Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Best Regards,
BTW, that's a Canadian article, since the references to prices are Canadian prices.
regards,
kyfdx
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
In sum, I will tell you (all) that the X3 in stock trim ONLY looks dressed up in Jet Black or the pearlescent black color (which for $450 is virtually impossible to discern from a distance of 10 meters if both the black colored cars are side by side and clean -- my meaning, the pearl black is nice but it seems to me to be too subtle for the bucks).
Our $47,000 X3 3.0 is chock full of options:
Premium
Sport
Winter
Sat Nav
Parktronic
Sat Radio
Premium Audio
Xenon Headlights
Integrated Bluetooth phone (there's a better use of $450 than the black pearl paint)
Servotronic steering (a must have and it is only $250)
Our X3 as equipped above has the Terracotta leather interior and with the black paint and the gloss shadowline trim that comes with either Premium or Sport packages plus the bigger and dressier wheels and sport steering wheel. The look of this car is "almost" fully dressed for a black tie affair. The bumpers are flat black and the paint and trim is gloss black, but the contrast is so subtle it doesn't look as half baked as some of the other colors what with the rubber bumpers.
Painting the bumpers will be about $1200 USD (I had this treatment done to my 2003 Audi allroad and the bumpers were about this much and the fender flares were another $425 -- the X3 flares don't need to be dressed as they are nicely integrated IMHO.)
If you don't mind Jet Black and are willing to get the Premium and Sport packages, you will probably be about 95% OK with the dressed up look this combination imparts IMHO to every casual eye and probably 80% of the rest of the population would not notice the bumpers not being coated in Jet Black or Pearl Black paint -- and you can save your $1200 or $2500 for the body kit (which does look nice in blue and red, if you care).
The sport package does improve the look with the wheels alone.
This is a bit of a stretch to have an "imaginary" dress up via buying the thing in black in the first place. But that was the color my wife wanted in the first place. We drove a white one and you're correct it just looked a lot cheaper with the obviously unpainted bumpers.
All I am suggesting is to consider the look (if you can tolerate black paint) as described above, before you write off the X3 as the ugly duckling of the BMW bunch. The vehicle now at 1100 miles gets better every day (we have the stick shift which may mitigate your concerns about the extra 30HP somewhat too, since the 6spd manual version is noticeably more quick and nimble (and controllable) than the 5speed "a hunting we shall go" steptronic.)
Then there is the issue that if you MUST have an auto, the new version will come not only with the extra juice under the hood but with a 6speed auto or 6speed manual which should make both the shifters and the shiftless grin from ear to ear.
Of course the deals on the current crop -- even if custom ordered, built and shipped to the US -- hard to pass up.
Our $47K MSRP X3 with $250.00 down (long story) is $581/mo including tax fort 36 months @ 15,000 miles per year.
This thing drive VERY much like a new 2005.5 Audi A4 (which after 27 Audis in our garage is all I have to compare it to, not that I'm unsure it would compare favorably with other Bimmers.)
Great vehicle, great value, great fun.
I suspect the sweet deals on the X3 will not continue into next model year, whereas the deals for X5's will only get sweeter. That, I think, will be where the tough decision is -- whether to go for a vehicle on its way out but offers more bang for your buck. But if they don't stick the new 6 in the X5, then I would only consider an X5 4.4 if I go for an X5, and that would likely tip the scale in favour of a fully-loaded X3 3.0. (I hate to have to buy the stupid panoramic moonroof in order to get Premium Pack though. I think moonroofs are a waste of time and money, but especially on an SUV :mad: ).
Thanks.
#1 Homelink
#2 Alarm system
Homelink is $425 for the PART plus some labor charge. Ouch. Get Servotronic for $250 and use your garage's small remote and live with it. But damn, at this price point and "class" no homelink? What were they thinking.
No alarm system. What you get is the equivalent of "the threat without the teeth" -- you get the appearance that you have an alarm (the red upsidedown gumball machine on the rearview mirror). Truth be told that is probably enough most of the time. Of course when we mentioned the lack of these items we were told they could be purchased. Yet the dealership told us that even if the car were to be violated that it would be unlikely it could be driven and since it came with On*star (aka BMW assist) that GPS tracking could find the car were it to be ripped off.
Believe it or not, I was more upset about the Homelink thing. For $36,000 (base) this remains, as noted, a small peeve.
Sorry I can't answer your question, otherwise.
Any news/update on your mileage experience w. the X3?
But you mean the red gumball (or clown nose as others have affectionately referred to it as) flashes even if there is no alarm installed?
Actually, FWIW, the immobilizer would probably stop most thieves from driving your ride away. The alarm would help in maintaining possession of your digital camera, toll booth change, and stash of CDs.
The standard alarm, does not protect the contents as you have stated. The transponder key would prohibit about 99.9% of car thieves from actually stealing this vehicle. Any alarm added aftermarket for security of contents, simply go to a reputable shop, not your dealer to pay double.
Problem with going with an aftermarket alarm is finding a good reputable installer. Most shops seem to hire kids that look like they're just out of high school. :sick:
We're now at 1300 miles. Trip for the MD weekend from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh and back.
Mileage seems to be improving, readout now says 20.6 AVG miles per gallon.
Took the back road -- US 22 -- past Zanesville OH, hilly.
Never went above 80mph whole trip.
Be heading west later today, back to Cincinnati. Will keep monitoring.
Three people in the car, 2 Shelties + luggage and a case of beer.
Navigation system is wonderful. Sirius is wonderful -- finally heard a repeat song on "the Vault" Steve Miller Band, "Seasons."
The X3 remains comfortable, competent and impressive. Apart from my two minor peeves (above post) this car is a blast.
She picked me up an hour later and declared that she wanted to trade in the 540 for the X3 loaner. The loaner is a 2005 X3 with about 2,300 miles on it and a MSRP of $39.7k. It is a white (yuck) 3.0, with the premium package, heated seats, and privacy glass.
I am interested in hearing from anyone who has ever bought a BMW dealer's loaner vehicle and I have the following questions:
1. Overall experience with the vehicle compared to buying brand new?
2. Cost savings over MSRP?
3. What is a reasonable price to pay based on the mileage on this one?
4. The dealer has 5 other X-3s on his lot - 3 of which that we would consider buying. How much can I expect them to come off of MSRP for something they already have?
5. If we order a new one (like we did with our 330CiC, what is the build time running these days?
6. How much under MSRP seems to be reasonable for one that we have built at this point in the model year?
7. Anyone have any insights on the changes for 2006?
Thanks!
That is once you drive it off the lot the vehicle immediately loses about $3K and then you deduct the mileage. .15/mile * 2000 miles=$300 dollars. Total deductions $3,300 dollars.
Plus, the warranty clock is usually already running....
I find that for the minimal extra discount, I would rather have a new one..
On another note, if you consider leasing, the X3 3.0 has a great lease program in place right now.. If your driving needs encompass anywhere between 10K-15K miles per year. that is the way I would go.
regards,
kyfdx
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
What's not to like? Hope you had a pleasant holiday in your nearly-new ride.
Several of us are awaiting your comments on the other non-Audi vehicle, and the clock continues to tick down. . .
I was skeptical about how much better a BMW could be, when you can buy fairly competent cars for almost half the price. However, I have changed my mind, it is worth every extra penny - and I don't know why anyone would buy anything else but a BMW (especially an X3) if you can afford it.
By the way, I don't have an alarm but the clown nose blinks when the car is locked.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
First mileage 20+ new mileage 24+. This was a trip, my wife drives about 36 miles per day about 28 on I-275 loop around Cincinnati.
We are NOT displeased with this milage, and it seems to be improving all the time.
Perhaps we have low expectations -- but this is NOT a light weight vehicle.
The ride is also enjoyable, quiet and smooth enough without the soft spongy ride you get in a big luxury boat. I was out of town and rented a Taurus - soft spongy ride, total lack of feeling in the steering, an instrument panel with fancy curves that looked like they were trying a little too hard, poor vision front and rear, seats with very little support.
I didn't even try a 3 liter because it's $4,000 more in Canada and I found the 2.5 was fine. When I test drove an X3 I didn't want to take it back to the dealer. My wife has a 2003 Mercedes C230 which I like a lot, and it has more luxury and a smoother ride, but hey, it doesn't have the same thrill as the X3.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Example:
$20K value of trade
$12K loan balance on trade
$12K amount of check dealer pays to lien holder.
$8K amount of check dealer pays to you.
The lease deal on the new car works like any other.. You are under no obligation to put any of your $8K equity into the new deal.
The sales tax thing might work differently depending on location. If the tax on the lease is an upfront amount, which is then added to the cap cost, you may be able to get a credit against that, if it is a difference state.
But, some states might not allow a credit, because the title will be in the lessor's name, not yours... And, if it is a state where the monthly payment is taxed, then I think you would be totally out of luck.
I've got no experience or anecdotal evidence of anyone doing this.... The states where it is most likely to occur favorably, would be states like Texas or Illinois, where they tax the entire value of the new car upfront, even on a lease. But, I've never even read of an example from there..
regards,
kyfdx
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
tidester, host
Now look at a 10 year old BMW, Mercedes or Jaguar. They look as good as a new one if not better than a new one. These cars have simple intelligent designs that are always in style.
Glad you like your X3 too!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Perhaps BMW is subventing the lease -- but, if that is so, it would seem an almost compelling reason to examine the leasing option before paying a lump sum of cash.
When we drove a 2.5 (auto) it was barely able to get out of its own way. I would suspect the 2.5 with a stick would be acceptable. Furthermore, the new X3's (they begin building them in July don't they?) will have the new 3.0's engines that are BOTH more efficient and more effective (better mileage and more power). My dealer thinks the new X3's will retain the body and add the new engines and offer a 6 speed steptronic (probably no SMG). I would think, using the Audi A4 3.2 as my guide, that the concerns I have with the 2.5 and 3.0 for that matter with the 5 speed steptronic, would be completely eliminated.
i am the one with 1300 miles and 99% city driving that posted originally. but i was not the one that said "On the Highway I've average 25 mpg at 60 and 24mpg up to 75mph." On the hwy so far we have only gotten 13-14 mpg.
anyway, we're still getting HORRIBLE gas mileage in the city. we average only 17 mph and in stop and go city driving we only get 11.4 mpg. i'm hoping to take it on a short road trip soon to test the hwy mileage. if it is still bad we're planning to make a stink at the dealer - again. would have never bought the car if we'd known it would be this bad in the city...
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
What's stopping me? My TL is barely 1 year old. I would take a huge hit financially on it any way I slice it. I also happen to be still smitten by the TL's styling, power, and toys. :shades:, which I can't duplicate in any X3. The rattles, and slightly squirrelly steering I can do without. :mad:
Secondly, if I buy an '05, and the '06 comes out with more power, and body-colored bumpers, I would kick myself. :sick:
We wound up buying a brand-new one instead. It is a 2005 X3 3.0 with the premium package, heated seats, and privacy glass. It is silver (matches our 2002 330 CiC) with black leather. We're taking delivery on it today.
Ben
During the delivery process, our dealer did the phone, Sirius and Sat Nav set up and "trained" my wife and me to use these systems.
Her Ericson phone and my Moto phone are both set up to be recognized by the X3's BT system. It depends on who's phone is on if we both get in the car at the same time as to which address book gets loaded into the X3's system.
Works like a charm, tho.
Couldn't make the new Blackberry with BT work, however.
The dealer should make this right for you.
And, at no charge.
What kind of phone do you have? Are you sure that your phone is compatible with the BMW Bluetooth system? If you haven't already, you may want to check out this link:
http://www.bmwtransact.com/bluetooth/Compatible_Phones.htm
I know that the Treo 650 is NOT compatilble -- on other sites there have been a lot of discussion, frustration, and disappointment regarding this issue.
Both are phones will synch up with the X3's BT -- and then the calls can be all done from the controls on the steering wheel (if the address book is populated that is.)
There is no voice activiation that I know about, but that is, for us, not that big of a deal.
A few questions:
1) What is the four digit key you are referring to? Once I get my car will this code/key be listed in the X3 manual?
2) Did your address book load up as well?
3) Can you make calls from the car as well as receive them?
4) Do you also have the navigation system?
Any suggestions you may have (besides the patch) to make the phone work smoothly would be highly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
If you don't believe me, read magazine after magazine article on the subject -- and even those that like the X3 in all other ways, seem wont to criticize its nakedidity.
But this is a personal preference, as noted.
We went with the JET BLACK with Terracotta and light birch wood -- with the Premium, Sport and Winter packages the X3 is all dressed up and ready to go.
I have seen the blue with the full body treatment and, it too, is stunning.
My wife loves her X3 and yesterday I got to drive it 100 miles -- what a great touring car; and, what a great Sat Nav and Sirius Sat Radio combo (with the premium audio). We also went for the kleen wheels and the BMW built in phone accessory which uses the outside antenna giving you drop free reception.
To each his own.
http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?mc1981
The body colored issue as Mark stated is personal preference, some want painted cladding other's don't or are indifferent. With a Black exterior the unpainted bumpers are less apparent
I like the concept of what BMW offers in the X3, although, not enough to pony up, without upgrades to the exterior/interior and feature/dollar content.