyNinja]

Also had a friendly run against the G01 X3 20d Msport on N4 from Rusti to PTA. Tried to push the guy, next minute I'm approaching 170km/h and I couldn't get past him,. Decided to slow down since my mother was my passenger. All of the sudden I have an itch for G01..

If you get one, just get a very good dealer to look after it, mine always used to go to Dalpark, but they royally fuxked it up, Boksburg managed to kinda fix it, but it’s still not right


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