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2006 BMW X3 vs Acura RDX
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Comments
The X3 is a better vehicle than the RDX IMO but the BMW price is the question for me. You can buy an MDX, RX330 or an XC90 for the price of the X3. I think its overpriced for the class it is in. Lucky for BMW the other automakers have had their hands on the snooze button while they racked up sales. Once the other models start to hit the road the X3 will have less appeal. I would like nothing more than to trade my A4 for a Q5 next year. Audis aren't exactly cheap but the prices are better and the performance is typically comparable to a BMW.
The RDX is the first example I have seen of a reasonably functional AWD system on a FWD base. But almost doesn't get them my cigar.
While it doesn't hurt to have an AWD system in a RWD base it certainly isn't as necessary from a safety standpoint as adding a functional AWD capability to a FWD "base".
I keep hoping the next version of the Lexus RX will have adopted the RDX AWD concept.
I wasn't talking about FWD but RWD. Apparently, according to you, there is no need to mitigate low traction roadbed hazards of RWD, so AWD is unnecessary. True?
Obviously the RDX is headed in the correct "direction" in those respects.
Frankly, I'm not even sure about the race track as Mazda and Acura have been routinely beating BMWs in motorsports using FWD vehicles to do it.
When comparing them from a market perspective (not as a race car driver), I think Jblaze has a point. It's not completely dissimilar to the sales floor competition between the RDX (mid-30K range) and the old MDX, which was also priced in that range. The larger market doesn't care about RWD-bias and will purchase as much vehicle as they can get for their dollar.
The same will happen to the X3 and BMW will either need to offer better deals or allow sales to slump a wee bit until they give it a full redesign. Nothing wrong that that. It happens with just about every vehicle. The older a car gets, the more competitive the competition gets.
To keep the drive train comparison alive for a second, the TL bested 3 series sales for almost two years until BMW refreshed it. And that was FWD vs RWD, not this over-blown AWD-bias debate.
Interesting observations. I'm curious as to what the inside of an RDX looks and feels like, and plan to sit in one at the Washington DC Auto Show this week. We have a 2006 X3, and I'm having trouble figuring out what is not to like in the X3's interior!
FWIW, we specifcally avoided the sport suspension, and I like the ride of our X3- controlled and responsive but not harsh.
I would think another noticeable difference is the 6 speed auto in the X3 versus the 5 speed auto in the RDX. Our X3 has the 5 speed auto, we used to have a 2001 330Xi with a 5 speed auto, and we now have a 2006 330Xi with the 6 speed auto.
I know its not strictly an apples to apples comparison, but I find the 6 speed auto much more responsive than the 5 speed auto, and to me much more desireable. I know it doesn't make good financial sense, but my wife and I have talked about trading our 2006 X3 for a 2007 X3 to get both the more powerful engine and the 6 speed auto.
Thanks
Bruce
I definitely agree that not only is the 6-speed auto on the X3 superior to the 5-speed on the Acura, but it is superior to many other 6-speeds and definitely CVTs.
As far as the interior goes, it is not so much that the X3 has a bad interior as it is that its implementation of technology is not as refined as Acura's. So, in terms of materials, build quality, seat comfort, etc. that is all perfectly fine in both cars and is more subjective and may come down to just personal perference.
What I think is lacking in the X3 is a well-designed integration of the technology. It has to do with how you are able to get the vehicle to do what you want it to do easily and accurately. That is to say, things like voice-controlled features for the Navigation, the menu and subfolder structure of the control of electronics, preferences, and settings.
You may not be able to see it when you go to the auto show, but if you get the chance to see it at an Acura dealer, take a good look at it. It will require you turning on the vehicle and actually going through the system.
That said, the RDX is far from perfect... lack of memory seats, and a power passenger seat just boggles the mind. My only explanation is perhaps they are leaving that for a short-list of improvements for next year's model.
So again, to summarize, it is really the integration of the technology (and especially the GUI) that is lacking in BMW products. Many people may or may not find that an important consideration. On the whole, it may not matter to many people. But for me, since I can't make as much use of the actual performance benefits during my drive (yes I must go through the D.C. beltway everyday), it is the other interior features and the convenience and comfort that they provide that matter to me more. That plus the price difference makes it harder for me to justify (though I will still take a test drive of the new 2007 model to make sure my comparisons are well thought out).
Here is my overall observation about service centers in general. Always talk to people at the dealership! In other words, go to the coffee room and ask people what their experience has been and what they think overall. You may be surprised at what you hear. Don't listen to the salespeople!! For one, they aren't working in the service department so they may not truly appreciate what the experience is like, and secondly what are they gonna tell you if it is bad? They want to sell you a vehicle, not turn you around and shove you out the door of the dealership. So, bias has a lot to do with it.
Reading forums probably doesn't help because there is likely to be 10 complaints for every 1 positive experience... people tend to complain more than to praise more.
Based on most people I know that have BMWs, including some relatives and very close friends, I have yet to hear of any truly above-average service at their dealerships. I think my wife gets better treatment at her Honda dealership and they don't compare with how I get treated at Acura. My sample size isn't great... around a dozen people, but that is from Maryland, D.C., North Carolina, and California.
The best thing you can do is check out the dealership for yourself by asking others there who are getting serviced. Try to be discreet about it if you can... people won't tend to vocalize their feelings in public if they think they will embarass others or will be treated worse if the dealer hears about complaints (i.e. like complaining about food in a restaraunt before being served -- you don't want the cook to spit on your plate because you said he wasn't good).
Thanks for the useful post. I really resonated with your comment ... "since I can't make as much use of the actual performance benefits during my drive (yes I must go through the D.C. beltway everyday)"!
My wife and I are in a similar position vis a vis DC area rush hour traffic. One of our escapisms is frequenting our favorite B&B in West Virginia on weekend getaways as the roads are fun and uncrowded, and I don't think we've ever seen a patrol car or radar trap to inhibit our driving enjoyment.
Thanks
Bruce
Yeah, there are certainly a lot of troopers here in MD, so the ability to have fun every once in a while is tempered by the fact that I don't want to get a speeding ticket! Of course the occasion is so rare anyway that you have to wonder what the speed limit signs are for anymore... traffic is the limiting factor now!
I did want to ask you about what you thought of your 2006 X3? Is there anything in particular (other than the engine) that you want to get in the 2007 model that isn't available in the 2006? Are there particular features that you like/dislike (i.e. things that are definitely worth getting vs. things that you think aren't particularly useful to you)?
I saw a pretty good deal for lease prices... I think $379/month for 24 months with ~ $2500 down. Of course that is for a base model, so options will definitely add to that. One thing I didn't mention in my previous posts that I should have mentioned is that the residual values for BMW are generally very good. That is especially true for the 3 series. The 5 and 7 series tend to depreciate faster, but that is pretty much true of all higher-end vehicles in that price bracket.
Were you able to get any kind of significant deal on your X3? I priced out a 2007 model with a number of features online and it came out to about $46K + TTL. A lot higher then I wanted to be at, but if it were closer to $40K, I think that would be close to a deal closer. I'm in no rush right now though, I'm looking more closely near the end of the year or this time next year. I'm also hoping to find a dealer near my home that will treat both my wife and I well. That will take some scouting out and some time to invest in, but I believe in doing that before talking about any deals. That way, I don't get stuck with getting a great deal but having to drive a long way to get to a dealer that will service the car well and treat its customers properly.
What I would really like is an X3 with the 3.0 liter twin turbo engine and 6 speed auto!
In addition to the more powerful engine in the 2007 model, I would also like to have the 6 speed vice 5 speed auto.
On our 2006 X3, the only thing I wish it had but does not is the premium sound system. I don't remember if the 2006 premium sound option included Logic 7 or not, but the system in my 2006 330Xi (premium sound and Logic 7) is definitely better than the standard audio system in our X3.
I would have also preferred to have had the satellite radio already installed as that gives you a 1 year pre-paid subscription. We added Sirius about 5 months after purchase.
Of the things we do have, the heated seats are a must have, and I like the privacy glass, 18" wheels (non sport package), and retractable cargo net. I believe the 2007 model offers heated rear seats (as part of the cold weather package) and I would get that option.
We purchased from the dealer closest to our house. We liked the salesman and their location is a big convenience factor. IIRC, we paid a little less than halfway between the invoice price listed by Edmunds and MSRP.
Good luck,
Bruce
The RDX was very nice, but I could not spend any time in the cockpit trying out things. Since I’ve never had a navigation system equipped car, or driven an Acura, I could not appreciate the advanced technology in the cockpit from a quick test seating. Maybe if I drove one for awhile, I would become accustomed to what it has and appreciate it more vis a vis the X3 interior.
I liked the size of the RDX, but compared to our X3 it felt just a little:
- Smaller
- Less open
- Less storage area in the back
- Lower seating height
If I didn’t already own an X3, and was in the market for a new vehicle of this type, I would definitely give the RDX a test drive.
If I were to consider replacing our 2006 X3 however, then I would be more inclined to trade it for a 2007 X3 with the 6 speed auto.
Bruce
There was too much wheelslip in the rain in the RDX - I had to ask the salesperson if there was traction button turned off.
I've had a turbo, and prefer an in-line 6 over the long haul, although feeling that turbo spool up is always a thrill.
The RDX interior is too much like a spaceship - too distracting, we just want to focus on the road.
My wife liked the Bimmer ride! She likes to feel the road!
The RDX for sure offers more "technology" for the price, and probably better reliability, but it seemed a bit "immature" - it was like driving a video game piece, maybe it was the interior styling.
A bit of vanity - the RDX just looked, to us, a bit too much like a toy.
I've had the car now 2 months, and I'm still learning something new every day. I'm not "young" per say, but I still have that wild side, where I enjoy a sporty fun ride, with state of the art techno-candy. Maybe turning 60, I'll think about settling down into a refined quiet comfort, but until then, I'm spoolin
Forty is young. You're only as old as you drive! (ie. don't buy a Buick, or a Caddie)
NOT...!!
The X3 has a very definite RWD engine torque bias and also is available with a stick shift.
If you have any expectation at all of often encountering wintertime adverse roadbed conditions the X3 will be the obvious choice of those with experience and knowledge of driving in those conditions.
It's hard to overstate how utterly silly this statement is. I've had a base RDX (no tech package) since October. I drove the car 25 miles over largely unplowed roads after a 12"+ snowstorm last week. No problems. Overall the best handling car I've owned. The car is phenomenal wet roads, snowy roads, dry roads. A bit stiff riding over some surfaces, but the handling is remarkable. Loving the car after 6500 miles.
By the way, I got a tech package RDX as a loaner car and I greatly prefer my base car. The tech package was annoying. GPS screen is too small, too hard to read in bright daylight and is not a touch screen. The Nav in my 2004 TL is MUCH bigger, MUCH brighter, and MUCH easier to use. I'll stick with my little Garmin dashtop unit on those rare occasions when I need it. Works great. Fits in the center console of the RDX with my entire livingroom set.
It is remarkable to me (and a real comment on how dopey many car buyers are) that the focus on the RDX is the tech package. IT's THE CAR STUPID. And the bluetooth, Nav, etc. are static compared to the core issues here. I have all those features on my TL. I don't use the bluetooth, voice commands, etc. Only the Nav. And I don't miss that at all with the Garmin at my disposal whenever I need it. Which is about 6x annually.
I'm gonna go enjoy the drive......
I am a great admirer of the SH-AWD system and the break-through technology and outside-the-box thinking it represents, and I have said so many places. But when it comes to recommending, nay, REQUIRING, a patently UNSAFE use of tire chains I'll always vote for the competition.
Personally, to bring the X3 up to a comparable buy (what you get for your $) then that would be a ridiculous price to pat for the logo. As far as winter driving goes, where are the bimmer drivers getting this notion of better handling with back wheel drive? I see Bimmers in the snow spinning their back tires, and going nowhere. That's one of the main things that steer me away. Even Bimer drivers will admit that's what they hate. They lease the Bimmer for the handling, service/maintenance plan and stigma, Not for the resale value that the salesmen keep throwing back at ya (It is leased far more then purchased).
MDX vs X3:
MDX $865/mo
X3 $613/mo
Same term - 36 months, 45K miles.
The BMW residual is much higher than the Acura's.
The more attractive the residual, the more attractive the lease.
If you are simply financing, even at low interest rates, there is no immediate benefit to the higher residual.
I loved the MDX sport. There is no way it should be over $200 more per month than the Bimmer.
I didn't cross shop the RDX I shopped MSRP and compared dollars instead. Perhaps the RDX would be less expensive per month -- but for over $9,000 less it should be.
So an all optioned X3 drives like a dream, has older technology and performs like a champ, the Acura, not so much.
But, the Acura costs more per month, so er. . . well you figure it out. Beats me why the Acura is $200+ more per month. It is nice, but not that nice.
I don't want to get into a discussion of comparisons between the BMW X3 and either the RDX or MDX. I've owned hondas since 1986 and whenever I've strayed (once even owning a "german" car) I've regretted it. Where is the X3 made, BTW? The last time I looked at BMW (3-series) many were made in South Africa?? The interior looked like it.
I really like the car and am thinking about a 2008. But I want a comfortable ride--not a back breaker.
Thanks.
A test drive should give you a clue as to how it handles - if you're concerned drive something else and compare. I also drove a CR-V and it is more compliant, but not nearly as stable (especially at higher speeds and in corners).
I also haven't found road noise to be an issue at all - not sure where CR got that info. It is very quiet inside and when cruising the engine is silent. In lower gears you will hear the turbo spooling up, but it is never instrusive. Besides, the stereo is so good (even in the base model) that you really don't hear anything anyways
MDX vs X5
RDX vs X3
The comparison you made with the MDX vs X3 just isn't reasonable. It would be like comparing an Acura TSX to a Mercedes E-Class.
Are you saying the back seat in an RDX is better than in the X3? Or that they are about the same?
I find the back seat in our X3 somewhat roomy when considering the overall size of the vehicle.
I've had one quick experience sitting in an RDX, both front and back seats, at a recent auto show and it was nice. My subjective impression is the RDX is a wee bit smaller inside than our X3.
Bruce
Bud H
http://www.businessweek.com/autos/content/may2007/bw20070522_043879.htm
We have both an X3 and a 330Xi, both '06 models, and the sedan has a folding rear seat. Based on our experience-
He does acknowledge the greater carrying room in the X3. We can definitely carry larger, bulkier items in the X3 than we can in the sedan.
But he missed two other attributes of a small, performance oriented SUV which we like:
1)- The X3 has more room in the rear seat, especially leg room, and easier ingress and egress to the rear seat than our sedan.
2)- My wife likes the higher seating position in the X3's driver's seat.
I would also comment-
- Although we don't do off-roading, we do venture onto rough, gravel roads exploring West Virginia mountain spots, for example, and the higher ground clearance of the X3 is an advantage.
- Both our vehicles go well in the snow with the X-Drive, but the X3 is more versatile with it's higher ground clearance; e.g., unplowed roads.
Thanks
Bruce
"All-wheel drive is standard, but the X3 only has modest off-road capabilities."
Like off-roading is the only reason you'd need AWD? For that matter, anyone who does any real off-roading knows that AWD is inferior to a true 4x4 system (for that single purpose).
Then he suggests a coupe instead. Pretty much the only reason to buy a coupe instead of a sedan is styling and image. Coupes tend to look better.
Well, half the reason why people purchase SUVs are because they like the rough-n-tumble outdoorsie image they project. For that matter, half the reason why people buy Bimmers is because of the brand's image. Image is a big part of the appeal. While a coupe and an SUV both project plenty of image, they provide different flavors.
Ask this guy to pick between three brand's of chocolate ice cream and he'd tell you it doesn't matter because strawberry is better.