F25 or E83?
 

My youngest daughter is heading off to college in the fall. Her three older brothers all drive BMWs: 1 e36 convertible and 2 e90 sedans. She has her heart set on an x3. I'm looking specifically at the N52 engine cars because I have more experience with those. I consider myself to be a YouTube certified mechanic. LOL I do all my own repairs and maintenance so I look at cars a little differently than most.

So I guess I'm looking at 2007-2011. Any advice on E83 vs F25? I definitely want to stick with the naturally aspirated non-turbo engine. Other than styling are there other differences to consider?



Thanks for your input!

N52 offers a little more power and economy I believe vs the m54. N52 has foibles just as the m54 did. I'm dealing with one of them now on my wagon, 4 front head bolts sheared causing big oil leak. Which would lead to another n52 problem of oil soaking the spending belt leading to ingestion through the crank seal.

Both engines are fairly reliable if preventative servicing is done prior to being put into daily use. That's my experience at any rate.

Oh, just reread your post. You're only looking at e83's with the n52 (2007+). Then the differences would be limited to mostly technology and styling as you mentioned i would assume.

Thanks for your response. I'm planning on sticking with the N52. Nothing against the M54. It's just that M54 cars are 15 years old. Also looking at X5 e70 with the N52. For simplicity's sake, sticking to the naturally aspirated, non-turbo, inline 6 cylinder engine. Maintaining a fleet of BMW's certainly keeps me busy. Getting ready to replace a guibo on the '98. I believe maintenance is the key to longevity.

I'm with you on most of what you've said. Same situation here. My daughter will head to school after next yr, probably in a X5. Maybe a LCI X35D, which I've really grown fond of. On higher mileage units, once deleted of the troublesome emissions ctrl systems, they are quite reliable. The chassis is heavier so I feel she'll be inherently safer.

But I'd consider a x3 F25 also, mostly due to its better interface technology; improved smartphone connectivity. There's a safety aspect there also. Less fiddling around with cables.