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SUVs BMW X3 & X5 BMW X3
3170 messages, Last post on Oct 29, 2008 at 2:46 PM
You are in the BMW X3 & X5 Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
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Replying to: parlynn (Oct 24, 2007 11:56 am) 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. 
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Replying to: markcincinnati (Oct 28, 2007 8:44 am) 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 |
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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?
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Replying to: expat2005 (Oct 29, 2007 8:14 am) .. 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
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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??
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Replying to: kyfdx (Oct 29, 2007 8:37 am) 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? |
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Replying to: expat2005 (Oct 29, 2007 8:42 am) 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. |
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My wife has Bridgestone Turanza EL-42s on her '06 X3, and one has a nail on the edge of the tread such that the local tire shop said it is unrepairable. Tires have 20,000 miles and a decent amount of tread left, maybe half the tread(?). We're inquiring now about replacing the damaged tire under the road hazard insurance we purchased from the dealer. Wondering if you have any thoughts on: Will mixing one new EL-42 with the 3 existing EL-42 tires cause any problems? The local tire store was telling us we really should get 4 new tires, to keep everything "balanced". I also realize 4 new tires would be good for them business wise. For Michelin and Pirelli, they have both an H rated and a higher performance all season tire in the size we need, 235-50/18 (optional wheels but not the sport package). Cost aside, does it make any sense from a driving perspective to get Pilot Sport A/S over the Pilot HX MXM4? Or the Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico over the Scorpion STR? Lastly, has anyone considered going to the Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season? This must be a relatively new tire as Tirerack does not have numerical ratings for it like they do for the others. Would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks Bruce |
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Replying to: bruceomega (Nov 12, 2007 11:26 am) Put the spare (which should be new), and the new tire on the rear axle.. Take the tire that was across from the damaged tire back as a spare.. That way, both tires on an axle have equal tread.. You'll at least get all of the available wear out of the original set.
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Replying to: kyfdx (Nov 12, 2007 12:24 pm) I need to check the car when I get home this evening. For some reason, I thought our X3 came with a compact spare rather than a full sized one. I just checked the BMW web site, and it says the '07 X3 comes with a "space-saver wheel and tire". Bruce
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