X3 purchase?

[R.Robot]

Hell to all,

I have owned three BMWs so far and have enjoyed them all!

My 525it 2003 was remarkable in that as a "wagon" it did it all. My first was a 1991 320s, remarkable fun and loved it.

My second was an M6 '88, black/oyster and another remarkable car, but few new how to work on it.

My last was the touring and now with 200+ miles need to look for another car.

So I thought an X3 would be the ticket, checks a number of boxes and found one that looks perfect.

I did a check on it and found that it had a right axle and transfer case replaced at 50k miles, currently it has 54k.

So in checking out the thread on "transfer case etc." I was taken back to read all the problems.

The X3 is a 2011 and has two owners and looks to be in remarkable shape, not abused etc. However how is it that this problem continues to be an issue for owners?????

Once the parts are replaced do the new parts have a better chance????

I have been through the replacement of parts as they wear out on my past cars and know BMWs tend to need more attention and reward with the driving characteristics we all love. But this just seems the fix should have happened by the later years.

Is something to have hanging over an owner's head?? I am not a wrench guy and rely on my local mechanic good as he is, the bills for a transfer case and axles out of warranty seem hard to take.

Any thoughts before I look to purchase this X3???


Thanks, you may save my bacon with this one.

Bob

[schtick]

Like you I have enjoyed BMW's. 88 ix, 98 528 and an 01 M5. I put over 150,000 miles on each one. I now have an 08 X3 3.0 Manual trans. I love it. Yes at 121,000 transfer case failed. Lousy, unacceptable, plastic gear. Embarrassing design for BMW. It Left me stranded once when the ridiculous electric water pump failed. Besides those two issues, at 155,000 now it's been a joy to drive and own. Unstoppable in the snow with snow tires and handles beautifully.

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[Em3297]

I love my x3. 140k and still going. Never any major issues but i maintain it extensively. (complete coolant flushes, power steering flushes, brake flushes, etc...) I perfer the first generation x3 because it was more reliable 2003-2006 i believe. M54 engine bullet proof and the transfer case is different. Im a bmw tech and have seen these cars just refuse to die if taken care of. I dont believe in bmw "lifetime transmission fluid" so trannys are common to go after 150k or so but if flushed no problems. I prefer the m54 over the n52 engine which would be in your vehicle due to the electric waterpump and known early mileage transfer case issue. But non the less very reliable engine.

[e83onstick]

I have an '07 N52 with 113k and opted to go for this instead of the M54. The N52 feels more detached by electronics than the M54, which is more carnal, and responds better to input.

But it is managed damn well and it still drives like new. The m/t on mine has kept it in much better health than average. I opted to replace the valve cover gasket and oil cooler/oil filter housing gasket at 110k because of a tiny bit of leaking. After that, it was like a new car. Oil pressure is fantastic now. Like any high performance engine, it needs more maintenance than normal. But after that is done, you get 100% reliability.