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2011 BMW X3
2011 BMW X3
I’m looking at a 2011 BMW X3 for sale with 244,350 miles. It’s at a dealership and they want $4660 for it. I’ve read the carfax and it’s clean, no recalls. All maintenance records are up to date. I’m going to look at it tomorrow. Is there anything I should know before I go?
2011 BMW X3
Hi & 
I would look closely at everything electrical to make sure it works and I mean everything, lights, seats, mirrors, windows, warning lights…..
Check for any signs of fluid leaks on the engine, front diff, gearbox, transfer box or rear diff.
Brake fluid should have been changed in the last two years. Oil should be approved to BMW standards depending upon petrol or diesel engine. If diesel ask about the particulate filter as that distance indicates it may be at end of life (and they are expensive!). If it’s been changed then OK.
Vital to look at tyres (type/make) especially at tread depth. No more than 2mm difference between any of them. BMW xDric=ve cars are very sensitive the tyre make. Approved tyres should have a ‘*’ or star on the sidewall. They MUST all be the same brand and type.
You should drive the car and listen carefully to the transmission. If it;s making odd noises, or doesn’t feel smooth, walk away. At walking pace, turn the steering to full lock and the car should continue to move smoothly. Any jerkiness in Fwd or Rev means expensive trouble!
Ask about transmission oil changes. These should be done every 8 years or 80,000km. You may be told it’s ‘lifetime’ and never needs doing. The ‘life’ is 3-years - according to BMW. ZF who make the transmissions says different, and they should know! Your potential purchase should have been changed twice.
If you have access to an OBD2 vehicle scanner then take it with you and look for faults in the error log. If the Seller has one, then ask for a printout or get them to plug it in whilst you are there.
I would look closely at everything electrical to make sure it works and I mean everything, lights, seats, mirrors, windows, warning lights…..
Check for any signs of fluid leaks on the engine, front diff, gearbox, transfer box or rear diff.
Brake fluid should have been changed in the last two years. Oil should be approved to BMW standards depending upon petrol or diesel engine. If diesel ask about the particulate filter as that distance indicates it may be at end of life (and they are expensive!). If it’s been changed then OK.
Vital to look at tyres (type/make) especially at tread depth. No more than 2mm difference between any of them. BMW xDric=ve cars are very sensitive the tyre make. Approved tyres should have a ‘*’ or star on the sidewall. They MUST all be the same brand and type.
You should drive the car and listen carefully to the transmission. If it;s making odd noises, or doesn’t feel smooth, walk away. At walking pace, turn the steering to full lock and the car should continue to move smoothly. Any jerkiness in Fwd or Rev means expensive trouble!
Ask about transmission oil changes. These should be done every 8 years or 80,000km. You may be told it’s ‘lifetime’ and never needs doing. The ‘life’ is 3-years - according to BMW. ZF who make the transmissions says different, and they should know! Your potential purchase should have been changed twice.
If you have access to an OBD2 vehicle scanner then take it with you and look for faults in the error log. If the Seller has one, then ask for a printout or get them to plug it in whilst you are there.
Never anthropomorphise computers. They hate that.2011 BMW X3
Thank you!!! I’ll print this out and take with me. I’ll let you know what I find. I’m also ready to make turn a $3,000 cash offer. If they turn it down I’m walking away
2011 BMW X3
Excellent advice list there.
2011 BMW X3
I passed on the X3. Thanks everyone for the advice. IT’s appreciated.