What's are your thoughts on the BMW X3?

[DustenT]

Anyone own an x3? Driven one?

What do you think of them?

[1996 328ti]

Been in one once. Handled well but very plasticy inside.

[lazoh]

Have an 07 (3.0) and had an 04 (2.5) before that and it's a good car, as far as the interior, it's not so plasticy because I have navi and wood in it. It drives nice, but at the end of the day it is an SAV and it rides a bit hard, I don't mind that though.

[DustenT]

Originally Posted by lazoh

Have an 07 (3.0) and had an 04 (2.5) before that and it's a good car, as far as the interior, it's not so plasticy because I have navi and wood in it. It drives nice, but at the end of the day it is an SAV and it rides a bit hard, I don't mind that though.

How does the 3.0 compare to the 2.5?

[lazoh]

Originally Posted by DustenT

How does the 3.0 compare to the 2.5?

Not much difference but you can feel a bit more power from the 3.0, as a matter of fact BMW is not offering the 2.5 model anymore. I bet that you can use it to its fullest since you have snow there.

[96cali]

The panoramic roof was nice on the X3, back seat was minimally comfortable for 2 adults (both tushy-wise and room wise). For a small family or no kids it's a decent solution. For what it is though I bet you could get more from another SAV or small SUV.

[DustenT]

Originally Posted by 96cali

For what it is though I bet you could get more from another SAV or small SUV.

Any suggestions? We are looking to replace the Acura TL with something AWD, 6 cylinder and enough room to haul 4 adults around in. The 330xi and x3 were the first to come to mind. The x3 has the kind of ground clearance that makes it a perfect choice for someone relocating to Colorado soon.

[lazoh]

Originally Posted by 96cali

For what it is though I bet you could get more from another SAV or small SUV.

I don't know what you are comparing it against but by far the X3 is the best SAV/SUV I have driven. And I have driven it against the new pathfinder, 4 runner and the ML, the handling and response of the X3 is by far superior from these 3 small SUVs.

[pdxmotorhead]

Originally Posted by DustenT

Any suggestions? We are looking to replace the Acura TL with something AWD, 6 cylinder and enough room to haul 4 adults around in. The 330xi and x3 were the first to come to mind. The x3 has the kind of ground clearance that makes it a perfect choice for someone relocating to Colorado soon.

An outback or a forester have more ground clearance than the X3 and cost less.... The forester is a way better people hauler, has more power too if you buy the big motor...

BTW Colorado "gets" snow, they don't get feet of it very often and when they do they plow the roads.... Don't over think this unless your planning on buying out in the boonies youll be fine In all the years I've driven through there (Have Family in Nebraska near Scotts Bluff) I've never seen snow that any AWD car wouldn't handle. They usually have the fluffy powder not the concrete like folk from the NE or NW are used to.... You drive through it not on it... My old rig was a late 70's Ford LTD RWD and the weather never stopped me in Colorado...

Good Luck!

Dave'

[CirrusSR22]

I thought I heard the newest version of the X3 (2007+?), had much improved interior quality.

[96cali]

Originally Posted by lazoh

I don't know what you are comparing it against but by far the X3 is the best SAV/SUV I have driven. And I have driven it against the new pathfinder, 4 runner and the ML, the handling and response of the X3 is by far superior from these 3 small SUVs.

I just think you're paying a premium for a Roundel on a vehicle style that is contrary to the idea of "the ultimate driving machine". BMW was late to this segment because it's not at the heart of what they do. I would consider it sure but to me it falls into the category of style over substance.

Another AWD choice is the Mazdaspeed6 but it is manual shift only and a turbo 4. I rent a lot of cars for business and the Murano was a sweet ride too. Never driven it but the FX35 would be on my test drive list.

[DustenT]

Originally Posted by 96cali

Another AWD choice is the Mazdaspeed6 but it is manual shift only and a turbo 4. I rent a lot of cars for business and the Murano was a sweet ride too. Never driven it but the FX35 would be on my test drive list.

I'll take a look at the Murano and FX35. Thanks for the suggestions.

[lazoh]

Originally Posted by CirrusSR22

I thought I heard the newest version of the X3 (2007+?), had much improved interior quality.

Much better, I got the sports/premium and the interior is very nice.

[tastade]

If I bought an X3, I would probably go with the 2.5 with the manual transmission, but I should point out that I don't care about power (why I drive the 318ti). However, I would also consider a used X5 as well. The X5 is more truck like, and the X3 more car like as for as SUVs are concerned, but neither have much room in the back seat for adults.

I would also look at a Subaru, both the Forester XTi and the WRX are nice wagon style vehicles with AWD and good performance. If you wanted more luxury from a Subaru you could go with the Legacy, Outback, or B9 Tribeca. I think the Subarus are better value than the BMW, but of course they are not BMWs.

[SDKmann]

Ive only heard bad things about the X3 although Ive never been close enough to one to see if its true. You could always go for that odd looking Audi A4 with a lift, the allroad quattro.