Thinking of an X3 to share the garage with the E90 - any advice?

Bimmerista · 10-27-2005, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iDrive-E90

This discussion is VERY helpful, everybody. I thank you all.

How would you feel about buying a used X3 - or used X5?
Were there bad years?
Anything nasty to watch out for?
What mileage would you stay below?

I would not (with all due respect) buy a used X5 simply because the 2004/5 model has a brand new reworked all wheel drive which is head and shoulders above the previous generation. Try on the X5 front, to get a good deal on a demo.

Used X3, I would stay away from the first half of the first year of production. Therefore get one made in latter half of 2004 (either as a 2004 or a 2005 model year) if you can find it. If not, same advice as the X5.

Aabid · 10-27-2005, 08:32 PM

I have an X3 and a 330i. Granted the interior of the X3 is not as great as the 330i, I love the fact you can drive an X3 like a car. I have done some fast turns on my X3 and you dont feel you are driving a SUV. Get it. If you need more space get the X5, although an X5 does feel like driving a SUV. Its great in the snow, the Xdrive is increadible. I had ice at the edge of my drive way and for kicks I rolled side two tyres on it and the other two on the road and floored the accelerator. It picked up just as if all wheels were on the road. Great handling, that what BMWs are famous for, doubt you would enjoy any other brand of cars, let alone a SUV if you already drive one.

Good luck on your decision.

mapezzul · 10-27-2005, 09:40 PM

The X3 was just recently updated, and has newer painted bumpers and styling, looks much better IMHO, there are some interior changes as well. But I still think it is a little less BMW than any other BMW.

undecided · 10-27-2005, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chazmtb

Get an X5...BMW are giving massive incentives for them. I believe 4 grand. Negotiate from invoice like invoice - 4grand plus 1grand for dealer profit, ect.
Build quality is much better than the X3.
I get 18 in city and 24 to 26 on cruise highway for my 03 X5 3.0.

WHere did u see the $4K omcemtoves on the x5?
I checked edmunds and I did not see them...

CZ

chazmtb · 10-27-2005, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by undecided

WHere did u see the $4K omcemtoves on the x5?
I checked edmunds and I did not see them...

CZ

I read on Edmund's forums that dealers are getting 5 grand back from BMW.
People are getting about 7-8 grand off of MSRP. Example from Edmunds forum on X5 pricing

"Got a good deal in Maryland on this X5. Prem and sport pkg, rear climate, auto, self dimming mirrors, MSRP 50,700.00 including mats and 2 tanks of gas. Paid 42,700.00 plus tax and tags."

I know my sales guy in MD was pushing pretty hard to say that he can go 3 grand below invoice. I bet he can do better if I was serious. I was just asking him because I wonderd how much the X5s are going for while I was out to check a 325i 6MT.

Edit:: I believe its an 05

10-27-2005, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iDrive-E90

On paper, having an X3 as the second car seems to give the best of both worlds when planning to go places where ground clearance and AWD might be important, or for lugging bigger "stuff" around.

Do any of you have experiences that might help?

I tried a search of our forum on "X3" and got this:

Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms.

The following words are either very common, too long, or too short and were not included in your search : x3

I just don't know how to spell "x3" in more than 2 letters

Thanks

Are you going off roading? Will you be traveling in snow? Are you going to tow toys around? How big is the other stuff you're going to haul in the vehicle? How important is MPG? And the list goes on and on and on and on. The X3 really isn't all that much bigger than the e90. I would say get the e91.

db17k · 10-27-2005, 11:07 PM

I like the X3, my friend got one and it handles pretty well for an small SUV. plus the sunroof is ginormous, you could fit like three bikini clad hotties through it!

ward · 10-28-2005, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mapezzul

The X3 was just recently updated, and has newer painted bumpers and styling, looks much better IMHO, there are some interior changes as well. But I still think it is a little less BMW than any other BMW.

i haven't seen this

the interior looks like you took a Z4 interior and cheapened the hell out of it. The driving experience is good for an SUV but poor for a BMW

I tried really hard to like the X3 as it would have made a better partner for my Z4 than the 325 does, but the 325 was just so much better as a car

but as you already have an E90 I suggest that you buy a Z4 instead of the X3

Dani · 10-29-2005, 05:33 PM

X3 definetly not the same quality as other BMWs; handling or interior, although I really like looks of it. You are definetly better off getting a used X5 in the price range you were looking at for a new X3. If you test drive both I would be shocked if you still wanted an X3.

iDrive-E90 · 11-01-2005, 04:05 PM

Thanks, everyone, you've given me a lot to think about and much research to do!

Atty · 11-01-2005, 04:30 PM

X3 ride quality is very harsh, and interior is pretty bland. If you're thinking about a used X3, also consider a used X5 - although similar in size, the X5 is a much nicer driver.

'06 sees "significant" (for BMW) changes including body colored trim, no? Plus, they dropped the 2.5i in America.

I drove an X3, X5, 525, several 3-series as loaners, and I can tell you that the X5 was one of the best cruisers around. Easily one of the sportiest SUV's on the road. X3 on the other hand seemed kind of junky for a Bimmer, just not on the same par.

jose100fires · 11-02-2005, 02:25 AM

I just went through the tread on this subject and I think I know where some of the opinions (negative) are coming from with the X3. First - we just bought one and in my opinion it makes a great addition to the E90.

Second - If I was to base my opinion on the loner X3 I was given when my car was being serviced, I would hate the x3, like some of the people in this thread. There is a huge difference between the older x3's (2.5) (most loners are this model) and the newer ones. I was given a 2.5 base model and it was a POS. We went back and drove the newer x3 3.0 - and loved it. Completely different interior, sound, ride, quality, everything.

The X3 certainly isn't for everyone - but I have to say it's a nice change from the E90 (330, sport) and the worries about clearance and curbs, parking, speed bumps, ect.. The performance isn't E90 - but it's no slouch either.

There are some great lease deals right now on the 05 X3 - which is what I got. BWM has artifically risen the residual and the money factor (interest) is almost nil. The result is a low payment - you just don't want to buy it at the end with the higher residual.

We love the security of the X drive, the extra clearance, and never having to drive anything but a BMW.

BUT THE E90 IS MY RIDE!

Oz · 11-02-2005, 02:33 AM

One of my friends has a 2005 loaded X3 and he has the servetronic (might be spelling it wrong) which makes the wheel so light. I am just not used to that compared to my 330i but I think it handles fine

I don't like the interior myself (there is no trim on front of the car and i dont like how the navigaiton is) and i don't like how the rear bumper is all black. But they have changed that on the new X3s and you can get it in any color now so that's good

But I always prefer a X5..

longtran · 11-02-2005, 02:34 AM

i got an x3 as a loaner myself. that car/suv have no power...whack!

Hornet · 11-02-2005, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longtran

i got an x3 as a loaner myself. that car/suv have no power...whack!

Damn, then those X3's with 2.0 and 2.0d engines they sell here must be like turtles.

IMO, the only X3 which I'd even consider would be the 3.0d model. Besides, I've read somewhere that the facelift model is coming soon.

davinet78 · 11-02-2005, 09:19 AM

an x3 is much slower than the e90 and if you want the same feeling as an e90 but have a bigger luggage space go for the e91

Frank_NJ · 11-02-2005, 09:26 AM

I would go for a X5 4.4 or look into a Cayenne.

MCS · 11-02-2005, 10:19 AM

X3 does not have much over the 330 interms of passenger or trunk space.

A colleague of mine got an X3 b/c it fits under the "car" measurements so he does not get whacked by the out of control NYC parking garage fees. (450/month for a friggin parking spot and this does not include tip for the valets...)

He does carry around his drums/sound equipment in the back with the seats folded down which I'm not sure would fit easily in the back of the e90, even with the seats folded. Ah well, geometry was never my strength.

noflash · 11-02-2005, 10:36 AM

I love the X3. The loaners are a great ride (the harsh ride of the original models was quickly fixed). There could be more power -- they still have the 225 hp 3.0. Maybe you should wait for the 255 hp 3.0.

The ONLY reason I didn't get one was the gas mileage. No way will I ever buy a vehicle that get's less that what I am driving now. Expect 17mpg tops.

If only they would bring the diesels here!!!

BMW Enthusiast · 11-02-2005, 02:46 PM

I hate SUV's!!

Bimmerista · 11-02-2005, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW Enthusiast

I hate SUV's!!

I am no great fan of them SUVs either - but BMW makes some of the best handling ones out there - cross overs as well as no body on frame but rather unibody adaption of their car platforms. I prefer them to Porche because of the decreased weight (and looks). So, if one has to have them, these are amongst the best products, IMHO.

My wife likes the higher seating position and that is why we chose the X3 - actually has more space than the X5 and is nimbler bcs smaller/lighter.

MAlby7 · 11-02-2005, 04:43 PM

If I had to buy a 6 cylinder AWD vehicle with ground clearance I would either opt for the Infiniti FX35, Nissan Murano, or the Acura MDX. We've had our MDX for 5 years now and there has not been one problem with it. It's roomy, good on gas for a vehicle in its class, and nice looking in and out.

10-27-2005, 08:32 PM	#24
Aabid 330i Jet Black/Beige Interior with Sports, Premium, Cold Weather, Steptronics, Active Steering, Navigation, Comfort Access 5 Rep 39 Posts Drives: 330i & X3 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Ashburn, VA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I have an X3 and a 330i. Granted the interior of the X3 is not as great as the 330i, I love the fact you can drive an X3 like a car. I have done some fast turns on my X3 and you dont feel you are driving a SUV. Get it. If you need more space get the X5, although an X5 does feel like driving a SUV. Its great in the snow, the Xdrive is increadible. I had ice at the edge of my drive way and for kicks I rolled side two tyres on it and the other two on the road and floored the accelerator. It picked up just as if all wheels were on the road. Great handling, that what BMWs are famous for, doubt you would enjoy any other brand of cars, let alone a SUV if you already drive one. Good luck on your decision. __________________ Jet Black 330i with Beige Interior, Premium, Sports, Cold Weather, Navigation, Active Steering & Comfort Access
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10-27-2005, 09:40 PM	#25
mapezzul Special Agent 74 Rep 1,731 Posts Drives: Depends on the day! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bavaria iTrader: (1)	The X3 was just recently updated, and has newer painted bumpers and styling, looks much better IMHO, there are some interior changes as well. But I still think it is a little less BMW than any other BMW.
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10-27-2005, 11:07 PM	#29
db17k Chicketeh china the chinese chicken, you have? 34 Rep 790 Posts Drives: 335ci hold out Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 S2000 [0.00]	I like the X3, my friend got one and it handles pretty well for an small SUV. plus the sunroof is ginormous, you could fit like three bikini clad hotties through it! __________________ "In Soviet Russia car forks you!"
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10-29-2005, 05:33 PM	#31
Dani Major 51 Rep 1,022 Posts Drives: 2006 325I Graphite Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	X3 definetly not the same quality as other BMWs; handling or interior, although I really like looks of it. You are definetly better off getting a used X5 in the price range you were looking at for a new X3. If you test drive both I would be shocked if you still wanted an X3.
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11-01-2005, 04:05 PM	#32
iDrive-E90 Intergalactic Commander 9 Rep 96 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	Thanks, everyone, you've given me a lot to think about and much research to do!
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11-01-2005, 04:30 PM	#33
Atty Second Lieutenant 16 Rep 239 Posts Drives: 09 X5 48i M-Sport Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 (September bui ... [0.00]	X3 ride quality is very harsh, and interior is pretty bland. If you're thinking about a used X3, also consider a used X5 - although similar in size, the X5 is a much nicer driver. '06 sees "significant" (for BMW) changes including body colored trim, no? Plus, they dropped the 2.5i in America. I drove an X3, X5, 525, several 3-series as loaners, and I can tell you that the X5 was one of the best cruisers around. Easily one of the sportiest SUV's on the road. X3 on the other hand seemed kind of junky for a Bimmer, just not on the same par. __________________ Attorney E90 330i 6MT \| Black Sapphire \| Terra \| Burl \| ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| Navi \| Sirius
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11-02-2005, 02:25 AM	#34
jose100fires Private 10 Rep 94 Posts Drives: 135i/ Montego Blau Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Portland, Oregon iTrader: (0)	I just went through the tread on this subject and I think I know where some of the opinions (negative) are coming from with the X3. First - we just bought one and in my opinion it makes a great addition to the E90. Second - If I was to base my opinion on the loner X3 I was given when my car was being serviced, I would hate the x3, like some of the people in this thread. There is a huge difference between the older x3's (2.5) (most loners are this model) and the newer ones. I was given a 2.5 base model and it was a POS. We went back and drove the newer x3 3.0 - and loved it. Completely different interior, sound, ride, quality, everything. The X3 certainly isn't for everyone - but I have to say it's a nice change from the E90 (330, sport) and the worries about clearance and curbs, parking, speed bumps, ect.. The performance isn't E90 - but it's no slouch either. There are some great lease deals right now on the 05 X3 - which is what I got. BWM has artifically risen the residual and the money factor (interest) is almost nil. The result is a low payment - you just don't want to buy it at the end with the higher residual. We love the security of the X drive, the extra clearance, and never having to drive anything but a BMW. BUT THE E90 IS MY RIDE!
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11-02-2005, 02:33 AM	#35
Oz Lieutenant Colonel 33 Rep 1,770 Posts Drives: 2006 330i, 2004 X5 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Wayne, NJ iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	One of my friends has a 2005 loaded X3 and he has the servetronic (might be spelling it wrong) which makes the wheel so light. I am just not used to that compared to my 330i but I think it handles fine I don't like the interior myself (there is no trim on front of the car and i dont like how the navigaiton is) and i don't like how the rear bumper is all black. But they have changed that on the new X3s and you can get it in any color now so that's good But I always prefer a X5.. __________________ 2006 330i Steptronic/Alpine White/Black Leather/Burl Walnut Trim/Premium Package/iDrive/Heated Seats/Winter: STYLE 159 Blizzak LM-22 RFT/Summer: TBD 2004 X5 Steptronic/Alpine White/Grey Leather/Poplar Trim/Premium Package/Heated Seats/iPod Adapter
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11-02-2005, 02:34 AM	#36
longtran Lieutenant General 1429 Rep 16,628 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CA iTrader: (105) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	i got an x3 as a loaner myself. that car/suv have no power...whack!
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11-02-2005, 09:19 AM	#38
davinet78 Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 1,832 Posts Drives: bmw e90 320d Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: gibraltar(europe) iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 bmw 320d E90 [0.00]	an x3 is much slower than the e90 and if you want the same feeling as an e90 but have a bigger luggage space go for the e91 __________________ e90 320d,arktis,lumber support, hifi speaker, alarm, dakota beige, 162 18", xenon with washer spray,window chrome trimmings, professional radio, 6 cd changer wood trimmings 6 speed manual.
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11-02-2005, 09:26 AM	#39
Frank_NJ ///M Specialist 560 Rep 1,499 Posts Drives: E30 M3, E52 Z8, G83 M4Cx Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NJ Shore iTrader: (0)	I would go for a X5 4.4 or look into a Cayenne. __________________ 2023 M340ix my Daily Driver G83 M4CV, F80 M3 CS, E30 M3, Z8, other various BMW's Ferrari F8
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11-02-2005, 10:19 AM	#40
MCS e90 newbie 35 Rep 448 Posts Drives: 2012 M3 E93 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Northern NJ iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	X3 does not have much over the 330 interms of passenger or trunk space. A colleague of mine got an X3 b/c it fits under the "car" measurements so he does not get whacked by the out of control NYC parking garage fees. (450/month for a friggin parking spot and this does not include tip for the valets...) He does carry around his drums/sound equipment in the back with the seats folded down which I'm not sure would fit easily in the back of the e90, even with the seats folded. Ah well, geometry was never my strength. __________________ E93 IL Blue M3 ZPP, ZCW
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11-02-2005, 10:36 AM	#41
noflash Captain Caveman 148 Rep 1,715 Posts Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	I love the X3. The loaners are a great ride (the harsh ride of the original models was quickly fixed). There could be more power -- they still have the 225 hp 3.0. Maybe you should wait for the 255 hp 3.0. The ONLY reason I didn't get one was the gas mileage. No way will I ever buy a vehicle that get's less that what I am driving now. Expect 17mpg tops. If only they would bring the diesels here!!! __________________ E90 325i Monaco Blue, Black Leatherette, Sport, Cold Weather, Xenon, Sat Prep, 18" BBS RGR Mods: Polorized Film for Business CD, added lumbar, rock chip on hood
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11-02-2005, 02:46 PM	#42
BMW Enthusiast Private 1 Rep 76 Posts Drives: 99 Maxima Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	I hate SUV's!!
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11-02-2005, 04:43 PM	#44
MAlby7 E90 Newbie 6 Rep 97 Posts Drives: Ford Focus ZX3 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	If I had to buy a 6 cylinder AWD vehicle with ground clearance I would either opt for the Infiniti FX35, Nissan Murano, or the Acura MDX. We've had our MDX for 5 years now and there has not been one problem with it. It's roomy, good on gas for a vehicle in its class, and nice looking in and out.
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