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SUVs BMW X3 & X5 BMW X3
3287 messages, Last post on Nov 14, 2009 at 6:14 PM
You are in the BMW X3 & X5 Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
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Replying to: bargamon (May 15, 2006 7:48 pm) The X3 is a bit of an enigma too. It supposedly represents the "look" (style) of the upcoming X5, it has been criticized for being rough looking from the inside and it is also by many accounts in desperate need of the 255HP 3.0 and 6spd step. Yet many -- at the dealership -- say (and then put their money where there mouth is) the X3 is "their pick for the best all around BMW currently." One of the client advisors has given his new X3 the "M" treatment (cosmetically.) He hopes there will be an "M" option soon (perhaps the turbo charged 3.0 and a 7 speed SMG, too.) The owner (of the BMW dealership) has a daily driver: you guessed it, an X3. The finance manager, ditto. Perhaps the steady undercurrent of complaints (here and elsewhere) about the X3 does motivate me to defend this car (which is my wife's, BTW) moreso than I would otherwise. Were money no object the 5 series with X drive certainly ups the luxury quotient considerably -- but factor in at least an additional $10,000 for this improvement. Besides, the X3 rides a bit higher and does feel solid and stable -- but the price paid IS ride quality. My wife, after three Audi TT's in a row perceives the X3's ride quality as a huge improvement. If you've been used to a 5 series, a Lexus or even a Cadillac, the X3 will seem stiff, firm and maybe even "harsh." If you can believe anything we can come up with here on the WWW -- and if you can wait a few months -- see what the 2007 version has in store. My bet is that many of the roughness of look and stiffness of ride issues will be dealt with. Further, the 255HP engine with both better power and better efficiency is a virtual certainty as is the 6spd steptronic. This go round, I would not expect the 7 spd smg transmission, though. The X3, so it seems, has been the ugly duckling -- the swan is due, soon. 
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Replying to: bargamon (May 15, 2006 7:48 pm) (however, I don't know if it is the best car for someone with back problems - might want a softer ride in that case) |
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Replying to: bargamon (May 15, 2006 7:48 pm) I am in full agreement there. I have a 2004 in white and as I said earlier, I wouldn't want the monochrome paint if it was offered free. Makes the car look like a huge white cloud. |
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Replying to: markcincinnati (May 16, 2006 4:24 am) I would not say the ride was harsh, but almost "tippy". I will not spend 60k! For the money I thought the X3 was a hell of a ride! I would not even say it needed more power! The tourque seems ok to me. Maybe What I really want is just a car after all. THe X3 certainly might have a place in my garage once we are done. Again, I really liked it. I would love to see a future stable of a 330i coupe and an X3 in my garage! |
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Does anyone have any info on what changes will be on the X3 in '07? Is there talk of any body style changes? When will BMW officially announce any of those changes? |
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Replying to: driver100 (May 16, 2006 4:22 am) |
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Replying to: vsroman (May 16, 2006 5:54 am) Mid course corrections are to be expected. The X3 is "the look" they are looking for. The current 225HP 3.0 is a thirstier and dirtier engine than the newest 255HP 3.0 in the 3 and 5 series saloons. The only reason I can imagine that the X3 was saddled with the 225HP engine this year was to not "outgun" the X5. The new X5 will free up BMW to have more latitude with the X3. The X3 should expect a brand new dashboard and switchgear, the newest gen 3.0, the 6 speed steptronic and probably some suspension recalibration and perhaps even some more soundproofing. I would assume the X3 will offer idrive -- but that it would NOT be standard equip. Price? Up a smidge. Content, fit and finish -- up several smidges. Power and refinement up a decent amount and refinement up a smidge (since it, even now, is a BMW after all.) Option packages -- hopefully more stuff, hopefully voice command, pushbutton start, backup camera and homelink part of the "premium pack" or technology package or something like that. Much of this is spy site stuff coupled with dealer info from a dealer who is on the BMW "advisory" board (whatever pull or inside info that implies.) Audi, BMW and Mercedes need to be aware that their 255HP engines are "adequate" and be aware that both the Americans and the Japanese are putting out some higher urge cars. BMW, if it wishes to keep the i6 3.0 (and I think it should), needs to develop a mild tune turbo, the mid tuned turbo (they have that) and the wild version. The 3.0 with just a little extra deep breathing is putting out 303 HP and at least 20% - 30% more torque. 50% torque improvements are "easy" these days with the right turbo application. Otherwise BMW will be unable to keep up with the ever escalating HP war. . . A diesel option would seem to be logical too. Based on the drives with the 255HP 3.0, I would think it would breathe new life into the X3. And maybe for another year that would suffice if the refinement issue can be overcome. I know you know I think our $47K X3 was a bargain (  $581/mo 36/mo lease 45K) -- but $47K is serious money for a car with this kind of interior and power when you see what both the Americans and Japanese have to offer at less than this price. I think the new X3 will be a big step in the right direction is the sum and substance.
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Replying to: markcincinnati (May 16, 2006 12:43 pm) I was suprised BMW did a turbo thing. I lease turbos, not buy them. THey are scarey replacemtns if off warranty. The HP wars need to stop! We need more MPG. When is enough enough? The inline 6's are wonderful engines and seem to perform despite lower numbers than the competition. I don't understand paying $1000 for the comfort key? and besides the James Bond coolness, the rear camera is over rated as I think NAV is for many folks. Just my opinion folks, but if BMW gotta keep up, then they need to do what they need to do! THe dash needs some tweaking. Overall shape is good, but center stack needs a redue. I like the clean look. YEs, if they can just tweek the suspension just a tad to keep it from getting "giggy" that would be great. Not floaty or numb mind you. It can be done. I would say the sport suspension won't be to my taste. I dig sharp handling, but there is so much of a price I will pay. I like the size of the vehicle and the size is just fine. Does 18' wheels change this "tippy" charactor? No manual trannys, sport, or 18'wheels were available to test drive. I look forward to seeing these changes! |
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I don't feel the tippy sensation you describe -- unless that would be your description of any vehicle with a higher center of gravity. The nav is a must, can't, don't, won't leave home without it. Front and rear parktronic is fine for us, but the camera is "the thing" these days, go with the flow. My Audi's keyless start was $750. I wonder why, too. I like the keyless start, but the price seems about $500 too high if it HAS to be an option. No sticks? Pity. This thing is a blast with a stick and "challenged" with the 5speed stutter tronic. The 255HP 3.0 and the 6speed non-stutter-tronic would seem to be the ticket.
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Replying to: markcincinnati (May 17, 2006 6:54 am) My Sienna mini van does not have this sensation, nor did my old ML have it nearly as pronounced. It was not a side to side "tip" but seemed to be small movements up and down. Someone on a forum bought this up and it was suggested to have dealer look at the springs that they might not have been released after shipping. IT did not feel that severe! Perhaps I need to drive another one, and maybe a used one as well. |
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