Quote:
Originally Posted by jlr_1304
I'm about to order an X3 3.5i with NAV/m-sport/leather and have a question on tire size vs confort level.
i test drove an X1 with m-sport and found the ride to be pretty harsh. Loved the sport seats.
Then i drove an X3 3.5i with stock tires and found the ride to be much more confortable than the X1. Stock seats sucks, so i wanted to order them but the package is not available anymore and only the m-sport will include it.
So the question is : will i experience a stiffer ride with the 19" ?
I'm still undecided for color as m-sport comes with high gloss shadow line and it would look better on AW. Black is only available as an 800$ option with m-sport  and it looks much better with x-line...which is only available with premium package.
Other questions :
1- is leather recommanded? still puzzle me as a 50k+ car doesnt come standard with leather. my fear is that leatherette will be too hot and will degrade faster. i'm planning to keep the car a long time. leather is a 1900$ option.
2-Should i buy an extended warranty?
3-Dealer are pretty stiff on price. Got only a 1100$ rebate on 3.5i+NAV+leather+m-sport. Is there more room for negociations?
Comments:
1- Sport seats are mandatory IMO. Superb confort and the extension is a nice touch.
2-X1 is pretty noisy and doesnt look like a BMW.
3-Had some much fun trying the 3.5. Dont remember the last time i had such a high after driving a car. Took a big curve at 130kmh and the car didnt moved a bit. I usually take this curve at 90kmh...only problem is the speed limit is reached pretty fast. 
I should order it on monday. |
If you are set on ordering on Mon coming, you have quite a few decisions to make. You don't say where in Canada you are, nor what kind of a driver you are (ie. like sporty, like comfort, like reliability, etc, etc). Hard to answer many of your queries as only you can tell what you like/need/want.
A couple points - 19" wheels will be slightly harsher than 18"s, but more important will be the tires you have on them. X3s come with the RFTs which are much better than they were even 5 years back - still a RFT has a stiffer sidewall so will ride a bit harsher. Only you can say if the 19"s are too harsh, but many on here may even go larger with aftermarket wheels. Your call..?
Agree the sport seats are very good, hold you well and comfortable on long drives. The only colors you get for "free" in Canada are Alpine White and Jet Black, all others cost $800. Big deal. Most makers charge extra for certain colors. You mention black, but only the metallic black costs extra. The Premium package in Canada has a number of good items in it and is worth the money IMO. The Executive pkg in Canada is one I would skip.
Leather? I feel it is worth the money, but the BMW leatherette is quite good, and some ppl prefer it. Me, I prefer leather. I think most ppl want to see leather in a car costing over $50k so can help at resale time.
Extended warranty? I never buy it at purchase. Although you will get pressure from the sales office to buy it then, you can decline, and, if you still want it or have the car, you can always buy it later up until the original 4 yr/80K warranty expires. You will pay more for it then, but that is always what I do as I am unsure at original purchase if I will keep the car beyond 4 years. Your call.
Price - in Canada, most dealers are harder on price than in the US. You can expect to pay "close" to MSRP but using CanCost Canada or other such services, you may save some. Other posters on here know more about that than I do. The car is in strong demand and lots of backorders, so don't expect to "steal" it.
I have not driven an X1 but it certainly looks like a BMW to me...?? Your call on which one you want. For me, the X1 is too small.
One minor thing, the car is a 35i, not a 3.5. You might as well call it by its correct name if you are going to be driving one. The "number" has nothing to do with engine displacement, like the names of some BMWs in the past.
Lastly, you mention Nav. For me, I skip Nav and save myself $2200 Cdn. I never use it, and I have "heard" that BMW Nav system is so-so (just rumor, so maybe don't take that too seriously). Again, your call.
Good luck, do your research before you go to the dealers. Be careful on here as many will quote content for the US or Euro car, and content will be different between countries.