2013 328i x drive

[ltaylor7357]

I'm thinking about buying this model looking for the GOOD and the BAD on this model

Thank you

[MarcoZandrini]

Any time you add the "stuff" to make a car awd you add weight and costs. A rwd BMW has a perfect 50/50 weight distribution. That means that each tire is supporting the same amount of weight. This helps to provide a platform for neutral handling: no over-steering or under-steering. Now, BMW does design in a bit of understeering. So, an awd BMW doesn't handle as well as a rwd BMW.

That said, you're in the great north so you need awd to get around during the 9 months of snow (/s). So, what's the bad: the front half shafts seem to be a bit delicate. I've heard of awd BMWs needing new half shafts at 75k miles.

Regardless of what car you are contemplating, have a reputable independent shop perform a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) on the car. That'll cost between $150 and $250. It'll be the best money you've ever spent!!! Also, make sure that there are maintenance records. Run away from any BMW that doesn't have maintenance records. Run away from any BMW that's had its oil changed at 14000 or 15000 mile intervals. Why? BMWs are expensive to fix properly, especially if the maintenance hasn't been done properly. Long oil change intervals are hard on engines. Reputable oil analysis labs (Blackstone for example) have reported that consumer synthetic oil can go for 10000 to 11000 miles. After that they aren't doing the job.