advice needed coming from the e90 platform

chris55552 · 07-11-2025, 10:17 AM

Hey folks greetings from the e90 side of the roundel. Im looking at a couple bmw suvs and was wondering how the x1 is to live with. Is the 28i timing chain woes really that bad or would I be better off with a 35i? How is the driving dynamics and overall reliability of both? I know these are kinda open ended questions im just trying to get a feel for them. Problem is I live in louisiana and we just dont have a good seletion of cars so what ends up happening is I have to buy vehicles from out of state and have them delivered. Its too expensive and not exactly efficient to fly around the country to test drive cars especially when their often over 500 miles away from one potential to the next so im having to rely on car fax and vehicle reputation to make decisions.

bosstones · 07-11-2025, 02:22 PM

I have the 35 (N55) so I can't speak much on the 28 (N20) but I don't think there is any real difference between the E90/E92 platforms and the E84 instantiation. The same problems/characteristics of both apply to the E84 platform as well.

I'm the original owner of my 2014 and am at 95k miles. Not to jinx myself but no notable repairs needed to date.

Aside from routine fluid changes:

Comm box replaced back when the vehicle was under warranty
OFHG
VC and VCG (VC replacement was proactive since I had to replace the gasket anyways)
Just replaced the original water pump and T-stat a couple hundred miles ago
Charge pipe (voluntary switch to a metal charge pipe)

Will be doing suspension (wear items and general refresh while I'm at it).

Zimmerman rotors and Akebono ceramic (both proactively) pads just 'cause.

I've been quite happy w/ my X1. I'd say you E9x knowledge should apply well to the E84 platform. I'd still attempt having a PPI done where/when possible.

chris55552 · 07-11-2025, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bosstones

I have the 35 (N55) so I can't speak much on the 28 (N20) but I don't think there is any real difference between the E90/E92 platforms and the E84 instantiation. The same problems/characteristics of both apply to the E84 platform as well.

I'm the original owner of my 2014 and am at 95k miles. Not to jinx myself but no notable repairs needed to date.

Aside from routine fluid changes:

Comm box replaced back when the vehicle was under warranty
OFHG
VC and VCG (VC replacement was proactive since I had to replace the gasket anyways)
Just replaced the original water pump and T-stat a couple hundred miles ago
Charge pipe (voluntary switch to a metal charge pipe)

Will be doing suspension (wear items and general refresh while I'm at it).

Zimmerman rotors and Akebono ceramic (both proactively) pads just 'cause.

I've been quite happy w/ my X1. I'd say you E9x knowledge should apply well to the E84 platform. I'd still attempt having a PPI done where/when possible.

Im suprised bmw didnt use the N52 in any of these models, I think that would have been a great engine option, it certainly was in the e83 x3. Hey thanks for the insight and you bet your ass about the ppi, after carefully screening mobile mechanics in the general area with a extensive experience I had 2 different ones perform a ppi including driving, documenting everything with pictures, comprehensive summary with their opinion and were able to provide ista printout reports of the vehicles health.

bosstones · 07-12-2025, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris55552

Im suprised bmw didnt use the N52 in any of these models, I think that would have been a great engine option, it certainly was in the e83 x3. Hey thanks for the insight and you bet your ass about the ppi, after carefully screening mobile mechanics in the general area with a extensive experience I had 2 different ones perform a ppi including driving, documenting everything with pictures, comprehensive summary with their opinion and were able to provide ista printout reports of the vehicles health.

Wouldn't be the first "why?!" from BMW. Case in point, a lot of recent design decisions.

Was the N52 ever in the E90/92? E84 was really an E9x 'parts bin' car/SUV with some different sheet metal.

Good luck w/ your search! I'd recommend going the N55 route but I'm probably a little biased. There weren't as many sold compared to the N20 version and availability is what it is but the extra pep is worthwhile.

wheela · 07-12-2025, 08:11 AM

I haven't driven an e90, but from posts from members who've had both, I have the impression the driving dynamics of the X1 are extremely similar. Plus, n55 has a lot more tuning options available, if you have an interest in that. As said, under the shell the e84 is an e90 (well, more like an e91 haha) with a little higher ground clearance due to different wheel carriers, and perhaps some small subframe differences- otherwise suspension is the same.

07-11-2025, 10:17 AM	#1
chris55552 Second Lieutenant 161 Rep 262 Posts Drives: 2017 BMW x3 35i 2012 E92 328XI Join Date: Jul 2023 Location: alexandra LA iTrader: (0)	advice needed coming from the e90 platform Hey folks greetings from the e90 side of the roundel. Im looking at a couple bmw suvs and was wondering how the x1 is to live with. Is the 28i timing chain woes really that bad or would I be better off with a 35i? How is the driving dynamics and overall reliability of both? I know these are kinda open ended questions im just trying to get a feel for them. Problem is I live in louisiana and we just dont have a good seletion of cars so what ends up happening is I have to buy vehicles from out of state and have them delivered. Its too expensive and not exactly efficient to fly around the country to test drive cars especially when their often over 500 miles away from one potential to the next so im having to rely on car fax and vehicle reputation to make decisions.
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07-11-2025, 02:22 PM	#2
bosstones Lieutenant Colonel 1502 Rep 1,685 Posts Drives: o_0 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Suburbia iTrader: (0)	I have the 35 (N55) so I can't speak much on the 28 (N20) but I don't think there is any real difference between the E90/E92 platforms and the E84 instantiation. The same problems/characteristics of both apply to the E84 platform as well. I'm the original owner of my 2014 and am at 95k miles. Not to jinx myself but no notable repairs needed to date. Aside from routine fluid changes: Comm box replaced back when the vehicle was under warranty OFHG VC and VCG (VC replacement was proactive since I had to replace the gasket anyways) Just replaced the original water pump and T-stat a couple hundred miles ago Charge pipe (voluntary switch to a metal charge pipe) Will be doing suspension (wear items and general refresh while I'm at it). Zimmerman rotors and Akebono ceramic (both proactively) pads just 'cause. I've been quite happy w/ my X1. I'd say you E9x knowledge should apply well to the E84 platform. I'd still attempt having a PPI done where/when possible. __________________ - Jeff bosstones' flickr Last edited by bosstones; 07-11-2025 at 02:25 PM..
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07-12-2025, 08:11 AM	#5
wheela Major 770 Rep 1,413 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW X1 35i M-sport Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Twin Cities MN iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 X1 35i M-Sport [0.00] 2025 X7 M60i [0.00]	I haven't driven an e90, but from posts from members who've had both, I have the impression the driving dynamics of the X1 are extremely similar. Plus, n55 has a lot more tuning options available, if you have an interest in that. As said, under the shell the e84 is an e90 (well, more like an e91 haha) with a little higher ground clearance due to different wheel carriers, and perhaps some small subframe differences- otherwise suspension is the same.
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