BMW X3

beemcity

To me the whole debate of RX, Touraeg, X3, can be summed up in one sentence: Different Strokes for different folks. Having just bought a X3, I was also looking at the RX and Touraeg as the final options, and I came quickly to conclusion that I was a BMW type driver. That's what it boils down to, some of us need luxury, some of us need to feel the rush of the road and control. A BMW owner and lover wouldnt ever love a Japanese car as much because the Japanese cars cater to a driver who wants more luxury, etc. I am happy I got the X3, no complaints so far.

scotth6

I bought a 3.0 new in Feb with the sport package and Y spoke wheels. I have not had any wind noise or any problems and have not been back to the dealer yet except to have the garage door opener installed. They put a new mirrow on which is $400, pretty expensive when you can get a transmitter for $180 for an M3 but the M3 doesn't need a new mirror. Anyway, YTD sales worldwide are over 55,000 so the X3 is a big hit. The just introduced a diesel version in Europe and next year we get the 215HP 2.5 and 258HP 3.0 with magnesium blocks. The 3.0 was just introduced in Europe with the 6 Series.
I agree with the last few posts, the X3 and Lexus really don't compare. BMW's are for people who want handling and fun to drive vehicles. By the way, Ytd BMW sport utility sales are up over 70% and the X3 and X5 are selling about equal.

kyfdx

I think the only reason the X5 has equal sales with the X3 for the calendar year, is that the X3 had kind of a slow roll-out.. I think the last few months, the X3 is selling about 50% more units than the X5.

I expect that to increase with the '05s.. The '05 X3 3.0 has dropped about $3K in price vs. the '04, further delineating it from the X5 on a value basis.

regards,
kyfdx

307web

Is it anything more than a rumor that the X3 will get the 215HP 2.5 engine in the US by next year (2005 or 2006 model?)? People may be just speculating and assuming it will because other models may get it.
Of course BMW SUV sales are up. They went from 1 model to two!

jane3

Jed,or anyoone else, out of curoisty, what were your 'needs' for the X3 as SUV. I love the drive of the X3, but I am also looking at the FX35......my needs are Driving, extra 'trunk' space (I have a 325xi right now)...
   When the backseats are down, I see a lot of storage, how about when the are up? Can you fit two large suitcases? I would like to pick up family from the airport and load them and their 2 big bags!!!! Other that that, I want my golfbag to fit in the trunk, too.
   How does everyone feel the X3 is not as 'luxurious' as the Infiniti or lexus....
  Now that the 2005 are rolling out, I am considereing the 3.0 vs the 2.5 based on price point with options.
 thanks for the help

307web

If you were planning to load up the 2005 2.5 with lots of options, the premium package, steptronic transmission and more, the 2005 3.0 now makes more sense.

clpurnell

I can agree with you on the bmw interiors and they are a sportier brand than say mercedes and Lexus. But when you group the RX and FX in the same handling category I have to call you on that.

Have you ever driven an FX? I have driven an X3 thus I can comment on it. The FX is probably the second best all around SAV save for the Porsche Cayenne S and TT. The v6 FX has better skid numbers and acceleration then the Cayenne S. It literally blows the doors off of a auto equipped X3.

Before you extole the handling virtues of the X3 please drive an FX.

newbmr

My requirements very similar to yours - needed extra cargo space as I have a 3 yr old and needed a vehicle that could fit all the extra 'stuff' that one packs when traveling with kids.

I also golf so fitting the golf-bags was a 'must'. I must tell you the X3 met those objectives with flying colors. The drive, I have to agree, is awesome. X3, Volvo suv, RX 330 and the M350 had constituted my 'consideration set' and I found the driving & handling of X3 much more firm and responsive than that of others. X3 trunk (with seat up) easily accommodates 4 large suitcases and a few smaller bags.

designman

Clpurnell… I drove the X3 (2.5 and 3.0 non-sport), FX35 (sport and non-sport), Cayenne S and respectfully disagree with you in your post #1470.

First of all, the performance testing numbers for the X3 3.0, FX35 and Cayenne S are nearly identical according to Truck Trend (Motor Trend) so the X3 does not get "blown away" by anything but the Cayenne Turbo which is a $90K vehicle.

To nitpick, the X3 marginally beats both of them in the 1/4 mile and skid pad and It beats them significantly in braking. If anything, it is the RX330 that gets blown away, and to get a slight increase in performance numbers you have to step into the FX45 for a not-so-slight $8K more.

http://www.trucktrend.com/oftheyear/suv/112_0312_suvofty/index13.- - - - - - - html

Furthermore, Car and Driver said this about the X3 regarding the skidpad:

"It even rewards bold drivers with a little tail wagging and pulled a no-arguments 0.88 g on the skidpad, the highest grip we've ever measured for an SUV."

With regard to the Cayennes S, I'm not impressed with it. It may do well against vehicles in its weight class but don't forget it averages 900 lbs heavier than the X3. It's ponderous by comparison. I don't want anything that its additional $17K price tag brings to the table.

The FX35 is an impressive handler, very flat in corners for a high vehicle that weighs 4220 pounds. Without the sport package I found it to be well planted on straightaways, but the steering felt numb and not nearly as responsive as the X3. With the sport package I found the suspension to be desirably tight but accompanied by darty steering. It never felt planted, requiring too much attention. It also felt too massive and not as stable as the X3.

When people praise BMWs for handling its for good reason—they tune steering and suspensions impeccably. Once again this is reflected in the X3. This vehicle was built for the BMW driving enthusiast who needs AWD and some utility. I can see why the FX is popular since it has a good all-around package, but the drive characteristics alone fall short of the X3 in my opinion.

Another observation is that the X3 has more cargo space than the FX yet the FX exterior is wider. I find this to be inefficient spatial design for my taste. It appears that Infiniti went for styling points here but this has little influence on me in this vehicle segment.

clpurnell

Designman -

Nice well thought out post. I drove the X3 3.0 and indeed it is a nice vehicle. However I would like to point out the facts in the link you sent.

The FX35 is .2 quicker to 60. it does lose in the qtr mile by .1 to the X3. The FX35 sport (which I have) has the same breaking and wheel/tire combo as the FX45. So that would make it even in the skidpad and stop 6 feet longer than the X3. All in all the numbers are a wash. The X3 and FX are great performers for the Suv catgeory.

Here is where my knock of the X3 comes and pretty much holds true throughout the BMW line. For the price I paid for my FX 40.6k I have navi, dvd entertainment, 6-disc changer, bose stero, leather, sunroof, Xenons, Keyless Go, Intelligent cruise etc etc.

I feel combine the performance/features/technology/price the X3 gets beat. I feel that is why it is not the hit BMW expected and thus why they are lowering the price by 1500 for 2005. Also I prefer the style of the FX. It is different and makes a statement. The X3 with it's plastic body cladding and hard plastic interior looks cheap even though it is more expensive than the FX.

Honestly if the X3 offered more of the features the FX did and looked more like an X5 inside and out I feel it would have been the hit BMW expected. But this segment is tough and looking cheap and while not offering any "value" or significant performance advantage is why the X3 has not done so well.

Honestly I hope they get it right. Get rid of the plastic like toyota did on the 4 runner. Upgrade the interior like Nissan had to do with the altima. Then they will have a winner. I hope they do then I may have an alternative vehicle to consider when my FX lease is up.

alaskan_otter

This so-called "cheap" interior is perfect for people who want to use the X3 as an "activity" vehicle - hauling dogs and bikes around town. And for long weekend road trips, there is just no better ride in a car like this one. This is where you see the payoff in shelling out a bit more money for the engineering.

davidc1

I would strongly agree that FX35 is much better value. Although I can't think of too many people buying BMWs using the value equation. '05 X3 will be priced lower, interior will be improved, exterior (front fenders) will be more streamlined, etc.. I am sure BMW sees what's wrong with the status quo.

As far as leasing is concerned though, X3 may actually beat the FX in value. We are talking zero down $450/mo for a loaded X3 3.0. I don't know that you can get an FX for less than $500. I could be dead wrong of course.

kyfdx

If you are going to compare the Japanese manufacturer's cars vs. BMW on price, BMW will always lose.. They just cost more, and they always have... and, I would bet that they always will..

If you consider another car to be the equal of the BMW, then it is always going to be a better value..

I rarely find that they are... usually, the BMW is more satisfying to drive.. if you can afford it, it is worth paying for, IMHO.

regards,
kyfdx

kdshapiro

Value is subjective. In essence it depends if your priority is on gadgets or driving. You pay more for a so-called equivalent vehicle, but it really isn't the same and I'm not even suggesting it is worth the price.

Friend owns an Acura TL and extolls the virtue of the DVD and bluetooth. It just so happens they are two things I could care less about. To him, it was a deal-clincher, to me I wouldn't spend a plugged nickel on it. I'd rather put the money toward that silk-like road feel.

jed

Jane 3:
When we bought our 2001 325xi, I really wanted the small wagon but was outvoted by my husband. The X3 holds more than the 325xi wagon (and if Edmunds is accurate, more than the FX35). I can carry three golf bags with carts but have to fold down half the back seat to do so. Carrying two bags and carts with all the seats up is no problem.
The handling, general feel of the X3, and braking seem as good as the 2001 325xi, and the seating position and vision seem, if anything, better to me. I like the interior of the 325 better (both cars have black vynyl) but I have adapted. If interior was my chief concern I would have opted for the Touareg, which holds about the same as the X3 for total capacity (71 cubic feet).
I wanted a car that you could fold the back seat down easily and close to flat, which the X3 does. Our X3 has little in the way of add ons, just steptronic and special paint, and I'm happy with that.
In your shoes I might opt for the 3.0 since the price difference is less dramatic for '05, but I have no complaints with the 2.5, which we drive to the mountains on a regular basis, getting about 22 mpg (less in town driving. I wasn't sure what to make of the moon roof (have one in the 325) when we test drove the X3, particularly since we may carry a canoe sometimes, so didn't get this option though I generally have in the past.
Don't know what to say about suitcases. Hope this helps and good luck car hunting.

clpurnell

I guess you guys will never get it. The FX is the equal of the X3 on the road no question. The interior is superior (has been the BMW knock on the G35 vs 3 series) and it is priced lower.

BMW's are nice vehicles I really like the 5 and 7 series however I will not spend more just because it says BMW on the tail especially when I can get more of what I want.

The lease argument is valid BMW resduals and money factors have been better than the FX thus my interest and my even being on this board. However you guys should realize that BMW like every manufacturer makes hits and misses and the original X3 at it's price point was a miss.

pjo1966

I have a question... has anyone experienced a grinding of the brakes on the X3? I was speaking with someone who just bought one and he complained about this. The reason I ask is because that is a problem I've been having with my Infiniti FX35 for the past year. They claim to have just fixed it with a new warranty repair. If the X3 has the same problem I'm going to have to find another replacement for my FX35. My experience has been vastly different from clpurnell's. While I agree that the interior is superior, I am not blown away by the quality. The worst thing is the customer support. They repeatedly take the side of the dealers in case of any dispute. They have been consistently rude and less than helpful. It was a mistake for me to leave BMW and I will most likely be going back soon providing the grinding brakes are not present.

davidc1

I appreciate both posts from purnell and 66. I did drive the FX35 and found the ride and handling on par with X3. And I believe you'll get more for your money with the FX. But I did think that FX design could get old after a few years and the cargo space didn't appear as usable as X3. Just my opinion. As far as the dealer service is concerned, I do think Infiniti wins hands down. BMW is not bad, above average in fact. It's just not where Lexus/Infiniti is. I lease my cars and quite often (last two times) BMWs made more sense. But if I was buying, there would be so many more choices for around $40K.

pjo1966

I guess dealer service all depends on the dealer you go to. I've had some really bad experiences with mine. I was told at 5000 miles that my brakes were 50% gone, but I still had 60% use left in them. I still don't know how that works. My former service guy was really condescending. I never had a problem with either of the BMW dealers I used for service.

beemcity

Folks, just wanted to see what grade of fuel was used to get the best performance.. Have you found it's best to always put Supreme Unleaded (93 octane) or does mixing it up work as well. I am getting around 18-19 MpG with mixture of city/highway driving..

alaskan_otter

When I use premium, I get 300 miles out of a full tank in the city. When I use medium grade I get about 265 miles. (all with using a combination of sports-drive and regular drive - I have no idea if this alters the mileage)

tigger5753

Can anyone comment on the performance of the 2.5? I am trying to decide btw 2.5 or a 3.0.. The 2.5 ran well when I drove it myself, but I am not sure how it performs with 4 ppl and the A/C on full blast..

kyfdx

I can't imagine that the 2.5 would be inadequate, even with a full load..

But, if you want to be happy with the 2.5, don't drive the 3.0... And that advice is for almost any car that offers two engine options..

qx3

Does anybody have any ideas on how I can get 2005 x3 anthracite network cloth seat covers to replace the black sensatech leatherette covers for a US model? The anthracite cloth seats are available in UK.

beemcity

Anyone know where I can get a good cargo mat for the 2004 X3 trunk?

qx3

They have a selection...

http://www.circlebmw.com/parts/acc.htm

njdriver1

I've had my X3 3.0 w/premium audio 6 weeks and have had a weird thing happen twice. After starting the car and turning on the radio (I generally turn it off when turning off the engine) the radio would show it was on but no sound would play. Each time I re-started the car and the radio was fine. Obviously, this is simply an annoyance, but I thought I should share it.

beemcity

Weird problem.. I'm sure it's just something very simple or it could be a blown fuse or just matter of turning up volume (you never know sometimes it's those type of things that make u think something bigger is wrong).

How is the premium sound, when it was working though>?

trader_tom

Hi All,

I have not made any contributions in a while, so I figured I would sound off about my experiences now that I have passed the 2500 mile mark:

X3 3.0i - 6 speed
Jet Black/Sand Leatherette
No options
$34,400 delivered w/1.9% 60 month loan

Thankfully, I have had no issues at all. It has only been to the dealer for the towing package.

Driving has been wonderful. I am still trying to find its limits either on or off road. Have not found that situation yet. The power seems to have improved slightly in the mid band, and the ride has definitely softened noticeably into a comfort zone that is better than tolerable. I received the car with 2 miles on the odometer, and religiously followed the break-in suggestions posted in the manual. I have had no creaking or howling issues, which I feel may be partially attributed to the lack of the panorama roof. My past experiences with glass roofs has always seemed to impart some sort of noise to the vehicle. I am also happy to report that the non-leather interior is easy to keep clean and supportively comfortable. I would have liked the leather interior, but I was trying to keep this vehicle's pricing in line.

In a mix of mostly city type driving, I am averaging 20.5 mpg. This is using a light foot, with aggressive maneuvering. I find using the mid band power with quick shifts makes for a very spirited drive without compromising fuel efficiency. The engine has consumed about 1/2 a quart of oil up to now, with most of that consumption coming in the first 1000 miles.

Pulling a trailer of about 2000 pounds has been a breeze. It seems smooth, and unaffected by the occasional jolts and sways from the load being pulled behind it. I have used it on some loose hilly access road treks, both with and without ATVs being trailered behind, and there is no noticeable loss of traction wet or dry. Winter is approaching in the northeast, and I feel confident so far that this vehicle will not disappoint.

I still believe that if you are making a transition from a sedan or wagon (BMW or otherwise) to the X3, you may feel it has some shortcomings compared to a car. However, if you have made the transition from other SUVs (truck based), you will be utterly impressed by the drivability and utility of this vehicle. The increased mileage over a traditional SUV is definitely a welcome plus, even with premium fuel. My insurance rates were also significantly less on this vehicle than the Discovery II previously owned. My favorite items on this vehicle include the engine power and soft growl, handling, rain-sensing wipers, buttery standard shift, climate control, and pleasing standard stereo system. My passengers have also enjoyed the feel and ride of the X3, while being impressed by the way a 4000 pound vehicle can be thrown around like a sports sedan.

I welcome your comments or questions,
Tom

njdriver1

As of now, there are only 1,500 miles on the car, and I'd like to give a "driving impressions" write-up sometime after 2,000 miles. In the meantime, I think the audio quality is up to par with the HK system I had in my 2000 330i. I haven't figured out yet where the woofers are supposedly placed. The addition of DSP options (jazz, concert, rock) benefits rock more than the others, and sounds totally strange when listening to talk radio (like they are in a tube).

kohinahi

Would anyone know if the seat memory settings are triggered by the keys? Or are seat settings triggered by the keys similar to the radio/climate settings - dynamic -the last setting remaining?

If the latter is true, does it mean that BMW cars can have upto 7 memory settings - 3 memories on the seat and upto 4 keys?

Thanks.

beemcity

I know in my X3, the memory seats are triggered by the keys.

kohinahi

So one key triggers one of the seat memories? My key seems to remember my last settings, not the settings in the seat memory.

I don't know if this is good or bad.....anyone else have this issue.

Thanks.

pjo1966

It sounds like you need to program it still. You need to assign one key fob to setting 1.

kyfdx

Is it only one setting per key? IOW, do they put position #1 in the memory for your key, then position #2 in the memory for your wife (or whoever..)?

pjo1966

I'm not sure about BMW, but with my Infiniti I had to program my fob to setting 1 and my partner's fob to setting 2. It looks like there are instructions on X5world.com. I'm sure they would apply to the X3 as well.

pjo1966

I have a question about the display for Sirius and Bluetooth. If the Nav option is installed will these two additions be shown on the Nav screen or are they only displayed on the tiny radio screen? I'm trying to find out before finalizing my deal. If I can get them displayed on the Nav screen I will definitiely shell out the extra bucks for it. If not, I can do without the Nav.

kohinahi

Thanks!

kohinahi

They need one key in the ignition while programming the truck. This key automatically becomes key #1 and is assigned to Memory #1. The other key becomes key #2.

Turn key #1 to position 0 or 1, make adjustments, press memory button (starts flashing) and then press memory 1. Repeat for Key #2.

However, page 30 of the manual reads:
"You can configure upto four different basic adjustments for four different persons. The only requirement is that each person uses his or her own master key with remote control."

One of the basic adjustments is the driver seat adjustment. Now how can this be accomodated when there are only three seat memory settings and you can have memory settings for upto four people????

kohinahi

In a recent issue of Roundel, a X5 owner was accidentally locked in the truck by his grandson. He tried, unsuccessfully, to open the door via the central locking and the door lever. He had to get out via a release in the trunk.

I tried this on the X3...it behaved quite the same when you try the central locking and door lever independently. However, when I pressed the central locking button (1 or 2 times) and pulled the door lever, it opened. However, the key that I had used to lock it just went dead. I had to use my second set to lock/inlock the truck.

My first set worked immediately after I had locked/unlocked with the second set.

pjo1966

The answer is yes... the info from BT and sirius will come up on the nav screen. The next question is, can they install an after-market screen if there is no nav?

kdshapiro

I don't understand. I have a 2002 330i. I performed the following test.

I entered the vehicle, opened the windows and used the keyfob to lock and alarm the car. There was no drama in trying to get out. I forgot whether I pulled the door handles or used the lock button on the console. As soon as I opened the door the alarm went off. But to repeat, there was no issue getting out of the car.

kohinahi

I don't know if this makes a difference....both my keys were outside the truck and the windows were rolled-up.

Also, the letter (June 2004 Roundel) was specific to the X5. I have an X3 and I had a different experience....atleast I could get out!! So I guess it might be different for different BMWs'.

Don't know if this makes any difference - I have my clown nose programmed to light up, even though I do not have an alarm.

dherzfeld

I'm considering the X3 3.0i, with the European Delivery option. The BMW website shows a 6-7% discount if this option is taken. Has anyone tried this and what did you think? How is the discount justified? As near as I can tell, I will still pick up the vehicle at my dealer once it is shipped over from Europe. So shipping, wharfage, duties, etc. will still be included in the price. Seems like maybe just a gimmick to get people to spend money in Europe.

erickpl

The 6-7% savings has to do with the delivery point - Germany vs the US. There is a European Delivery forum here on Edmunds that can answer your questions.

The savings will usually cover the cost of going over there and staying in a hotel, plus you get the opportunity to drive the BMW on roads it was designed for like the Autobahn! Just try to schedule it during a nice time of year, like spring or summer. While winter may be rather cool, they tend to take immaculate care of their roads and keep them quite clear.

-Paul

newbmr

Please suggest good cleaning agents for removing stains from Black leatherette. (I have an '04 X3.)

(Stains are apparently from milk that dripped from a bottle left on the rear seat by my 3-yr old. The car was garaged while we flew out of town for a week.

Thanks in advance for your help!
newBmr

stever

Try Cleaning Leather/Cloth Interiors too.

Steve, Host

erickpl

try something as simple as warm (not hot) water with a little bit of soap in it. I try to avoid using cleaners on my interior when possible because I don't want the chemicals to affect the material. I find water usually does the trick to wipe things down, and occasionally add soap just for a mild cleaning effect.

-Paul

newbmr

Sorry, forgot to mention. My attempts of cleaning it with mild soap and water did not do the job

pierce01

Hi All:

I am currently driving a 2002 325i. My lease is up in the next year or so, and I am considering an X3. I drove one for a day as a loaner when my 325 was in the shop and kind of liked it.

I love my 325. As my kids get bigger, I think I need a slightly larger car. The kids are hell on those back seats with their football gear on. I can't really afford a 5-series. Even if I could, I'd be looking at $43,000 plus for a 525 that has the same engine as my 325. That engine is great in a 3-series, but I am afraid of the extra weight of the 5-series (w/step). I am also not too enamored with the interior style of the 5-series. I find it kind of "flat".

I think the X3 is sized between the 3-series and the 5-series, and my wife likes the AWD and the SUV styling - although this is NOT a truck, it's a definitely a sport wagon.

I'm just starting to research these, so I may have some questions going forward. I don't want to exceed $40,000 max MSRP for this car, and I think I want the 3.0 engine. From what I've seen, the X3 weighs about 1,500 lbs more than my 325, and I definitely felt a difference in acceleration between the 325 and the X3 2.5, with the X3 2.5 feeling much more sluggish.

Besides, I've never been able to afford the step-up BMW engine, and have always had to settle for the base engine in my cars - I'd love to know what a 3.0 feels like.