New to E83 X3 model & forum

[bimmernut3]

Hell-o other fellow X3'er. Just wanted to introducing myself & the new addition. I'm new to this model ('07 X3 3.0 si) but have owned & worked on BMW's for the last 18 years but am just learning about the E83 & may need some help with the N52B30O1 engine & transfer case.
Believe it or not, with the newer technology in each model, the repairs are pretty much the same with some small changes.
This current X3 purchase is a high mileage previous CPO car, so was able to get all of the service records. Looks like the Oil Hsg seals & VCG are the first order of business, along with new plugs & all fluid changes.
I'm also a part time driver for the local BMW dealer, so get to try out most of the newer cars.

I have also been involved in local BMW CCA; just retired as WNC coordinator (Asheville area) Tarheel Chapter. I'll more than willing to help others in any way that I can with issues I'm aware of & their possible fixes & such. I do all my own work from replacing engines, clutches, rebuilding top ends and all the other "typical" maintenance work.
Please let me know if I can be of any help.

[1naztyx5]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the new purchase.
Sounds like you and your knowledge will be a great asset to the forum.


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[AussieX3Oiler]

Welcome aboard bimmernut3 and hoping you might be able to offer some advice please?

First time BMW owner, bought X3 2008 E83 2.0d M 16 months ago, it had 69k at purchase and now has 81-82k...a delightful vehicle to drive, only thing I don't like is the Silbergrau colour, was hoping to find Alpine White with Black interior but none to be found at the time. Decided that when driving the car I can't see what colour it is, so it's not that important.

As is usual I go car shopping with a list of 'must haves' followed by some 'nice to haves' and this car ticked most of those boxes and after some dealer problems at time of purchase I've since fitted Kumho tyres and the car is a whole different beast...much quieter in relation to tyre noise, better handling and just a better 'feel'.

Anyway, while doing a U-turn yesterday heard a clunk/thud, immediately noticed loss of power steering, initially thought the belt had failed but then discovered the harmonic balancer was lying on the front undertray...serpentine belt is still intact but guess it would be wise to replace the belt?

Towed to a repair shop and waiting until Mon to get a repair quote, is there anything else you would expect should/might need to be replaced/repaired at the same time? No noticeable vibrations prior to failure, the M suspension is always a bit stiff although that was improved somewhat with the Kumho's but there has been nothing to indicate any problems, either when being checked in the workshop or driving down the highway, but no further vibration etc evident. Not driven hard or raced etc since purchase, previous owners appeared to have young kids (rubbish left in car) so don't expect they would have raced it either. Condition (after a thorough cleanup) looks like brand new, in fact most people don't believe when I say it's a late 08 model.

Not much fun when this fails away from home and late on a Friday afternooon....naturally am grounded until it's repaired. Just hoping to be a bit better prepared on Monday (Downunder time).

Thanks in advance

[SMOKEY53]

May as well do tensioner and idlers


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[AussieX3Oiler]

Thanks...will add to the list.

[bimmernut3]

It's very unusual for ur harmonic balancer to come off. You need to look into this. Make sure the other two pulley wheels are not worn causing the belt to "move off" the pulleys. Definitely put a new belt on IMO.

[E38flagship]

You own a car with an m62tu you already have all the patients and skills to maintain an e83 Bahahahahah !!! I love my 740 but it does get annoying worrying about the many v8 problems, the x3 is an awesome reliable car mine has 175k and drove from RI to FL and back with no problems I even got the same mpg as my grandmothers 2014 RAV 4 thing

[bimmernut3]

@E38flagship......I also owned an E38 740i before the E39 540i sport & know ALL the issues with the V8 (4.4l) been there & fixed most of them. Guess you know the same thing.

[AussieX3Oiler]

Originally Posted by bimmernut3

It's very unusual for ur harmonic balancer to come off. You need to look into this. Make sure the other two pulley wheels are not worn causing the belt to "move off" the pulleys. Definitely put a new belt on IMO.

Thank you. When doing a search, it seemed that HB wasn't a common problem. Thinking about it last night there was some vibration a couple of hundred metres back, but the concrete road had been resurfaced or??? near a speed hump so I thought it was the rough road surface. Only lasted for about 20-30 metres then all was OK once past the roadworks.

Thanks again, any help is appreciated

[AussieX3Oiler]

Workshop just phoned with a quote of Au$1013 (fitted)... Harmonic Balancer and bolt $642, Belt $211, Crankshaft Main Seal (while pulley off) $160. Parts to come from interstate hopefully tomorrow or next day, fitting will take an hour or so.

Not a common BMW problem apparently, but being an extremely hot day (39C) using aircon and being stuck on freeway for an hour due to road accident, possibly contributed to the molten rubber. No further damage is apparent (or expected) at this stage.

Updated in the hope it might help someone else sometime. Thanks for the replies, they put my mind at ease specially being the weekend.

UPDATE....HB quoted above no longer available (due to warranty issues), has to be genuine BMW HB for an additional $300....ouch!!