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      11-22-2017, 06:05 AM   #1
05X3lover
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Need advice on general reliability of first gen X1's.

Hi everyone, I'm hoping to get some advice from you guys. Basically my wife's '05 X3 - which has been a great vehicle - now has 220K miles on it, and I'm thinking it might be better to replace it with a low mileage X1, since we like those and the X3 is getting up there in the miles. My main concern is reliability - so wondering, how are the early X1's in this regard? I've been looking at relatively low mileage 2013s and 2014s. Anything we need to watch out for, known issues?

All thoughts appreciated and thanks!
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      11-22-2017, 06:22 AM   #2
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I have a 2013 x1 with 106000 US miles. I'm the second owner and the previous owner did nothing but highway miles. The vehicle still feels solid and brand new. I'm keeping my eye on the timing chain but so far so good. (my theory is 2012 and earlier had this issue). See if you can get service history with whatever X1 you are looking at to see if there's been any crazy things done to it. You should also check out the "how many miles on your x1" thread to see more input from other x1 owners (including me). good luck!
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      11-22-2017, 07:42 AM   #3
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It's well documented that timing chain issues affect N20 engine from 2012 to 2014. My SA says he has seen around ~ 10 timing chain issues with the N20. No dead engine yet. So the timing chain issue is probably well under 1% of affected users, considering they service a lot of N20 cars (think all 328 on the road). Still, there's a class action here in Canada about it that was launched not so long ago: http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases...651301863.html

As for my X1, I have 2012 with 60k miles. Transmission was changed. It was shifting very hard from 2 to 1, probably a solenoid problem. Could have been fixed by opening it up, but the vehicle was still under warranty and they gave me a whole new transmission (can't complain).

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I have a 2013 x1 with 106000 US miles. I'm the second owner and the previous owner did nothing but highway miles. The vehicle still feels solid and brand new. I'm keeping my eye on the timing chain but so far so good. (my theory is 2012 and earlier had this issue). See if you can get service history with whatever X1 you are looking at to see if there's been any crazy things done to it. You should also check out the "how many miles on your x1" thread to see more input from other x1 owners (including me). good luck!
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      11-22-2017, 08:30 AM   #4
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The main problem is going to be the timing chain when looking at used cars and that's going to be luck of the draw.
I firmly believe (just a gut feeling), that the extended oil change interval is directly related to the failures. I change my oil every 4k.
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      11-22-2017, 09:07 AM   #5
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So most CPOs would have that problem, since people who rent swear by the default oil change interval. But of course, cleaner oil = less problem.

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The main problem is going to be the timing chain when looking at used cars and that's going to be luck of the draw.
I firmly believe (just a gut feeling), that the extended oil change interval is directly related to the failures. I change my oil every 4k.
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      11-22-2017, 03:07 PM   #6
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Thanks very much for the responses so far, looks like I need to research the timing chain issue. And I'll be sure to ask for records for the vehicle in whatever we look at - though I would do this anyway.
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      11-22-2017, 03:56 PM   #7
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From what I understand the bigger issue is driven by the timing chain guides failing prematurely. In this case you want to avoid cars built Feb 2014 or earlier as they went to an improved guide in March 2014.

The secondary issue is with the timing chain itself. I'm not a clear on this one but from what I can see they made a change to the timing chain sometime in 2015.

I haven't received the notice yet, but people are reporting that the warranty coverage for timing chain related issues has been extended to 7 years / 70K miles.
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      11-22-2017, 04:01 PM   #8
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I guess you need to differentiate which reliability you are asking about, N20 or N55 engine (4 vs 6 cyl). I had a 2015 until 30k miles in 6/2017, and no problems - totaled unfortunately. Now, a 2014 in 6/2017 from 28k to 43k and still no problems. Both 35i xDrives - I do highly recommend replacing all 4 tires at once, especially if you have lower tread depth.
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      11-22-2017, 04:41 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mcdanielvzw View Post
I guess you need to differentiate which reliability you are asking about, N20 or N55 engine (4 vs 6 cyl). I had a 2015 until 30k miles in 6/2017, and no problems - totaled unfortunately. Now, a 2014 in 6/2017 from 28k to 43k and still no problems. Both 35i xDrives - I do highly recommend replacing all 4 tires at once, especially if you have lower tread depth.
Sorry I should've specified that. Engine will be the 4 cylinder. We're looking currently at a 2013 on a used car dealer lot in Norfolk Va. Vehicle has a clean Carfax report and has 66K on the odo. We're likely driving down Friday to have a look at it.
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      11-22-2017, 09:53 PM   #10
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Per Consumer Reports 2013 BMW X1 28 which I own overall is much better than average reliability. 17 areas reviewed with 10 much better than normal, 2 better than average and 2 below average which were brakes and Climate Control. Engine and transmission were both rated much better than normal. I get the survey twice a year and report on my cars and believe the data because its a pretty big sample size of basically anyone that buys the magazine and fills out the on line survey.
Every year was pretty consistent with 10-11 catagories rated much better. If there were much in the way of timing chain problems it would be showing up and it isn’t so far.
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Last edited by Lucky13; 11-22-2017 at 09:58 PM..
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      11-23-2017, 06:34 AM   #11
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Very true. On the forums / Internet you will see a lot of fear / reports of timing chain and transfer case problems, but that's because people complain much more in public, and it creates some kind of echo chamber.

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Originally Posted by Lucky13 View Post
Per Consumer Reports 2013 BMW X1 28 which I own overall is much better than average reliability. 17 areas reviewed with 10 much better than normal, 2 better than average and 2 below average which were brakes and Climate Control. Engine and transmission were both rated much better than normal. I get the survey twice a year and report on my cars and believe the data because its a pretty big sample size of basically anyone that buys the magazine and fills out the on line survey.
Every year was pretty consistent with 10-11 catagories rated much better. If there were much in the way of timing chain problems it would be showing up and it isn’t so far.
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      11-23-2017, 06:57 AM   #12
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Thanks again for those replies, everyone. Much appreciated. We'd be getting the X1 for my wife, and she's pretty excited about it. I have to admit her '05 X3 is probably the nicest vehicle I've ever been able to regularily drive as well, it's just been a stellar vehicle all around. So we're both hoping the X1 is just as nice. We both like that they're smaller, and have better gas mileage. We're going to test-drive the one in question on Friday. and I'll update my thread with those results.
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      11-23-2017, 06:10 PM   #13
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We went from a 2007 X3 to the 2013 X1 (with a Mini Clubman in between). Rear seat is tight but better engine and transmission in the X1. Had a 2004 X3 and the 2007 X3 and both had very stiff rides, our X1 is MSport but actually rides much nicer. I think they are all based on the same platform which is basically a E92 or E46 sedan.
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      11-24-2017, 06:55 AM   #14
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My 2013 has 112,000 miles and still drives like its brand new. Best car I have ever owned. I am not worried about the timing chain. I change the oil every 10k, even tho the service interval says I still have 6k left. Mostly highway driving.
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      11-24-2017, 05:13 PM   #15
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Update: so we drove the 2 hours south of us this morning and test drove the X1. It's in nice shape and drives pretty nice but I wasnt blown away by it, nor was my wife. When we bought her '05 X3 in '08 for the first time OTOH, we were blown away by it, so we were expecting similar from the X1.

One thing neither of us realized was how much more like a car the X1 drives, then the X3. I realize it's based on the 3 series wagon, so I guess they leaned the driving characteristics more to car-like driving than an SUV. So not sure what we're gonna do, they're only asking $16K for the vehicle, which seems like a bargain for the year and mileage. And we did like it, just not as much as we thought. So basically we're trying to decide what to do.

How happy is everyone with run flat tires, btw? I noticed it had them, and I have no experience with them.
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      11-24-2017, 05:51 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 05X3lover View Post
Update: so we drove the 2 hours south of us this morning and test drove the X1. It's in nice shape and drives pretty nice but I wasnt blown away by it, nor was my wife. When we bought her '05 X3 in '08 for the first time OTOH, we were blown away by it, so we were expecting similar from the X1.

One thing neither of us realized was how much more like a car the X1 drives, then the X3. I realize it's based on the 3 series wagon, so I guess they leaned the driving characteristics more to car-like driving than an SUV. So not sure what we're gonna do, they're only asking $16K for the vehicle, which seems like a bargain for the year and mileage. And we did like it, just not as much as we thought. So basically we're trying to decide what to do.

How happy is everyone with run flat tires, btw? I noticed it had them, and I have no experience with them.
Day one I removed the runflats, now it is a pleasure to drive. Of course X5 is bigger but it all about what your needs are and what MPG you want. I Do not believe I would purchase a BMW if not certified.

Last edited by Vegasheat; 11-24-2017 at 06:14 PM..
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      11-25-2017, 06:07 PM   #17
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Updating to say Grace and i have found another X1 we're going to see on Monday - it's just off of a lease, has partially remaining factory warranty, and 55K miles. We're both excited, and I think this may be 'the one'.
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      11-25-2017, 06:45 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 05X3lover View Post
Updating to say Grace and i have found another X1 we're going to see on Monday - it's just off of a lease, has partially remaining factory warranty, and 55K miles. We're both excited, and I think this may be 'the one'.
Don’t do it, with these timing belt guides breaking. I wish I would have known prior to purchase .
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      11-25-2017, 06:55 PM   #19
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I’m on my second set of runflats, Goodyear Efficient Grips, but I’ll switch out next time. Didn’t have a choice because my wife hit a pot hole near the dealer and a run flat had to be replaced, couldn’t even make it home. Just get a Slime kit with air pump for $30 bucks. In 23 years of driving BMW’s I have never had a flat tire, got a nail or two but they were slow leaks that could be repaired. Run flats are expensive and ruin the ride and handling.
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      11-25-2017, 08:02 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vegasheat View Post
Don’t do it, with these timing belt guides breaking. I wish I would have known prior to purchase .
FWIW OP, I recommend taking advice from someone that actually knows the diff between a belt and a chain.
The failure rate of the timing chains is extremely low.
I’d be way more concerned about how the vihicle was maintained by the P.O.
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      11-26-2017, 12:01 AM   #21
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FWIW OP, I recommend taking advice from someone that actually knows the diff between a belt and a chain.
The failure rate of the timing chains is extremely low.
I’d be way more concerned about how the vihicle was maintained by the P.O.
I know the difference I made a mistake, clearly you believe you are perfect. If they are extremely low, why would BMW offer an extension? They are trying to look good in the eyes of the class action judge. We are doing are best your Honor. It might as well be a rubber band because if it breaks on the road it’s a $20,000 plus nightmare if out of warranty. And if you are the unlucky one who cares if the numbers are low, you are screwed. A plastic chain guide in a hot engine? I bet most eventually break. Belt? Yes I called it a belt because subconsciously I think of rubber belts breaking not chains but when engineers screw up and cost people thousands of dollars, what difference does it make?

If his breaks, will you step up and pay for the repair? Since your advise is so much better.

Last edited by Vegasheat; 11-26-2017 at 12:28 AM..
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      11-26-2017, 12:36 AM   #22
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BMW has been screwing people with this plastic garbage timing chain guide for years.

https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-...aker-1.2869493

This is potentially dangerous, if the failure Occurs on the freeway and you can’t get to a safe lane, you potentially can cause a major accident. I’m gong to join in the class action lawsuit in the US because I’m already a victim of this shitty design. Anyone who knows about the timing chain guide prior to purchase and still purchases is a victim of their own decision.

Last edited by Vegasheat; 11-26-2017 at 12:41 AM..
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