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BMW X3

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Comments

  • bmwvirginbmwvirgin Member Posts: 6
    rfrith - Could you explain how the European Delivery works. Who handles shipping it back to the US, and do you need to drive it around for a certain number of miles so it comes into the US as a Used Vehicle. Are there any issues with safety standards, emissions etc entering the US?
    I read in an earlier posting cost savings to be around $2500. Is that true? How much will it cost to ship back to the US?
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Check out the Euro Delivery forum for BMW's. More than you want to know can be found there.

    -Paul
  • rfrithrfrith Member Posts: 18
    bmwvirgin, erickpl is right...you can get additional info on the European Delivery Forum. I'll give you a quick overview though. You buy from your dealer. The price will be reduced by almost $2,500 on an X3 3.0. You close the sale on your vehicle 30 days prior to pickup. Fly into Munich, take a cab to the Delivery center, take delivery, drive as little or as much as you want for up to 1 month. Excellent insurance is included in the deal. When you're ready to head home drop your BMW off at any of several locations in Europe. About 5 to 7 weeks later your BMW arrives at your dealer and is prepped again and delivered to you there. Check out the BMWUSA website for details on savings and drop off locations.
  • vetpathologistvetpathologist Member Posts: 30
    ESPN had a program on the LA autoshow and they reviewed X3. The host mentioned about a diesel X3 (turbo). Does anybody know more about this. If they do make a diesel X3 can we buy it through the European delivery program. Any thoughts from the well informed members of this board.
  • rfrithrfrith Member Posts: 18
    The review they did was in Spain in believe. The Diesel version is available in Europe but not the U.S. and isn't available on the European Delivery program.
  • ulepulep Member Posts: 63
    I'm picking up my x3 3.01 silver gray black/aluminum interior tommorow. i'll try to post some picture of the interior as soon as i get it.
  • ulepulep Member Posts: 63
    the bmw x3 captured 1st and second place in the 2004 alcan winter rally beating all subarus including the famous forester.
  • scotth6scotth6 Member Posts: 43
    I have over 300 miles now on my X3 3.0 Auto with sport package, Y spoke wheels and it has far exceeded my expectations. I had a 2001 X5 3.0 which was a great vehicle but this is a sports car compared to the X5. The handling is great with no body lean and really like a 325 or 330 and the ride is very smooth although not as smooth as a 528 which I owned or my X5 was. The X5 felt like it was on rails but was heavy in the corners and plowed a little compared to the X3. You can really notice the 600 pound difference in a positive way and my gas milage so far is 2-3 miles per gallon better. The black interior looks great with a little bit of a contrast with dark gray on the top 1/3 of the dash and along the windshield. Its not the same look as the X5 and not as premium quality but it looks pretty darn good with the wood trim. The owners manual shows the garage door opener as an accessory and part of the rear view mirror as I suspected because this is how it is on the M3 convertible because of a lack of space due to the BMW assist and moon roof. The premium stereo is better than the premium stereo in my M3 maybe because it has more speakers or because it has more space but it did not distort even at high volume and obviously is a lot better than the standard stereo in the X5. Other than the door sound and no rear seat vents I can not find any negatives. The rear compartment has a power outlet as well as the back seat. It now appears that the beige interiors do get beige carpet and not gray like the original prototypes at dealers. All the prototypes had gray carpet but now you can buy cargo mat covers in beige, gray or black because I already received mine.
  • ulepulep Member Posts: 63
    I picked up my x3 this morning. the black interior looked so nice!!! i chose the aluminum trim hoping that it will give the car a sporty look. Thank god it worked out. I know, a lot of people hate the aluminum but it really looks nice. it gave the almost all black interior an accent in a very nice way. looks very sporty. if you like a classy look go for the wood.
           When i took it out the dealer the ride was a bit more firm than what i remember. then i remembered one poster said to check the tire pressure. it turned out the pressure is 38/38 psi when it sould be 29/32 psi. damn made it a lot different.
           very happy with my x3. my impressions? nothing that you haven't heard from the other users. size-a lot of people who saw it thought it was small but for me it's big enough and it is. ride-firm but never in a million years harsh. looks- very sporty not "trucky". somebody asked about the rpms. i was doing 60 and it was 1800 rpms. sound- you can hear the engine but then again its an sav. the wheels are a bit too heavy for me but this is my first bmw and i got used to my sedans light as air steering.
           overall i love it. would do it again if i had a chance too. i will post photo of the interior as soon as i can. will post more informative messages later.
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    ulep - I'm not a fan of the aluminum, but a big fan of the X3. It's a classy car and the drive is great. Good luck with it.
  • lakshmanlakshman Member Posts: 47
    You have contributed a lot to this forum. Good that you finally got your car. I should be getting mine on March 15 or a few days earlier.
  • mamgtmamgt Member Posts: 67
    Thanks to one of your earlier posts about how much your dealer discounted, I was able to renegotiate my purchase price (BTW same dealer who is actually in the same town I live). Like you, I got the black interior and would have definitely gone for the sporty aluminum trim, but I did not want the moonroof so could not get the PP. Seems like the 3.0 should have more trim options than just black. Anyhow, I'm getting the X3 mainly for the way it handles and for its smaller size. It sure has been a loooong wait, but I should be getting it next week.
  • mjmx3mjmx3 Member Posts: 17
    Ulep, Scotth6 and the many others here that have posted information on their X3s, thanks very much!! I took delivery of my X3 3.0i with the Sport Package on Saturday. I am very happy with the car, its condition at delivery and most importantly the ride quality with the Sport Package.

    Keep the information sharing going and good luck to all with your new X3s!!!!

    MJM
  • hoofen1hoofen1 Member Posts: 16
    So I took the plunge and bought a 3.0I.Couldn,t resist the huge discount and BMW making my first 2 payments to boot.Now to towing.Owners manual has no reference whatsoever regarding capacities or installation guide.Edmunds rates it @ 3500 pounds.Anyone here know the best place to get a hitch installed.Have used U-Haul before on other cars and saved quite a bit over the dealers cost.
    TIA Hoofen
  • dk3307dk3307 Member Posts: 8
    One BMW dealer's first offer for a 3.0i, automatic, white color, was $35,730 + TTL, European Delivery. We was not ready to purchase so we did not negotiate.

    How much discount should I expect to get?
  • m5x3m5x3 Member Posts: 23
    I've noticed the same tendency in our new X3 that I've seen in other BMWs - I need a constant reminder to keep my speed within posted limits. However, I'm having some difficulty in finding a convenient place to wire in a new Escort. I found a nice 12 VDC contact in the glove compartment fuse box, but was unable to find a local ground. Anybody solve this one?

    BTW, we now have 1 month and 900 miles on our 3.0 6-speed sport package. I still believe that would be our choice if we had to do it over today. The car remains remarkably free of defects and a joy to drive. One niggle that I don't think I've seen reported - don't believe the trip computer's mpg report. I think it is up to 10% optimistic. I'm going to see if I can find a way to calibrate this readout like I did on my old E39 540i.
  • quaddiesquaddies Member Posts: 7
    Could somebody please indicate approx. how much time it takes between placing an order for an X3 and driving it off the lot?

    And, has anybody seen the blue water silver color? Opinions?
  • lakshmanlakshman Member Posts: 47
    Do any of you know if we can play DVDs in the navigation system. I believe Acura TL allows you to play dvds. I also read that there are accessories that convert the cd based nav. to dvd based and play movies in that.

    Any input is welcome.
  • mamgtmamgt Member Posts: 67
    about 8 weeks.
  • quaddiesquaddies Member Posts: 7
  • hoofen1hoofen1 Member Posts: 16
    Why wait??Dealers have good selections on the lot now,2.5s and 3.0s.I walked in Fri.evening and drove out Sat.morning.This in a fairly small city.Surely larger cities have even bigger inventories.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,188
    No, you can't play DVDs in the Nav system.. And the Acura TL won't either.. The TL has a DVD-A audio system.. That plays DVD audio recordings on the stereo... No DVD capability on any NAV system that I know of.

    regards,
    kyfdx

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  • quaddiesquaddies Member Posts: 7
    In my area its tough to find a 2.5 manual transmission without the premium package, seat warmers, etc but that could change quickly. In my very very humble opinion, a bare X3 with that amazing sun roof is a good deal. It fits with my understanding of the X3's raison d'etre: a sporty lightened SUV designed principally for the street. As to the fully loaded 3.0 , unless you get a good deal (which may well be the case as some have suggested) I am not so sure.

    Anyways I took the plunge and ordered one (notwithstanding the Car and Driver Review- what's up with that?) yesterday and I appear to have a production date set for mid march.
  • harplayrharplayr Member Posts: 70
    Check out www.navwithtv.com They sell an aftermarket kit that will do what you want.
  • harplayrharplayr Member Posts: 70
    My X3 is bluewater with black interior. I absolutely love the color! It's a bit more blue than is shown on the sales stuff, it has a "deep" look to it, and the color seems to change in different light conditions. I have gotten many complements on the color.
  • lakshmanlakshman Member Posts: 47
    Thanks for the clarification. You are right about the Acura TL also. I was told it plays dvd audio recordings... and I assumed it plays dvd video also. My mistake.

    Looks like BMW X3 does not have the DVD - A system.
  • tucker74tucker74 Member Posts: 12
    Hi harplayr. Do you happen to have a digicam and willing to take some pics of your X3? We are seriously thinking of ordering one in that color but would like to get a general idea of it.

    I've seen it on a M5 but that was some time ago. I'm wondering if it is anything like the light blue on the Land Rover Freelander.
  • tucker74tucker74 Member Posts: 12
    Anyone seen this color or know of pictures of it on the 'net? Is it similar to the Oxford Green color available on the 3-series?
  • harplayrharplayr Member Posts: 70
    Yes, I've been meaning to snap some photos, I'll let you know when I get them posted.
  • tucker74tucker74 Member Posts: 12
    Looking forward to the pictures!
  • naciancenonacianceno Member Posts: 7
    where can i find it?...thanks
  • sharkalasharkala Member Posts: 48
    Hi- Can anyone give me an idea what you are paying for an x3 3.0 with premium package, metallic paint, xenon lights, heated seats- thanks
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Go to Photo Gallery and indicate the vehicle you want to see. The X3 is there in all its glory!

    tidester, host
  • naciancenonacianceno Member Posts: 7
    thanks tidester but i'm looking for pictures that were posted by regular posters if we have any...
  • aukemaaukema Member Posts: 19
    Has anyone ordered and received a Silver Gray with terracotta leather? How does it appear?
  • aukemaaukema Member Posts: 19
    dk3307,
    The best price I have seen is $1500 over ED invoice, dk3307. I have been monitoring this board a long time and haven't seen a better price. I have a ED pickup date of May 28.
  • ulepulep Member Posts: 63
    my dealer gave me a $100 check because they weren't able to install the alarm on my x3 before the pick up date. in total i saved $1700 off msrp.
  • bmwvirginbmwvirgin Member Posts: 6
    Now that some of you have actually been driving your X3's for awhile, can anyone tell me what kind of gas mileage you are actually getting? Any numbers yet on the 2.5?
  • sunilbsunilb Member Posts: 407
    from the NYTimes (not an auto expert, but well-written... though it echoes some of the comments other writers have made)...

    http://edmunds.nytimes.com/new/2004/bmw/x3/100374220/roadtestarti- cle.html?articleId=101473
  • harplayrharplayr Member Posts: 70
    So far, I've been getting 24-25 highway, and 19.8mpg overall on my X3 2.5 automatic.
  • m5x3m5x3 Member Posts: 23
    We are getting about 18 mpg on our 3.0 6-speed. About 300 of our 1000 miles have been on the highway. Again, don't put too much stock in the trip computer - ours is optimistic by up to 2 mpg.
  • scotth6scotth6 Member Posts: 43
    I have about 600 miles on my X3 3.0 Auto and the combined driving has been about 17.5. I drove it for a week and got 20 miles per gallon in the city but my son drove it for a week and he got 16.5 but he drives it like my M3(full throttle). On the little bit of highway driving I did I was getting over 23. I think it will do a lot better once it is broken in at 1200+ miles. My M3 improved 1-2 miles once it was broken in. You can drive up to 100 miles per hour or 4500rpm during break in. I agree with the NYTimes article that says if you are expecting a small X5 you will be dissapointed, it handles more like a 330i with sport suspension. I got exactly what I wanted, a sport utility that handles like an M3. The ride may be different with the standard wheels but it is firm with the sport and Y spoke combo but it handles fantastic.
  • naciancenonacianceno Member Posts: 7
    where or how do i see this pictures???
  • ulepulep Member Posts: 63
    Why am i getting 11-13 mpg on my reading? i only have 200 miles on my x3, does that have anything to do with it?
      i posted some photos in the other forum. can anybody tell me how to post my own photo in this board?
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Click on the "Town Hall Help" link in the left column of this page to learn about posting pictures in the Town Hall. Basically, you need to find a place to store or "host" your pictures (such as the storage space provided by your ISP) and then create links to them in your message here.

    tidester, host
  • atortoroatortoro Member Posts: 13
    My dealer (in Los angeles) offer me a 42 month lease term of $4800 down, and $498 per month for 12,000 miles per year. NOt sure if this is a good deal or not.
    oh..it is for a x3.0 with all the premium package, metallic paint, xenon lights, heated seats etc. the car's sticker price is $42,000
    Can anyone tell me if this is a good deal or not??
    thanks
  • dk3307dk3307 Member Posts: 8
    I'm sure this question has been asked and answered before.

    Do you still have to pay the $695 Destination Charge for ED?
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 235,188
    The answer is YES

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  • ulepulep Member Posts: 63
    i just got an alarm installed on my x3. i'm a new bmw owner so i dont know how the alarm responds to tilt and motion. anyway i tried to tilt the car a little bit but it didnt alarm. so i tried shaking the car, no response. then i tried going inside and locking myself in the car before arming it. tried to shake the car from inside but nothing happened. can anybody help me with this? i cant seem to get it to alarm. is this natural on bmw alarms?
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    You have to wait at least 30 seconds. Try this. Roll down the drivers window. Arm the alarm from outstide of the car and wait about a minute. Stick your arm in the window. If the alarm doesn't go off, there is a problem.

    When I do that above, my alarm goes off.
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