BMW X3

x3r

Harplayr, I'd be interested in a little more information regarding your use of the optional bike rack. Are you using it with road or mountain bikes? I took a quick measurement with my mountain bike at it looks like it should fit. I have a bike with a single arm front suspension system which will require the use of an additional adaptor so I was wondering how much clearance you have between the roof and your handlebars once the bikes are in. Do you store more than one a any given time? Also, do you have to move the seat up a lot to accommodate two bikes? I'll refrain from quoting a value for my bike 8) but I personally think you made an excellent point about the merits of securing bikes within the X3 when we are on the road.

harplayr

I have road bikes, however my dealer had the rack installed on their showroom floor with one of the BMW mountain bikes inside. Roof clearance was no problem for the handlebars however the bicycle seat post was removed. With the front wheel off, the bike is at an angle.

The back seat has to be put down, but if you only have 1 bike in the car, only one side needs to be down. I have put one and two bikes back there. I'm not very tall, so my front seats are not very far back. I don't have to move the front seats forward to accomodate the bikes. If you are a tall driver, or like your front seats really far back, you may have to move them forward a bit. I would estimate somewhere around the half way point on the front seat travel.

When I ordered the bike rack it was on the condition that I could return it if my bikes didn't fit. Hopefully your dealer will make the same offer.

scotth6

I just drove my X3 3.0 Automatic to Orlando and back from Columbia , S.C. I drove at a couple different speeds for a while to see what the milage averaged and the roads were pretty flat so if you have a lot of hills the milage will be less. At 75 I averaged about 25 miles per gallon, at 80 I averaged about 23.5 and at 85(which was most of the trip)about 22.5. This is substanually higher than the X5 3.0 which I also put 45,000 miles on. On the same trip I got 20.5 on my X5. I have the sport package with low profile whhels and had it up to 120 on several isolated sections of I-95 in Georgia. This vehicle handles great at high speeds with much quicker reflexes than the X5 although the X5 at 120 feels like its on rails and is supremely smooth. I averaged about 16.5 in the city before my trip but it wasn't really broken in and I expect it to increase to 17.5. I never noticed the neat sunroof feature before where the shade is closed except for the center section which has a 3 inch opening to vent and both sections of glass are tilted upward (this is hard to describe). It is different from any other BMW sunroof because in the others the shade has to stop several inches from the front of the roof for an opening to vent air (you will see what I mean when you try it). I can tell you that the seats for the sport package are great on a long trip.

evy

I rec'd my production number, as I have ordered my X3 last week. So excited, but can't figure out how to use it and which site to look. I did BMWusa.com. Thanks for any help.
Love reading your comments. I test drove a lot of SUVs and crossover for 3 months. When I made my decision for the BMW X3, I felt so confident. I see that many people feel that way too.

bmwvirgin

harplayr - Thanks for all the good info on the bike racks. A couple more questions. Is it possible to slide two bikes over enough to only have one side of the seat down? Also, if I go for the roof rack system, do you think I will be able to attach my Thule trays to the cross bars, or will I need to buy BMW trays.

I used to be able to say that my bike was worth more than my car (86 celica), but won't be able to boast that anymore.

lakshman

evy:
Try
http://www.bmwusa.com/OwnersCircle/
or https://oc.bmwusa.com/oemainlogin.asp

x3r

Well, I have finally managed to pull myself away from the X3 and my favorite routes to post some images and initial impressions on my site. Feel free to visit: http://www.designbivouac.net/X3.html for more of my early thoughts regarding this Xtraordinary vehicle.

BTW-I share the sentiment of so many others regarding the value of this forum. I consider this town hall forum to be an outstanding resource for anyone considering or fortunate enough to have already purchased an X3.

harplayr

I'm not sure if two bikes will fit with only one side of the back seat down. The two bike racks can slide to any position so they will be able to fit in 1/2 of the cargo area, but the limiting factor will be whether you are able to offset the handlebars on the bikes to make them fit side by side. When my wife and I go biking, it's just the two of us, so dropping both rear seatbacks hasn't been a problem.

I have not seen the X3 topside bike rack, but I assume that it is the same one used on my old 325. On the 325 the cross rails have a groove that the bike rack mounts on. I don't know how your existing Thule trey mounts to cross rails. Since Thule makes generic systems, a mounting should be available to attach to many different styles of cross rails.

Sorry I can't be of much help on this one.

newbmr

Have you noticed Mercedes-Benz is offering steep discounts on ML350 (as well as C-class models)?

A quick check on carsdirect.com revealed the following prices for ML350 (base + Sun Roof package) for Silicon Valley, CA:

CarsDirect.com Price: $34,520
MSRP Price: $40,020
Invoice Price: $37,870

*It says, they have special manufacturer's incentive and rebates: "Special Pricing Expires 04/30/04". I noticed that they have been offering discounts since February (and they all said to expire at month's end!)

(Note that one can typically negotiate prices much lower than Cardirect.com price, as I personally experienced during my X3 purchase two weeks ago. This means one can get an ML350 at prices roughly equal or lower than that of a similarly equipped X3 2.5i.

Question: At such low price points, is X3 2.5i still a better buy, given that you get a much smaller engine: 2.5 vs 3.7ltr?) Could some you chime in please?

I wonder if the continued rebate offer is due to competition from X3 (or others i.e. MDX, RX330 etc) or simply because of persistent quality issues plaguing the ML and C- models. Did anyone consider ML 350 when they purchased an X3? Would love to hear your views. Thanks.

newbmr

Saw this on Mercedes M-Class board (Town Hall Mercedes-Benz / M-Class / Mercedes Benz M-Class: Prices Paid & Buying Experience ):

(actual posts from other users on the topic)

#57 of 59 ML Experience by bushpilot1 Nov 08, 2003 (10:37 am)
I bought new ML320 2000 it has 51k miles, the wife drives it. It has been to the dealer so many times I cant recall.

The dealer refuses to sell me another car, and MB in 2000 sent me a 3k refund check for my troubles with the vehicle.

Im skeptical of the MB mechanics.

The wife wants a new ML500.

------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
#58 of 59 current price by khoon Nov 25, 2003 (7:18 pm)
just curious, what are people paying for the ML350 these days?

------------------------------------------------------------------ ---------------
#59 of 59 current price for ML350? by h2fan Apr 08, 2004 (6:37 pm)

Anyone? No one is buying these any more?

tucker74

Keep in mind it's been out since 1998 which is an eternity given the number of new SUV designs that have been introduced since then. Not suprising that they're being steeply discounted. Same thing is happening with my beloved Boxster.

My parents drive a 1999 or 2000 ML, can't remember the exact MY, and it has had its share of problems. If we're comparing SUVs strictly on price, then we might as well throw in the Ford Escape and the like for comparison.

But your post does bring up an interesting point that as BMW diversifies and enters into non-luxury car markets, it will be harder to justify a premium when buyers in these markets will look past the Roundel and be primarily concerned with price/features/bang for buck.

ttblair

I took a quick look at the ML350 before ordering my X3. I've got a 2001 C240, and haven't had any problems with it- and my buying experience with MB was much less sleazy than when I ordered from BMW (the sales manager "really wanted to put me in the car today!!!").

...however, the MLs are to be replaced with a new design either this fall or in the months that follow- so I wasn't too interested in buying at the end of their run (or waiting an undetermined time for the new model to come out). I imagine a lot of people feel the same way- hence, the discounts.

newbmr

tucker: "If we're comparing SUVs strictly on price, then we might as well throw in the Ford Escape and the like for comparison."

Well that was not my point - I was at least comparing within the larger family: "german SUVs", so your argument is a little out of line.

ttblair: Thanks. I wanted to hear from someone who did at least have ML350 in the "consideration set". I had raced ahead and bought my X3 within two weeks of taking the first look, i.e. had not looked or researched other comprables (no placing the order in Oct/Nov 2003 and waiting for me. Saw it for the first time on 3/15/04. Owned it on 3/27/04.)

Thanks again for sharing your insights.

nyccarguy

While I've seen the X3 in pics on the net and sitting idle on dealers' lots, I have yet to get a close look at one rolling in the street. Today I saw a really sharp looking Black/Natural Brown 3.0i X3. I really like the way it looks. Congrats to all who own one.

jeff33

Before deciding to order an X3, I spent months researching, driving, and talking to owners of the Mercedes, Lexus, Chrysler Pacifica, Infiniti FX, and Volvo XC90. All have their strengths, but I would rank Mercedes ML last on this list. Mercedes has serious quality control problems, even worse than Volvo. I have owned Volvos since 1974, but since Ford took them over, it's gotten much worse. The ML's poor gas mileage, and maintenance headaches are a constant source of conversation with owners. This is not an easy conversation for them, since they anticipated spending a pile of money for status and quality. It will be interesting to see how the mercedes Vision Grand Sports Tourer fares. But I hear the price will be more than a loaded X5. I chose the X3 for a blend of better mileage, a quality reputation, and driving enjoyment. I hope I did the right thing.

x3r

I'd like to get thoughts/comments from members of the forum who have experienced the X3 DSC/X-Drive system kicking in. I have benefited from it on several occasions now. Overall I really appreciate the merits of the system. I would say it feels somewhat similar to how ABS felt on other vehicles I have owned but about a third as pronounced. That said, system operation is actually a bit more noticeable than I had anticipated. The system slows speed and the X3 drops an errant corner back into place immediately. This system is fast. Quick enough to pick up passing over a cattle guard at a slight angle coming out of a corner and compensate for the difference in traction. The fact that you can feel and hear the system in action is likely a positive aspect of the system...immediate feedback regarding the fact that you are pushing the limits a bit. Anyone else felt/heard the systems in action and care to comment?
http://www.designbivouac.net/X3.html

mamgt

I posted this elsewhere but thought that others on this forum may have encountered the same issue. After reading all the posts about the importance of having the right tire pressure, I inflated the tires on my 3.0 based on what it said on the door pillar for 235/55R 17 tires: Front 32 psi, rear 38 psi. However, after reading the owner's manual(page 87), I noticed that those tire pressures are for a full load (i.e. five adults plus luggage).

The correct tire pressure for up to four passengers should be: Front 29 psi, rear 32 psi. After letting some air out, I took the car for a spin and what a difference going over rough spots on the road! The ride is a lot smoother!

shanster

Hey gang, I just test drove the X3 2.5 manual and then a 3.0 automatic and the 3.0 rode and handled MUCH better than the 2.5. Neither one had sports pkg and both had the same wheels/tires. The 3.0 seemed tighter, didn't bounce as much, hugged turns better. And this was after having test driven a 325xi, which I think handles beautifully.
(I may want the bigger car, hence the X3 test drive.)
Is there a difference in the base versions of the 2.5 vs 3.0? (was it the transmissions? - I wouldn't think so, but...)
Anyone know?

harplayr

There should be no difference in handling and ride quality between the 2.5 and 3.0 unless the tire pressures were different. I believe that the suspension is the same on both. I believe that the Transmissions have different shift points and obviously the 3.0 will have a bit more power.

cc42

Has anyone seen the X3 with the Terracotta interior? I'm about to place an order but can't locate one to see in person. The interior in the brochure looks great but am curious how it looks in real life.

jeff33

I ordered my X3 on February 29. I pick it up tomorrow afternoon. My salesman called to tell me that the Sirius satellite radio modulator is not available for about 3 more months. Should I be talking to other installers? This radio is not portable, but an additional mode on the built in radio. I was quoted a price of $595. Is this a standard price or should I be shopping around? My car is prewired for the service.

scotth6

I have a black X3 3.0 with Terracotta interior and have received a lot of positive comments about how sharp it looks. Contrary to what you may have been told it definitely comes with black carpet and a black dash. Most of the interior plastics are black or dark gray with the top of the dash a medium gray. The doors are black and the pillars a dark gray, it all looks very nice and I would definitely get the same color again if I had to order again.
I also had my X3.0 prewired for the radio and was quoted $595 but I haven't gone ahead and ordered it since I was told it was delayed when I picked mine up on Feb 27. By the way, I have 2700 miles on mine and its a great vehicle although I had a problem. My wife blew out the rear tire on the Y spoke rims and there was none available in Columbia, S.C. and was told that the Dunlop Sport 01 (18") was new and there wasn't any around. I had to wait over a week to get a replacement because you can't really drive the X3 on the mini spare.

lfeiwel

I have it, beautiful...didn't like the metal or woods, so didn't get the premium, base looks great...alpine white exterior

m5x3

We really like the terra cotta interior on our X3. We have the blue exterior on a 3.0 with most options, including the lux and sport packages. It came with the black trim as described by scotth6. Supposedly one could not order this interior with the blue exterior, but ours came in without a hitch and now has 3000 trouble-free miles.

shanster

M5x3, I'm glad shared that you were able to get the terracotta interior with the blue exterior - I want the terracotta with the green exterior and, like you said, it is not supposed to be available with that combination (although, I think it would make a great color mix) - one dealer I asked said you could customize any colors you want and a 2nd dealer said you can't. Glad to know the 1st dealer was right.

jed

Test drove a 2.5 yesterday and looked at various interiors. Be aware that the vinyl is not the same as in the 325. Part of it looks the same, but the side bolsters have a sheeny looking something that might even be microfiber. Looking in the brochure closely, you can see what I mean. This makes me wonder if I should get leather. Probably would select a black car and I had had in mind a beige vinyl interior, mainly because of my constantly shedding dog. Anyone have thoughts on the gray or beige leather with the black exterior? Iused to think the gray looked a little washed out. Anyone have the beige or black vinyl in the X3 and like it or dislike it? The terracotta is not an option at my house, though I personally would think it would look great with the dark blue exterior. The dealer I talked with also intimated you could get an interior not shown as possible in the brochure.
I will not be getting the sport or premium package but am considering opting for the 3.0 since my partner likes some of the things that come standard on it but not on the 2.5.

a4s2000

I saw this exact combo in a model on the dealer's lot tonight. (Highland green/Terracotta). The Terracotta looked a little orangy, and the green looked very a little flat to me. Not really sporty, in my opinion, so I went with Silver Greay/Gray leather.

x3lemon

Do not, repeat do not buy an X3. I have one with 1100 miles on it and it had consistent bad body flex creaks which the dealer, the tech rep and BMW corporate say are normal. I've already had it in the shop 3 times in 5 weeks and they deny it's a problem.

abfisch

Sorry to hear this. But my rule (abfisch) on 5's still apply. Do NOT buy any car at the first model year change. Resist no matter how much you want it. Especially from brands that are good looking but have had reliability issues in the past.

abfisch

mlwjr

With all due respect, I'm not sure I believe you. You said you bought a 2005 X3. There's no such thing yet. All current models are 2004's and BMW won't be producing the 2005 models until much, much later in the year. I think if someone just bought a new car they'd know what model year they purchased. I also find is suspicious that minutes after your post a second random poster chimed in to back you up. I say this only to warn others not to take your post as gospel. If you truly did purchase an X3 and simply typoed the model year, then i apologize and i'm sorry you don't like your purchase. I recently bought a 2004 3.0L silver-grey X3 with grey leather and I am very happy with the decision. I have experienced no problems (knock on wood). It is an exceptional vehicle thus far (only 200 miles so far).

lakshman

I have x3 2.5 with 3K miles with no problem at all.

tidester

I also find is suspicious that minutes after your post a second random poster chimed in to back you up.

Let's not be so paranoid! The second poster was sharing his view and has actually been a regular contributor to these boards for several years.

tidester, host

mlwjr

Then apologies to abfisch.

x3lemon

As the original person, I wanted to reiterate that it is a 2004 X3. I don't necessarly agree with never buying a first year model, but I can tell you that the creaking body flex problem I've got is quite real. I'm glad to that the person with the 3.0 has a good vehicle, but mine seems to have "citrus" written all over it. I should say though that this is the only problem it has. Unfortunately its a bad problem.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

I am looking at our state's lemon law as well as providing input to the car rating services as a warning. Also should say that I sold my '99 528i to get the x3.

shap1

I noticed the same thing about the "leatherette". The side panels are almost like a nylon (windbreaker) fabric. My concern is that it will be difficult to clean.

harplayr

Hummm.... This is the first I've heard of bad "creaking" problems. My X3 is amazingly quiet (4,000 miles), and has had absolutly no problems. It has by far the best build quality of any auto that I have owned. In fact I've seen very few problems reported on this and other boards. Can you describe the noise in more detail and when does it occure?

kc2001

After owning my 3.0 for about a week, i notice the "check engine soon" light pop up and has not gone away. This happend after i stalled in my 6 speed manual. What weird is another time in addition to the Check engine soon light the brake light as well as the 4x4 light also stayed on. Does anyone know whats this about. I contacted to dealer and they mentioned it might be a coil problem- which i have no clue what a friggin coil is. According to the owners manual it states its an emission issue.- help

kc2001

Looks great! its different from the standard colors we normally get! you know- beige with wood trim! recommend getting it! it looks pretty sharp but its more along the orange side vs on the brown side. but i like it! it works. I also have the black exterior without any wood or metal interior adds.- Its definetly a nice new approach! Its love or hate for $1400

x3lemon

They BMW say it's caused by body flex. It used to just occur when I drove from a street up or down a driveway, when the body got torqued . But I just got back from a 150 mile round trip and it creaked about 50% of the time. In corners, over bumps, on certain blacktop surfaces, on concrete freeways. BMW said it was the seals and lubricated the seals, but it has in no way fixed the problem. The worst part is they won't try to fix it anymore - the dealer says this is normal and corporate BMW is buying their story. A colleague of mine who rode with me today said "this is really bad, I can hear it almost all the time.

sunilb

That Edmunds review (full test on front page) is less than encouraging for BMWNA (esp. the "second opinions").

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2004/bmw/x3/100374221/roadtestarticle.- html?articleId=101736&tid=edmunds.h..reviews.roadtests.1.*

stever

Full Test: BMW X3 3.0

Steve, Host

stever

LOL, you weren't supposed to beat me to the link by 5 minutes.

I'm always just missing it... just like the Powerball numbers :-)

Steve, Host

mamgt

"had consistent bad body flex creaks"

I now have 2,500 miles on my x3 3.0. Has not had a single problem so far. No creaks, runs perfectly! Like with harplayr, this has never been the case with any other vehicle I've owned. Love this car! I also monitor other boards, and I have not heard of this problem anywhere else. I have to say ,x3lemon, the fact that you have not been a regular contributor to this board makes me a bit suspicious.

kdshapiro

Interesting review, but I still wouldn't be interested in the FX or Forrester. If I got a Forrester, might as well get a cheap Hyundai SUV and really save some cash.

However, that said, I noticed the review didn't give any indication of the interior space or how the xdrive operates in snow/wintery conditions. Now I happen to know how the xdrive handles in snow/wintery conditions because I took one out after a major snowsorm. But that may not make a difference to those living in the southwest, but it makes a difference to those living in the NE and mid-west.

So I would have like to have had more information on what edmunds perceives as the cargo holding capabilities and less editorial on who the supposed competitors are.

newbmr

I feel comparison with Subaru is without merit. There is a product for every 'value perception' point and 'willingness to pay'. That said, some may even want to drag in Kia for all intent and purposes.

When I bought my X3, I knew I was paying for the 'wholistic product' that BMW X3 represents -the brand, the product, the performance, the reliability that BMW connotes - and frankly likes of Subaru did not even appear in my 'consideration set'. (It just so happens, even when I used to buy cars of the Nippon genre, I was exclusively looking at Toyotas, Hondas, and Lexus. No Nissans, no Mitsubishis, no Mazadas. And oh... no Subarus either.

stever

The comparison talk is happening over in BMW X3 vs Subaru Forester/XT vs Infiniti FX 35.

Steve, Host

lfeiwel

I have had the aux input adapter for an Ipod installed in my x3. I thought it could be installed by the dealer into multi cd jack of the radio, which, I thought allowed both volume and 'next/previous track' to be used on the car radio/steering wheel. They installed it into the aux jack of the radio, so only volume can be controlled from car conrols. Has anyone had the jack installed so that next track controls on the radio/steering wheeel can be used?

Thanks

saugatak

sheesh, a few months ago i was getting ripped on this forum for criticizing the interior of the X3 as being subpar for its price range.

too bad this review wasn't around then.

jeff33

Thanks for posting the review. As an X3 owner for a full 12 days, I find the review fair. I also will have to get used to the rocker panels upon exiting the car. This could be a problem for the calves of dress pants if you have driven in rain, mud, or snow. My habits will have to adjust. I am averaging 20 mpg with a gentle foot in suburban driving and am quite pleased. I did go easy on the options of my 3.0, and chose only the auto trans., cargo net, and the sunroof. I chose the net because I usually take my chocolate lab with me. I wish I wouldn't have bothered to buy it and I don't recommend it, unless your dog is a "climber" and won't stay behind the back seat. The back seat sits high enough that only an acrobat would attempt to climb over it. I am quite pleased with my beige leatherette seats and find them comfortable and substantial. I preferred the more spartan interior appearance. I actually felt that the Lexus interior was a bit "over the top" for me. I have no objections to the texture of the dash. I think it cuts down on the glare compared to smoother textures. I am quite pleased thus far and love driving the car. I have no desire to compare it with a Subaru Forrester, I find the exterior of the Forrester exceedingly ugly. I know many others don't agree. I wish I could have been happy with the Subaru, I would be $11,000 richer.

juanchypr

If anyone installed the aero kit, and if possible to provide me with the components included in the kit.
If somebody have the Service Bulletin # ??
Any information help to place an order to my dealer.

Ulep, mjmx3 did you installed the aero kit??
I know that you are very interested on it.

thanks,