Buying Advice

leftoverture · 09-23-2020, 08:56 AM

I'm planning to look at a 2016 228i X-Drive convertible this week. It has about 32k miles. Any buying advice is appreciated. Especially known issues with this model.

Thanks.

overcoil · 09-23-2020, 09:32 AM

Search and browse through the N20 engine section.

https://www.2addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1557457

https://www.2addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1656845

https://www.2addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1739013

NewWorldOrder · 09-23-2020, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nawfoo

Get a 2017 and up M240i coupe instead

Not everyone has that kind of money. There'd only be M2 comps on this forum if we all could afford it.

PDM5 · 09-23-2020, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewWorldOrder

Quote:

Originally Posted by nawfoo

Get a 2017 and up M240i coupe instead

Not everyone has that kind of money. There'd only be M2 comps on this forum if we all could afford it.

Nope. Some of us could easily get an M2 comp but wanted to not sound like a lawnmower cutting grass everywhere we went and to have the "softer" ride with the adaptive suspension, etc.

OP, with the 2016 you should be safe (relatively speaking) as it is later in the N20 run, but I'd suggest going for a 2017 which is a 230i and a mild LCI with the B48 engine. My wife has an N20 in her car and while it is a very good engine, I want to get rid of it before all those gremlins that the 2nd poster linked appear.

dradernh · 09-23-2020, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewWorldOrder

There'd only be M2 comps on this forum if we all could afford it.

Not everyone would choose that model. Ask me how I know.

leftoverture · 09-23-2020, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nawfoo

Get a 2017 and up M240i coupe instead

Well the convertible top is the whole point. Plus, we have a price point we are targeting.

leftoverture · 09-23-2020, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PDM5

OP, with the 2016 you should be safe (relatively speaking) as it is later in the N20 run, but I'd suggest going for a 2017 which is a 230i and a mild LCI with the B48 engine. My wife has an N20 in her car and while it is a very good engine, I want to get rid of it before all those gremlins that the 2nd poster linked appear.

I did find the article below talking about the N20 engine. Sounds like the timing chain issue was resolved by January 2015. Do people on here agree? The timing chain issue would be my biggest concern with any engine. The oil leaks seem frustrating but not catastrophic.

https://bmwtuning.co/bmw-n20-common-problems/

GoldfishRT · 09-23-2020, 12:44 PM

The timing chain is definitely an issue. If you're smart and a bit lucky, BMW will just fix it. I just got my assembly swapped under extended warranty a few weeks ago - I'm the 4th owner of my 2014. Even if BMW says they've resolved it after the mid 2015 models, the plastic runners are still that, plastic. In any case I've put about 8k on my 2014 without incident. Really love the car. It's a BMW so it will have issues at some point - I wouldn't bet on the B48 being bulletproof either.

XutvJet · 09-23-2020, 01:20 PM

The N20 motors are just too problematic and can have serious issues as you've found. No one knows for certain if BMW really fixed the issues as I've read of later year N20 timing chain failures on the 3 series forums. Costs to fix a failure are astronomical if the timing chain breaks and causes piston/valve damage ($10K+). I'd save your money and find an M235X convertible. The N55 is more reliable and robust, better soundings, powerful, and gets very similar mileage. The M235 will also have more standard features.

BEM-S4 · 09-23-2020, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XutvJet

The N20 motors are just too problematic and can have serious issues as you've found. No one knows for certain if BMW really fixed the issues as I've read of later year N20 timing chain failures on the 3 series forums. Costs to fix a failure are astronomical if the timing chain breaks and causes piston/valve damage ($10K+). I'd save your money and find an M235X convertible. The N55 is more reliable and robust, better soundings, powerful, and gets very similar mileage. The M235 will also have more standard features.

Plus - assuming you can stomach a little more $ now - you'll get more $ on the back end so it really won't cost you much extra.

leftoverture · 09-23-2020, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XutvJet

The N20 motors are just too problematic and can have serious issues as you've found. No one knows for certain if BMW really fixed the issues as I've read of later year N20 timing chain failures on the 3 series forums. Costs to fix a failure are astronomical if the timing chain breaks and causes piston/valve damage ($10K+). I'd save your money and find an M235X convertible. The N55 is more reliable and robust, better soundings, powerful, and gets very similar mileage. The M235 will also have more standard features.

Well that's a very bleak outlook. I do appreciate the input though. I already have an appointment to look at the car tonight, I made the appointment assuming the timing chain issue was resolved. So far, I have not found a 235 in my price point. I can spend more but trying not to.

4Hockey4 · 09-23-2020, 03:25 PM

Is this it ? If so it has a salvage title and wrecked, also 4 owners. I would never go there, but your call.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=282633274

leftoverture · 09-23-2020, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Hockey4

Is this it ? If so it has a salvage title and wrecked, also 4 owners. I would never go there, but your call.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=282633274

No. I do not buy salvage cars. Car Gurus is not working for me right now but I'll post a link when I can.

4Hockey4 · 09-23-2020, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leftoverture

No. I do not buy salvage cars. Car Gurus is not working for me right now but I'll post a link when I can.

no worries, only one that showed up in MN, so I thought I'd throw it out there. Good luck with buy

leftoverture · 09-23-2020, 07:43 PM

Here is a link to thecar we drove tonight.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/share/274187056

It is very, very nice. The only flaw is the infotainment screen. Looks like it is "bubbling" on the edge inside the glass. Dealer says they are trying to find a used replacement screen since new ones are $1000. What does anyone know about replacing these screens? Is there a place where you can find used ones? A source for discounted new ones?

High Desert · 09-24-2020, 05:23 AM

I picked up a 2015 228i x vert for the wife this last April. Took it to a independant Bimmer mechanic to have it checked out. He said that he has not seen any N20 (like chain) problems but always changes oil at 5,000 (so do I). 52,000 miles on it. If you have the service records, check how many times the brake pads have been replaced. Good indicator. Mine are original and at 50%.

My screen had the same bubbles. Went with a 10.5" Avin android 9 aftermarket screen. Just installed it yesterday. $400 delivered. I do not use android but the factory iDrive works just fine. Plenty of videos on the install-took about an hour. Android 10 is out so the 9's are on sale now.

leftoverture · 09-24-2020, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by High Desert

I picked up a 2015 228i x vert for the wife this last April. Took it to a independant Bimmer mechanic to have it checked out. He said that he has not seen any N20 (like chain) problems but always changes oil at 5,000 (so do I). 52,000 miles on it. If you have the service records, check how many times the brake pads have been replaced. Good indicator. Mine are original and at 50%.

My screen had the same bubbles. Went with a 10.5" Avin android 9 aftermarket screen. Just installed it yesterday. $400 delivered. I do not use android but the factory iDrive works just fine. Plenty of videos on the install-took about an hour. Android 10 is out so the 9's are on sale now.

Thanks for the advice. I checked their website and they are out of stock in the Android 9 screens, but the 10 doesn't look too expensive. Hard to know what extras I need. I watched an install video too. I have done a lot of installs so pretty sure I can handle it. Now I have to see if I can use the screen issue to negotiate a better price on the car.

BEM-S4 · 09-24-2020, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leftoverture

Thanks for the advice. I checked their website and they are out of stock in the Android 9 screens, but the 10 doesn't look too expensive. Hard to know what extras I need. I watched an install video too. I have done a lot of installs so pretty sure I can handle it. Now I have to see if I can use the screen issue to negotiate a better price on the car.

Check Bimmertech they offer lots of those kinds of upgrades they should be able to help. Either that or TechnicPNP - Elias over there is a mad scientist.

4Hockey4 · 09-24-2020, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leftoverture

Here is a link to thecar we drove tonight.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/share/274187056

It is very, very nice. The only flaw is the infotainment screen. Looks like it is "bubbling" on the edge inside the glass. Dealer says they are trying to find a used replacement screen since new ones are $1000. What does anyone know about replacing these screens? Is there a place where you can find used ones? A source for discounted new ones?

Sweet color combo. Hope works out and hit them at $22K to start and work up to $23K

High Desert · 09-24-2020, 09:46 AM

I went with the basic, no extras. It has an expansion slot for extra Gig. They ordered the 9 model because I do not use android. If the car already has navigation you do not need the GPS, speaker or extra A/V. I have the backup camera and it works fine. Just depends what you want. The others, like Bimmertech were twice the price.

harma24 · 09-24-2020, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leftoverture

What does anyone know about replacing these screens? Is there a place where you can find used ones? A source for discounted new ones?

If you can find a replacement, it's easy to do. The screen is held in with 2 screws and a couple of wiring harnesses which need to be unplugged. Pry out the air vents and the screws will be exposed:
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...y-cid/Gvtxk9tn

Rayscott · 09-25-2020, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XutvJet

The N20 motors are just too problematic and can have serious issues as you've found. No one knows for certain if BMW really fixed the issues as I've read of later year N20 timing chain failures on the 3 series forums. Costs to fix a failure are astronomical if the timing chain breaks and causes piston/valve damage ($10K+). I'd save your money and find an M235X convertible. The N55 is more reliable and robust, better soundings, powerful, and gets very similar mileage. The M235 will also have more standard features.

I agree. I owned a 2016 228ix and will be looking into getting a 2016 M235 for reasons mentioned. The price difference isn't that much more.

09-23-2020, 08:56 AM	#1
leftoverture Captain 438 Rep 615 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW 228i Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: Edina, MN iTrader: (0)	Buying Advice I'm planning to look at a 2016 228i X-Drive convertible this week. It has about 32k miles. Any buying advice is appreciated. Especially known issues with this model. Thanks.
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09-23-2020, 09:32 AM	#2
overcoil Major General 3074 Rep 5,577 Posts Drives: M235i 6spd Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Mid-Atlantic iTrader: (0)	Search and browse through the N20 engine section. https://www.2addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1557457 https://www.2addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1656845 https://www.2addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1739013
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09-23-2020, 12:44 PM	#8
GoldfishRT Private First Class 76 Rep 115 Posts Drives: 228i M-Sport Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Denver iTrader: (0)	The timing chain is definitely an issue. If you're smart and a bit lucky, BMW will just fix it. I just got my assembly swapped under extended warranty a few weeks ago - I'm the 4th owner of my 2014. Even if BMW says they've resolved it after the mid 2015 models, the plastic runners are still that, plastic. In any case I've put about 8k on my 2014 without incident. Really love the car. It's a BMW so it will have issues at some point - I wouldn't bet on the B48 being bulletproof either. __________________ 2014 228i M-Sport 6MT "And the Porsche is still behind us..."
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09-23-2020, 01:20 PM	#9
XutvJet Major General 5552 Rep 5,369 Posts Drives: 2011 Cayman Base, 2016 M235 Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Kansas City iTrader: (-1)	The N20 motors are just too problematic and can have serious issues as you've found. No one knows for certain if BMW really fixed the issues as I've read of later year N20 timing chain failures on the 3 series forums. Costs to fix a failure are astronomical if the timing chain breaks and causes piston/valve damage ($10K+). I'd save your money and find an M235X convertible. The N55 is more reliable and robust, better soundings, powerful, and gets very similar mileage. The M235 will also have more standard features. __________________ The forest was shrinking, but the Trees kept voting for the Axe, for the Axe was clever and convinced the Trees that because his handle was made of wood, he was one of them.
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09-23-2020, 03:25 PM	#12
4Hockey4 Banned 832 Rep 674 Posts Drives: Pinto Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Here iTrader: (0)	Is this it ? If so it has a salvage title and wrecked, also 4 owners. I would never go there, but your call. https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/invent...ting=282633274
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09-23-2020, 07:43 PM	#15
leftoverture Captain 438 Rep 615 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW 228i Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: Edina, MN iTrader: (0)	Here is a link to thecar we drove tonight. https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/share/274187056 It is very, very nice. The only flaw is the infotainment screen. Looks like it is "bubbling" on the edge inside the glass. Dealer says they are trying to find a used replacement screen since new ones are $1000. What does anyone know about replacing these screens? Is there a place where you can find used ones? A source for discounted new ones?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2020, 05:23 AM	#16
High Desert Private 33 Rep 59 Posts Drives: BMW 228i X Convert Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Rocky Mnts. iTrader: (0)	I picked up a 2015 228i x vert for the wife this last April. Took it to a independant Bimmer mechanic to have it checked out. He said that he has not seen any N20 (like chain) problems but always changes oil at 5,000 (so do I). 52,000 miles on it. If you have the service records, check how many times the brake pads have been replaced. Good indicator. Mine are original and at 50%. My screen had the same bubbles. Went with a 10.5" Avin android 9 aftermarket screen. Just installed it yesterday. $400 delivered. I do not use android but the factory iDrive works just fine. Plenty of videos on the install-took about an hour. Android 10 is out so the 9's are on sale now.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-24-2020, 09:46 AM	#20
High Desert Private 33 Rep 59 Posts Drives: BMW 228i X Convert Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Rocky Mnts. iTrader: (0)	I went with the basic, no extras. It has an expansion slot for extra Gig. They ordered the 9 model because I do not use android. If the car already has navigation you do not need the GPS, speaker or extra A/V. I have the backup camera and it works fine. Just depends what you want. The others, like Bimmertech were twice the price.
	Appreciate 0 Quote