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SUVs BMW X3 & X5 BMW X3
3170 messages, Last post on Oct 29, 2008 at 2:46 PM
You are in the BMW X3 & X5 Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
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Replying to: nyccarguy (Dec 05, 2005 8:03 pm) It seems our dealer was offering past customers a $50 gift certificate for BMW accessories if you test drove a new E90, so we stopped by a couple of weeks ago. While we were there, my wife jokingly asked our salesman if they were going to get any CPO X3s. It turned out that they were getting one the next day- a Flamenco Red 2004 2.5 with 16K. Options were Steptronic, PP, CWP, heated wheel, leather, privacy glass, xenons, and satellite radio prep, with a BMW CPO warranty until July 2010. We decided to give it a hard look if we could sell our 5er. My indie BMW shop found a buyer-check the "Real World Trade-In Values" thread for the details-and all of a sudden we were in the market for a new vehicle. My wife wanted an AWD or 4X4 with decent ground clearance so that she could make it out our half mile gravel driveway in the winter. The only other vehicle we seriously considered was the Nissan Xterra Off Road(we also took a brief look at the Forester XT, but neither of us eat granola or wear Birkenstocks). We both really liked the Nissan, but finally decided it would serve better as a replacement for the TJ Wrangler in a year or so. As for the X3, I'm very pleased with it and my wife loves it. Despite its two ton curb weight the X feels much lighter and more nimble than the 5er. Acceleration isn't anything to write home about, but it's OK. The ride is taut but not uncomfortable. As I won't be tracking the X, I don't really miss the Sport Package. Besides, if I want to carve up a road course or twisting two lane I'll take the Club Sport or Speed Triple. Some people find the X3 interior to be plain and/or somber, but I prefer its no-nonsense Teutonic functionality; it sort of reminds me of my Bavaria and E24 M6. I'm not very critical about car audio anymore, so the lack of premium sound doesn't bother me. In any case, it sounds much better than the DSP system that was fitted to the 528i. It would be nice to have the Valvetronic 3.0, but the money I saved buying this car can be applied to the M1 acquisition fund-or maybe to a new M Coupe(that matte silver prototype at Frankfurt is very alluring). |
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ring. . . me: "hello?" my wife: "have I told you how much I love my X3?" me: "not for 15 minutes. . . ." my wife: "now I know what you mean about the way you felt when you drove my TT for a couple of months -- when you said you felt like you were a bug on the highway. . . this BMW X3's is sooooooo confidence inspiring." me: "yea yea, I heard you the 37th time, 16 minutes ago. . ." my wife: "I want you to order a new X3 for me. . . ." me: "what, you have 28 months to go on your lease. . ." my wife: "oh, I know, I don't mean I want you to order one to immediately replace my 2005 X3, I just want you to make sure that we have the timing down so that I can get my 2008 X3 when the time comes." me: "good grief!" my wife: "this car is so great in snow, too -- I'm king, er, queen of the road!" me: "good bye, dear." 
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Replying to: driver100 (Dec 02, 2005 4:23 pm)
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Replying to: dinsmoor (Dec 15, 2005 5:03 pm) A "BMWstinksI'mgoingtobuyaHondayota" post. Made by an individual who just signed up. Don't see those in the BMW topics very often.
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Replying to: dinsmoor (Dec 15, 2005 5:03 pm) We have taken the X3 in to the dealer ONE time for an "issue" -- that is, after 6 months and winter coming on, we decided we wanted all new wiper blades. They were replaced, the car vacuumed and washed. While we were in for this, we were offered a loaner car for pity's sake, free Starbuck's coffee and what appeared to be fresh, home made choc chip cookies. In 12,000 miles, we have added 1/2 quart of oil since when checking the dip stick we noted the oil was down to the lower part of "normal" range. We asked the dealer about this and he told us to use Castrol Super Syn 0W-30 and only to use the pint. Oh yea, once, while we were at Costco, we had all four tires checked and we added a pound of pressure all around. This was more a "while we're here," kind of thing, not due to any indication of need. If all cars at 12K miles needed this much attention there would be almost nothing to complain about. My only yellow flag is my own history -- I am from the school of thought that says even with modern oil, 10,000 miles between oil changes is enough. Hey, its a 36 month lease, they (BMW) certainly want to resell the car and if they think the car will be fine with that freq of oil changes, who am I? I cannot comment on the Honda, Toyota, Acura cars -- they may be better for all I know. The X3 has been terrific. I wish the dash board was of a finer grain -- of course that would only make it seem more lux than ours, so equipped with every BMW option imaginable (except auto trans) practically. This car  $581/mo w/MSRP=$47K replaced a $43K Audi TT that was $709 per month, same deal. We get to keep that German driving experience, have room to haul stuff and a bargain to boot. Another corner heard from.
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Replying to: div2 (Dec 15, 2005 5:17 pm) Offhand, I can't think of any other car I would choose over an X3. For a combination of the nicest design, best handling, huge amount of space, best ergonomics, safety features, gas mileage, and probably a great trade in value which is why your lease rates are so low...what could be better? |
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Replying to: driver100 (Dec 17, 2005 9:40 am) |
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Replying to: driver100 (Dec 17, 2005 9:40 am) Umm...check out the new RAV4 V6. Almost the same dimensions and capacity as the X3. The X3 will be hard pressed to match it's straight ahead performance even with the 255hp motor. Yes, it is a little short on lux features compared to the X, but likely not by that much, since the X is no lux-mobile either. But the mechanical bits appear to be in place. OK, the x-drive is no doubt superior to the front-drive bias system on the Toyota. But with the price difference....the Toyota is a pretty compelling option. So I'm thinking...reliability in exchange for some luxury, and you pocket the extra cash (which is enough to buy a Yaris for the son/daughter entering college). Not a bad deal. But of course, it is not a BMW, so if the snob appeal of the propeller badge and kidney grill is important... 
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"straight ahead performance even with the 255hp motor." But there is a handling aspect to the X3 that will not be present in the Toyota. The X3 handles almost as well as a sedan. A Rav4 is not a stripper version of an X3. One could say it's a compelling argument if one forgoes the luxury and handling of an X3. Using the same thoughts, one could always get a loaded Sante Fe over the Rav4, pocket the money and take the family on a vacation to Hawaii. As far as reliability - it's a crap shoot either way.
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Replying to: kdshapiro (Dec 19, 2005 4:52 am)
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