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BMW X3

4186 messages,  Last post on May 26, 2013 at 11:24 AM

You are in the BMW X3 & X5 Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW X3, SUV

Messages Page 30 of 420

#284 of 4186 doneby2010 - update by phastphil

Dec 24, 2003 (10:08 am)

Well, just got back from BMW of Manhatten (I live in FL, just here for a week or so - got bored sitting in the apartment, took a walk over). They had a Black X3/6sp/3.0/Sand-leather/Birch Grain on the floor. I thought the wood did improve the interior (thought the Maple-Dark color would have been a better contrasting choice of wood), but I was confused by the color scheme - Sand leather, gray carpeting, Birch Wood, and contrasting gray dash. It did look better than the monochromatic black leather and aluminum I demo'd a few weeks ago. I'm still not impressed with the gauge/dash area, the rear seats don't have an A/C vent, and I still don't walk away 'wanting' to go off the deep end to buy one.
 
But, I think they have a real problem - with the X5 just a few $K more than a 3.0 X3, you don't want to erode your higher profit X5 with a close competitor at a considerably lower price. It is quite a juggling act for the marketing dept. BMW said that farming out the assembly to Magna Styr has cut into their profit margin, but the car is still profitable. Guaranteed the X5 is a big money maker for them, and you are treading on profits if you make the X3 a lot less expensive and divert X5 sales.
 
But all that said, the X3 would be a great mid $30K SUV, I just don't think $42K+ is a good value. Time and sales will tell! I would buy one at mid $35-37K. I'm just having a problem justifying $45,000 (tax, tag etc) for a compromise vehicle. Maybe I'll wait for the ML coming out in mid 2004.

#285 of 4186 by kdshapiro

Dec 24, 2003 (11:45 am)

" I just don't think $42K+ is a good value"
 
It's just as good a value as an MDX or RX for that price. And you know either of these other two won't touch the X3 in terms of handling.
 
It seems to be priced on par with the 3-series (give or take a couple of dollars), which is interesting.

#286 of 4186 Rear Seat Room by shap1

Dec 24, 2003 (12:27 pm)

For those who've seen the X3 in person, would you say the rear seat is larger than the 3 Series sedan?
 
I'll be coming off lease soon on my 325i, and need something with a bit more room in back. The X3 sounds like it might do the trick. I also heard the X3 has a switch to kill the front passenger air bag (so an older child could sit up front). Does anyone know??

#287 of 4186 X3 vs. X5 Comparo...price by nyccarguy

Dec 24, 2003 (2:40 pm)

So I've been seeing a lot of this "well, the X3 cost this much money, but for just a little more, you can get into an X5" postings.
 
I did a quick build your own on BMW's site and here's what I came up with:
 
Both the X5 & X3 were configured with the following popular options):
 
Metallic Paint, Leather, Steptronic (X5 lists automatic) Transmission, Xenon Headlights, Cold Weather Package, Sport Package, & Premium Package.
 
X5 MSRP: $50,220
X3 MSRP: $45,095
 
The difference is $5,135. That's a lot of money. I feel like there is a big difference between the person shopping for a $45K truck & $50K truck.

#289 of 4186 I agree by jjman

Dec 24, 2003 (6:42 pm)

Thats kinda what i figured too nyccarguy, but I think the others keep comparing a fully loaded X3 with the base X5 which is why they have problems justifying buying it.
In my case I see a larger interior with just enough lux items and a lighter vehicle thats more fun to drive.

#290 of 4186 X3 vs. X5 by doneby2010

Dec 25, 2003 (9:17 am)

First of all Merry Christmas to all!
 
I also did a quick comparison and I found the base model for both + PP + Xenon lights + Auto =
$42,845 for the X3 (TMV price by Edmund)
$46,208 for the X5 (TMV price by Edmund)
For a difference of about $3400
 
Checkout the two vehicle side by side,
http://www.edmunds.com/apps/nvc/edmunds/VehicleComparison;jsessio- nid=1rI4kg7b587UhW8L0QqtgcAteXqW1My1PiMixVFenRizNscwO81z!66335485- 2?basestyleid=100344159&styleid=100374221&refid=&maxv- ehicles=5&op=3&tab=features
 
Example of the quality difference:
Spare tire: fullsize matching alloy for the X5
Spare tire: temporary steel for the X3
 
Those who have sat in both know this is consistent throughout the car. I think X3 is a nice car. Just too expensive comparing to it's sibling.
 
Now I got to go open my presents

#292 of 4186 by kdshapiro

Dec 25, 2003 (9:33 am)

It's not about the X5 vs the X3. It's about the X3 vs the MDX vs the RX vs the FX etc. It's right on line with those vehicles and probably outhandles them, although it won't out accelerate the FX.

Messages Page 30 of 420

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