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BMW X3

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Comments

  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    As was said previously you can customize a BMW. You can get it with absolutely nothing or load it up. I wouldn't get a stripper BMW nor a stripper Toyota or a stripper anything. I also wouldn't get a vehicle that was a take it or leave it proposition.

    As far as the incentives and sales, you can check the sales figures. BMW for the last few years has been offering attractive lease deals on all of it's cars.
  • designmandesignman Member Posts: 2,129
    Well, it's your money. No engine, no lux, but it has THE FEEL!! Ok.

    Sarcasm again? You make it sound like it’s arbitrary and subjective. It’s more than that. The BMW “feel” means there certain build qualities, materials, specifications and tolerances that are engineered for performance. It does not reside in the imagination.

    For instance, go look at any BMW with it’s front wheels fully cocked. They have the caster of a performance car aka sports car. This enables them to corner better. Also compare steering ratios of BMWs to other vehicles in their class. BMW’s have tighter ratios. This makes them more responsive. That’s just a few things.

    From the shocks and springs, to the suspension settings, to the steering ratios, to the materials, to the gearing of the drivetrain et al, these are the things that comprise the “feel” of a BMW. Maybe some people don’t know what’s behind what they are “feeling” but they like it nonetheless. You don’t get this in a Toyota product. That’s why many people buy BMWs.
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    My uncle (ex-military fighter pilot) used to have one of those T-Bird turbo
    Give my thanks to your uncle for his service; fighter jocks put their lives on the line every day. As for my Turbo Coupe, I liked everyting about it but the brakes-one stop from 80 mph and they were done; it reminded me of the European auto engineer who told me: "Europeans don't mind if the brakes squeal, just as long as they stop the car. Americans don't care if the brakes stop the car, just as long as they don't squeal."

    My 330i w/sport won't be here until the end of January
    A very nice choice. The E90 is a great car. Buy it. There will be no regrets-unless of course you drive a Yaris first... :P

    According to some reviewers (and my cousin), the X3 ride is harsh and brittle especially with the sport package.
    I haven't driven an X3 with the SP, but I can tell you that my wife and I think the standard suspension is fine. Our X3 is a bit stiffer than the 528i it replaced, but we actually prefer the taut feeling.

    I personally haven't set foot in it yet. SUV or SAV are not my thing. :P I prefer seating closer to the ground.
    Well, as I said earlier, my wife also wanted to be able to make it out our half mile gravel driveway/farm road when the winter weather hits. That said, the X3 doesn't sit all that high.
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    For some people it's all about the numbers gleaned from a car mag road test. The Neon SRT posts impressive numbers and can terrorize an autocross, but you'll find few serious drivers who would pick it over an A4 or 3er-even considering the price differential.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    Nope, not sarcasm. That's what some of you are saying...the FEEL is everything..and worth every last penny they charge. That's fine...it's time to move on...the discussion is getting repetitive. We're way past the "final last word". As Mark said, drive what you want. If you believe you are getting what you want...great. Go for it. Be happy. Car companies generally aren't stupid. They don't spend billions on advertising if they don't think it can influence how people think! The power of persuasion.
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    Some people think Miller and Warsteiner taste the same.
    Others believe Bose sounds better than Thiel.
    And there are those who prefer Toyotas to BMWs.
    That's what makes life interesting.
  • bdr127bdr127 Member Posts: 950
    And the base X3 2.5 is not just an X3 with a entry-level engine. A vehicle in that price range with vinyl seats, plastic bumper covers, no Homelink, alarm? Well, it's your money. No engine, no lux, but it has THE FEEL!!

    FYI: BMW no longer offers the X3 with the 2.5L engine, nor with plastic bumper covers.
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    Alcan EX3pedition
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    xDrive Analysis

    My favorite quote:

    ...if you hypothetically flang an X5 sideways back onto the road ahead of an eighteen-wheeler bearing down on you at a hypothetical seventy miles an hour on the North Slope Haul Road in the hypothetical AlCan 2000 Winter Rally, and you floored the X5 to hypothetically haul your butt up the road right pronto, the thing would just squat there like a shivering cockroach waiting to be squished.

    Ask me how I know... :surprise:
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    Look again. For Canadian market they do.
  • victord1victord1 Member Posts: 94
    Give my thanks to your uncle for his service; fighter jocks put their lives on the line every day.
    Thanks for the kind words. I live through his memoirs of the war every time we have a chat. But I tell you: he was a speed devil back in his younger years. A ride with him was like one of the rides at the amusement parks. Now he drives a Lincoln Town Car. God bless his heart.

    The E90 is a great car. Buy it
    Yeah, if I was single that E90sport would be my weekend/fun car. But the two snow falls we had this month sent my wife back into the dealerships--dragging me along--to look a for a small SUV so that she can make her whopping 3 miles trip to work. :cry:

    my wife also wanted to be able to make it out our half mile gravel driveway/farm road when the winter weather hits
    I guess we're on the same page. ;)
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    There is no evidence that anyone believes Bose sounds better than Thiel. This is not opinion, this is fact. :surprise:

    Seriously, as we enter our 7th month of bliss with a 2005 X3 3.0 with "virtually" every possible option except tinted windows and automaitc transmission, this is a competent sports sedan that happens to have at some prior time been bred with a competent but not particually off road inclined SUV.

    In black gloss with the terracotta leather sat nav and all the option boxes checked, the ONLY thing that de-luxes this little dude is the too big graining on the dash covereing -- and, this year now that all colors get the painted bumpers, even that little niggling complaint has been nullified.

    Wishes: 255HP 3.0 and a 6spd SMG or 7spd step or at least retain the competent but not stellar 6spd manual. And, oh yea: voice command of the phone and sat radio and nav system.

    Couldn't say enough positive about this car! :shades:
  • jrynnjrynn Member Posts: 162
    Car companies generally aren't stupid. They don't spend billions on advertising if they don't think it can influence how people think! The power of persuasion.

    Oh, Bodble, there you go again!

    No, car companies aren't stupid. Neither are consumers.

    A huge ad budget doesn't do much for you if it isn't backed up by something car companies spend even MORE money on: product development. Ultimately, what matters is the power of ENGINEERING.

    If you can't discern the difference between the way the X3 drives and the way the RAV4 drives, then buy your Toyota.

    And consider this. If you were right, and purchasing decisions were driven by nothing more than advertising, everyone would be in a Toyota, Honda, GM, Ford, or VW. Those five companies (and others) all have ad budgets that DWARF BMW's.

    No, the real "power of persuasion" lies beyond advertising.

    Car buyers who place a particularly high value on performance and handling (the "driving experience") buy BMW's.
  • designmandesignman Member Posts: 2,129
    Thanks for the links. And here is my favorite quote:

    "Rob Mitchell himself was reminded, while driving from the hotel, of the sobering physics that are bound to bite any complacent drivers of xDrive cars. That is, their stability is so reassuring, their stance so solid, their traction so unassuming that you may forget that actually it’s still winter out there."

    Ask me how I know... :surprise:

    OK, I'll ask, and I'm waiting patiently. ;-)
  • bdr127bdr127 Member Posts: 950
    Look again. For Canadian market they do.

    hehe... don't even make me go there... :P
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 31,975
    Why doesn't somebody actually try a RAV 4 so we can find out how it compares? I would do it myself if I had the time.

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    OK, I'll ask, and I'm waiting patiently. ;)

    I was a transit driver/navigator in that particular X5 during the "hypothetical" rally. Here's how I described the incident in a June 2000 Roundel story :

    We have more excitement when Russ decides to pass a trucker who is apparently well and truly ticked off by the hoards of rally cars buzzing down from the Arctic Circle and sporting 100w driving lights. As Russ pulls out to pass, the trucker crowds us onto the snow covered shoulder. Russ completes the pass and cranks the wheel hard right to get the left wheels out of the snow. The X5 gets quite a bit sideways and the DSC-apparently flustered by the combination of speed, steering angle, and yaw rate-chops the throttle way back. Fortunately, the X5 decides to relinquish control to Russ just before we get up close and personal with the front grill of the annoyed trucker.

    I can laugh about it now... :surprise:
  • jrynnjrynn Member Posts: 162
    Why doesn't somebody actually try a RAV 4 so we can find out how it compares?

    The principal reason is that the RAV4 V6 hasn't even been introduced yet. Bobdle is all hot for the RAV4 and ready to talk trash about the X3 based on pure spec. The RAV4 V6 won't be in dealerships for months.

    Right now, the 'nicest' RAV4 is the 4x4 Limited with its FOUR-speed automatic transmission.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    This isn't a comparison topic and we've covered the RAV4 nicely already. Let's try to focus on the X3 please.

    Steve, Host
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 31,975
    Well at least there has been more letters in the last week than in the previous 6 months!
    By the way, Edmunds gives the RAV 4 a great write up in the test drive section, but it still seems a little Toyotaish in many ways.
    And one more thing, I have enjoyed reading every ones comments, thoughts, and writing styles. Even this issue about comparing two different makes has made me think about why some people will pay twice as much for one car over another. I have no doubt the X3 is the finest car you can buy for that price (or probably more) and I think it is worth every penny. Happy Holidays and happy driving into 2006!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • newbmrnewbmr Member Posts: 26
    My 2004 X3 is scheduled for its first service (15k miles) later this week. I would like to know besides oil change and filter replacement what other things were done (or are to be expected).

    Thanks in advance,

    Happy Holidays!

    newBmr
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Ordinarily I'd recommend that you check out the Edmunds Maintenance Guide for what the manufacturer recommends but the X3 info isn't currently available for the '04.

    I'm curious about this note in the guide:

    "free full maintenance service is provided by the vehicle manufacturer for four (4) years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first."

    That's not your deal?

    Steve, Host
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    What happened to your Service and Warranty Information booklet? The copy in my wife's 2004 X3 lists the Oil Service information on page 5:

    1. Replace oil and filter
    2. Reset SI Indicator
    3. Replace microfilter
    4. Check brake pad lining thickness and replace if needed
    5. Check parking brake actuation and adjust if needed

    As Steve stated, the service is free for four years/50K miles. You DO know that the oil should be changed every 12 months even if the SI indicator hasn't called for one? It's still covered by BMW free maintenance.
    And, while you will find differing opinions on the subject, I prefer to change the oil/filter at @7500 mile intervals using a BMW filter and Mobil 1 0W-40 oil. It's a dead simple job, so I perform the changes between the ones called for by the SI indicator.
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    Our dealer said "use Castrol, not Mobil1" -- "use Mobil1 only if you can't find Castrol."

    Why?

    Dealer said BMW uses Castrol "exclusively" and there is no reason to mix additive packages -- no harm, in a pinch, in doing so though.

    At 12,000 miles, the X3 3.0 (2005) needed a "pint" literally a pint of oil. Drove all over the place trying to find Castrol, figured I'd "settle" on Mobil1, went into Wal-Mart (yes, Wal-Mart) and they had at least 3 or 4 full syn oils to choose from including Castrol.

    Coulda saved a lot of running around time going to Auto Parts store "du jour" (most of them only carry Mobil1 and perhaps Quaker or Pennzoil.)
  • jb_shinjb_shin Member Posts: 357
    Apparently, BMW-branded Castrol meets higher standard than the offtheshelf Castrol Syntecs. I read on one of the other forums but forget the exact spec list. Only Castrol 0-30 made in Germany is said to meet the same Long Life requirement that BMW 5-30 does in the US. Mobile 1 5-30 is also said to meet the same standard, but only those made/sold in Europe, and the US version goes up to LL01 vs. LL04 that EU counterpart does. some people also use Mobile 0-40.

    I personally like to change the oil 5000 to 7500 miles with either BMW or Mobile 1 so the LL/Long Life rating may not do much good for me, but that's just me. Oh, and the fact my M5 engine costs > 25 large makes me a bit conservative.
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    The only over-the-counter Castrol that I would use is the so-called "German Castrol" 0W-30. It is the only Castrol grade which meets the BMW Longlife 01 specification-just like Mobil 1 0W-40.
    With today's lubricants, "mixing additive packages" is almost never a concern-especially when you are making a complete changeover at an oil change. If mixing oil brands actually caused problems, my 130K 528iA would have gone to that great Bimmer Boneyard in the sky long ago-since I ran BMW/Castrol, Mobil 1, and Rotella Synthetic in it at one time or another.
    As I said, reasonable minds differ on this subject, but I prefer running Mobil 1 in all my four wheeled vehicles(including my ZTR mower). That said, the Speed Triple still gets Rotella synthetic. :P
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    I see great minds think alike ;)
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    I heard about the German vs non German Castrol and mentioned it to the service advisor. He said at 12,000 miles and "needing a pint" (the oil light flickered) that "'Merican" 0W-30 Castrol "full synthetic" is the stuff to use (and Mobil1 an "OK" alternative.)

    I read with such fear and trepidation all the crap about companies NOT honoring the warranty "on a technicality" that I averted my eyes and dutifully hunted for Castrol.

    Now, we have a short term lease and BMW will pay for one oil and filter change every 15,000 miles (and then they will CPO the car for the next guy.) Yet, this still somewhat defies logic -- but I can see NO justification for paying for extra oil changes if BMW is able to comfortably warrant a 45,000 mile car that has had but three oil and filter changes.

    Paying for the next owner's peace of mind just doesn't seem, Mr. Spock, "logical."

    Having said this, were we to buy and hold one of these cars, I would think 10,000 mile oil and filter changes (using the BMW part nos) would be a prudent and sagacious course of action.
  • vsromanvsroman Member Posts: 95
    My 04' X3 is "Satellite-Ready" which I think means the Shark Fin on my roof is a Sat Radio antennae. Has anyone installed a portable Sat Radio (like the Sportster) into their X3? If so, did you make use of the Shark Fin on your roof? Where did you find the wire and were you able to plug it into your portable radio?

    Thanks for any help!
  • jrynnjrynn Member Posts: 162
    A nearby dealership says there are two options they can install so that an iPod can be played in an X3.

    The Auxiliary Input Accessory Kit - $195 (incl. installation)
    The iPod Interface Kit - $350 (incl. installation)

    Q1 - Anyone on these boards have experience with either kit and want to recommend one over the other? (I'm concerned this is something BMW and Apple rushed to market and have not improved. The Walt Mossberg (Wall Street Journal/Personal Tech) review (I think of the iPod Adapter) was not positive, and it seems odd that it's an option that remains IN-compatible with the nav, sat. radio, and premium sound system.)

    Q2 - Anyone have any other pricing info? Given that the BMWUSA website says that the "Auxiliary Input Adapter Cable" (the only iPod accessory listed) costs just $40, $155 in labor to install seems high.

    Q3 - Is this something BMW and Apple rushed to market and then haven't improved?Anyone know why the iPod Adapter won't work with the Nav, Satellite Radio, or the Premium sound system?
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    Have you considered an ice>Link Plus? It only costs $200, and it's a fairly easy DIY project: all you have to do is pull the console, plug the ice>Link into the CD changer harness, and decide where to mount the docking cradle. Two hours, tops.
  • 05x305x3 Member Posts: 1
    Hello,
    I'm new to this fourm. I have a 2005 X3 3.0. Does anyone know if there is a rear bumper protector. I've seen them on the Lexus SUV's. They look like a small brush guard. I live in Chicago and having extra protection from the a**holes who can't paraell park would be priceless. Let me know. Thanks Ryan
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    BMW sells a front guard, but lists nothing for the rear. You might want to google "X3 World" and check there.
  • globetrotterglobetrotter Member Posts: 1
    Anyone had this problem? I am going to take the car to the dealer but was wondering if anyone have had problems starting its X3 in the mornings during cold days, it eventually starts after 3 or 4 tries but thought that was weird for a relatively new car.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 31,975
    I have had no problems starting in very cold weather. I do find the doors can get iced up and hard to open, and the power windows do not work when the temperature is slightly below zero. But, I still love my X3!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • jeffkieljeffkiel Member Posts: 48
    Just thought I would let everyone know...I took my first "longish" trip this past week in my X3: Raleigh to Charlotte, NC. Averaged 65-70 the whole way and on the way down, I got 23.5 MPG but got 26 MPG on the way back. I am guessing I must have had a bit of a headwind on the trip down ;)

    I usually average right at 20 MPG.
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    Consider boosting your tire pressure at least 2 pounds per tire, unless you are already on the cusp, you will find even more MPG's await.

    I think we added 3 pounds to our 18" sport tires.
  • aylinaylin Member Posts: 1
    I know that a soft ride is not one of X3's strong points. Still, can anyone comment about the car's ride with a baby/child at the back seat? Has there been an improvement in the suspension for 2006 models given all that is written in reviews about its tough ride?
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    The ride is firm, tough does not, IMO, accurately describe it.

    It is a BMW and NO BMW rides cushy, soft, etc. Some BMW's ride firm, firmer, firmest. The X3 with Sport rides firmest.

    I don't know if the baby and car seat materially effect the car's ride in any way. I work with a man who has an X5 and a Ford huge pickup -- he has baby seats in both.

    To me the truck, rides, er, like a truck. The X3 even with sport rides like a car.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    ".. don't know if the baby and car seat materially effect the car's ride in any way."

    I think he meant to ask if the ride is too jarring for a baby. The baby, and car seat should have ZERO effect on the ride, unless the baby is a baby sumo wrestler! :P
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    You are probably right, I took his meaning from his words, but I do believe you are correct in his intentions.

    Comments, however, still stand -- the X3 rides like a BMW 3 series -- only somewhat stiffer, and with the sport setup stiffer still.

    I don't think it would be harmful or unpleasant for a baby -- but only the baby will be able to determine this. I don't have any around to test this out, so my comments are more general and should be taken thusly.
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    That unfamiliar sensation you feel driving a BMW is called the road."
  • needyouradviceneedyouradvice Member Posts: 7
    Hello. I have never posted before so please forgive me if I am violating posting protocol. And if I am posting in the wrong place, please let me know.

    The BMW 3x suvs look wonderful to me but I have read bad reviews regarding reliability issues of the 3x so I am hesitant to buy one. I am afraid of buying an expensive lemon. I am a housewife in Houston. I rarely do freeway driving, most of my driving is from stop light to stop light, so performance is not an issue but reliability is. I am seeking an attractive, reliable midsized suv. I am trying to avoid Lexus b/c everyone in my neighborhood drives an RX or GX.

    Again, please excuse my lack of BMW savy. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions that you have to offer. Thank you in advance.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 236,830
    Well.. you are definitely in the right place..

    I'll let others chime in with their opinions.. but, I will mention...

    All BMWs come with a 4yr/50K mile warranty, plus all maintenance is included for the same 4yr/50K period.. The only thing you will have to pay for is tires...

    Welcome!
    kyfdx
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  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    The BMW 3x suvs look wonderful to me but I have read bad reviews regarding reliability issues of the 3x so I am hesitant to buy one.
    Where did you read that the X3 was unreliable? Even the nerds at Consumer Reports rate the X3's reliability as average.
  • needyouradviceneedyouradvice Member Posts: 7
    Hi Div2. I read this on edmunds.com, under the consumer review section. I love the way the BMW 3x looks, I was just wondering about the reliability. Thanks for your time.
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    Added one pint of oil in 13,000 miles.

    Had the wiper blades replaced (no charge) at 10,000 miles.

    Increased the inflation in the tires to make the handling just a smidge sharper.

    Have had NO problems, no reliability issues.

    We have a 2005 X3 3.0 6spd with Premium, Sport, Cold Weather packages -- we added about $11,000 worth of options in total to an MSRP just under $47K.

    36 mo lease no upfront money other than sec dep and first mo payment of $581 (miles per year @ 15K).

    More like a near lux car than an SUV.

    We tested with both auto and stick -- big difference, but if you are not concerned with somewhat lower peppiness, the 5spd auto will probably not be a negative.

    If you like to use a telephone in the car while driving, consider the optional in arm rest adapter for the Sony Ericsson phone which then makes the phone work through the sound system.

    Also, upgrade the sound system, the stock system even is only fair on AM radio -- the upgraded system, however, is quite good.

    The deals seem plentiful and you already heard about the 50k maint and warranty.
  • driver100driver100 Member Posts: 31,975
    I tried several cars and SUV's before going with the X3. There is nothing that drives better, has more safety features, or is designed better (seating position, sight lines, size of the windows). With a 2.5 automatic (hope it is still available)it would be fine for city driving.
    You can't go wrong with a 3 litre, but it isn't necessary for mostly short city trips.
    If you think it has too many problems you can still trade it in on a new car after over 4 years of warranty covered driving (and it will hold more of it's value than most cars). My guess is a Lexus or Accura will have fewer mechanical problems, but you will not have the same level of enjoyment in driving them.
    Just go for a test drive. I thought a car is basically a car....and I didn't like the idea of being a yuppie with a Bimmer....but once I drove it I didn't want to give it back, and I can't imagine anything better!

    2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250

  • needyouradviceneedyouradvice Member Posts: 7
    Thank you, Mark, for the help. I appreciate your taking the time to type out so much helpful info for me. I feel better after hearing from a satisfied owner. I'm leaning in the X3 direction.
  • needyouradviceneedyouradvice Member Posts: 7
    Driver100, Thanks a million for responding to my post. You have helped me and I appreciate it!
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