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BMW X3

4185 messages,  Last post on Apr 15, 2013 at 1:30 PM

You are in the BMW X3 & X5 Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW X3, SUV

Messages Page 161 of 419

#1596 of 4185 Re: Really driving the X3 [kewilpee] by jrynn

Dec 12, 2004 (5:51 am)

Replying to: kewilpee (Dec 10, 2004 5:19 pm)
In 2004, BMW held an X3 "performance" driving event in various cities around the US. When it came through Washington, DC, they set up a short (3/4 to 1 mile) road course in the FedEx Field parking lot. Not super challenging, but enough S's, sweeping lefts, and hairpins to offer variety. They'd load three drivers and one instructor in each X3 and basically send people out to lap as fast as they could.
 
BMW (and I'd guess their insurance company) had a lot of faith that the X3 wouldn't (couldn't) roll, even when cornered hard enough to wear out tires every 50 - 200 miles (depending on the outside temp.)
 
The point made in the pre-drive brief was that the X3 CG is VERY low compared to most SUVs.
 
Does it handle curves as well as a three series sedan? No. Does it handle curves better than most other sedans? Yes.

#1597 of 4185 Yep, this is the essence by designman

Dec 12, 2004 (9:14 am)

Among the critics what gets lost or not noticed to begin with is the X3's handling ability. Many people want cushy luxury utes. Harsh ride? Stay away. Bring on the sport drivers who need a little utility. No iDrive, spartan interior? Works for me. I think this is the one new-age bimmer that really hits the target. All beef, no fat.
 
I always take reviews with a grain of salt and let my own driving impressions guide me but the Edmunds first-drive review by D. John Booth mirrors my thoughts almost exactly:
 
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2004/bmw/x3/100374220/roadtestarticle.- html?articleId=100732&tid=edmunds.e.roadtests.content...BMW*

#1598 of 4185 Re: Yep, this is the essence [designman] by kdshapiro

Dec 12, 2004 (9:23 am)

Replying to: designman (Dec 12, 2004 9:14 am)
Agreed. If you're target perception is the RX330, the X3 is not that. But if you want the handling and precision of the 3 series in a small suv package - it's a winner.

#1599 of 4185 The biggest difference.. by kyfdx HOST

Dec 12, 2004 (10:23 am)

that I could see in my short time with the X3 (service loaner).. is the steering ratio isn't nearly as quick as my 325i.. Any handling deficiencies seemed more attributable to the standard higher-profile all-season tires than to a higher CG.
 
It was a very confidence inspiring drive... Granted, it won't handle like a 3-series, but it gives you the same road feel and control.. Just have to turn the wheel more to get the same level of turn-in.
 
regards,
kyfdx

#1600 of 4185 That pesky gas gauge by njdriver1

Dec 12, 2004 (2:01 pm)

The service department at the Dealer claimed a TSB for the car required some software re-programming. I'll see if that takes car of it.
 
I've been driving for 25 years and parked on hills numerous times and have never seen a gauge react like this one. This has been the only nagging issue I've had with the car.
 
BTW, after 3,500 m I'm averaging 15.2 mph with an average speed of 22mph, nearly all city driving.

#1601 of 4185 Re: Heated mirrors.. [kohinahi] by kewilpee

Dec 12, 2004 (2:42 pm)

Replying to: kohinahi (Dec 11, 2004 6:32 pm)
Hi kohinahi is there any way I can touch bases with you about a copy of the E-manual. I have purchased my X3 thru Military sales in Germany, and I cannot register w/ BMWUSA to get these added perks. I would love to get my hands on a copy before i take delivery so i can "read" all about my new SAV before i pick it up. Thanks anything in the manual about a heated front windshield too?? the Germany hand outs have pics about it

#1602 of 4185 Re: Heated mirrors.. [kewilpee] by jonathanx3

Dec 12, 2004 (4:10 pm)

Replying to: kewilpee (Dec 12, 2004 2:42 pm)
I have PDF copy of the x32.5i 2004 manual. Would this help you?

#1603 of 4185 Loss of Engine Power by jonathanx3

Dec 12, 2004 (4:11 pm)

My X3 2.5i Automatic has just reached about 1600 miles. Last week, it started to lose power and it seems to be shifting harder (noticable shift between down and up) and it seems to have a hard time to actually shift into the next gear. At times I have to almost max out the pedal just to get enough power to gain speed or pass a vehicle. This problem seems to come and go, as sometimes the speed and pickup of the X3 are great, and very speedy. Other times, the speed is very, very sluggish. Does anyone have any ideas about what could be causing this? I have wondered if it was related to the colder weather in the northeast, or the quality of gasoline (I have only ever used 93 octane premium gasoline). During this problem, it also seems that the engine is reving too high at times, and revs high until the vehicle is almost at complete stop. When in idle, the engines sounds normal, no excessive revving. Any clues or help would be greatly appreciated.

#1604 of 4185 Re: Heated mirrors.. [kewilpee] by kohinahi

Dec 14, 2004 (7:15 am)

Replying to: kewilpee (Dec 12, 2004 2:42 pm)
No problem....just email me at kohinahi[at]yahoo.com. I'll forward you a copy.
 
All you really need is your VIN number....and you can register at https://oc.bmwusa.com/oemainlogin.asp
 
I don't think there is any restriction to joining the BMW Owner's circle except that you own a BMW.

#1605 of 4185 Re: Loss of Engine Power [jonathanx3] by kohinahi

Dec 14, 2004 (7:44 am)

Replying to: jonathanx3 (Dec 12, 2004 4:11 pm)
How (aggressively or not?!) have you been driving your vehicle....X3's have Adaptive Transmission Management which takes your personal driving style into account and chooses the perfect moment to change gears. You could be experiencing this?!!
 
Unfortunately I do not know much about this feature.....maybe kyfdx or someone more experienced could comment. I have kinda' been in your situation once where (driving in auto) I could not get enough speed. I shifted into steptronic mode and drove a little aggressive (because I was kinda' pissed with its performance) and the next time around it drove just fine! Showed the X3 who's the master ;o)

Messages Page 161 of 419

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