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

#2484 of 4185 X3 by mpt1123

Feb 23, 2006 (5:57 pm)

Hello :
Looks like I'm about to bite the bullet and purchase my first BMW. Just made my last tuition payment for the kids, so now it's my turn.
I like the 2006 X3. Haven't driven it yet, but from what I read, that won't be an issue. Everyone seems to like it. One thing I find odd ..... there's no security system. Even the cheap Toyota's have a security system. My Jeep has a security system! Nobody wants to steal them. However, I would think a BMW would attract some attention and REQUIRE a security system. I realize the dealer can install one - but that's bogus. I'm a little concerned that I'm purchasing a stripped down X5. What I want is a smaller X5. Thoughts?
Thanks...

#2485 of 4185 Re: X3 [mpt1123] by kyfdx HOST

Feb 23, 2006 (6:13 pm)

Replying to: mpt1123 (Feb 23, 2006 5:57 pm)
The only way to steal a BMW is to tow it away... You can't hotwire it..
 
So, unless you are always going to be within hearing distance at all times (in the mall?, in a restaurant?), then the alarm is a pretty expensive extra.. I don't think it is needed...
 
When was the last time you got out of bed to investigate your neighbor's alarm going off? I just roll over..
 
regards,
kyfdx

#2486 of 4185 Re: X3 [mpt1123] by markcincinnati

Feb 23, 2006 (7:33 pm)

Replying to: mpt1123 (Feb 23, 2006 5:57 pm)
The X5 is, in several aspects and respects, er, the smaller X5.
 
An issue with the current X3, X5 lineup is the somewhat perplexing size differential of several (many?) key metrics. In some respects the X5 is the smaller X3 then.
 
Now price and actual weight of the vehicles of course does suggest (accurately) that the X3 IS the smaller of the two.
 
The point in all that is to say, you give up little in terms of space between the two cars.
 
"Insider" information suggests the new X5 will be much bigger than the X3 (but the styling will be more X3 than the current X5.)
 
The 2006 X3 with the body color bumpers and the sport, premium and (assuming you live where it gets cold) winter packages is at once a quite capable SAV and gives up little if anything to a regular 3 series sedan.
 
The technology used by the Nav and sat radio system is highly functional and eschews the iDrive's er, quirks.
 
There is one small issue and it is mainly if you are buying the thing -- the options run up the price quickly.
 
Advanced headlights - yes
Servotronic - hell yes ($250 option)
Upgraded stereo - the base system is lame, so, yes
 
Premium and Sport - brings lots of nice stuff with it
 
Sat Nav and Radio - what once were vices are now virtues, at first an indulgence then a necessity.
 
Winter -- heated seats if you live where it gets cold.
 
We didn't get the privacy glass and we didn't realize it didn't come with Home Link -- kinda wish we did that now.
 
Didn't do power articulating mirror bodies -- don't miss it at all even at the full automatic car wash.
 
Did get the in arm rest phone cradle for the Sony T637 bluetooth phone -- oughta be a law requiring this unless you promise never to use a cell phone while driving.
 
Servotronic -- a powerful and cheap upgrade to the handling, did I say cheap ???? At $250 it would be a damn shame to get one of these without it.
 
You will probably have to order the car to get the $250 Servotronic option -- it is worth the 7 or 8 week wait.
 
If you don't get this thing with Servotronic -- don't ever drive one with it. It is, at first, a subtle difference -- then, at speed and over time the differences ARE anything but subtle.
 
The headlight upgrade too gives you Xenons and articulating headlights -- at first novel, then vital.
 
Some of the stuff I have suggested clearly could be written off to personal preference -- I will adamantly stick to the Xenons and the Servotronic as very worthwhile. Heck, get the free paint to save $475 if you must. Know also that the sport option gives you much better wheels and tires.
 
Finally, the auto trans in this iteration is old technology and only 5 speeds (plus they have the gall to charge YOU for it) -- the 6speed manual is FREE (well, no extra charge.) Shhh someone at BMW priced this backwards, so don't even bother with a $1200 old tech automatic.

#2487 of 4185 2007 News by timmboj

Feb 28, 2006 (6:04 am)

Anybody out there have any inside scoop as to what lies ahead for the 2007 X3 model?

#2488 of 4185 Re: 2007 News [timmboj] by markcincinnati

Feb 28, 2006 (6:11 am)

Replying to: timmboj (Feb 28, 2006 6:04 am)
Source -- BMW dealer:
 
Minor changes for MY 2007, refresh including new engine and transmission slated for MY 2008.
 
Dealers seem to know later than the rest of us.
 
I certainly hope the adoption of the 3.0 255HP engine isn't delayed until MY 2008.
 
I cannot imagine this being the case since the X5 "has" to be replaced sooner rather than later -- but who knows with sufficient financing from BMW financial, they X5 could soldier on, too, until MY 2008.
 
The dealers, to repeat, seem to be the last ones to know.

#2489 of 4185 Re: 2007 News by timmboj

Feb 28, 2006 (10:22 am)

Thanks Mark. I was kind of holding out for the new engine -- more for efficiency than horses. I'm hoping they'll offer it later this year on MY2006.
 
My fear is the moment I actually take delivery of an X3, design and feature content will improve and I'll be stuck. I waited too long in MY2005 wondering what the MY2006 would be like. I actually prefer MY2005 but I was too late. How many years does BMW continue with a product line before changing it? Isn't it like 5 or 6 years?

#2490 of 4185 Re: 2007 News [timmboj] by markcincinnati

Feb 28, 2006 (1:51 pm)

Replying to: timmboj (Feb 28, 2006 10:22 am)
Continuous improvements happen, er, continuously.
 
Do not hold your breath for the 3.0 255HP engine in MY or CY 2006, my best guess.
 
The X3 is "the new" body style -- third year is 2006.
 
Although the painted bumpers, etc, are a pleasant trim update, I had hoped for a new dash replacing the coarse grained current version.
 
The improvements are all the invisible ones for 2006 from what I can tell.
 
My wife is hoping the timing works for the 2008's and it should since she has a May 2005 '05 model.
 
We'll see.
 
If BMW is like some of the others the MY 2007 cars will be built commencing third quarter of 2006 and arrive here shortly thereafter.
 
My dealer says "no announcement" regarding the new 3.0 or 6spd steptronic or SMG has been made for MY 2007 though.
 
I am positive this is more of an issue with the X5 than any other reason.
 
It wouldn't do to have the 3.0 255 in the X3 when the X5 had the 3.0 225 HP. I read somewhere that BMW can't justify the running change on the X5 and will simply wait for the replacement X5 which is supposed to be more of a Q7 type vehicle with 3rd row rear seating.
 
Of course all the buzz about the turbo version of the 3.0 makes you wonder why we are piddling around and not getting these new technologies to market sooner.
 
I know, I know -- economics and marketing.
 
Same as it ever was.

#2491 of 4185 Re: 2007 News by timmboj

Feb 28, 2006 (2:23 pm)

Ack! 2008?! Hmmm.... I should probably do a two-year lease on the existing X3, then when the lease is up, I'll be in the market to buy the 2008MY. Of course, if my beater lasts that long I could just ease into the 2008 by end of MY2007. Interesting stuff for me to consider. Thanks Mark!

#2492 of 4185 Colors by ycnyc2

Mar 01, 2006 (9:40 pm)

I'm thinking of getting an 06 x3. out of curiosity, what color does everyone have? i'm leaning towards the silver gray or bluewater, only thing is i've never seen the blue water in person! can anyone who has it describe it? does it look like silver? thnx!

#2493 of 4185 Re: Colors [ycnyc2] by timmboj

Mar 02, 2006 (6:07 am)

Replying to: ycnyc2 (Mar 01, 2006 9:40 pm)
I've seen the blue. Looks good. Its light, but I don't think it'd be confused for silver. I'm partial to Highland Green, and I like the Silver-Gray as well.
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