[Mark]

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New York Times reviews the BMW X3: If you’ve got the dough, the X3 is hard to beat as a high-jolt family car

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Many times when reading reviews on cars, we get caught up with 0-60 times, handling, looks, the typical things that are REALLY important in any car. But its good to take pause, take stock of what any given car is intended to do, and judge the car by those factors. And this is exactly what the New York Times has done when reviewing the X3, there is no doubt this is a family vehicle, and they go into their review with that mentality. And so I think they've given an honest and fair assesment of the X3 and they come out bullish on the small SAV from BMW.

Here are some select quotes from the review, make sure to follow the Source link below to read the entire article!

BMW’s response is familiar, raiding its deep portfolio to strong-arm opponents with more power, luxury and technology. And if the X3 still isn’t as pretty as the Audi, it leapfrogs the Q5’s performance, along with that of every other crossover in this booming class, including the Volvo XC60, Mercedes GLK, Cadillac SRX and Acura RDX.

Yet I’ll admit it: If you’ve got the dough, the X3 is hard to beat as a high-jolt family car. It’s manageable for empty nesters, but just big enough for married couples with one or two children. It is unimpeachably fashionable, but within the tasteful spectrum of curbside radar. And being a BMW, it goes like the dickens.

Of course, most luxury S.U.V. shoppers won’t rush out to compare high-speed slalom times. So I’ll hasten to add that the X3 drives beautifully at any pace, with reasonable ride quality and steering that makes even a nervous driver feel indomitable. But the 18-inch run-flat tires produced a bit more road noise than conventional rubber.

[Source: New York Times]

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[Diver]

Probably the perfect vehicle for someone who wishes they could have a sports car, but who really needs a sport wagon.

[Hecobb74]

Originally Posted by Diver

Probably the perfect vehicle for someone who wishes they could have a sports car, but who really needs a sport wagon.

And doesn't realize BMW makes a very good sport wagon.

[Beyu]

Originally Posted by Hecobb74

And doesn't realize BMW makes a very good sport wagon.

Or hates the look of wagons and wants a larger car with minimal sacrifices in ride or mileage. Sport wagons usually don't sell very well in NA.

[antzcrashing]

This thread is true.

[Diver]

Originally Posted by Hecobb74

And doesn't realize BMW makes a very good sport wagon.

But, they will become a believer...

[krnnerdboy]

Originally Posted by Diver

But, they will become a believer...

But the e91 doesn't come with an n54/5 unfortunately.

[tuco44]

Originally Posted by Hecobb74

And doesn't realize BMW makes a very good sport wagon.

Yes, and I had one (328xiT) but the new X3 has the N55 engine, and more room/utility for my needs. The 5 wagon is no longer brought into NA. Lots of ppl yap about sport wagons, but few in NA buy them.

[Nahoa]

Originally Posted by Hecobb74

And doesn't realize BMW makes a very good sport wagon.

But doesnt offer it in any interesting configurations in the US.

[jijioben]

They talk about the 30i instead of the 28i, but the review really resonates with my impressions.

[Onurleft]

I'd obviously rather have the purists wagon, but like people have mentioned there's no good configurations here IMO and the utility with an SUV is quite nice...plus the wife/gf factor. She can hit something and it wont necessarily have the same effect with this one as a lowered 335D wagon on ADV.1's.

The car is excellent, especially if you are on horrible Louisiana (New orleans and Baton Rouge) city roads. What better than to have this to drive around everyday, any weather, tow the jet ski's, to the lake/dirt roads and keep weekend car tucked away for the real driving.

Yes the center of gravity is high, yes it'll never do what a performance based car can do despite what they "say." But I say, ride on a track in one of these with a real driver and SUV (SAV) haters will probably shut up. These cars are fun, the utility on top of the performance will make you smile a lot and you can readily modify them if you want more (the 450hp X3's will be a sight to see) ...

[burrito007]

unfortunately, run-flats and a lack of a spare tire caused me to not buy this car. I was 99% there but when I saw boot with nothing in it, not even a donut, I bailed.

Good thing too since I have had 2 tire incidences since January. i would have been on the side of the road waiting for help with the X3.

I still remember being stuck in the middle of nowhere with my e46 M3 and having to wait an hour for help while feeling like a fool --- explaining to my wife that the reason it doesnt have a spare is because of the quad exhaust ... =/

[inamik75]

Originally Posted by burrito007

unfortunately, run-flats and a lack of a spare tire caused me to not buy this car. I was 99% there but when I saw boot with nothing in it, not even a donut, I bailed.

Good thing too since I have had 2 tire incidences since January. i would have been on the side of the road waiting for help with the X3.

I still remember being stuck in the middle of nowhere with my e46 M3 and having to wait an hour for help while feeling like a fool --- explaining to my wife that the reason it doesnt have a spare is because of the quad exhaust ... =/

I will buy a 2nd hand E83 donut for this and just put it in the boot on top of a non slip cover for i like this car that much. I hate runflats too.

[burrito007]

Originally Posted by inamik75

I will buy a 2nd hand E83 donut for this and just put it in the boot on top of a non slip cover for i like this car that much. I hate runflats too.

I had that going on in my M3 for a while but then I got scared that in an accident, the wheel would become a projectile and hurt someone. I would be even more scared of that in the X3 - especially now that I plan on putting kids in there.

[Nahoa]

What's to hate about run fiats?

[inamik75]

Originally Posted by Nahoa

What's to hate about run fiats?

Mine is simply firmer ride and mostly non availability of repair and replacement cost where I am. I understand the tech advantage just doesn't do it for me.

[xDrive35i]

Originally Posted by tuco44

Yes, and I had one (328xiT) but the new X3 has the N55 engine, and more room/utility for my needs. The 5 wagon is no longer brought into NA. Lots of ppl yap about sport wagons, but few in NA buy them.

I loved my 535 wagon....

[Nahoa]

Originally Posted by inamik75

Mine is simply firmer ride and mostly non availability of repair and replacement cost where I am. I understand the tech advantage just doesn't do it for me.

Ah. Some of that doesn't factor in much for me here. They're more expensive, but not enough that it overwhelms the safety advantage and space savings. If I get a flat, I can usually drive 10 miles and be someplace where I could get it repaired or replaced or 30 miles to be at my preferred vendor. All over good roads. Not having to stop on a dangerous (traffic) road or iffy neighborhood has a relative advantage. I can see how other situations could make them less desirable, though.

Not sure I'm with you on the ride. I could just be numb to it somehow, but I can't note any difference in the ride or performance.

[inamik75]

Originally Posted by Nahoa

Not sure I'm with you on the ride. I could just be numb to it somehow, but I can't note any difference in the ride or performance.

If your roads are smooth you are fine, my roads are bumpy and you feel it, changed my E60 to regular tires and I got some back relief.

[vase330]

I live in VA too and trust me when I tell you there is difference in ride. I had a set of non-RFT that I changed to for last two winters. Got same exact tire this winter only I reverted to RFT and noticeable no doubt. I am rocking stock sports tires in my 335i My tune though means I am eating these for lunch and I am sure I need a new set soon. I will research see whats out there when I am ready.