4187 messages,
Last post on Jun 19, 2013 at 3:41 PM
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BMW X3 & X5 Forum.
What is this discussion about?
BMW X3, SUV
#2748 of 4187 Re: '07 X3 [nyccarguy]
by juanchypr
Jul 19, 2006 (6:39 pm)
Well one week with this post and nobody answers.
This forum is so quite
Information copile directly from BMW of North America
Explanation of the Name Change
The X3 3.0si will replace the X3 3.0i. The "s' is meant to differentiate the new more powerful engine from the X3 3.0i model it replaces. It also differentiates it from the X3 3.0i that will replace the X3 2.5i in markets outside the US. The US will continue with a single model startegy that was implemented for MY2006, by only offereing the X3 3.0si. ( The naming strategy is also consistent with the Z4.)
Start of Production August 2006 SOP
#2749 of 4187 Re: '07 X3 [juanchypr]
by 462
Jul 19, 2006 (7:24 pm)
I have the opportunity to buy an 2005 X3 3.0 with all the goodies except Nav. It has about 13,000 miles and they are asking 29,800. Whatcha think??
#2750 of 4187 Re: Attention Mark or a Lawyer [markcincinnati]
by clpurnell
Jul 20, 2006 (12:19 pm)
Nope, I am not a lawyer. My field is information technology; ERP systems selection, implementation and support.
Mark,
Had no idea we had career's in common. I work for the bully of the industry right now but may be going back on my own soon. I like the X3 thinking about replacing my dearly departed FX35 with one.
#2751 of 4187 Re: '07 X3 [462]
by div2
Jul 20, 2006 (8:18 pm)
$30K seems to be the current sweet spot for the 2004-2005 X3. If it's a CPO car it sounds like it would be an excellent choice.
#2752 of 4187 2007 BMW X3 v. RAV4 V6
by wmdavis1
Jul 21, 2006 (4:49 pm)
I looking at buying one of these vehicles. I previously owned a 1998 RAV4 and liked it size, ride, steering and reliability alot. Negatives for me were underpowered and cheap stereo/speakers. I would like something similiar, but with more power and a better sound system. The new X3 and RAV4 V6 seem like similar vehicles to me, but with the RAV4 being a more practical choice and the X3 a more upscale choice. I've never owned a Bimmer before and was wondering if a if anyone has familiarity with these vehicles and a knowledgeable opinion on whether the X3 is worth the approx. 50% price difference ($30K v. $45K)? Also, has the gas mileage figures for the new X3 been released yet? Thanks.
#2753 of 4187 Re: 2007 BMW X3 v. RAV4 V6 [wmdavis1]
by kyfdx@Edmunds HOST
Jul 22, 2006 (8:27 am)
If you really liked your previous RAV4, then the X3 is probably not worth 50% more than the new RAV4 (at least to you..maybe not to me, either)..
But, if you lease, you may find that price difference is more like 20%, and I would certainly consider it..
regards,
kyfdx
(not the host here)
#2754 of 4187 Re: 2007 BMW X3 v. RAV4 V6 [wmdavis1]
by bargamon
Jul 22, 2006 (11:35 am)
Your asking the wrong crowd.
These guys and gals are the owners of X3's and most seem pretty happy.
The RAV4 looks like a very nice vehicle and toyota products are exellent.
How long will you keep the vehicle? Leases can work out great on BMW's!
4 years included maintenence on the BMW.
In the long run, the X will cost you more but its percieved value. If you like it, and can afford it and WANT to spend for it, then your answer is it.
I think the X3 is a great value for the money!
#2755 of 4187 Re: 2007 BMW X3 v. RAV4 V6 [bargamon]
by wmdavis1
Jul 22, 2006 (8:45 pm)
I will definitely look into BMW leasing options. I had my RAV4 for nearly 8 years, and I would plan to keep my new vehicle for a similar length of time. I was under the impression that leases were more beneficial if you only plan to keep the vehicle for a shorter duration (2-3 years). Also, I'm interested in how the gas mileage on the 2007 engine. I've heard it should be better, and I think the gas mileage on the current engine sucks. Surely BMW can do better than that! The RAV4 V6 gets 22/29 city/hwy I believe and BMW should be able to approach this, or am I missing something related to the performance? Thanks for your comments.
#2756 of 4187 Re: 2007 BMW X3 v. RAV4 V6 [wmdavis1]
by juanchypr
Jul 23, 2006 (6:47 am)
Legendary BMW 6-cylinder power
BMW 6-cylinder engines are of the inline variety. This layout is rare these days as most
vehicle makers use V-6s, primarily because their compactness suits tightly packaged
front-wheel-drive cars
. An inline layout takes more space, but BMW favors it for its
smoothness and sound. Indeed, the expert media consistently applaud the Bavarians
for doing so. In an early drive of the X3, the German magazine Auto Bild alles allrad 1
noted of an X3 3.0i with automatic transmission that “Even when one doesn’t select the
Sport mode, the smooth inline engine revs handily to its redline before the transmission
shifts smoothly to the next gear.”
The X3 engine is of BMW’s acclaimed M54 engine architecture, whose salient points
include –
• Aluminum block and cylinder head
• Dual overhead camshafts/24 valves
• Double VANOS 2 steplessly variable intake- and exhaust-valve timing
• Dual resonance intake system.
Previously, 2.5- and 3.0-liter engine versions powered the two X3 models; for ‘06
3.0-liter version continues in the X3 3.0i with 225 hp
5900 rpm and 214 lb-ft.
3500. It delivers a decidedly lively 0-60 time of 7.6 sec. with manual transmission,
sec. with automatic. Again we turn to Edmunds.com for an objective assessment:
“Even though the competition fields more powerful sixes, this engine, which BMW
uses in its cars, continues to be a favorite of ours. It's smooth as silk, has a ripping
exhaust note when you wind it out and performs like it's hiding 40 more horses under
the hood.”
#2757 of 4187 Re: 2007 BMW X3 v. RAV4 V6 [wmdavis1]
by driver100
Jul 23, 2006 (8:25 am)
The new X3 and RAV4 V6 seem like similar vehicles to me, but with the RAV4 being a more practical choice and the X3 a more upscale choice.
If you are practical minded the RAV4 is probably your better choice. Some people believe price for what you perceive to get means the lower priced vehicle is really the better value.
What price do you put on; amazing feel of the road, all the power any normal human being needs, perfect ergonomics, tremendous engineering (the battery is in the rear to give perfect weight balance), I don't know if the X3 has taken the crash tests but I am pretty sure it is as safe as any car in it's segment (this seems to be a priority to European makes). And, if you do keep your car for 8 years I will bet the X3 will be a classic and will be worth much more than the RAV4, we are talking classic European designing that lasts - in fact 10 year old BMW's and Mercedes look better than most manufacturers new cars.
In my case I had 2 Jeeps and I thought, why does anyone pay 50% more for a vehicle, aren't they all pretty much the same, get you from point A to point B?
When I took the test drive I didn't want to give it back. I tested a few SUV's (and various rental cars), but why look further. It is the perfect vehicle, and a tremendous value. There are few vehicles that can combine the practicality, safety, style, engineering and pure enjoyment of driving, like an X3.
As for mileage I get about 25 hwy and 20 city (premium fuel don't forget). Not as good as a Toyota, but excellent considering the size of the engine and the weight of the vehicle. 4 year warranty with service counts for something.
Once again if you are an extremely practical person you won't be happy.....but if you want to really appreciate driving and engineering, then you have to go for a test drive!
The X3 showed me there is a whole different world out there.