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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 299 of 419

#2978 of 4185 2008 X3 by parlynn

Oct 24, 2007 (12:56 pm)

I have been thinking of buying an X3 for quite some time. I have the resources to pay cash. Is this better than leasing the car? I also want the Manual 6 speed which I know I will have to special order. Is it possible to deal with the dealership regarding throwing in accessories or dropping from the MSRP when special ordering? At this time,
I know it's too late to order the 07, but I understand there isn't going to be any changes for 08. Does anyone know any differently. I have not had positive responses from people who have shopped and/or owned BMW's in the past. Can anyone enlighten me on this? I am thinking of getting the sport package as well as premium package. Any comments on that will be appreciated. Would like to hear from current owners of this vehicle regarding negatives and
positives of owning a BMW. I intend to have it a long time and have only had Japanese cars in the recent past. Can I expect to own a BMW for many years without much repairs? The car will be a second vehicle and used primarily for long road trips and trips to the snow.

#2979 of 4185 Re: And just a few pages [nyccarguy] by roadburner

Oct 24, 2007 (6:00 pm)

Replying to: nyccarguy (Oct 18, 2007 8:56 pm)
I had no idea it would get published! This is so exciting!
 
Great letter!

#2980 of 4185 Re: 2008 X3 [parlynn] by roadburner

Oct 24, 2007 (6:19 pm)

Replying to: parlynn (Oct 24, 2007 12:56 pm)
I am thinking of getting the sport package as well as premium package.
 
I'd suggest that you drive a sport package equipped X3 to make sure that the somewhat firm ride won't bother you. I don't mind it but I know that others find it to be too stiff.
 
Would like to hear from current owners of this vehicle regarding negatives and positives of owning a BMW. I intend to have it a long time and have only had Japanese cars in the recent past. Can I expect to own a BMW for many years without much repairs?
 
Well, I've owned four Japanese cars, including a 2007 Mazdaspeed3 that I currently use as my daily commuter. As for BMWs, I've owned eight since 1983. That number includes a 56K mile 2004 X3 2.5 that my wife currently drives and a 110K mile 1995 318ti Club Sport track rat that I've owned since new. In my experience BMWs are no trouble-prone than any other car. Ditto for maintenance and repair costs; My 318ti has averaged about $400-$500 a year to run, and that figure includes ALL maintenance and repair expenses as well as three sets of 16" Z-rated rubber. I've replaced one set of pads/rotors, the serpentine belts and idlers, the timing chain tensioner(DIY $55 and 10 minutes) and a brake light switch($15). That's it.
The X3 has had one non-scheduled repair- a defective SRS seat sensor that was replaced under warranty. At around 48K I replaced the OEM Bridgestones with Pirelli P Zero Nero M+S tires for less than $400. I do change the oil at 7.5K rather than 15K, but it's a dead simple DIY procedure that takes all of 30 minutes and $45.
My wife had an 528iA prior to the X3 and she drove it to over 130K before we sold it(I wish we'd kept it instead of my Jeep Wrangler, but that's another story). Maintenance/repair costs averaged around $800-$900 a year. Non-scheduled repair items included a couple of idler pullies, a water pump, two tie rod ends, and front struts.
 
The car will be a second vehicle and used primarily for long road trips and trips to the snow.
 
The X3 is a small truck that does an excellent job of imitating the ride and handling of a BMW 3 Series. For your purposes it would be an excellent choice- though I'd prefer a 335xi sedan if I needed AWD traction and BMW driving characteristics.

#2981 of 4185 Re: 2008 X3 [parlynn] by markcincinnati

Oct 28, 2007 (9:44 am)

Replying to: parlynn (Oct 24, 2007 12:56 pm)
There are changes that may make the 2008 "just right."
 
The main thing that has changed is the addition of an SAV package in addition to the Sport Package.
 
The SAV package gives you shawdowline trim, 18" wheels and tires, aluminum running boards, an M3 like steering wheel (that can be ordered with HEAT!), but no sport suspension and with comfort seats instead of the sport seats.
 
We've now owned the 2005 with the Sport Package, tested a new one without the SAV and without the SP and tested one with the SAV package: DING! We have a winner.
 
The look is there, the deep tinted rear windows are there, the running board actually does provide some functionality and the turn in and looks offered by the 18" wheels and tire are there. The three spoke steering wheel, too adds a bit of looks.
 
But the harshness of the sport ride is missing.
 
We configured a new one with almost all options and the SAV package -- one came in, we took it for a two hour test drive (this one with the auto, we currently have the stick shift in our 2005.)
 
The power, smoothness and almost total lack of wind or road noise coupled with the dandy 6 speed auto: instant tang!
 
For $636 per month for a $48K car at 15K per year on a 36 month term. . .how could you go wrong (and I think this deal might be bettered, in fact.)
 
Much as there are other cars out there that have much to recommend them, well, the new X3 is still a force to be dealt with AT THIS PRICE POINT per month, i.e.
 
The only two "let's check 'em out" vehicles at this time are the EX35 and the Q5. If you must buy now, tho, the X3 is tough to beat.
 
I would not think it would hold up well, however, as a car to BUY for $48K, but the lease price (subvented one must assume) is, er, "impressive."
 
My wife, owner of the current 2005 X3, will make her decision probably by Christmas -- but today, the X3 would win. The EX35, out by then, tho, might be a spoiler, might be.
 
The way they treat us at the BMW store, tho, well, that would be hard for me to believe will be the case at the Infiniti store.
 
We'll see.
 
 

#2982 of 4185 Re: 2008 X3 [markcincinnati] by bruceomega

Oct 29, 2007 (8:21 am)

Replying to: markcincinnati (Oct 28, 2007 9:44 am)
FWIW,
 
I saw an on-line write up recently on the EX35 (Winding Road?), and they liked it. One item, however, that caught my attention is the rear seat legroom in the EX35 was listed as being noticeably less than in the X3.
 
One thing we like about our X3 is back seat passenger room, and the ease of getting in and out of the back seat, for a vehicle that is about the length and width of a 3 series sedan.
 
Thanks
Bruce

#2983 of 4185 2008 X3 Interior - any options in the future besides grey, beige and black? by expat2005

Oct 29, 2007 (9:14 am)

We have a 2005 X3 (3.0) and have enjoyed it (I appear to be among a minority in finding the existing rear-seat ride to be perfectly comfortable). That said, I like the subtle new styling changes to the 2008 X3 and the promise of the gentler ride in the rear.
 
My central disappointment about the veichle is the trim-options for the interior. Our current X3 interior is a sort of "pumpkin" orange leather (sparking sapphire black exterior). The combination is unique and quite appealing. The current color offerings for the 2008 X3 is the dull-as-doornails beige (er, sorry ... sand!), grey and black. Does anyone know if a wider array of interior color schemes will be offered for 2009 or later in the 2008 model year?

#2984 of 4185 Re: 2008 X3 Interior - any options in the future besides grey, beige and black? [expat2005] by kyfdx HOST

Oct 29, 2007 (9:37 am)

Replying to: expat2005 (Oct 29, 2007 9:14 am)
I thought you could still get Terra (Cotta) in the X3?
 
.. Even though it doesn't show on the website, I think you can order it for the same price as any other color leather..
 
regards,
kyfdx

#2985 of 4185 2008 X3 lease - thoughts by expat2005

Oct 29, 2007 (9:42 am)

I've been pricing out a 36-month lease for the 2008 X3 and am shocked at the cost. We have a 39-month (15K/year or 48750K total) lease on a 2005 X3 that we acquired in August of 2005 (which, I realize, is towards the end of the model year). That vehicle is loaded with options: 3.0 engine, sapphire black paint, nav, premium package, premium sound, heated steering wheel, bluetooth, Sirius, BNMW Assist, privacy glass, etc. We put $5000 down and our payments are $341/month. The same vehicle for 2008 looks to be in the $600+ range comparably equipped; financing it would put us over $1000/month. What gives? How did an option-loaded model that was in the sub-$40K move into the $50K neighborhood for 2008??

#2986 of 4185 Re: 2008 X3 Interior - any options in the future besides grey, beige and black? [kyfdx] by cotmc

Nov 06, 2007 (4:32 pm)

Replying to: kyfdx (Oct 29, 2007 9:37 am)
The 2007 X3 brochure also doesn't show a Terracotta color option. It lists 4 interior color options:
 
1) Sand beige
2) Black
3) Gray
4) Sand beige leather with black trim
 
I think the 4th option is the most appealing, and I believe it replaced the Terracotta color option.
 
Still, it might be worth enquiring if the Terracotta can be special ordered?

#2987 of 4185 Re: 2008 X3 lease - thoughts [expat2005] by cotmc

Nov 06, 2007 (4:45 pm)

Replying to: expat2005 (Oct 29, 2007 9:42 am)
Hmmm...
 
I'm not sure why you say "an option-loaded model that was in the sub-$40K..." ?
 
Based on the description of your 2005 X3, I'm guessing the MSRP was greater than $45K. For comparison sake, I have a 2004 X3, without Nav (and without Sports or Climate Package), which stickered at $44K.
 
Take a look here within Edmunds for their "Full Test: 2004 BMW X3 3.0i" or their "Long-Term Test: 2005 BMW X3" test drive articles. Each of these articles provides a detailed price list for both of these vehicles they tested. Their 2005 Long-Term Test X3 stickered at $47.5K.

Messages Page 299 of 419

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