Considering a Higher Mileage X3 (E83 or F25)

[dyllindd]

Hi Everyone,

I recently purchased the 2013 F20 120D for myself as a daily commuter. However, our family situation has changed slightly in terms of space requirements and I am playing with the idea of also acquiring an X3, but still keeping the F20 for myself.

Due to budget it will most likely be a higher mileage E83 or F25 (Non M-Sport Model).

Now the questions is: When it comes to higher mileage examples (150 000km and upwards) would you rather go for the 2.0d or the 3.0d? I love the N47 Engine in the 120D. Fun yet economical as my Weekend Warrior is a 2010 MB E500 Coupe.

I am just concerned that the F20's fun factor might be lost in the X3 with the 2.0d engine due to the size and weight of the X3. Will I be sacrificing a lot in fuel consumption if I do decide to go for a 3.0d? Also at that type of mileage, I am also thinking about turbos, glow plugs, fuel injectors etc etc.

Lastly, is there a massive difference in fuel consumption between the X3 3.0i & 3.0d?

All your thoughts and insights are always appreciated

 

[FILV]

I can comment on an F25 20D
I bought mine on 163 000km one owner car.
What a car. Still fun in handling, and it actually handles very well for a suv. When you corner hard youa re basically limited to the amount of weight the tires can handle mid corner. Never lacks confidence in its abilities.

Dont be disheartened by the mileage. if the car has a full service history then you are good.
Main things to check:
1 - Gearbox. Check if gearbox has ever been serviced.. If not then make it the first item on your to do list. Take it to ZF to do the inspection.
2 - Transfer case. while in a parking lot, turn the steering wheel on full lock and slowly pull off. there should be no weird noises or jerkiness.
The transfer case oil and front and ear diff oil can be changed at ZF while it is there.

Due to the X-Drive system your tires need to be of same tread. You can not for example only replace two tires otherwise the transfer case will be over stressed and lead to issues.

Power wise - a stage 20D is surprisingly fun. In real world, city scenario's it is actually a very quick point to point car.
i drive a 7km robot to robot daily drive. my average is between 8.8l/100km and 9l/100km
Long distance i drove from Jhb to Umdloti and had over 300km remaining.


A 30D is a different animal. Power delivery is smooth. a 20d is fast and snappy in revs. a 30D is more sultry and smooth, and way more powerful.

My recommendations:
Find the cleanest example you can find.
Get one with Xenons as it gives an experience of having a newer and more premium car.
Drive one stock for a while, then map it. you will enjoy driving it.

 

[Avir]

Go for it, long as the vehicle has service history.
E83 is build solid, I had one for many trouble free years 2009 20d manual m sport.. My current F25 still going strong. The f25 is more enjoyable to drive, specially with the 8 speed zf box. And yes get a full spec one time, panoramic roof rear camera, xenon lights. My one I brought at a higher mileage.
See my updates.
Filv has covered most of it. The 20d is for everyday use.

The 3.0i vs 3.0d the 3.0i , you will see our fuel needle move very fast. Plus I will say they less reliable then a diesel.
Your current f20 will have the same motor as a f25 2011 to 2013 n47d20c

Turbo’s injectors etc are built To last ,long as oil service been done on time , 9000km to 10000km. And clean diesel used, and not diesel from those stations with analog fuel pumps.