2011 BMW X3: New to Bimmer family, need some advice

**Rach2803** · 04-10-2017, 03:55 PM

Hey everybody,
I am just working on buying my first BMW.
It is going to be 2011 X3.
I have couple queries before I make my purchase.
1. I need to get pre purchase inspection done before I strike a deal with the owner. Can somebody out here suggest me the reliable autobody shops in EDMONTON, AB (Canada), where I can get this done?
2. As it is an old model so I am looking to purchase aftermarket extended warranty. Some light on which one are good out there in market would be helpful.
3. Anything or any particular problems noticed in 2011 3, I should be aware of?

Thanks a lot in advance.

**dano1200r** · 04-11-2017, 01:39 AM

I can only reply as to your last query. The 2011 was the first year of a major refresh/upclassing of the X3. They then basically stay the same until I think this year, but I haven't studied the website. I have a 13, with 6 cylinder gas motor, M sport, and the basic options. I have not had any issues, except a poorly designed rear hatch rubber switch cover which seems to go bad for many, with different symptoms. If weird things with the remote fob or switches not behaving, check out that one as its exposed to the elements, and can behave weird. Great idea getting a full vehicle check, pull any codes of course.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

**najnad** · 04-17-2017, 04:07 PM

If it is a 35i, the N55 engine often has an issue with the oil filter housing gasket which if left unchecked can cause oil to leak onto the accessory belt and cause that to fail. This belt runs both the alternator and the air conditioning.

**Rach2803** · 04-18-2017, 11:18 AM

Cool, thanks

- - - Updated - - -

@najnad, Nope it's a 28i.

**Rach2803** · 04-19-2017, 07:53 PM

I was driving and had set all my units as l/100km, in Celsius, dd/mm/yyyy. Today I started my car during middle of the day and what I see is that all my units have changed now and are in MPG, Fahrenheit, and mm/dd/yyyy.
One thing I know I changed was my key fob, just to see if the spare one is working or not.
Anybody can explain what happened there?
Thank you

**m3bs** · 04-19-2017, 10:04 PM

I have a 2012 35i. No real issues at 45K miles. Rear brakes wear quickly, but that's minor. I'd look for one that had oil changes more frequently than the service indicator calls for. I do mine at 8K miles. SI would be about 17K.

**dano1200r** · 04-20-2017, 12:12 AM

Originally Posted by Rach2803

I was driving and had set all my units as l/100km, in Celsius, dd/mm/yyyy. Today I started my car during middle of the day and what I see is that all my units have changed now and are in MPG, Fahrenheit, and mm/dd/yyyy.
One thing I know I changed was my key fob, just to see if the spare one is working or not.
Anybody can explain what happened there?
Thank you

Change back to the other fob. Many personal settings are kept stored for different drivers. I wasn't aware this is one of the settings that changes per user. Please post your result.

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**Rach2803** · 04-20-2017, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by dano1200r

Change back to the other fob. Many personal settings are kept stored for different drivers. I wasn't aware this is one of the settings that changes per user. Please post your result.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

That is something new to learn, I knew that the key fob has some sort of memory chip which is used to detect faults while servicing.
Yeah I will change the fob and let you know if it reverts back.
Thanks

**Rach2803** · 04-20-2017, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by m3bs

I have a 2012 35i. No real issues at 45K miles. Rear brakes wear quickly, but that's minor. I'd look for one that had oil changes more frequently than the service indicator calls for. I do mine at 8K miles. SI would be about 17K.

This one seems to have undergone regular service oil changes. Many people have suggested me to get oil changed at around some reading.
And the previous owner had the breaks changed and upon inspection I was told that they are in excellent condition and good to go for couple years

Till now looking pretty much ok to drive. Hoping it gets better and not worse. LOL

**Rach2803** · 04-20-2017, 11:00 AM

Originally Posted by dano1200r

I can only reply as to your last query. The 2011 was the first year of a major refresh/upclassing of the X3. They then basically stay the same until I think this year, but I haven't studied the website. I have a 13, with 6 cylinder gas motor, M sport, and the basic options. I have not had any issues, except a poorly designed rear hatch rubber switch cover which seems to go bad for many, with different symptoms. If weird things with the remote fob or switches not behaving, check out that one as its exposed to the elements, and can behave weird. Great idea getting a full vehicle check, pull any codes of course.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

Yeah ran it through inspection guys. They said to go for it. It just makes squeaky sounds from some random parts inside the cabin. Might be because its an old car.

**Rach2803** · 05-09-2017, 02:44 PM

Hey there,
I have 2011 Maps loaded in my X3, I am planning to upgrade them to 2017.
1. Is there a huge difference between 2011 and 2017 maps?
2. Has anybody used bmwfsc.ca for any services?
3. Do I need to get the software update done before I update my maps?

Thanks a lot in advance

Cheers!

**najnad** · 05-22-2017, 11:52 AM

Does it have the panoramic sun roof? That makes noise until you do a cheap fix (search for it).

Yes, the updated maps are likely worth it, imo. No, you dont have to get the software update, but still check for bluetooth updates, may help with connecting your phone. Search on here or other forums for people who will sell you the map update for much less than the dealer.

**Rach2803** · 05-22-2017, 10:41 PM

Originally Posted by najnad

Does it have the panoramic sun roof? That makes noise until you do a cheap fix (search for it).

Yes, the updated maps are likely worth it, imo. No, you dont have to get the software update, but still check for bluetooth updates, may help with connecting your phone. Search on here or other forums for people who will sell you the map update for much less than the dealer.

Thank You. I tried googling cheap fix for sunroof, din find anything. I am sure I am doing something wrong.