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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 283 of 420

#2812 of 4185 Re: I won't repeat the post. . . [div2] by markcincinnati

Aug 01, 2006 (12:02 pm)

Replying to: div2 (Aug 01, 2006 10:24 am)
Apparently his 2004 BMW X5 uses disposable rotors.
 
The total costs that were attributable to the brakes were over $800, he now informs me and the remaining charge was for an oil and filter change -- but the out of pocket at 54K miles was $900, he says. The amount for the brakes "exceeded" $800 -- he says he thinks the brake portion of the bill was "about $830 or $840."
 
The work was done at the BMW dealer and he was fine with the price -- until he figured out it was ONLY for the fronts.
 
We have had Audi's, BWW's and VW's -- and when the work is performed out of warranty and after the service advantage has expired, it "costs $100" just to say "hello" to the service tech (on the phone!)
 
Now, yes, that is for effect -- but the spirit of what I am suggesting is dead on.
 
I asked my friend "would you have the CPO'd version were you able to rewind to 49,999 miles and make the decision then?"
 
He says he even tried to get them to take the money for the extended service/warranty at 54K and BMW's policy won't allow it (and I do think that is true, Audi is the same way.)
 
Hosed? Probably. But he had never had anything other than free service on this vehicle and other than the fact that the brake service light came on on the dash, he said the car has been flawless and he would get another one.
 
He now knows whatI mean when I say "breathtakingly expensive."
 
His main issue was that he thought they said all four brakes, not just the fronts.
 
Audis do NOT require new rotors at the first pad replacment -- they can be "turned."
 
I assume BMW's way is superior -- I know it is more expensive.
 
I would go with the extended packages at either Gold or Platinum level and "fughettaboudit!"

#2813 of 4185 Re: I won't repeat the post. . . [bargamon] by markcincinnati

Aug 01, 2006 (12:09 pm)

Replying to: bargamon (Aug 01, 2006 11:56 am)
Our 2005 X3 3.0 has all options except folding mirrors and tinted rear windows. It was ~ $47K. For 36 months 15,000 miles per year with no money down, it is $581 per month including tax.
 
It is very attractive in and out in high gloss black with a terracotta sport leather interior.
 
The dash board plastic is too grainy -- a nit. The 2007's have (or so the spy shots show) this addressed.
 
The 2007's also have body color bumpers and at least a 255HP engine and either 6spd auto or manual. 19" wheels are also an option.
 
The thing drives like a BMW CAR with sport suspension -- i.e., it is a firm and well controlled ride.
 
The uprated sound system and AGAIN ALL the high zoot options makes this little ugly duckling darn near a beautiful black, shiny black, swan.
 
It performs well and will only be better with the new interior and uprated engine and transmission.
 
This vehicle will most likely not appeal to someone who likes Acura's, Lexus cars or Cadillacs.
 
And, one would assume, vice versa in terms of appeal.
 
It is a German "car" wrapped in the body of an S A V, not S U V.
 
It never was a truck nor a Jeep.
 
If you have been a BMW fan -- however -- you may find a lot to like.

#2814 of 4185 Re: I won't repeat the post. . . [markcincinnati] by div2

Aug 01, 2006 (12:52 pm)

Replying to: markcincinnati (Aug 01, 2006 12:02 pm)
Apparently his 2004 BMW X5 uses disposable rotors.
 
BMW dealers replace the rotors with each set of pads because in some cases the rotors will wear below their minimum thickness before a second set of pads is worn out. On my BMWs-including the tracked cars-I've always replaced the rotors at every other pad change with no problems whatsoever.
 
We have had Audi's, BWW's and VW's -- and when the work is performed out of warranty and after the service advantage has expired, it "costs $100" just to say "hello" to the service tech (on the phone!)
  
Now, yes, that is for effect -- but the spirit of what I am suggesting is dead on.
 
That's funny. My dealer only charged $110 to change the ATF AND the final drive oil in the E39. I doubt that the Jiffy Boobs would do it for much less. The service techs must see you and your friend coming.
 
He now knows whatI mean when I say "breathtakingly expensive."
 
He obviously doesn't know how to find a good independent BMW tech. On the later BMWs my indie shop charges around $95 for an Oil Service, $250 for an Inspection I, and $450 for an Inspection II- and that includes services that BMW no longer calls for, such as changing the gearbox and final drive oil as well as fitting a new fuel filter. In most cases, I will usually perform the Oil Service and Inspection I myself, but even if I had to pay the added $$$ for labor the prices aren't bad at all.
 
I would go with the extended packages at either Gold or Platinum level and "fughettaboudit!"
 
I prefer to spend my disposable income on much more entertaining items, such as my Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica. And of course there's my M1 Acquisition Fund. Now that is one BMW that IS expensive to maintain.
But who cares?

#2815 of 4185 Re: I won't repeat the post. . . [div2] by steve_ HOST

Aug 01, 2006 (2:07 pm)

Replying to: div2 (Aug 01, 2006 12:52 pm)
I've seen quotes for MB M-Class SUV pads and rotors from $800 and up. This guy's indy mechanic was only a couple hundred bucks cheaper than the dealer:
 
mark156, "Mercedes-Benz M-class (ML320, ML350, ML500 and ML55) 2005 and earlier" #7885, 18 Oct 2005 5:48 pm
 
Gotta pay to play I guess.
 
In other news, the SUV sales slump has hit BMW too:
 
BMW July U.S. sales fall 12% as SUVs weigh (MarketWatch)

#2816 of 4185 Re: I won't repeat the post. . . [bargamon] by stevenyc

Aug 02, 2006 (6:57 am)

Replying to: bargamon (Aug 01, 2006 11:56 am)
I just picked up my X3 last Saturday. First BMW ever and I have to take exception with the comment that it is "no thing of beauty to behold inside or out". I got a white exterior and when I saw it sitting outside at the dealer, waiting to pick it up, I was awestruck. I thought it was stunning and sexy and I'm still thinking that. It looks lean and fit compared to a lot of the SUV's around and isn't overly designed like the Lexus I test drove. I'm probably just in the honeymoon period.
 
That being said I do have one pratical question...my last car was a 5 speed manual and the X3 is 6 speed. The feel is very different though and I'm having trouble getting into first geaer without lurching. It's no problem if I take it real slow, but that's not always practical or desirable. What's the trick with this car or does it just take practice? Thanks.

#2817 of 4185 Re: I won't repeat the post. . . [stevenyc] by markcincinnati

Aug 02, 2006 (9:51 am)

Replying to: stevenyc (Aug 02, 2006 6:57 am)
It takes practice -- probably by the time you read this you already will have figured it out.
 
It ain't no thang!
 
What color interior? Premium, sport, navi, sat radio, Servotronic?
 
Details, please!
 
Congrats.
 
 

#2818 of 4185 Re: I won't repeat the post. . . [stevenyc] by bargamon

Aug 02, 2006 (11:27 am)

Replying to: stevenyc (Aug 02, 2006 6:57 am)
Preaching to the choir here! I think it looks great by the way. I am only echoing those whom "don't get it!" crowd whom think the X3 is overpriced and understyled whey compared to feature laden offerings with (at least prior to 07) higher HP. Many of those folks shop specs not the actual car!
 
I for one dig what Chris Bangle has done and its obvious the sales are very strong the last few years.
 
I like the X3 alot and think it looks much nicer than the Infinity fx, the Lexus RX, but not the Mercedes ML. BUt there are not that many choices in the Smallish Suv market but Mazda and Acura are entering this year with nice attractive ones that will sell at about 10k under.
 
The Lexus to me is an awful vehicle to look at. It drives nice, but read my opinion on lexus in other forums. They are boring!
 
Shifting will take you some practice if you have not done it for a while or are new to it. Those smooth launches become a habit after a while.

#2819 of 4185 Re: I won't repeat the post. . . [stevenyc] by driver100

Aug 02, 2006 (5:53 pm)

Replying to: stevenyc (Aug 02, 2006 6:57 am)
no thing of beauty to behold inside or out".
 
I take exception too! What looks better???
First, it is the perfect size. The styling as with almost all BMW's and MB's will look good 10 and probably 20 years from now. It'simple, makes sense, no faddish items that you will get tired of.
My X3 is white and although I am in the minority I like the contrasting bumpers.
The X3 looks like it is in motion when it is standing still.
The kicked up rear quarter window is ingenious, it is a bold styling cue that alters the whole styling of the car, and is getting copied a lot.
Note too, large windows all around, you don't see that too much any more (you can actually put your arm on the window sill). Great sightlines to the fenders and in being able to judge the rear end.
I can't think of a vehicle that has all that, and that just covers the style.
From the headlights and grill to the rear tailights it is as good as an SUV gets!
(Personally and styling is of course personal, I don't think MB's Porche or the new Audi come close for styling)

#2820 of 4185 MPG by tidester

Aug 03, 2006 (2:10 am)

Be sure to report your mileage in BMW X3 & X5: MPG - Real
World Numbers" and see how others are doing.
 
tidester, host

#2821 of 4185 Re: I won't repeat the post. . . [driver100] by bargamon

Aug 03, 2006 (7:02 am)

Replying to: driver100 (Aug 02, 2006 5:53 pm)
Wow!
 
IT ain't like I called your sister ugly!
 
I like contrasting bumpers too. My Audi Allroad is full of them. My allroad is very similar to the objective of the X3 to me. Manual tranny, some off road capacity, and good utility. Both car based. The Allroad was better appointed inside.
 
The X3 remains high on my list. And the list only includes only BMW's.
 
But, in my opinion, if judging by interior and exterior styling only, the A6 quattro Avant (current model) is superior to the BMW 5 series wagon and for that matter (apples and oranges???) the X3.
 
Factor in drive train which is really important to me, the BMW pulls ahead.
 
I think a garage of a X3 and 335i coupe would be perfection!

Messages Page 283 of 420

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