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The upgraded system is pretty good -- it is a stereo system (not "surround sound") with multiple speakers front and rear -- actually considering it is "stereo" it is more than pretty good, it is very, very good indeed.
Were I the dealer, I would keep at least one X3 in stock with the high zoot stereo and Sirius (which is what we ended up with) because I, for one, always bring a couple of CD's with me to make sure I give the whole car a test drive. When I put in my test CD's, I thought the woofers were disconnected the thing sounded so tinny.
Also, my dealer says all inventory X3's "from now on" will ONLY come with Servotronic ($250 option) steering -- this too, is a deal breaker option (you must have it, that is.)
We ended up with:
X3 3.0 6spd manual Black Gloss w/Terracotta "Montana Leather" Sport seats.
Premium
Sport
Cold
Sat Nav
Sirius
Parktronic
Upgraded Audio
Xenons
Servotronic. . .
. . .and a couple of other things that completely transform the X3 into a comfortable and darn near luxurious vehicle.
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Also- dumb question- but do I really need premium gas for this car? The pinging sound is there no matter what grade of gas I use. Any input would be appreciated.
Do you buy gas from one of the national manufacturers: Exxon/Mobil..etc? Are you putting a no-name brand into the gas tank?
The rattling doesn't seem to be heat-related.
When I took it in for the problem, I was told that BMW was going to have to replace all the window seals- so far, nothing, and it's driving me nuts. I'll have to try and write BMW to see if what recourse I have. It's ridiculous to buy a car of this price and reputation and have to be barraged constantly with the rattling. Of course, when I test drove the car, they'd sealed it up well, so there was no rattling. Now they can't repeat the sealing process for whatever reason.
I do love the looks of the car and the zippiness, but I'd think that I shouldn't have to put up all these noises.
So if anyone out there is looking for a 2004 X3- check the windows!
I don't know enough about how brakes are engineered with respect to the boost. We all know after the engine is shut off and the brakes are pumped 5 or 6 times there is no boost left. Maybe someone could comment.
FYI - This link has a drawing of the master cylinder.
http://www.chris-longhurst.com/carbibles/brake_bible.html
However, if the engine died, it would sure feel like the brakes had failed, without any power assist..
Without that qualifier... I'd say the percentage increases to 99.99%..
regards,
kyfdx
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Also use a top tier gas and you will notice an improvement after perhaps a half a dozen tankfuls.
"TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is a recently established new standard for gasoline performance. Four of the world's top automakers, BMW, General Motors, Honda, and Toyota recognize that the current EPA minimum detergent requirements do not go far enough to ensure optimal engine performance."
Top Tier Gas Home Page
Over the weekend, another 600 miles -- purchased 3 tankfuls (never allowed the car to get to 1/2 full, always refilled above 1/2 tank that is, arrived home with almost a full tank.) Reset the mileage computer each time. Highest just under 26, lowest about 23.5. My QND average would be 24.5 for the whole weekend.
Yesterday: 90+ degrees. Speed average 73. Speed peak 88, speed "normal" about 80, 2 people, luggage, 2 shelties (Sammy and Sophie) A/C set to 67, sunroof closed but inner light shield open (HOT DAY!).
We are pleased with the milage -- been using about 2/3 toptier gas -- car passed 5,000 miles last week.
Looking to lease an x3 3.0 for wife. Picking it up 9/1/05 should I not get it? Are there many problems with the car from your exp.?
Thanks
Would this be classified as normal? I do notice when I am able to drive on the highway at 60 mph plus miles miles per gallon go up. But overall I have been disappointed in the mpg.
My '02 X5 averaged over 18 mpg over the time I had it.
On another note it was nice having the trip computer in the X5. It is way more comprehensive than the X3. I could reset my mpg for each trip and then leave the other one alone to calculate long period's of time. It was also nice to be able to see the outside temperature, clock, radio station and whatever the computer was set on all at the same time. In the X3 if I want outside temp and radio station, I have no clock etc etc.
800 miles isn't very much... give it some time to break-in..
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The stick does get somewhat better MPG.
The X5 weighs more than an X3.
The miles on your X5 are so low, I would call it in break in mode.
Anyone know I am going o buy one but would hate to have the older style I guess I will be stuck with the 225hp engine sounds like they will put the 255 engine in the car
Thanks
The upcoming versions of the SAV's from BMW all are based on the X3 look.
The 255HP engine will be put into the X3 after January 2006.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Thank you!
We are using top tier gas, BTW.
If they upgrade interior just a bit, and go to the new 255hp, this think will be at the top of my list!
Funny, in your garage are my two top choices!
In my garage is your allroad.
New Falkens on the way. More love!
Is the X3 a sport model?
Do you fell the 0-60 in the X3 is fast enough?
Remember, Torque is what ultimately determines your 0-60, not Horsepower. The BMW engines reach peak torque at lower RPMs than most.
However, you will find the X3 3.0i to handle like a sports car, not like truck or mini-van.
My only complaints about my X3 are the MPG, the noisy door seals (sometimes it sounds like the car is made out of wood), and the base sound system is subpar for a 40K car.
Did you get Azenis ST115's 245 x 45 x 18"?
At its "base" (basic) optionless self -- it is a economy BMW but its materials while probably sturdy look and feel cheap and plastic-y.
Start piling on the things that really transform the vehicle (Premium, Sport, Cold, sat radio, sat nav and upgraded sound system & Servotronic -- for starters) and whoooosh the thing can ring the register at close (too close) to $50 grand.
But then you factor in the deal we got -- $581/36 months 15/k miles per year, no money up front other than a sec dep and first mo pay -- and the $47K sticker and the very nice outcome somehow don't seem overpriced (not that they seem like a screaming bargain either, mind you) -- the car is a blast to drive.
And, don't you be callin' it no S.U.V. -- at least not at the BMW dealer -- they are quick to point out it is an S. A. V. BMW doesn't sell S.U.V.'s (according to them.)
I am getting jealous, for once a week or more, my wife calls me on the phone to say "I love . . . my X3!"
What am I chopped liver?
Don't answer.
:shades:
No man, im not stalking you and your car!
I have a burgandy allroad with 6spd. I was over at audiworld allroad forums a bit for a while. I have mine 2 years now.
Those dudes at audi world are way too into mods fo rme. I keep it stock, including the tires. I think the sway bar and 18'S would have been nice. Should be done when leased, not put cash into it. No chipping though! Coming off my stock 2001 E-430 anything would seem sporty in comparison! Great engine, boring car!
The falikens for 102$ a piece are nice tires, and if I chew them up fast, then so be it. Two sets are the same as some of the Mich's, and just almost as good.
Thanks.
Please - someone tell me what that white plastic light strip is for on the small tailgate hood that sticks out on top of the tailgate. Looks like LED lights - but what are they for? Thanking a knowledgeable X3'r in advance.
The BMW assist is 100% free forever -- if you don't use it. It is free for one year even if you do -- and unlike the On*star system, you can actually use it on a pay as you go mode.
No offense meant -- but the factory standard sound system in the 2005 X3 would have to improve somewhat to rise to the description "it sucks."
The upgraded system w/Sirius however is very nice and if it had a changer and a tape player (for books on tape that still haven't made it to CD) it would be ideal.
Of course these are MY opinions and in no way are they intended to suggest you should be unhappy with your system.
All this electronic stuff -- take the navi system for example -- can be outrageously expensive to add after the fact.
You must've ordered your car for I don't think our local dealer has ANY cars without Premium and Cold weather packages and none with the stick shift.
We ordered ours and it is, frankly, one of the best kept secrets in the automobile world -- ours has: Cold, Premium, Sport, Servotronic (a must have), Sirius, Sat Nav, Advanced Lighting, Upgraded Audio and several other toys (Black Gloss, Terracotta Montana Leather Sport Seats) & the built in Sony T637 phone. It is a 3.0 w/6spd manual.
Can't say enough positive stuff about this little dude. :shades:
I'm waiting for some GM financing information in the General Leasing forum, but I have a sinking feeling I'd be getting a whole lot more for my money with the BMW.
Does anyone know or have any input? I've got to make a decision on the BMW this weekend.
The GM employee discount has been extended and the deals on the X3's (3.0's) are and probably will be awesome for at least another week.
The X3 is probably very unlike the Saturn Vue. . .
Worth and value are in the mind of the buyer. The X3 is certainly going to offer more performance than the Saturn. Of that, alone, there can be little doubt.
The X3 may be worth more -- but the only opinion that counts, really, is yours.
My opinion is that they both may have their places -- my preference is the X3 -- but it is just that MY preference.
I wanted to decide this weekend because its the last weekend of August and there's not many 2005 X3's left for the current lease deal, well, that is, those with 6-speed transmissions like I want.
My e-mail feelers to BMW dealers are proving that I may have waited too late anyway. One is telling me there are only 23 X3 3.0 6-speeds in the US right now. Oh well... live and learn....
That is if you bargain hard....
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Road Test (Inside Line )
Steve, Host
A well equipped X3 3.0 should be around $400/month.
Not sure what the Saturn would run you, but the difference in vehicles should justify and additional cost, if it is affordable to you.
And all of the maintenance on the BMW is included in the price......