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Order placed TODAY for a new BMW X3 3.0 with:
Premium
Cold
Sport
Servotronic
Upgraded Sound system
Sirius Sat Radio
Sat Nav
Winter front mats (thrown in, wheeeeee!)
Six speed manual
Gloss Black
Teracotta leather
Quoted 75 days build time. Delivery on or after May 31, 2005.
MSRP $45,065
Sec deposit: $600
Lease 36 mo/15,000
Cap cost reduction (money from us) $250 -- long story, that happens to be the price of the servotronic which we did not originally configure and when I asked to change the order it was simply easier to give them the $250 in cash rather than rerun the whole deal -- however it did lower the lease payment a whopping $4.00 -- to $581/mo which includes tax. Oddly, her 2003 TT was $41,000+ and with the same deal was $709.27/mo.
Outgoing (about 3 or 4 months from now): 2003 Audi TT 225HP coupe/quattro (her third TT in a row and our 27th Audi since 1977).
No real regrets [just a bit of guilt for leaving Audi after almost 30 great years], we test drove and test drove and test drove. Until this decision, her first choice was a new A4 3.2 (wanted bluetooth and stick, but would have taken the Audi without it -- and would have paid a little more for the Audi over the Bimmer but not $103 per month more which was what the A4 was.) She said she needs something a little bigger than a TT.
The sport package is stiffer than standard, BTW, but the improvements are very noticeable.
Since I will get to drive this about 10% or less of the time, I couldn't be happier for her. I hope the BMW products are equal to or better than their reputations. From what I can tell by many of the postings, BMW owners/drivers seem overall pleased with their purchases.
Good deal, by the way...
regards,
kyfdx
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Not supposed to mention sales people, but I can tell you ALL the people were very professional and personable.
That didn't hurt, but that was NOT the motive -- we actually have long long term relationships with the folks at the Audi Connection (hmm since 1977 as I recall).
Recently, T-Mobile has come out with a new Blackberry with bluetooth.
Does anyone have any experience or information that would tell us if this phone/pda will work with the BMW bluetooth standard?
Or, do we have to just test it to see if it works?
While I can't say much about the X3 (except that I think it is a nice vehicle), I can tell you that BMW's cars are built very well. My parents have an '02 A6 3.0 Quattro that they're turning in next week after an excruciating 3 year lease. My Dad has an '04 X5 3.0iA w/ Sport Package that he LOVES driving (and which has gone back to the dealer once in 23,000 miles for an oil change at 17K) while my Mom replaced her A6 with an '05 530iA that she can't praise enough. Good luck with your truck and welcome to the BMW family.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Anybody knows the right way to do this?
Thanks
X3 3.0
6 speed manual
Premium
Sport
Cold
Xenons
Parktronic
Servotronic
Sat Navigation
Premium Sound
Sirius Sat Radio
Gloss black
Teracotta Leather
Munich received the order March 18th.
Bluetooth is "included" with Premium as is BMW assist, a sort of On*star feature.
How do I get all these on my car?
After that, they usually charge the hourly labor rate for changes...
Call up your salesperson, and tell them your keys were never programmed to your preferences, and that you need it done..
They shouldn't charge you for the initial programming.. If they do, squawk about it...
regards,
kyfdx
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Thanks
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The only surprise I have got is that there is no alarm system standard on this car. It came with the 98 328i. This one has only some kind keyless entry system.
I need some opinions if an alarm system is neccessary on this car.
Thanks
tidester, host
Lastly, the X3 is quite ugly, and yes I'm a previous Lexus owner. I killed "Markcin" who bought one and I'm even considering one now, Those Aztec owners may get some more company, wow I'm a hypocrite!!!
Anybody got a tow hitch on their X3. How does it look? Got any pictures?
Anybody got a back compartment liner? Got any recs?
Thanks
I have the same problem w/ the Remote Keyless Entry, I brought it back to the dealer twice already, telling them it works intermittently and somehow usually don't work at or near my house (unless I put my arm up and w/in an inch to the rear antenna!!!).
They told me it is working "perfectly" at the dealership - I don't think they did anything about it and probably think I'm crazy - but I just picked up the X3 again and to my dismay, it simply would not work when I pulled into my usually parking spot. What on earth could be the problem? Somekind of interference from outer space??? I've had 4 other remote keyless cars/suvs before and NEVER had to deal w/ this kind of nuisance. Anyone has any thoughts on how to fix it? How do I convince the dealership there is truly sth wrong w/ it? Will they be able to reprogram it or something?
Thanks to anyone who could help me on this issue!!! I really would appreciate it if I could carry my books and groceries and tennis rackets out of the car w/out dropping everything on the ground just to lock the stupid car!!!
I can only repeat that we ordered the car in gloss black with Premium and Sport -- we chose the birch (I believe, anyway) wood and the terracotta (looks like a kindof ruddy baseball glove leather) leather. We upscaled any and everything we could to crank this little dude to just south of $46K (and with a 3.0 and manual tranny). The "car" drives with the sport package very much like a BMW (we test drove several regular sedans).
And, the sport seats and the trim that comes with the Premium package do NOT (to my eye) make the X3 look like some bargain basement cheapie.
Now, I think, personally (sorry dear), that BMW interiors are not as nice as Audi's (for instance), in fact I have often wondered if it isn't possible to have an ultimate driving machine with a great interior. Kinda like you can have an exceptional interior or the handling and performance of a [BMW] fill in the blank.
I currently have an Audi allroad -- so you can see, there's no accounting for taste. I never thought I would have a station wagon -- and no matter how hard I try (even with the thing on suspension level 4), I can't get people to think of my allroad as a crossover vehicle, let alone an SUV or SAV (as BMW calls it).
So, the X3 -- to some -- may be an ugly duckling. Frankly, I don't see THAT much difference between the X3 and the X5 insofar as "beauty" is concerned.
I am looking forward to the X3, for many reasons (and coming from a TT -- my wife, that is -- this is a change), style and performance are on this list.
Sticks and stones will hurt my bones but trolls words will never faze me.
Guess if I switch from German to Japanese there will be cat calls and raspberries for my choice too. Bring it on.
And, while we're at it, what about the Chyco 300C -- some love it, some hate it. I say live it or live with it (Firesign Theater).
I happen to like the way my X3 looks. It's nice, but not so nice that I'm afraid to use it as the vehicle was intended. I put my bikes, dog and materials inside, without fear of destroying the interior.
So for the nay-sayers out there, I say "to each his own"
I have completely lost confidence in this X-3, and in BMW in general. Is anyone else having similar problems??????
thanks
AAP
I've got the baby trends seat with the solid metal latch loc system. It takes literally 5seconds to put in the base. It's a bummer that the latch system in the beamer is not in the center since thats the safest place to put an infant.
My x3 2.5 has been a delight. The Pilot was high on my list based on capacities and good value, but in the end I opted for the better handling, more fun to me car.
A message before yours referred to a man who reports having a lemon. One of his complaints is creaking. Others of us experienced that in the window area but there was a fix reported in an earlier posting (which could probably be located pretty quickly by using creak as a key word for earlier posts). We took it in to the dealer and gave the fix number, and the problem was readily resolved. That was at least six months ago and no sign of creak return. Or any other problems.
One other thought if you go for the x3: we bought a plain jane 2.5, but based on the current (I think) policy of giving you the moon roof and tiptronic transmission included in the price of the 3.0, I would probably make that choice. I was a little leery of getting the moon roof based on structural integrity issues, but I miss it (had it in other cars). I think the 3.0 deal would be pretty hard to pass up.
Another thought for those who may find the base interior hard to clean. Wiping with water hasn't worked for me, but taking a wet rag and bar of ivory soap to difficult spots, then wiping with a clean wet rag does the trick. We have a dog who puts her head on the window ledge and leaves spots that clean up easily with this method.
Hope you enjoy your car hunting.
Creaks from windows. R
Noise from sunroof. N
Howling sound over 75 mph. R
Passenger cup holder wouldn't open. R
Passenger airbag sensor had to be replaced. R
Radio stations presets - when switching stations the wrong stations pop up. N
The remote won't open the doors unless I relock first, then try again. N
The display for my navigation doesn't always open when engine is started. N
And the latest: The gas guage has to be recalibrated.
R=Resolved
N=Not Resolved
Hopefully for some of you the 2005 has less problems.
Here is why:
18" wheel / tire option is $500 (18 x 8.0 front, 18 x 9.0 rear; 235/50R-18 front, 255/45R-18 rear summer UHP tires) -- this requires the sport pacakge option (your total cost for this would be $2,000)
Sport package option is $1,500 (you do not need the 18" upgrade option since the sport package comes with 18" wheels & tires) - you get for $1,500:
Sport suspension calibration
18 x 8.0 alloy wheels, 235/50R-18 (f/r) all-season UHP tires
Shadowline exterior trim
8-way power adjustable front sport seats with 2-way manual thigh support
3-spoke leather-wrapped sport steering wheel
If you wanted to buy aftermarket 18" wheels and tires (decent, good looking but NOT from a BMW dealer), you wuld probably pay at least $1,250 plus shipping.
Your decision, from this point of view is ~$250 and you get all the other stuff (the seats and wheel alone are a great upgrade and the sport suspension with the current calibration firms the ride and control but does not take it to filling rattling like the original calibration did back in 2004.)
I bought aftermarket wheels and tires for my Audi allroad and it did indeed cost about $1,250 (plus mounting and balancing).
Howling over 75: Not yet reported- waiting for the first service interval
Passenger cup holder: Replaced during first month of ownership
Airbag sensor : Will be replaced this week
Camshaft sensor: Had to be reset
Gas Gauge: Could be faulty-tank empty before reaching final mark
I still love the car - especially on the highway - but I'm really getting to enjoy the concierge service and Krispy Kremes in the service lounge, ahem. Even more so than I did with a Jeep. LOL
I got this a little late. Went and ordered one today sans sport package. Should be nice though, the wheels/tires combo on the 3 liter aren't embarrassing, at least. Thanks for your input.
The sport package is, IMHO, a bargain and you seem to be someone who would appreciate the uplevel seats, steering wheel and larger wheels and tires.
Good luck, either way.
Oh BTW, I did modify the order we placed for my wife's X3 two days after the order, we added Servotronic for $250. Since the paperwork was already done, I just gave them the $250 which had the magic effect of lowering the lease payment since the residual went UP!
First time I ever put money down on a lease ($250 on a $46,000+ car).
Thanks
As a side note on the complaints of the howling sound, this is just simple physics. With pretty much any car you if you lower just the rear windows you will get a howling sound but once you crack one of the front windows thw sound will go away. It's the same with the moonroof. I've heard that in the first open position you don't hear the howling sound but when its completely open you get the howling sound until you crack open one of the rear windows and the sound goes away. Cracking the window gives the wind somewhere to escape rather than creating the bottle top like effect that causes the howling sound.
We could not believe the difference between the stick and auto -- two completely different cars, with the stick the car drove like, well, a BMW. With the auto, left in auto mode, the transmission could never seem to stay in any one gear for more than 5 seconds without either up or down shifting -- once we got to the Interstate this behavior pretty much went away. My friend with an X5 3.0 exclusively drives his in manu-matic mode to prevent the hunting behavior.
Ultimately, we had the choice down to a new A4 3.2 or the BMW X3 3.0 -- equipped as she wanted each "car" the price came out to be Audi 3.2 $44K and BMW X3 3.0 $46K.
The Bimmer lease with no up fronts (OK, $250 "down") was $581 per month for 36 months @ 15K miles per year, the Audi was $684 same terms.
The BMW as ordered:
Jet Black Gloss
Terracotta Leather
Premium Package
Sport Package
Winter Package
Upgraded Sound System
Servotronic
F+R Parktronic
Sat Nav
Sirius Sat Radio
(Bluetooth and BMW Tele-Assist were part of a package).
We were able to drive an X3 3.0 with premium, sport, winter with a sitck shift and were impressed how close it felt to the A4 in terms of handling. The 18" wheels and tires on the X3 (with the sport suspension and sport seats) may have improved the ride and handling to offset the "SAV" nature of the Bimmer sufficiently.
Frankly, I think it was the stick shift that my wife was drawn to and the lack of a stick in the Audi that pushed her away. Of course there was that little matter of the Audi being $103 per month more for a car that cost $2000 MSRP less.
Funny, we have been playing "spot the X3" for about 3 weeks and have found NONE with the sport package (tell tale sign, the 18" wheels and the fancier trim bits) -- we assume they must be 2004's since the 2004 was criticized for being too stiff, so much so that BMW revamped the suspension in May after only being on the market for five months.
Drive one of these guys with the sport set up and a manual -- if the deals are still on for this thing, you will be grinning all the time you are behind the wheel.
BMW engineers are smart people, they say to use premium gas, then use it. They're not in Kahootz with the oil companies.
If you don't use premuim gas, the car's knock sensors will detect a lower grade of gas being used and therefore reduce power output. If that is the case, then save some cash and go for the 2.5i. You will notice the car's acceleration leaning toward the sluggish side and the fuel economy dwindle.
You're spending somewhere in the neighborhood of $40K for an X3 3.0i, is the extra $.20 per gallon going to kill you? It is like the people who run out and spend $5K extra on an Accord Hybrid so they cdan save a few cents per gallon at the pump.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
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