Auto news on Youtube Jan 25 2018

This is the second generation BMW X3. The third generation is available now.

Not everyone liked the first generation. It had a pronounced styling, just like the first X1.

This one is more boring, though this model isn't. It's an M Sport, which looks cooler.

However, the X3 became more average and grew a size bigger.

The second generation X3 is almost the size of the first generation X5.

The well-known BMW recipe is rear-wheel drive, but at first only xDrive AWD was available.

It had pretty 4 and 6-cylinder engines, but no appetizing M version.

However, this X3 was available as xDrive 35i with the nice 3-liter straight-6 turbo gasoline engine.

And the xDrive 35d. I stumble over the xDrives, but that doesn't matter.

Those are nice engines that make the X3 a quick machine.

ENGINES gasoline, diesel

The 2014 facelift introduced models without all-wheel drive, which means the X3 has RWD.

Everyone with a BMW or Mercedes in the snow knows that RWD poses a challenge.

Those models look off-road worthy, but they're not.

There's a choice in rivals or alternatives for the X3.

The Audi Q5. The Volvo XC60 is a big rival. Many have been sold in the Netherlands.

The Mercedes GLC or GLK, depending on its age.

There's plenty of choice in SUVs this size.

Many cars are for sale on AutoTrack. An X3 is not a cheap car.

Over 300 X3s are for sale, of which 250 are of this generation.

The prices vary a lot. There are fresh cars, such as this one.

If you're on a budget, choose a high-mileage diesel with manual transmission.

The first X3s of this generation start a little below 20,000 euros.

PRICES minimum, maximum

The things to watch out for if you found a nice X3.

A general point for the diesel engines is that they like long drives.

You may find a low-mileage diesel, but the particulate filter needs to warm up for regeneration.

This may not be a good buy.

If a 2-liter diesel engine doesn't run well, a hose leading to the mass airflow sensor may have popped off.

That's an easy fix. A more critical point is a broken thermostat or water pump.

You'll miss good cooling, which can go very wrong.

If you see the thermometer doing strange things... Keep an eye on it. Something may be wrong.

The 4-cylinder gasoline engines have a timing chain that can stretch.

If you've seen our videos before, you know this can lead to a majorly damaged engine.

A whistling sound that increases with the rpm

could be an indication that something's wrong with the timing chain.

If an engine doesn't run well, check this.

Repairs are expensive.

Another well-know issue in these videos is the automatic transmission.

BMW says it never needs work, but it can't hurt to change or flush the oil every once in a while,

especially when there are more miles on the clock. This helps lengthen the transmission's life.

The X3's electronics seem reliable, but it can't hurt to check everything.

It can have a lot, from power seats to satnavs. Make sure everything works.

The alarm system is a specific point, especially with early X3s. BMW installed these systems.

There can be errors. Make sure you get the code. If it stops working, you'll still be able to drive.

That'd be convenient. The panoramic roof may not close anymore.

Sometimes this can be fixed with some lubrication; this part needs maintenance.

Make sure to check of it opens and closes properly.

Dealers tend to replace the whole roof, while specialists will repair it.

This may be a common trend.

The suspension. There have been problems with the vacuum pump until 2013.

You'll lose your power brakes. That's exciting in a heavy car.

I think most cars have been fixed.

The X3 is heavier and more powerful, so brakes and tires wear faster and cost more.

Check their condition so you won't have to buy brakes and tires first thing.

We found this car at Breeman BMW in Rotterdam.

I think this is a nice model. It has the M Sport package and a low mileage.

It costs some money, but it has a pretty color leather. It's complete.

THIS CAR

If you're looking for a second-hand car and want our help, or if your company has a nice car for sale

of which we may shoot a video, please send an e-mail to tips@autoblog.nl

Subtitles - Maru's Text Support