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Our salesman gave us the key and plate and we drove off. The first thing we noticed was the bigger cabin (much more headroom). The second thing was how cheap the interior materials looked and felt compared with the E46 3 series and even the E36 (we have plenty of experiance with both models). I thought the cabin was comparable in quality to the old 3 series hatchback (318ti). The X3 handled well but when I was riding as a passenger I noticed how poor the ride was. I even began to feel somewhat car sick. I didn't really get to test the performance as there was too much traffic but I suspect the 2.5 does not work as well in the X3 as it does in the 3 series car.
After the test drive we returned the key and a salesman asked me what I thought of the X3. I told him I preferred the 3 series because the X3 ride was too harsh and the cabin cheap looking. He did not disagree with my assessment.
My wife and I got back into our 325Xis and drove away. We really appreciated our cars after driving the X3 and my wife told me after dinner that she wanted another 325XiT.
BTW Both our cars have the BMW Navigation system, my wife's 2001 has the CD based system and my 2004 has the much better DVD based navigation system. Either system is much better than a handheld system (we have a Garmin handheld too). The handhelds cannot navigate you if they lose the satellite connection which can easily happen with a handheld. They also take some time to acquire a lock on the signal. The BMW system acquires a lock almost instantly, holds onto it longer (it has a roof mounted antenna) and when it does loose the satellite can still navigate using an internal gyroscope and connection to the cars computers for dead reckoning. Also the voice commands are integrated with the car's stereo system. In short, well worth the $1800.
Thanks!
Rides and steers like the X5, in other words "like a truck".
How long do you suppose it will take BMW to figure out the secret of the Lexus RX series success?
Other than the cheap looking interior and the truck like steering and handling the X3 is a perfect SUV.
I will probably buy one for the adaptable AWD system alone, AWD with definite rear torque bias, but it would be nice to have some of the more upscale aspects of the RX.
Oh, well, maybe like Eastern airlines the RX will come down to the level of the rest of the market. They're certainly moving in that direction with the mixed bag of wood and aluminum accents.
When will marketing folks learn not to mess with success?
wwest- I subscribe to Road & Track, Car & Driver, AutoWeek, Automoblie Magazine and Motor Trend and read evry issue and have never heard the term "truck like" to describe an X5. In fact since I am trading in one having driven it for almost four years it is more car like than truck like since it is unibody and loosely based off the 5 series platform. Go back and look at just about any sport utility comparison over the last 3 years and most articles say that the X5 is one of the best handling and most car like rides of any sport utility. Your comments are totally off base and the X5 and X3 don't really target the RX. The RX is a smooth riding, quite and very luxury based sport utility but nowhere have I read that it handles as nice as an X3 or X5. Maybe BMW will figure out the success of Lexus sport utilies whenLexus figures out how to make a sport sedan or sport car. BMW outsells all Luxury makes of auto's in the US including Lexus. Lexus has more sales because they have 5 or 6 sport utilites.
adgrant- an X3 or X5 is not going to ride or handle like a 325, you have 8 inches of ground clearance and a much higher center of gravity which I'm sure you know. If you r wife was driving maybe thats why you got sick in the passenger seat
post something positive to make your point.
I have no question, personally, that the X3 handles/feels more like the Aerostar, a truck, than any of the other vehicles of my experience.
Frankly the RX300 is a compromise between an LS400 with air suspension (MY LOVE) and a "HARD" SUV.
That's what one does when one has run out of rational arguments. Let's stick to the issues and drop the innuendo and cheap shots.
tidester, host
I find the X3 ride very tight, firm and well controlled for a truck. I prefer the ride of the M5, not a fair comparison in my mind, but my wife actually said today she likes being a passenger in the X3 more than the M5. That could be because I can't seem to get to the same speeds as quickly in the X3, but it was an honest comment from her.
The X3 comes as close to the performance that I desire as I have been able to find in a truck, the X5 and Infinitis being next on my list. I thought the RX330 that people keep bringing up on this board was a beautiful car that I would have considered for the styling and toys even though the performance is not what I wanted, but I couldn't consider it due to the fact that I could not find a comfortable driving position for my 6'4" frame. The center console interferes with my right leg.
So I guess my advice on the sport package is that you should not back away from it if you like performance suspensions and you want what must be one of the most nimble SUVs on the market.
And, by the way, this is still a very clean car - either my good luck for once, or a tribute to the quality control on this new product. BMW fixed a lot of the issues I had with the early production models they had for test drives last fall.
We're very happy with the X3 3.0, the sport package and the 6-speed. I would order the same car if I had to do it over today.
Would the X3 hold its value after say 5 years like the other BMWs? I am a bit skeptical about the resale value.
First of all, I don’t consider a direct comparison between these as really a valid test as one is a station wagon or car and the other a SUV. A more fair comparison would be SUV vs. SUV. If I were in the market for another sedan or a station wagon, the 330XI would be at the top of my list. I was however in the market for a SUV, so I judged the X3 vs. other SUVs in its class.
When I tested the X3 I was amazed how well it handled, with great road feel and maneuverability. I thought it was the closest thing I had ever driven to a 3 series sedan in an SUV. I have tested many SUVs and none were even close to the X3 in road feel, and handling. I found the ride to be a bit different due to the increased ride height, but by no means did it feel overly harsh or uncomfortable. As far as getting car sick, I was probably too busy grinning to notice. I found that the interior was of good quality, but not opulent. The interior seemed a bit different, but on a par with my 325I. The seats were comfortable and the driver position was good. There are SUVs with nicer looking interiors, but for me it was an acceptable trade off of the X3 handling vs. the “luxury” of the Lexus 330.
I’m not suggesting your opinion is wrong, or mine is correct. For any prospective buyers reading this, I would take the “reviews” with a grain of salt, and advise that instead of relying on the opinions of drivers with conflicting views, that you go out and test one for yourself. There are a lot of good choices out there.
Do you agree with this>
Hopefully the Pirelli Scorpion STRs are part of the better ride scenario. I live in the Northeast and therefore I needed an all-weather tire so the higher speed rated tire and wheel package was not for me. I definitely needed a “best of both worlds” option.
I am not familiar with the Pirelli Scorpion STRs. Does anyone have any experience with them?
First, the price of an X3 and X5 is considerable different. Just price them! Drive an X3 3.0 and an X5 3.0 and you will feel a significant difference.
If you want a used (1-3 years) x5 you can purchase one for almost the same price as an new x3.(But remember you won't get the Xdrive for another 1-3 years.) The X5 certainly has more lux interior and exterior design. If you are planning to keep your vehicle only a few years before trade and like a more refined ride, you should strongly consider a used x5. However if you desire a new car, enjoy an aggressive drive, want added interior space, are concerned about gas mileage, you should take a look at the x3.
To be honest, I have just purchased an X3. I considered a used X5. But I like new. We were planning a trip to Europe this summer and the difference between the ED price for an X3 and US X5 was also a consideration. I liked the fun factor in driving a X3 vs X5. I personally like the spartan interior of the X3 and I like the gas mileage difference.
I have been looking for a replacement for my 87 Pathfinder. The X3 is the first vehicle that has made me go through the dealer purchasing process.
Good luck on your decision.
Most comparisons you see match the 3.0 versions of both vehicles. But I wanted the V8 acceleration in the heavier X5, and actually preferring the 6-speed, I have the X3 combo that is within a second of the X5 V8, 0 to 60, but about that much quicker than the X5 six. I loaded the X3 up with PDC, audio upgrade, nav, tinted windows, lux and sport packages, heated seats, etc. There wasn't anything meaningful (in my mind) that I could get on the X5 that I didn't get on this car. In the end, I would have had in the X5 an automatic transmission and V8 in an admittedly more luxurious package, but the seats would have been no more comfortable, the audio may not be as good, there would be no more space, and the X5 is heavier and less agile.
Sorry if this sounds like an odd comparison, but at least to me it is fairer than comparing the small engine X5 with the large engine X3. The X5 and X3 are two fine vehicles targeted at slightly different buyers. If you want an X5, buy it and feel good about it - I certainly prefer it to its V8 rivals from other manufacturers. But don't deny yourself an X3 because you think it is too expensive when compared to its big brother.
Thanks for sharing your ride experience. I am still interested at X3 although there are several not so good reports about the stiff ride and cheap materials inside, particularly the article from Car & Driver. I wonder did you drive the non-sports package to compare with the sports package you are driving? I am seriously making a decision to buy the X3 or the TL in the next month or so. The stiff ride is something I am concerned about. Do you consider X3 stiff but supple?
regards,
kyfdx
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http://home.earthlink.net/~tcinco/sunburstfanclub/
I think the Koreans like the X3 although this review does read a bit like some PR material. (Korea Times)
Steve, Host
1. X5
2. 530i (must be the best suspension I've ever tested, including my 2 E39 M5s and an E39 540i 6-speed)
3. X3 without sport
4 and 5. (tie) X3 with sport package and 330i PP. These two vehicles felt remarkably similar. I'll bet the 330i would perform better on the track, if for no other reason the power to weight ratio and lower cg, but the X3 will surprise a lot of people.
So if you like the feel of an E46 with a sport suspension option, I don't think you'll dislike the X3 with that option. Pretty odd discussion for a truck but I guess that's partly why we're on this message board.
The 2.5 had more pep than I expected.
When pushed, it did respond but sounded like it was working too hard. Although it moved quickly in the 30-60 range and didn't seem taxed.
I found the 3.0 to have excellent power. When pushed, it perfomed very well and didn't break a sweat!
Bottom line, if strong, quick 0-60 is important to you, and you like to take advantage of that speed on a regular basis, then the 3.0 is for you. You will likely be disappointed with the 2.5.
If you only ask for that kind of performance once in a while, then the 2.5 will likely suit you just fine.
This is a very subjective factor and depending on what your driving today, your impressions may vary.
Regarding the overall drive, I loved it. Handling is very nimble (in both 2.5 and 3.0), steering, braking, top notch - as expected.
The more time I spend with this SAV, the more I like it.
I must disagree with previous post opining that there is no diff between the 2.5/3.0. There is a BIG difference in power. No difference in most other factors.
Oh yeah, a bit of a price difference too!
For me, with my need for speed, the 3.0 would be my only choice. It is on par with my 99' 528i speed wise, and handles a bit better.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
http://www.arch2design.de/BMWX3/my3.jpg
http://www.arch2design.de/BMWX3/my4.jpg
Do any of you out there have the scoop on this, or what other dealer installed options are or will be available?
what was your production date? Mine was feb 8 and only today the status changed to awaiting transport.
I also want the universal remote and they say they have not received the information. I had it added to my M3 after purchase and they had to put a new rear view mirror on, I hope this is a lot easier. I also had my X3 wired for Sirius radio but they still don't have the information yet on installation.
We are thinking about a 2.5i or 3.0i with automatic, leather and premium package, what would be a good price?
We are waiting to test drive the 2.5i before we decide which one to get.
Also, is the privacy glass a worthwhile option? Thanks.
The tint on the privacy glass is not that dark. I like it because with kids in the back seat it, well, gives you more privacy.
regards,
kyfdx
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Try to negotiate off the invoice price instead so it's clear how much they are making versus how much they are trying to save you off of MSRP.