Potential F15 buyer

[blkmz3]

Got a kid on the way so looking to get a crossover. Quick background on vehicles I've owned. I've owned an E46 M3 and E90 N54 335i Stage 2 MHD FBO. Did most of the work myself. Also currently still drive and wrench on my E30 318is. I recently bought my wife a B8.5 SQ5 which is Stage 1 EPL and lowered on H&R springs. Thing is a beast. We went the Audi route because honestly I got tired of BMW reliability. We are keeping the Audi for the wife but now I am looking for an SUV. Particularly a 2014-2015 sDrive N55 which is in the budget I am looking at.

The E90 N54 was a nightmare. Of course I modded and the vehicle was nearing 100k so I get it that stuff will start to fail. During my ownership I practically replaced everything that could fall. Both turbos, valve cover, VCG, OFHG, oil pan gasket, vanos solenoids, HPFP, injectors, waterpump/thermostat, window regulators, etc. The car was a money pit although it was fun to drive.


I understand the N55 made some improvements (turbo shouldn't fail) but after searching on this forum, looks like the common issues (waterpump, oil leaks, etc) still exist. The gasket stuff is not an issue. I am concerned about the new electronics on the F15 platform. I would avoid air suspension as well.

I'm looking to get some feedback from owners with higher mileage F15s with N55 motor.

[W37V]

Congrats on the new addition.

When it comes to F15, what is exactly your concern with them? Electronics are same as any other BMW. It's hit or miss, but overall there does not seem to be much issues. This board is not as active as e90 platform, but from what people do report applies to all f15 regardless of engine. I got 35d.
- Front suspension issues (control arms tend to fail causing clunking)
- Sunroof tends to clog up and leak water into interior
- leader seats tend to crack along the bottom of the seat
- telescoping steering can get stuck / fail due to wear (or possibly interference)
- There have been few issues reported with transfer case (if you get s-drive, you avoid this potential issue)
- N55 is same as in other BMWs, so all engine related issues would be same across platforms (plugs, coils, water pump, etc.)
- don't be afraid of air suspension - it's nothing to be afraid of. It's actually better than standard. Air bags tend to develop leaks, but they are fairly easy to swap out. Also, compressor is easily accessible and easy to swap. I haven't seen many reported failures. Air suspension is much smoother on rough surfaces.
- rubber seals tend to crack, needing replacement. Proper conditioning of rubber seals, should prevent this.

When it comes to engines for this vehicle here is my take on it: This is heavy vehicle (6500+lb). Stock 35i will feel slow - it's not slow, but it def feels such due to lower torque. 35d is perfect balance. Huge tq makes the car move. 50i is the beast. If you will be doing any modding, get 50i - bunch of power, they tend to be rather well equipped, easy access to even more power, fairly reliable (not much worse than 35i), and that sweat exhaust sound. No 35 can touch 50.

[cfm56d7b]

Our 2015 F15 N55 xDrive has been very reliable. You will enjoy this car.

[LarryM4C]

Originally Posted by W37V

Congrats on the new addition.

When it comes to F15, what is exactly your concern with them? Electronics are same as any other BMW. It's hit or miss,
...

- Sunroof tends to clog up and leak water into interior
---
- rubber seals tend to crack, needing replacement. Proper conditioning of rubber seals, should prevent this.

So applying copious amounts of Gummi Pflege should to the trick for long lasting rubber seals? Is that the best product? Thanks

[W37V]

Originally Posted by LarryM4C

So applying copious amounts of Gummi Pflege should to the trick for long lasting rubber seals? Is that the best product? Thanks

Is it the best product? I have no clue. Maybe?
I am hoping it prevents cracking. I've been using Gummi on my e92 for several years now. Rubber tends to dry out and starts cracking. Gummi is supposed to condition it and prevent drying out.

[johnhol]

This is about the 50i...in case you go with that

Mines sitting at 73k. Engine wise had zero issues, uses no oil, runs like a dream and pulls like train.

Only issue I had was the control arms needed replacing 6 months ago.

Only thing to consider is running costs, with an ankle biter on the way, I'd be ignorant to not mention it. Main dealers are expensive for repairs etc, but out of warranty you can find very good indies now. I bought mine from a VW dealer and got the 3 year service package and worked out very cheap.

As long as you service regularly, you'll be fine. Plus so all the usual checks, regular oil service history, better to get an unmodded one and then do things yourself if inclined.

You'll only hear about the bad experiences (with any cars) so the horror stories probably make up a small fraction of the real reliability of the X5....

[blkmz3]

I started investigating the X3 with the N20. Better mpg but turns out those have timing chain issues so I guess I am continuing to look at the N55.

The 2011+ LCI update E70 also is tempting. The tech is outdated but I still like the body styling of the E70. The price point is pretty low on these closer to $10-12k.

Any previous owners of the E70 that now own the F15? First choice is still a 2014-2015 F15 sDrive35i but I may consider the E70 2011-2013 35i.

[W37V]

Originally Posted by blkmz3

I started investigating the X3 with the N20. Better mpg but turns out those have timing chain issues so I guess I am continuing to look at the N55.

The 2011+ LCI update E70 also is tempting. The tech is outdated but I still look the body styling of the E70. The price point is pretty low on these closer to $10-12k.

Any previous owners of the E70 that now own the F15? First choice is still a 2014-2015 F15 sDrive35i but I may consider the E70 2011-2013.

e70 is great vehicle. If you are interested in better tech, you can always spend $250 on andream unit and get apple CarPlay / android auto in it. Not sure what else you might be missing from f15 on tech wise that was not available on e70.

[blkmz3]

Originally Posted by W37V

e70 is great vehicle. If you are interested in better tech, you can always spend $250 on andream unit and get apple CarPlay / android auto in it. Not sure what else you might be missing from f15 on tech wise that was not available on e70.

Good suggestion. Are you talking about this one?
https://www.android-car-dvd.com/prod...35033429409955

[W37V]

Originally Posted by blkmz3

Good suggestion. Are you talking about this one?
https://www.android-car-dvd.com/prod...35033429409955

For e70? The link you provided is for full blown android unit that replaces CIC unit. If you want to integrate CarPlay and keep the existing hardware, you will need this: https://www.android-car-dvd.com/coll...32066140438664

I got this unit for my e92 (also CIC unit). It works fine. It's not quite factory integration, but what what it is, it is rather good.

[Chef NOLA]

Our '16 X5 N55 has been running like a champ for 80K. Lots of highway driving, and believe me there is plenty of power in that straight six when you want it or need it. No air suspension - rides just fine. Absolutely love the car.

I maintain more like Mike Miller old school style because I plan on keeping it for at least 200K if not more. Oil every 7.5K - AT/diff fluids, plugs and coolant every 60K. Will likely replace electric water pump, coils and turbo somewhere on the other side of 150K - no big deal.

I've also talked with BMW techs from 3 different dealers, and they unequivocally say the N55 is the most reliable they've seen out of Munich for some time.

[blkmz3]

Is it risky to look at higher mileage F15s like around 90-100k? I had a nightmare with my e90 335i (N54) so I'm hesitant. Looking at 2014 F15s under $17k.