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BMW X3

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

You are in the BMW X3 & X5 Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW X3, SUV

Messages Page 294 of 419

#2929 of 4185 I'm a firm believer by nyccarguy

Sep 02, 2007 (1:37 pm)

in BMWs to say the least. While the X3 is our first BMW, my Dad recently turned in an '04 X5 3.0iA (leased) with over 75,000 miles that was as tight as the day he picked it up from the dealership. My Mom drives an '05 530iA with over 52,000 miles on it and it still drives great. Both cars were in the shop only for scheduled maintenance.
 
I don't think the leatherette would crack as easily as leather. Most people say it is more durable.
 
I have read about people's transmission complaints. For me it seems like a non-issue while driving. When you slow down, the transmission drops into a lower gear, just like I do when I drive my 5-speed manual equipped 2001 Honda Prelude Type SH everyday!

#2930 of 4185 Re: I'm a firm believer [nyccarguy] by roadburner

Sep 02, 2007 (6:23 pm)

Replying to: nyccarguy (Sep 02, 2007 1:37 pm)
I don't think the leatherette would crack as easily as leather. Most people say it is more durable.
 
And easier to care for as well.

#2931 of 4185 Re: I'm a firm believer [roadburner] by bodble2

Sep 02, 2007 (8:44 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Sep 02, 2007 6:23 pm)
One downside to leatherette may be that it does not breath as well as leather, so on a hot humid day, it could make for a sweaty backside! Along the same vein, I suspect black leatherette may not be the best combo in warm regions.

#2932 of 4185 Black Interiors by nyccarguy

Sep 03, 2007 (7:23 am)

Yeah it might get a little hotter in the summer months, but a black interior is the easiest to keep clean and shows the least amount of dirt by far.

#2933 of 4185 First trip to the dealer by nyccarguy

Sep 26, 2007 (7:57 pm)

With a tick over 2400 miles on it, our '07 X3 3.0si has taken its first (of very few I hope) trips to the dealership. About 2 weeks ago, my wife noticed the "Check Gas Cap" light on for about 2 minutes, then the "Service Engine Soon" light.
 
The dealer diagnosed it as some air in the gas line and said they fixed it. When they took a test drive, the light came back on, so we'll see what they have to say tomorrow.
 
We do love the way the X3 looks & drives. We gets lots of compliments on its Montego Blue color. I love the power of the N52!
 
Interestingly enough, my wife got a 328xi wagon as a loaner car. I originally thought the 328i (RWD, Sports Package) Touring was going to be our car. It doesn't offer that much more cargo room than the sedan. The X3 was roomier passengers and had more cargo room, not to mention MUCH better lease rates.
 
Driving the 328xiT left quite an impression on me. Handling is much sharper than the X3 & the steering is much better weighted. I fet more of the road than in the X3. And I love sitting so low to the ground (it is what I'm used to with an '01 Honda Prelude as my daily driver).

#2934 of 4185 Re: First trip to the dealer [nyccarguy] by bodble2

Sep 26, 2007 (11:38 pm)

Replying to: nyccarguy (Sep 26, 2007 7:57 pm)
How would you rate the power of the 328xiT compared to the X3 3.0si? The low ground clearance kinda takes away from part of the purpose of getting an AWD vehicle though (ie. foul weather driving)

#2935 of 4185 Re: First trip to the dealer [bodble2] by nyccarguy

Sep 27, 2007 (5:46 pm)

Replying to: bodble2 (Sep 26, 2007 11:38 pm)
The 328xi seemed to work a little harder than the X3, but acceleration was still more than adequate. The X3 still feels faster (by my butt dyno). It is kinda funny, but AWD is probably the LAST reason we got the X3. If they sold a RWD X3 I would have gone for that (as originally I wanted a RWD 328i wagon). Cargo room, safety features, passenger room, handling, interior quality, acceleration all came before AWD.

#2936 of 4185 Re: First trip to the dealer [nyccarguy] by bodble2

Sep 27, 2007 (5:55 pm)

Replying to: nyccarguy (Sep 27, 2007 5:46 pm)
I want the AWD for the odd snow storm around town and to avoid the hassle of renting a vehicle for ski vacations. Plus I'm absolutely the world's laziest person when it comes to switching on and off snow tires and storing them!
 
I like the looks of the 328xiT, and it is a little less expensive to buy or lease than the X3, but, for what I personally want the X-drive for, I'm just afraid I would end up missing the more practical aspects of the X3.

#2937 of 4185 Here's the deal by nyccarguy

Sep 27, 2007 (8:32 pm)

The X3 drives great for a truck, has great brakes for a truck, and handles great for a truck, but at the end of the day it is still a truck. The 328xiT performed better in pretty much every category (it would be so much sweeter if it had the 260hp engine from the X3).
 
My wife commented on how her trip to Costco (in the 328xiT) was made harder because she didn't have her X3.
 
I'm not a big fan of AWD. It helps get you going, but it increases your braking distance and could seriously affect emergency handling with the added weight. You also pay a penalty for fuel economy. I guess British Columbia is much different than New York. It only snows here a few times a year (and they do an amazing job plowing) and everybody thinks they NEED AWD.
 
With a RWD BMW you can get a real sports package (Upgraded wheels/tires, sport tuned suspension) that still includes a host of electronic nannies (DSC, Traction Control...) that coupled with a set of dedicated winter tires will help you out a whole lot in the snow (save for ground clearance).
 
The 3er wagon might be cheaper to buy, but not to lease. BMW sets ridiculously high residuals for the X3 compared to the 3er wagon.
 
Either way you're getting a great car. With my wife and 1 year old son, the X3 was the clear choice for us.

#2938 of 4185 Re: Here's the deal [nyccarguy] by bodble2

Sep 28, 2007 (12:25 pm)

Replying to: nyccarguy (Sep 27, 2007 8:32 pm)
Thanks for the insight. Much appreciated. Still doesn't make the decision any easier.....

Messages Page 294 of 419

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