BMW X3

mamgt

I had a similar issue in that the brochure stated a 3-spoke steering wheel as standard for the 3.0 but I got a 4 spoke. Now it was not a total surprise to me as my dealer had warned me that it would probably not be a 3-spoke. The brochure also has a disclaimer that there my be slight differences in the options, but I find that unacceptable when you're spending this kind of money. There should at least be some type of list with updated information that you can review before purchasing.

lfeiwel

I did not order the carpet but it came that way...One thing, I did not order the premium pkg, beacuse didn't like any of the woods or metal, and couldn't get premium with std interior. I think this looks best. It may be the case that ordering premium changes other interior materials as well? Did get moonroof, terracotta, white alpine, privacy glass, 3.0

lakshman

Thanks for your input. I am going to check the brochure and talk to my dealer as well as the bmw customer service.

I just had a small problem with the sunroof, the partial opening wouldn't close. When I press the button it closes and opens again. I will have to find out if it was me or that there is a problem. Note that it had worked well previously.

Did any of you get a invite to an even in Chelsey Pears, NY? One of my colleague did but I haven't.

Otherwise, the ride is great and I think it is definitely worth the price paid.

nyccarguy

I got an invite to the cheasea Piers thing, but am confused. Is it a driving enent or just a show off the X3 event with professional drivers. I can't imagine it being a driving event, so I don't think I'm going to bother going.

lakshman

I checked the brochure and it says the multi-function steering wheel is standard with 2.5. That is what made me think that I am going to get the controls in the steering wheel.

I emailed and I got this message from the customer service.

"The leather-wrapped steering wheel is the standard ordering option for the
2.5i model. The three-spoke leather-wrapped sport steering wheel is included in
the Sport Package, and the three-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function steering
wheel is included in the Premium Package or as a stand-alone option. We
apologize for any misunderstanding there may have been regarding this feature."

jamesw7

After a long and agonizing search, I finally decided to go for the X3 2.5. I went to the first dealer and there is only one strip down version of 2.5 on the lot but quite a few of 3.0 around. They offered me $2K discount plus the $1275 auto trans. rebate to buy the 3.0 in the lot. The second dealer offered me $1200 discount
on the 2.5 with no auto trans. rebate. I plan to go for the 2.5 and wonder if the 1200 discount is a good deal.

kyfdx

At those prices, what was it going to cost you extra to get a 3.0?

mamgt

That's a great price for the 3.0. Don't forget the 3.0 has a bunch of options that are standard (see brochure). Taking those into consideration, the 2.5 and 3.0 stand apart only by about $4,200 MSRP. With the better discount on the 3.0, you're probably only about $2,000 apart. Assuming you can spring for the extra 2K, that would be a no-brainer for me.

furby

May I ask the name of the dealership with the $2000 discount and the auto tran? Thanks.

tucker74

A Mystic Blue/Grey 2.5l with step, leather, power seats, xenon, privacy, and maple wood trim. With some minor haggling knocked $1600 off MSRP which leaves us at roughly 4.5% over invoice (which is a better way of comparing discounts).

newbmr

2.5i Black/Black leatherette, Panoramic Moonroof, Cruise, Automatic, Privacy Glass. Got it for 2.45% over invoice. Thanks to some very informative posts that helped shorten my research on the car (loved the update and the subsequent clarification on auto rebate - the dealer actually showed me their internal memo re: 3.0.)

x3r

Could those of you that now own X3s describe what the dealer told you about the break in period? I have heard about not going over 4500 RPMs or something like that but was wondering how long that limitation is in effect before the break in period ends. Also, did they say anything about varying speeds...i.e. don't cruise at a set speed for long during the break in period.

Thanks for any information you can provide.

lakshman

Please check the manual for details about the break-in period.

Here are some of the details that I can remember.
You are not supposed to exceed 4500RPM and 100MPH. Vary the engine and car speed for the first 1200 miles.

x3r

Thanks lakshman. I will certainly check my manual when my X3 arrrives...hopefully later this week. Just trying to get a feel for when I could start planning a longer road trip.

harplayr

I beleive that the manual for the X3 is on the BMW or owners circle website now.

scotth6

I've had my X3 3.0 Auto for one month and 1200 miles, I'm driving 1000 miles next week end to Florida and back from South Carolina and will report on the gas milage. So far the X3 is great and the ride is fantastic even with the sport package and Y spoke wheels with low profile tires. I really have no complaints but I hope the gas milage starts to improve with the vehicle being broken in. So far around town its about 17 mpg.

mamgt

A few posts earlier you mentioned that you had contacted customer service about the steering wheel. Was that your dealer or BMW NA? I would like to contact BMW NA but can't find a customer service e-mail for them.

tucker74

Just curious if anyone has experience with the X3 and car seats. Our little guy ain't so little anymore and I'm about to spring for one of those monstrous Britax Marathons that can hopefully hold him for a few years.

How's the room in the rear with a child seat installed? It's hard to judge without having the seat and car together to test out. I figure his current infant carrier is probably half as small and thus not a good indicator.

newbmr

I found that even with a car seat, there is plenty of room on the back seat. Our daughter is almost 3 yrs old and her car seat fit very easily leaving plenty of room for two adults to sit. The privacy glass came in really handy in the scorching sun last saturday (we got our X3 on 27th).

lakshman

x3r,
As harplayr mentioned you can get the manual from the oc.bmwusa.com website. Another source would be the link posted in this forum sometime back.

mamgt,
I went to the oc.bmwusa.com website and sent a priority email. They finally admitted that there was a mistake. I am not sure what to ask them now. I also spoke to my sales person, he said he will speak with BMW and get back to me.

If you want the BMW customer service number, you can take the 800 number from the brochure call them and get the customer service number. If you mail using the oc website, I think they respond with the customer service number. Please keep me posted on what you are planning to do about it.

shap1

Our large booster seat fits fine with room for two other kids (or one adult) in my 325i, so it should be no problem. An interesting thing I wonder about on the X3 since I'll be getting one soon...In my 325, the position of the rear seats is at an angle. The best way I can describe it is that occupant's hips sit lower than their thighs.The result is that my eight year old still needs to be in a booster seat to put her at a height where the seatbelt isn't across her neck. I hope this won't be the case in the X3. And I presume the rear seat is a bit larger in the X3??

tucker74

Since I'm coming from a Boxster, it's hard to tell what a decent-sized back seat is. I'm glad to hear the child seat will leave room for two adults. We currently have the infant seat in my wife's IS300 and we can barely squeeze two adults back there for short drives. And privacy glass is a definite must have option to keep the little guy cool.

jed

I live in N. California and don't think I've knowingly seen an X3 on the road. Just visited LA and had the same experience. I have seen one at a dealer.
I'm interested in possibly ordering one and would like to know other's experience in several areas.
Has anyone seen the beige leatherette, and how does it look in the car. I had a 325 with black leatherette for 14 years and wouldn't trade it for leather. No tears, no nothing. My current BMW has black leatherette too, but I'm thinking the beige--if it looks ok--would look better with less care.
The lack of cruise control being standard on the 2.5 is amazing, but I guess you have to cut costs somewhere. I do think BMW is quicker than most to make needed changes--my 2001 came with some new improvements in the middle of the model year, with no extra cost.
Any chance the external temp guage will come standard on the 2.5? I paid several hundred dollars to get some electronics on present car just so I could have that feature. And will do it again if I have to.
How's the big open roof working? Anyone see a downside to that?
How is the vision out the back in this car?
Can you carry two golf bags easily without putting down the back seat? Does the back seat go down easily?
Anyone have experience with negotiating price in San Francisco--Oakland area. Realistic discount?

I have enjoyed all the messages on this board (and others). Loved the look of the Touregg(?) but can't see paying that much for that car(one person claimed his wife cut her hand in the showroom when trying to put down the back seat).
Particularly enjoyed the engineer person's comments that the tracks in the back (for bikes) in the X3 looked like clutter catchers to him. Thanks again, for everyone's great messages.

tucker74

Am I correct in assuming that the only way to get steering wheel controls on a non-performance package equipped 2.5 is to order cruise control?

newbmr

tucker74: Yes. That has been my experience. I just got my 2.5i last saturday.

jed: Plenty of X3 (especially 3.0s) at Bay Area dealerships. 2.5 definitely hard to get, especially those with very specific options. You may want to email them (several of them are part of Autonation network) for quotes. Then start your negotiations. Good luck!

jamesw7

Sorry of the late reply. I finally decided to purchase the 3.0 on the lot, from Leith BMW in Raleigh, NC, instead although it does not have the color and the options I want. The discount they offered me is too good to refuse. I've got $3300 discount. This is a lot stiffer ride than my RAV4 and I am making an effort to adjust to it now.

evy

I've been test driving cars for a couple months now, leaning toward the BMW X3. Your message board helped me with your good advice. However, yesterday I studied discounts for the 2.5 l from your discussions. I went to put down my deposit yesterday, and told the dealer that members of Edmunds.com message board got about $1000. off the 2.5l auto. The dealers around Chicago were offering me only $500. off. So he agreed to the $1000. Thank you for making it possible for me. Your site obviously carries some weight. Now I have to learn how to track my auto with my new "production number." So excited. Thanks.

x3r

Sapphire Black Metallic
Black Leather Interior
Aluminum Trim
Premium and Sports Packages
L o a d e d

This is an initial posting regarding the X3 3.0i with sports package that I finally picked up this evening. It has been a long 7 weeks but well worth the wait. Let me just say that the vehicle has surpassed my expectations in almost every respect thus far. Very pleased with the purchase. I had some concerns about opting for the sports package due to early press. Comments on this board were mostly reassuring which I appreciate. While many have commented that ride perception is subjective, I must say that I cannot understand where all the negative commentary came from regarding the sports suspension ride quality. For me it feels appropriately connected to the road. One huge standout is the adaptive xenon headlights. I took a particularly twisty route home after moonrise and these really make a huge difference. They are very fluid and seem to track with your eyes. Interior quality seems definitely up to BMW quality standards and minimal in a way I really appreciate. Storage approach for rear cargo cover was a pleasant surprise as well. It clips to the folded rear seats and a net extends to the roof panel if needed. I understand that a similar system is in the 3 Series wagons but this is the first BMW I have purchased so it was a nice surprise. Navigation system works very well so far as well. Moon roof is great too. I did notice that "lighter" feeling to the doors today which others have commented on but I am sure I will appreciate the weight savings at the pump. That is the way I will be looking at that feature. Sometimes less is more. Steptronic is amazing as is the servotronic assisted steering...though not as noteworthy to me as the adaptive headlights. Dealer demonstrated HDC today as well which worked like a charm.

More comments to follow as well as images I hope soon. Hope they can be as helpful as other posts in this forum.

mamgt

jamesw7:
Glad to see you went for the 3.0. Great price. You won't regret it!..believe me.

x3r:
I don't care any more what any review says about the X3. I've driven it now for three weeks and I love the car. Everything about it. Period.

x3r

Mgmnt: I certainly understand your point about disregarding reviews. I suspect the X3 is simply ahead of the curve in many respects. People simply don't fully understand all that is on offer with the X3 at this point. I imagine it will be tough to keep that a secret for much longer as more vehicles hit the road. Here's to being ahead of the curve...or should I say, with the sports package...ahead of the curves. 8)

kdshapiro

Congrats on your new vehicles. I test drive an X3 3L twice, without sport and I concur with the assessment. The last drive I took the vehicle to an empty parking lot covered with ice and snow and flogged it. It handled like it was on rails.

jeff33

My 3.0 is now somewhere at sea. I talked to my salesman about a tow hitch. I use that type of bike rack and wish to continue it with the new car. I will tow nothing else. BMW wanted about $800 for the hitch. I told him that this wasn't happening and tried the local truck cap place. They said they install Draw Tite brand tow hitches on X5's for $187. However, Draw Tite hasn't gotten their hands on an X3 yet to spec the new hitch. I was told to check back near the end of May. Just a heads up for fellow bikers.

juanchypr

Hi to all,

Proud to be driven and X3 3.0 Alpine White, Gray Leather, Steptronic thats all, with nothing more…!!

My opinion is for all of the X3 Bimmers that everyday takes a look to this forum and read the new postings in anonymous way (as me until today) or the ones that show their comments.

I don’t want to talk about price, because here in the enchanted island Puerto Rico; price for this kind of car is very high. I don’t know how much people of the island take a look at this forum, but until today I never saw a PR flag posted.

My experience with this car, because for me it’s not a SUV or a SAV, it’s a car 8” inches high, that give you a lot of benefits as any moment or in any situation.

The first controversial topic here in the forum;
INTERIORS
In my car Gray leather, look with very nice terminations, dash board plastic looks with curves and shapes. It feels solid and made it with quality products. I have no trim and the doors and other places that cover the trim, they seen and they feels with quality not like whatever cheap plastic that’s not approved for receive very good UV’s.

HANDLING
The handling of this car is like a sport car. I believe that the people from C\D makes their trial on an over inflated tires, because at this moment with 1,000 miles on 2 weeks, I don’t receive any of their impression of pumping or tough rides. This car its run glued to the floor, with very good moves taking in consideration that its 8” over the floor. The good control of the gravity center was and excellent calculation.

PERFORMANCE
This motor it’s incredible, the high torque and quick response place you very tight to your seat. I fill up 3 tanks as per today, giving it around 315 miles per tank.
The steptronic transmission it’s the complement of the package. It's turn this car in an amazing ultimate driving machine. If you want a smooth, drive, you have to leave it at “D”, if you want some additional power, but without shifting use “Sport”. But if you want to feel the motor revving, the sound of a sport motor and feel all the power on it, use the 5 shift manual and then you can feel the power, going for it.

Additional comments;
• Passenger Air Bag light – I saw it the first 7 days, after that I don’t remember that it’s on.
• Black bumpers – For me they are giving to the car the correct look, the SUV properties. But they are only to confuse the other with this, because the ugly commnets of the black bumpers change when the performance arrive.
• Turanza tires - I don't like the tires, looks without performance. But, I can live with it until the time to change it arrive.

No more comments, and congrats to all of the owner of an X3, and to all the other, that are thinking to bought one. Close the deal ASAP to start enjoying this excellent car.

ailenl

This has been a very helpful chat board for me to get to know many different opinions, experiences about X3.

I finally got my order in after waiting for two months. 2.5 auto, alpine white, beige leatherette. It is great.

Before I got it, I was anxious about the interior when I heard it has gray carpet and center storage box. It is a relief when I see the car. Indeed it got dark gray carpet and the storage box cover. With the same color trim and dashboard, it gives the beige interior sportier look (less feminine). I think it depends on personal preference, I chose beige because I like the inside look brighter and it really does.

Outside temperature reading is there (not sure if it is standard or comes standard with on-board computer I ordered). Folding down the back seats is a piece of cake. Push button then fold, no tricks at all. Back view has not been a problem for me. The ride is a lot stiffer comparing to driving those Japanese makers. The handling and tracking are very accurate and they are the best part of my experience with X3.

I made the same mistake thinking cruise control is standard. The BMW brochure is a bit misleading, I'd recommend to check the options carefully with your sales guy when you order your vehicle rather than relying on the brochure. The brochure listed "leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel" as a standard feature on 2.5s. But the one I got has only one function --- for steering. I am hoping I can get the multi-function steering wheel installed as an after market feature. Does anyone know if any dealer offers this?

Black bumper: it gives a good contrast to my alpine white. For those who do not like the look, I know my dealer start offering same color bumper at a cost of ~$4000.

Gas mileage: mine looks like a lot lower than listed. So far it is ~15mpg city ride. Is this close to what everyone got? One thing I noticed is that the speed drops very quickly once you step off the gas paddle. I wonder, is this part of the accuracy of the handling or the reason causing low gas mileage? Anyone has similar experience?
  
Overall the vehicle is great looking, fun to drive. I am very happy with it.

x3r

This posting is in response to #997.

"Question regarding the button on the left of the nav. with up and down arrow. It just moves the nav. slightly, I expect it to move it up and down like when you do it with the hand. However, the right one for closing and opening is working as expected"

Pressing either the display adjust up or display adjust down buttons on the left side of the display REPEATEDLY will adjust the screen in small increments. Others responding stating that they felt this was a bug but I suspect this was done intentionally. If the adjustment moved fluidly while you held the button down, you would likely overshoot the desired screen angle. Also, you would have to give the whole adjustment process even more attention than you do as it is designed with the incremental adjust feature.

At least this is how mine is working. I don't believe the manual was specific about stating anything regarding pressing the button repeatedly so I totally agree that if you just press and release a button, it could easily seem like the monitor is broken or that there is a bug with the system. Hope this helps.

Drive Safely.

jed

I appreciated your comments. I'm pretty sure the on board computer option is what covered receiving the outside temp reading. I guess before I make my final decision I will have to get a sales person to show me the beige leatherette on some car. I was particularly glad that ailenl found the beige attractive. As a dog owner I truly prefer the vinyl to the leather. A friend refuses to believe my 325 has black vinyl instead of leather, and as I mentioned before, the BMW with black vinyl that I had before had no tears or marks after 14 years. This board is really helpful.

newbmr

I agree with ailenl - the documentation is not very straighforward. I almost bought an X3 on my first visit to the dealer. The salesperson repeatedly assured me that the unit I was buying had cruise control. I had my checkbook out and just on a hunch I asked him to show me the controls for the cruise before I wrote out a check. He was as surprised, as was I, to learn that cruise was absent! (I subsequently bought my 2.5 moonroof/auto/cruise/privacy glass from a different dealer 2 weeks later.)

I think sales staff are not so up and up on the X3 and are still on their learning curve. During the two weeks that I waited, I tracked this forum and the postings, which were of immense help. Thanks to all, once again!!

lakshman

x3r, I found a bit later on how the left nav. button works. I agree with you that it is a feature and not a bug!

In addition to the multi-function steering wheel another thing that I found missing is the locking glovebox with flashlight. I know they have a disclaimer but they should deliver what is in the brochure.

jeff33

I also chose this interior. I test drove a car with it in and I couldn't tell it from leather, except for the lack of leather smell and the lack of wrinkles. I have a chocolate lab who loves to ride. I visited several dealers and all salesmen told me that with a big dog, they would recommend the leatherette. I am concerned about it being hot in summer and will consider covering the seat with lambswool, but I'll wait and see. My car is due in 2 -3 weeks.

bmwvirgin

Has anyone attempted yet to put a bike rack on top of the X3? It looks like the rails that are part of the car are only along the sides, there are no cross rails across the top to attach bike trays to. How does one deal with that situation if they want to carry the bikes on top? Anyone get the inside optional bike trays and use them? Interested in opinions on that option. I will need to carry 3 bikes, so on top is the way I think I will need to go.

Also very discouraged to hear the 2.5i is getting 15mpg around town, anyone have anything better to report? I opted for the 2.5 hoping for the little bit better gas mileage, still awaiting delivery.

Thanks. This board has been very informative.

newbmr

I noticed my dash displays outside temperature. (I bought 2.5i (moonroof/auto/cruise/priv. glass) and did not opt for on board computer.) I remember reading about the temp display on this board sometime back and was wondering if it is now included in the standard 2.5i platform.

Also, what four functions are available on the "Four function On Board Computer" option?

Thanks in advance.

erickpl

I have a Yakima rack that goes in my standard trailer hitch. Much easier than climbing on top of my SUV.

It will hold up to 4 bikes.

-Paul

jed

newmbr: Thanks for the info re external temp. I paid something like $300 for the four function on board computer just to get that feature on my 2001 325. I guess the question I would have to pursue, based on your experience, is whether cruise control was the reason you got it.
The rest of the computer function is somewhat lost on me but includes, I think, average MPG display, as well as amount of miles you can anticipate left before needing gas, and you can get the time displayed there (in addition to standard display on CD/radio display bar ). You press a button to display which of these things you want to look at. Mine stays pretty steady on the outside temp as I find it useful to get an idea of whether I'll soon be likely to find ice ahead when climbing, not to mention whether I want to take my jacket or leave it in the car. A friend with a Subaru recently told me she finds the outside temp guage useless and thinks a compass would be far more helpful. I'd find a compass useless. To each his own. Thanks again.

mamgt

I got the 3.0 standard and reported earlier that I thought I had gotten the auto-dimming inside rear view mirror, even though the brochure says it only comes with the PP. I think I was mistaken. I thought that red plastic sensor under the mirror was part of the auto dimming feature, but my mirror does not auto-dim. From looking at the brochure, it looks like the auto dimming mirror has some sort of circular sensor on the mirror itself, along the top edge. Does anyone know what that red sensor below the mirror is all about?

harplayr

I have the inside bike rack and like it. It is one of the features that first attracted me to the X3. It is very easy to install and remove. There is room enough for 3 bikes, but if you have more than 2 bikes there will not be very much room for anything else.

I find that I do have to remove or lower my bicycle seat as well as the front tire when putting the bike in the rack. It goes in very easily, and the bikes are secure and safe. In and out takes only 1-2 min.

The roof bike rack option will include cross rails to mount a roof rack or other types of carriers on. These can be seen in the option manual at your dealer. I have used the BMW bike rack on my 325I and it is a good quality rack. I chose not to go with it due to the roof height, and I prefer to put our $3,000+ bikes inside.

I believe that the red light on the mirror otherwise known as the "clown nose" is for the alarm system. It will flash when the alarm is set.

I hope this helps.

ulep

it's nice to see that a lot of people is now appreciating the x3. 6 months ago this board was a war zone of pro and anti x3. what ever happened to those people. kdshapiro, it's nice to here from you again. how's your x3?
    well after a month and a half and 1500 miles (i dont really drive it that much) all i can say is: Thank god i made the decision to buy this car!!! it has proven my expectations and i feel that the engine is a lot more powerful now.
    anyway hope you guys enjoy your x3 the way i do. and if your waiting for delivery i guarantee that it's all worth the wait.

bmwbob27

As harplayr informed us, the red knob is the indicator for the security system. It is also the mirror dimming control knob for those of you that don't have the automatic dimming mirror. Turn the red knob counter clockwise to dim the mirror.
Oh, and thanks harplayr for letting all of us know that you have 2 $3,000 bicycles. I think that this is the 3rd or 4th time that you snuck that fact in. We're all impressed!!

Point of fact. The alarm system and auto dimming mirror are standard on the X-5 basic models as is the 4 function on board computer!!
The full function steering wheel with cruise control and radio functions is also standard.
I made a round trip to Southern California in my X-5 logging over 1000 miles on the odometer and the fuel mileage was 20.754 miles per gallon. This is with the 3.0 engine and probably averaged 75 miles per hour for about 600 of the 1000 miles. My in town fuel mileage is 17 - 18 mpg. The X-5 turned over 3,000 total miles on this trip. It's not broken in yet. Give your 2.5's a little time and the mileage will improve. Having owned 9 or 10 BMW's ( see how I dropped that on you,are you impressed?), my experience is that optimum mileage will occur after 5,000 miles.

stever

A search on bikes in here just shows one other mention. I don't think Shania Twain is lurking here, but in any event, let's avoid ragging on each other's toys, eh?

Well, we can talk about your big toy X3's :-)

Thanks,

Steve, Host

harplayr

"Oh, and thanks harplayr for letting all of us know that you have 2 $3,000 bicycles. I think that this is the 3rd or 4th time that you snuck that fact in. We're all impressed!!"

I didn't mean to offend you, and will not try to mention the cost of the bikes again. As with my X3, my bike is very important to me. I was using the $$ figure to point out why it's important to me to have the bikes safely tucked away inside my X3 rather than using a hitch rack or topside rack. Bikes are high risk theft items, and some are stolen each week at many of the biking events I attend.

The addition of the interior rails in the cargo area and the availability of the interior bike rack may be useless to many X3 owners, but I really appreciate the thought, design and detail that went into this SAV. The interior bike rack system is just one little feature that the X3 has that is unique, well designed and enhances my pleasure with regards to the vehicle.

I'm happy to hear that you're enjoying your X5

Happy motoring

erickpl

The mention of the bike rack brings me back to one of the main goals of the X3 - to appeal to the active generation of people who love outdoor activities like biking, skiing, etc. I too hate putting my skis and snowboards on an exterior rack. Unfortunately, the skis are too long to sit in the car with 4 people in there. Fortunately, there are rack systems that lock.

The X3 appeals by offering a great vehicle with decent storage for the outdoor gear. The fact that it has BMW handling and performance is a big plus.

Now if they'd just offer a diesel version...

-Paul