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BMW X3

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

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What is this discussion about? BMW X3, SUV

Messages Page 253 of 419

#2519 of 4185 Re: Order Date Question [rfrith] by markcincinnati

Apr 17, 2006 (12:11 pm)

Replying to: rfrith (Apr 15, 2006 7:04 am)
According to my dealer contact the 3.0 will soldier on at 225HP -- something about needing to wait for the 255HP X5 version to be "first" so that there is no "market confusion," as there must almost certainly be now what with the X3 3.0 when compared to the X5 3.0.
 
The X5, particularly because of the dashboard, comes off as a "more premium and upscale" vehicle. Yet, with the dressier exterior of the X3 and all the toys that the X3 can be configured with, it really is "the bargain" near lux of the two (plus it performs better, especially with the 6spd.)
 
Both the X3 and X5, however, are in desperate need of the new 3.0 255HP engine and at least a 6 speed steptronic -- the Germans (not just BMW) are being passed up in power and features at an almost alarming rate.
 
I find this state of affairs somewhat confusing since the technology (e.g., the new 3.0255HP and the blown 3.0300+HP) already are "out there" ready to be plugged into the X3 and X5's.)
 
Someone looking for something new and improved will see the new Q7, for instance, and if the new X5 isn't at least as good, it will probably face stiff competition from Audi, especially at the price of the V8 Q7 -- which promises to be another "bargain" if the current X5 i6 pricing is any indication.
 
We were loaned a 2006 X5 (3.0) with "premium package" and a couple of other options (but not nav or some of the other HOT LPS features) and the MSRP was $56K. Other than the "heated seats," the thing was pretty much a base equipped version by today's expectations.
 
The Q7 at $49K is a V8 and seems to have most of what this 2006 X5 3.0 5spd steptronic had -- for $7K less.
 
BMW's new X5 needs to raise the bar (and, price excluded, probably will, big time) -- and the new X3, if it gets the "2006 3 series treatment," seems like it might be the new SAV super star for BMW -- at the price.
 
So, will the 2007 X3 get the new 3.0 and a bit more refined interior to boot?
 
 

#2520 of 4185 Updated Info perhaps? by markcincinnati

Apr 18, 2006 (5:26 am)

I spent some time with the search engines last night to see what is being said about the '07 X3.
 
Reader's Digest version:
 
1. New engine program (using the current 3.0's for instance, that grace the '06 3's and 5's: US spec 255HP)
 
2. New -- better, prettier, more upscale, etc. -- interior
 
3. Total refresh in 09.
 
These were from various sites, none of them official.
 
Some had pictures of the upcoming X3, there is little to remark about (exterior) from the current fully painted '06 versions.
 
The dealer is the last to know apparently.

#2521 of 4185 Re: Updated Info perhaps? [markcincinnati] by bargamon

Apr 18, 2006 (11:26 am)

Replying to: markcincinnati (Apr 18, 2006 5:26 am)
Thanks mark! your always the first to know!
 
I recall the informations and the pictures showing the 07. While it showed nothing, the trained eye saw the smoother front end.
 
My lease ends soon on my Allroad but that information decided my choice. They seem to be adressing my shortcomings on the X3:
 
The painted bumpers when painted look too busy. The flat black was nicer and more in tune with the vehicles charactor. Not a deal breaker by any means, but just my opinion. Paint them and round them a bit seems logical.
 
Interior upgrade. I like the sharkskin dash, but it needs refreshing and some upgrading on the dash and doors.
 
Engine. More HP the better. Nothing special about wanting more.
 
While I'll pay more later, I decided to wait. Certainly the deals these days are very very nice! And this summer they will be just as good if not better! IN fact, at the right price the present variation is an outright bargain!
 
Instead I bought a "spare car" 2002 subaru outback with Manual Tranny that I will give my son in 12 months. I can live with it for 6 months. Almost half my driving is with him and he gets his learners permit (Today) so why rush into a vehicle I can't drive all the time while he learns on? Subarus are nice cars and this one is a low miliage car I happen to stumble upon and a price I could not refuse.
 
And what fun, I get to lightly modify! New tires are in order, tint the windows, factory spoiler, and I will install a new stereo myself with Ipod and XM! ALpine head unit, Ipod cord and XM module for $375! Its been 20 years since I had a "SIMPLE" car I could work on!
 
I can shop the X3 for 6 months after the release and see how the supply and demand goes. Maybe a sport package with the Twin Turbo?

#2522 of 4185 Re: Updated Info perhaps? [bargamon] by markcincinnati

Apr 18, 2006 (12:58 pm)

Replying to: bargamon (Apr 18, 2006 11:26 am)
My wife loves her X3 -- I am impressed mightily by it, too, but NOT at the MSRP. On the other hand, the lease program in May 2005 was soooo strong that a $47K version was $581 per month 36/45K with $250 down + sec dep and first month's pmt.
 
So, what's to complain about?
 
Interior (dashboard, mainly) is out of place with the Montana Leather sport package. Ours is gloss black so the black unpainted bumpers don't look out of place, to us.
 
Power is "decent" but that's only because we have the six speed manual with the 3.0 -- it is anemic with the step -- not a moment too soon on the uprated 3.0.
 
I actually like the MMI in my Audi and I do like the look of the 330xi with the iDrive dash, so I actually wish the X3 had the full-on computer controlled dash look that is the BMW standard across the sedan line. I like iDrive (or at least I think I would, unless it is a big departure from MMI.)
 
So a refreshed interior, 255 - 258HP with the possible inclusion of either a 6 or 7 speed step as an option (and continuing the stick, of course) coupled with some more electronics, perhaps more compliant ride and the 2006 exterior dress up -- well, it just puts the X3 back into serious contention with the likes of Acura and Mercedes (and possibly Audi -- thinking of the potential Q5 and seeing the Q7 as a good thing.)
 
 
 
My wife can't wait for 2008!

#2523 of 4185 Rain sensing wipers by ycnyc2

Apr 19, 2006 (3:56 pm)

Hope someone can help with this. I've had my '06 X3 for a month now and can't figure out how to set the wipers to the rain sensing mode for the life of me! Yes, I read the manual but still dont get it!

#2524 of 4185 Re: Rain sensing wipers [ycnyc2] by kyfdx HOST

Apr 19, 2006 (4:25 pm)

Replying to: ycnyc2 (Apr 19, 2006 3:56 pm)
You have to reset them, every time you start the car..
 
Basically, it is the first notch up... the intermittent wiper setting.. The rain-sensing part is automatic..
 
But, you have to return the lever to the off position, then put it back... each time you start the car..
 
regards,
kyfdx

#2525 of 4185 Is there a future for GM by driver100

Apr 20, 2006 (2:26 pm)

I was reading this Forum and I saw this message (#3634):
 
I wondered where the miracle was in the BMW I rode in yesterday. I was in the back seat. There are 3913 bumps to be felt on 50 miles of interstate; it's so rough many of the typical waves and bumps are kidney punches. Never knew they were there in my LeSabres. The seats have little padding. This was an X3.
  
The noise from the constant upshifting to gain speed on a 1% slope was irritating; even when not shifting to sewing machine speeds the noise from the exhaust was always 'there.'
  
The car cruised at 2500 rpm at 70 mph. My LeSabre has? 1900 at 70 mph? I don't have to downshift at 70 to speed up slightly on a slight upgrade.
  
Where's the beef in those cars? This one had pebbly plastic all over the doors and seats. It looked like it had dirt in some of the grooves because it would have to be brushed to be cleaned.
  
Although it seemed to be 'fun' to drive, where's the miracle that some say is there?
 
Thought it might provide a laugh for the day!

#2526 of 4185 Re: Is there a future for GM [driver100] by div2

Apr 20, 2006 (7:09 pm)

Replying to: driver100 (Apr 20, 2006 2:26 pm)
Some people prefer a McDonalds hamburger over prime rib from a five star restaurant; should we expect anything more from the typical clueless American vehicle operator(using the term "driver" gives them too much credit). And feel free to quote me on that...

#2527 of 4185 Re: Is there a future for GM [driver100] by nyccarguy

Apr 20, 2006 (7:56 pm)

Replying to: driver100 (Apr 20, 2006 2:26 pm)
What do they market Buicks as? Quiet, comfortable, & with heated windshield washer fluid. If they stopped advertising quite tuned suspensions and spending all their R&D money on power adjustable pedals and heated windshield washer fluid, maybe they could develop a resepctable car instead of a sofa on wheels that needs reabates and incentives to move it off the showroom floors.
 
X3 runs 2500 rpm at 70mph. Tha still isn't too bad. I think my Prelude's engine spins at around 3500rpm at 70.

#2528 of 4185 Re: Is there a future for GM [nyccarguy] by div2

Apr 20, 2006 (8:03 pm)

Replying to: nyccarguy (Apr 20, 2006 7:56 pm)
I think my Prelude's engine spins at around 3500rpm at 70.
 
So does my Club Sport. Doesn't bother me.

Messages Page 253 of 419

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