From what I am reading, the X3 M40i's still have VANOS issues. A quick Google confirms that people have had this issue and it's not been cheap if it's not under warranty. As I was saying...
Contemplating a CPO X3 or GLC
- Thread starter donnyj08
- Start date
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
Quick google search will give you problems with any engine and all components.
It doesn’t matter brand and what component, someone will have issues and it will be on internet.
That being sId, there was a bad batch of VANOS actuators in F30 models, in 2015-16 (first year) of B58. That was all addressed by warranty claims and recall. Current B58 is TU1 and has some dramatic changes from B58 in previous 3 series, including actuator.
Again, problem will be regardless of changes, people using inappropriate oil.
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CleanSump
Site Donor 2022
What Edy points out.
I've maintained one 2008 328i since the dealership maintenance ended in 2012 with the correct oil spec and never any light except for the brake pad wear indicator.
New to me 2010 X3 with 127k miles now. I have the dealer records of maintenance up to the year I bought it. One instance of intermittent 4x4 light that I repaired with a transfer case fluid change, a $14 nylon regulator gear, and an hour of my time. No VANOS issues on either becasue the correct oil was used and never run past the recommended OCI.
I've racked up over 750k miles on three Mercedes diesels and never, never, had a light. Never had a major leak or turbo issue. Worst thing was I did rebuild mechanical injectors every 150k miles and one timing chain as PM in all those miles. Never an issue.
Why did I do so well? It wasn't luck; it was proper choice of approved oils in engine, trans, diffs, and transfer case, with oil changes not pushing the limits.
The vast majority of BMW and Mercedes owners are like my daughter and myself. We don't post problems and dis the OEM on the 'net becaue we follow good PM practices and never have problems.
I've maintained one 2008 328i since the dealership maintenance ended in 2012 with the correct oil spec and never any light except for the brake pad wear indicator.
New to me 2010 X3 with 127k miles now. I have the dealer records of maintenance up to the year I bought it. One instance of intermittent 4x4 light that I repaired with a transfer case fluid change, a $14 nylon regulator gear, and an hour of my time. No VANOS issues on either becasue the correct oil was used and never run past the recommended OCI.
I've racked up over 750k miles on three Mercedes diesels and never, never, had a light. Never had a major leak or turbo issue. Worst thing was I did rebuild mechanical injectors every 150k miles and one timing chain as PM in all those miles. Never an issue.
Why did I do so well? It wasn't luck; it was proper choice of approved oils in engine, trans, diffs, and transfer case, with oil changes not pushing the limits.
The vast majority of BMW and Mercedes owners are like my daughter and myself. We don't post problems and dis the OEM on the 'net becaue we follow good PM practices and never have problems.
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How terrible are the cylinder heads on those GLC's?
As pointed out elsewhere, the GLC is the replacement for the GLK for 2016+ and is equipped with the 2.0T 4-banger like most of the newer MBs. The engines are pretty stout units, though they sound a bit unrefined especially at idle and at WOT. But they'll sure go.
We've owned a 2016 BMW X3 for about 2.5 years and put 35k miles on it before trading it in. In terms of handling dynamics, it outclassed the GLK we still own. It feels much lighter on its feet, more confident braking, a much better transmission and more legroom in the back.
The seats in the GLK are more comfortable for long roadtrips and it has more creature comforts than the X3 as well as better fuel economy. I should point out both SUVs are diesel-powered 2.0L. The X3 had a custom tune and it really scooted. The GLK was tuned in the past but after the emissions recall issue it has been running the updated OEM software (I like to keep my 4yr/48k mile warranty intact).
My wife prefers the GLK, which is why we still have it. They are definitely less popular on the roads these days than X3's.
YMMV.
We've owned a 2016 BMW X3 for about 2.5 years and put 35k miles on it before trading it in. In terms of handling dynamics, it outclassed the GLK we still own. It feels much lighter on its feet, more confident braking, a much better transmission and more legroom in the back.
The seats in the GLK are more comfortable for long roadtrips and it has more creature comforts than the X3 as well as better fuel economy. I should point out both SUVs are diesel-powered 2.0L. The X3 had a custom tune and it really scooted. The GLK was tuned in the past but after the emissions recall issue it has been running the updated OEM software (I like to keep my 4yr/48k mile warranty intact).
My wife prefers the GLK, which is why we still have it. They are definitely less popular on the roads these days than X3's.
YMMV.
If you can swing the Mercedes with the straight 6, I'd go for that. The 9 speed in my sig has been smooth as glass. (2.0T)
