BMW Problems

Both are 5-star rated by ANCAP, both have similar levels of tech features, but the Volvo S60 diesel is marginally better on fuel. As for look, that's in the eye of the beholder.

The original centre bearing probably just wore out; the replacements might not have been installed correctly. I would take the car to a BMW specialist mechanic and ask about installing a quality reconditioned drive shaft. That way you know the centre bearing is installed correctly.

From the research, my pick is definitely the Benz. It's a development of the classy GLC wagon but with improvements including better suspension. The Benz costs a little more but there is stock in showrooms now so you should jump quickly if you want one.

You need to get to the bottom of what caused the failure in your engine. It is all very well to assume it was caused by the timing chain wearing and stretching, but until you actually establish that as the cause you won't get anywhere with the carmaker. Have an experienced engineer inspect the damage and if they believe it is caused by the timing chain failure you have something you can take to BMW to argue your case for compensation. You also then have the option of going to consumer affairs to get their help.

Your fuel consumption is way off the claimed consumption figures released by BMW. The company claims the X3 20i should get on average 7.3L/100km, 6.2L/100km on the highway, and 9.2L/100km in city driving. You have to allow for some variation on those numbers due to individual driving conditions, but to be so far out suggests there is something wrong with your car. I wouldn't expect it to reduce enough to get even close to those numbers simply by driving it. Have it checked by your BMW dealer.

Your budget limits you to older models, such as 2008/2009, which will have done 120,000 to 180,000 km. I am loath to recommend buying one of these cars with such a mileage on them; you would be heading the period of pain when you are quite likely to face increasing and expensive repairs. If you were to choose to buy one I would go for the Discovery. I would also urge you to have the car you choose checked over by a specialist mechanic who knows the brand intimately. Instead of the European models you are considering I would suggest you also look at something like the Toyota Kluger, which would likely to be more reliable and less expensive going forward, and your budget would stretch to a later model.

An older BMW I know of doesn't use any oil at all between services, but I'm told that it's quite common for the newer engine like yours to burn oil. It's generally held that a consumption of up to 1 litre per 1000km is normal. If you are concerned that yours might be too high do a check of the actual consumption. That way you know for sure how much it is burning.

That's a rather subjective question that's almost impossible to answer. It also depends on what you call fun. Both would be fun to drive, but if I were to make the choice purely on the driving experience I would choose the BMW.