BMW X3

Replying to: driver100 (Dec 02, 2005 4:23 pm)

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• div2 (Dec 15, 2005 5:17 pm)
  • driver100 (Dec 17, 2005 9:40 am)
    • div2 (Dec 17, 2005 12:58 pm)
    • bodble2 (Dec 19, 2005 1:09 am) and 38 more...
• markcincinnati (Dec 16, 2005 5:02 am)

Replying to: dinsmoor (Dec 15, 2005 5:03 pm)

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• driver100 (Dec 17, 2005 9:40 am)
  • div2 (Dec 17, 2005 12:58 pm)
  • bodble2 (Dec 19, 2005 1:09 am)
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Replying to: dinsmoor (Dec 15, 2005 5:03 pm)

At 12,000 miles on a 2005 X3 3.0, this car ties for being the most trouble free car we have ever had -- and although I am certain many will discount the car it tied with, I'll tell you that car is an Audi.
 
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.

Replying to: div2 (Dec 15, 2005 5:17 pm)

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• div2 (Dec 17, 2005 12:58 pm)
• bodble2 (Dec 19, 2005 1:09 am)
  • jrynn (Dec 19, 2005 8:11 am)
    • davidc1 (Dec 19, 2005 10:10 am)
  • driver100 (Dec 19, 2005 2:43 pm)

Replying to: driver100 (Dec 17, 2005 9:40 am)

Replying to: driver100 (Dec 17, 2005 9:40 am)

"can't think of any other car I would choose over an X3."
 
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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• jrynn (Dec 19, 2005 8:11 am)
  • davidc1 (Dec 19, 2005 10:10 am)
• driver100 (Dec 19, 2005 2:43 pm)
  • • designman (Dec 20, 2005 9:05 am) and 1 more...

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• div2 (Dec 19, 2005 8:08 am)
  • bodble2 (Dec 19, 2005 10:47 am)
• bodble2 (Dec 19, 2005 10:46 am)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Dec 19, 2005 4:52 am)

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• bodble2 (Dec 19, 2005 10:47 am)

Replying to: bodble2 (Dec 19, 2005 1:09 am)

with the price difference....the Toyota is a pretty compelling option. ... But of course, it is not a BMW, so if the snob appeal of the propeller badge and kidney grill is important...
 
Until Toyota can match the BMW driving experience -- and not just "straight ahead" acceleration -- there will be people who choose BMWs rather than Toyotas despite the "price difference."
 
You are awfully snide to suggest that it's solely a function of "the snob appeal of the propeller badge and kidney grill." That comment might more accurately describe why a buyer would choose a Lexus over a Toyota if you substituted "L" for "propeller badge and "Lexus grill" for "kidney grill."
 
(And even then, Lexus buyers could reasonably argue that there are qualitative differences that make the ES better than the Camry, the RX better than the Highlander, the GX better than the 4Runner, and the LX better than the Land Cruiser.)

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• davidc1 (Dec 19, 2005 10:10 am)