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Comments
Thanks.
Anyone have this issue yet?
p.s. I just replaced the factory Pirellis at 53,000 with the same set again. They were fantastic!
The answer to your question is that you go in at the FIRST to occur of (1) 12 months since your last service or (2) when the service interval indicator says its time.
If you dive less than 15,000 miles a year, it'll usually be (1). (For you, May 2007).
If you drive 15,000+ miles a year, it'll usually be (2).
My wife's X3 came with the less than impressive Bridgestones. I recently replaced them with the Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S, which is a more performance oriented A/S tire. I got a super deal from Tire Rack- $347 including shipping. A friend of mine who runs a tire shop mounted and balanced them for free. The Pirellis suit my driving style much better than either OEM tire.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
If your car is leased, they do not qualify when you turn the car back in either.
I've all but given up on Pirelli's.
:sick:
Well, my wife has @7.5K on them and they are still doing fine.
If your car is leased, they do not qualify when you turn the car back in either.
I don't rent cars.
I've all but given up on Pirelli's(sic).
To each his own; I've always had good luck with Pirellis(P77s on a Bavaria 3.0, Scorpions on a Pathfinder SE, P6000s on a 318ti Club Sport); I'm even fitting a set of Diablos to my Triumph Speed Triple.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Nice tires that were ahead of their time..
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Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Things changed when I went to college (don't they always?). My neighbor had an E30 325e with a 5 speed. One of my close friends (3 years older than me) bought himself a 1995 E36 325is with Sport Package, 5-speed, and it was even lowered from the factory sport settings (Individual Program?).
I went to college in Ithaca, NY which has some great, empty, winding, backroads. My Neighbor's E30 had a Gauge Cluster that stopped functioning when the car hit 150,000 miles. So we were riding around one day exploring some new corners to carve when we caught some air after a dip in the road. When the 4 wheels hit the ground, the speedometer clicked on and it showed that we were going 100 miles per hour! I was amazed at how well planted the car was in turns and how solid it was at 11 years old with well over 150,000 miles.
My friend with the E36 was from Buffalo. We were out at a club one night. It was getting late (4:00 AM) and my friend was going to leave with some girls (he was quite inebriated). He tossed me the keys to his Bright Red/Black E36 1995 325is. I got in the car and immediately found a great driving position. The car fit me like a glove. I was having such a blast driving that I hadn't realized that almost 4 hours had past as I roared around the quiet streets and highways of suburban Buffalo. I hit 110 on the highway and was driving 70 on the side streets. I even got the car to rotate around corners a few times. Ever since that night (morning) I've longed for a BMW.
Tonight one of my dreams became a reality as my wife and I took delivery of our Montego Blue/Black Leatherette '07 BMW X3 3.0siA. It drives so well for a truck.!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Also - I noticed the premium audio doesn't appear to be the same level of stereo offered on the 3 series sedan (which has Logic sound). Any comments on the quality of the premium audio - is it decent?
We love the leatherette too.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
That's right. I especially like the Bi-Xenon Adaptive lights on my wife's X3. The Xenons on my Mazdaspeed aren't bad either, and I particulary like the ability to adjust the headlight aim from the cockpit. I've even been tempted to install the Hella Xenon retrofit lamps on my E36 3er.
We love the leatherette too.
My wife's 3er had leatherette and it looked great. In addition, it didn't require as much care as leather does. My BMW sales guy told me that you would be surprised by the number of BMW owners who think that they have leather seats in their car when in fact they are leatherette.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
I'm definitely a believer in the leatherette. When the time comes for me to part with my beloved '01 Prelude Type SH in about 5 years or so, I'd definitely do a 128i with leatherette, stick, Sport Package, & heated seats or maybe a Z2 roadster with leatherette and keep the Honda as a winter beater.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
I wonder, though, if the leatherette would be more prone to cracking or ripping due to the effects of sun and heat?
I don't think the leatherette would crack as easily as leather. Most people say it is more durable.
I have read about people's transmission complaints. For me it seems like a non-issue while driving. When you slow down, the transmission drops into a lower gear, just like I do when I drive my 5-speed manual equipped 2001 Honda Prelude Type SH everyday!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
And easier to care for as well.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
The dealer diagnosed it as some air in the gas line and said they fixed it. When they took a test drive, the light came back on, so we'll see what they have to say tomorrow.
We do love the way the X3 looks & drives. We gets lots of compliments on its Montego Blue color. I love the power of the N52!
Interestingly enough, my wife got a 328xi wagon as a loaner car. I originally thought the 328i (RWD, Sports Package) Touring was going to be our car. It doesn't offer that much more cargo room than the sedan. The X3 was roomier passengers and had more cargo room, not to mention MUCH better lease rates.
Driving the 328xiT left quite an impression on me. Handling is much sharper than the X3 & the steering is much better weighted. I fet more of the road than in the X3. And I love sitting so low to the ground (it is what I'm used to with an '01 Honda Prelude as my daily driver).
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I like the looks of the 328xiT, and it is a little less expensive to buy or lease than the X3, but, for what I personally want the X-drive for, I'm just afraid I would end up missing the more practical aspects of the X3.
My wife commented on how her trip to Costco (in the 328xiT) was made harder because she didn't have her X3.
I'm not a big fan of AWD. It helps get you going, but it increases your braking distance and could seriously affect emergency handling with the added weight. You also pay a penalty for fuel economy. I guess British Columbia is much different than New York. It only snows here a few times a year (and they do an amazing job plowing) and everybody thinks they NEED AWD.
With a RWD BMW you can get a real sports package (Upgraded wheels/tires, sport tuned suspension) that still includes a host of electronic nannies (DSC, Traction Control...) that coupled with a set of dedicated winter tires will help you out a whole lot in the snow (save for ground clearance).
The 3er wagon might be cheaper to buy, but not to lease. BMW sets ridiculously high residuals for the X3 compared to the 3er wagon.
Either way you're getting a great car. With my wife and 1 year old son, the X3 was the clear choice for us.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
But, you don't usually lease, do you?
Sorry..
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The X3 drives great for a truck, has great brakes for a truck, and handles great for a truck, but at the end of the day it is still a truck.
I'm probably taking your words too literally, but to me a truck is a vehicle with separate body and frame construction, typically with 4WD rather than AWD, and in SUV form an example is a Toyota 4-Runner.
Although the X3 is car based, I don't pretend it's a car but I do think it's in a different league than truck based SUVs when it comes to agility, handling, responsiveness, etc.
Thanks
Bruce
My Prelude which barely sits 5" off the ground, has a separate trunk, and pulls strong to its 7400 RPM redline even with over 86,000 miles on it is a car.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
If yours is like my old Integra (95 GS-R), you will be looking for a reason to get rid of it. Mine was strong as ever at 180,000, before it was stolen and stripped for parts.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Thanks, I understand, and agree on the driving impressions, although from the perspective of owning an '06 X3 (which my wife loves).
FWIW, one weekend we drove the X3 to our favorite country inn in West Virginia. Another couple joined us for the weekend and they drove their 4-Runner.
We decided to take a day trip and they rode in our backseat with me driving. I took off on the back roads in my normal sporty manner for that area, and they asked me to slow down.
At first, I thought they were teasing, but they were dead serious. They were about to have a heart attack as they said if they tried to drive their 4-Runner like that, it would roll off the road and they would be killed!
That definitely dimmed my driving experience for the day, as one of the highlights for going to that area is beautiful twisty roads with little traffic and no speed traps that I have ever seen.
Thanks
Bruce
Hmmm, in thinking about your post, I believe you have a good point- it is different from the passenger's perspective and I'll confess I wasn't taking that into account at the time.
Thanks
Bruce
Exactly. As I see it, it's a truck that does an excellent job of driving like a BMW car. However, now that I've got the Mazdaspeed3 we seldom take the X3 anywhere when I'm driving. If my 5'6" seventh grader is riding in the back we take the Mazda; if there's only going to be two aboard I might take my "ancient" E36/5. In any event, my wife loves the X3 and it can carry quite a bit of cargo. And when I finally get around to fitting the BMW trailer hitch I bought I'll be using the X3 a bit more- to haul motorcycles, bicycles, mowers and such.
Just like a REAL truck... :P
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
I'd like the next generation X3 to be a bit wider. We're going to see how this thing holds up for the 3 years we lease it for. If it is anything like my Dad's former "04 X5 3.0iA & my Mom's current 530iA, then I'd consider buying the next gen X3. Maybe with a diesel:) :shades:
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
We just have one kid, so we can take the whole family in any one of our cars; it just depends on the mission profile.
Carrying lots of stuff/nasty winter weather? X3
Commuting, four door convenience and possible stop light/back road Grand Prix competitions? Mazdaspeed3
Track days/Pure RWD enjoyment? Club Sport
Go ANYWHERE/transporting the German Shepherd? Wrangler
I'd consider buying the next gen X3. Maybe with a diesel
The BMW NA folks at Oktoberfest were very evasive when asked what US cars would get the turbo diesel motor(the 535d I drove was terrific; lots of low end grunt and mid range power). I've heard that one faction at BMW NA thinks that the X3 and X5 should get the oil burner in order to help BMW's CAFE numbers, while others think that diesels would give the SAVs an undesirable "truck" image :confuse: Me, I think they ought to put the motor in every platform. And if BMW offered a 135d five door hatch with the European M Sport package I'd buy one today.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
BTW, I don't want to see the next X3 any wider, at least in terms of exterior dimension. IMO, the current X5 is too big and too wide.
What if you find a great deal on a CPO 3-series coupe, such as an '05/'06 model with the Sports Package? Might that sway you to replace the Prelude?
Are you referring to the '04-'06 3.0i? That model actually has 225hp. We recently purchased an '04 X3 3.0i for my wife, and I can say with some confidence its power is more than adequate. Of course, we were looking at used X3's (CPO models), which means we were comparing the 3.0i to the 2.5i, not the new 260hp 3.0si.
The 3.0i runs fairly quite and smooth, with plenty of passing power. BMW rated the X3 3.0i 0-60 mph acceleration at 7.9s with the 5sp automatic, or at 7.6s with the 6sp manual.
No doubt you'll feel some additional acceleration with the 3.0si, and I suspect you'll also see a small improvement with the fuel economy, based on the EPA rating differences. We typically don't lease, and so buying a low-mileage fully-loaded 2004 3.0i CPO model for about $26K seemed more sensible for us, instead of paying over $40K for an '07 3.0si model.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Like I said, for the same money I'd rather have a NEW car.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD