Help me decide.....should I buy the X3

MBW · Aug 10, 2004

I am strongly considering buying the new BMW X3 however the mixed reviews are confusing me. I read how it does not have the "BMW ness." How it is made in Austria and not Germany by a sub contracted company? Does that matter?? My other choice is the 325Xi. Please help me decide. I have included a collection of the reviews here for others to read.

http://www.autoweek.com/article.cms?articleId=7691
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/job.aspx?make=BMW&model=X3
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/jedlicka.aspx?make=BMW&model=X3
http://www.nctd.com/review-intro.cfm?Vehicle=2004_BMW_X3&ReviewID=1527
http://www.motorpoint.com.au/bmw-x3.asp
http://www.europeancarweb.com/news/0408ec_aican/

Dave8812 · Aug 10, 2004

hmmm... not too sure about where it's made, but i do know a few other things. I have read quite a few BAD reviews on the X3's suspention. Things like it was too tight and really shook around more than an SUV should. I belive Car and Driver even had some small plastic pieces of some sort shaking loose. But if your not gonna be doing much off-road driving, then i suppose it will be fine. But from my expierience, the 325Xi is going to be much more fun to drive, and probably feel more like a Bimmer should. But just my opinion, you should go with whicher one feels best to you.

x5ed · Aug 10, 2004

Before settling on an X5, I test-drove an X3 for a while. While not an expert on "BMW-ness", I found the X3 to be very impressive. It's a stiff, busy ride but I attribute that to the fact that it's not a "cheaper" or "inferior" BMW, but "another" BMW. Clearly, the X3 has its own concept and is targeted at a particular driver audience. I found the quality, handling and engine performance to be everything I expected from BMW, regardless of who assembles it. Don't sweat it.

ref · Aug 11, 2004

I just got a X3 2.5 a couple of weeks ago. Here are my impressions.

I traded in a Silverado Z71 and the X3 is not as smooth a ride, because the wheelbase is shorter.

I had an Explorer and the X3 rides rougher than that also.

The X3 rides much better than the CJ5 and Jeep Wranglers I have had.

The X3 is not a 325Xi. It is a SUV. With a short wheelbase. It will ride rough. I still think it is not a bad ride and is fairly quiet. The seats are firm, there is plenty of room for extra stuff when traveling and it fits in my garage.

I test drove a Freelander and its ride was similar. I liked the X3's interior better.

There have been criticism of the black grill, because it not painted the same color as the body. I am glad it is black plastic. If someone slams their door into my X3 it will hit the plastic side and not chip the paint.

C&D IMO gave an apple to oranges comparison when testing the X3. Just because it is a BMW doesn't mean it will compare to other cars in the line.

The BMW salesman told me if "I wanted something with a luxury ride to get the Lexus". This is an SUV.

lfeiwel · Aug 11, 2004

MBW said:

Depends what you want.. If you require a manual transmission SUV, with leather, for example, you can get an X3 or X5..that;s bou tit...that said, the 5 has luxury, the 3 has utility (weight reduction etc) If manual trans not a requirement, I think there are many more choices, virtually all cheaper than the 3 or 5... I have an X3, and it's great...a little harsh on the road, but fun to drive

Tom · Aug 11, 2004

The X3 is indeed made by a subcontractor in Austria, however don't let that deter you from buying since it meets all of BMW's rigorous specifications. Like ref stated above, you can't really compare the X3 vs. the Xi. They are two completely different cars. I'm not sure where you live, but if this car is going to be mostly driven "by you" as a daily driver then the Xi would be a better option. It's more fuel efficient and handles much better. On the other hand, if this is going to be a weekend car and used for long distance trips then the X3 would be a better option.

Before you decide on going with the X3, try test driving the RX330, FX35, Volvo XC90, MDX or even the Freelander. Get a sense of how each car performs and should you finally decide on the BMW, you will be much happier with the purchase.

If you wait until this fall, Saab will be introducing the 9-7X based on the Chevy Trailblazer and Volvo will offer a V8 version of their XC90.

SFCA-325i · Aug 11, 2004

You don't state what your family situation is. We traded in our 2003 325i for the X3 to get more interior room. The back seat in the 325i was too cramped for my son and, as a result, it drove me crazy with his constant kicking of the back of the driver's seat.

Also, IIRC, the 4wd system in the X3 is different from the 4wd system in the Xi (an improvement).

Our non-sport X3 does ride stiffer than the 325i (non-sport) and my Honda Pilot, but it isn't the jarring ride described in some of the reviews. The handling in the non-sport X3 is excellent, for a 2-ton vehicle with the high center of gravity.

rexdiamond · Aug 11, 2004

I agree with the other poster. the 325Xi and X3 really can't be compaired. Do you want a sedan or an SUV?

I traded in a 325I for my X3, and have about 10,000 miles on the X3 now. I absolutly love this SUV! Don't worry about build quality, it is far superior to my old 325. The ride is a bit more "bouncy" than the 325, but I wanted a SUV, and found the X3 to be the best handling of the bunch.

I would strongly suggest an extended test drive, as you are the only one that can determine if this is the car you want.

MBW · Aug 11, 2004

Thank you guys you made my decision easy. I had the X3 overnight and fell in love with this SAV. I am now debating between 2.5 vs 3, I think I will go for 2.5 with all options.

PoorGuyX3 · Aug 14, 2004

My wife and I were on the same boat between the 2.5i or the 3.0i. After test driving both, there was not that much of a differance between the two. We got the 2.5i with the steptronic auto and we love it. It hauls some serious ass when you really want it to go. Handles like a dream!

subman · Aug 25, 2004

I have had my 3.0 X3 (6 speed manual) with the Sport Option since April this year. I deleted the Sport Suspension (seats, 18 inch wheels, sport sterring wheel stay) however at addition cost.

This is my 4th BMW so far and the vehicle is GREAT >> the X3 handles exceptionally well when pushed real hard; lots of room for ladders, camping gear, kite-boards, etc; tows my boat like there is nothing there + lots of power on the highway.

I also installed Sirius radio, GPS, leather, Pan roof, running boards, Park Distance, mud flaps, + more>> the options are also great.

If you are looking for a small vehicle to buzz around the city and your don't need a SUV for skiing or carrying sports gear then go with something smaller such as the 3 series wagon.

My general conclusion is that BMW nailed the X3 dead-on and I enjoy it every day. Best vehicle I ever bought.

Help me decide.....should I buy the X3

MBW

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Dave8812

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x5ed

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ref

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lfeiwel

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Tom

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SFCA-325i

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rexdiamond

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MBW

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PoorGuyX3

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subman

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