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      04-02-2011, 11:47 PM   #8
twinsandgrifs
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Drives: 2003 525iT wagon
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: NoCal

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Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by bluesmachine View Post
I was you (I know - terrible grammar) about 4 months ago:

I have three kids (6 years and two, 3 year old twins actually), and wanted to spend about $30,000 US on a 2008/2009 535xi wagon. wanted all the BMW good stuff and fly a little under radar.

I tried a used example and put simply, wasn't overly impressed. Yes, nice and powerful but not as much room as I thought and just it just didnt blow me away. I am sure the 2010 version will have the updated idrive but of course the newest version I have heard is much easier.

Then I drove the x3 28 and was floored. Then I drove the x3 35 and couldn't sleep at night.

Then i read this board all the time and made SURE I drove a 35i with the USA dynamic Handling Package and that is when I dipped into the savings and ordered the car of my dreams. Most options and the DHP and sport package as well.

What you get for the extra money is really two cars: one for you and twins and the dog as a comfy cruiser around town, to sports practice, etc...

and a race car when you are alone and you flick the SPORT setting and move the gearshift the left.

It is THAT much fun. I don't think the 535 wagon will be that much fun.

Im not sure how much more money the x3 is, but please do test drive them both back to back.

Curious what you think.
Bluesmachine, thanks for weighing in! I actually did drive them both back to back. I found the 535 suspension a little tight, but I was driving a sport version (and my current 525 is a sport). The acceleration was really really nice and it had kick (6 cyl turbo is standard) and I really felt the difference from my current car. The thing cornered amazingly well, and the offramps were pretty fun. I felt like it was just like driving a regular 535.

On my X3 drive after, I found the shifting to be pronounced (I drove the x35) and it drove less smoothly. It has less power, but much better mileage (535 gets combined around 18 probably, yikes!). It obviously doesn't corner as well, because it's an SUV, although it was still pretty fun to drive.

I'm not sure how much more the x3 is, probably 5K. That's not the issue for me really...it's more practicality, drivability, safety, and fun. I will drive it for the next 6-8 years, so pressures on the make the right choice!

So far, here are my pros cons:

X3 pros:
can order exactly what I want
mileage
better safety
better cabin (cupholders, stupid I know but come on, I need my coffee)


535 pros
arguably better performance
slimmer (garage size is an issue)
more cargo room
price

thoughts?
Appreciate 0