[wings516]

Well, I traded in my 212k mile e46 325xi in...

Looked at X1's, X3's and X5's. Loved the 2014 X5's, but out of my $$$.

Found a 2011 X3 x35i low miles with the CPO warranty to 100k and a good amount of features. I found it weird that the 2011's didn't really have packages, but more like options? Came with Premium, nav, cold weather, convenience, rearview cam, bigger wheels, xenons, hifi audio, and other things I probably don't even know I have. Think the only thing it was lacking was the sport seats, driver assist (auto stop/cruise?) and heads up display?

Looking forward to getting a tow hitch put on this thing!





I drove a 2013 and noticed the center had a "sport" and "comfort" button. It seems like the settings in the '11 for "sport mode" in regard to drivetrain and chassis only happen when you switch specifically to sport mode or manual? What exactly does the chassis do in sport mode? Read.. http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showth...ght=sport+mode and http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showth...ght=sport+mode Sounds like it is possible to have a stiffer suspension without the more aggressive shift points as a setting... kind of cool.

Also, what the hell is up with all the racket from the panoramic roof center brace cover? Started making click/clack noises over bumps in the sub 20F weather.

My one regret is not holding out for the M-Sport or one with the sport's seats. I constantly find myself readjusting the lumbar support and position and irritated I can't adjust my headrest angle.

Other than that, quite an upgrade for me.

In regards to the tow hitch, it seems like the best option for one is just to go to BMW since they do a software upgrade, correct?

[nyalpine90]

creaking noise from the pano sunroof is very common but there is a fix.
there is DIY thread with pictures to resolve the noise.

buy rubber/silicone pads, place them on tabs where top glass comes down.

congrats!

[02420X3]

The Sport Mode suspension changes only apply if your 35i has the Dynamic Handling Package, DHP. Use one of the BMW VIN Decoder sites to get a report on your vehicle. See if S233A Electronic Damper Control is listed.

[wings516]

Nope! Bummer. Still handles pretty nicely!

[The X Men]

There is no headrest tilt adjustment for the MSport's seats either, but you do gain thigh extension with the MSport seats.

[Want the thrill]

In 2011, the X3 came with the option of getting the Sport Activity Package. Pretty much gave you everything the M-sport did, except the changes to the outside of the vehicle. Had you found one with the SAP package, you would have gotten the Sport seats as well as a thicker steering wheel amongst other things.

[wings516]

Originally Posted by The X Men

There is no headrest tilt adjustment for the MSport's seats either, but you do gain thigh extension with the MSport seats.

This is slightly encouraging. Hell, even my old e46 sedan had adjustable head rests with the pleather!

Had you found one with the SAP package, you would have gotten the Sport seats as well as a thicker steering wheel amongst other things.

Bummed a little, but the whole non-standard packaging had me confused. I thought that since the settings had Sport mode adjustments, that might mean it came with it. I think I have the sport wheel? 255 SPORTS LEATHER STEERING WHEEL ?

My options list.

[Roundown]

Originally Posted by wings516

This is slightly encouraging. Hell, even my old e46 sedan had adjustable head rests with the pleather!

Bummed a little, but the whole non-standard packaging had me confused. I thought that since the settings had Sport mode adjustments, that might mean it came with it. I think I have the sport wheel? 255 SPORTS LEATHER STEERING WHEEL ?

My options list.

X35i's come with a 'sport' wheel, regardless of package. Upgrading to SAP or M Sport would add an even 'sportier' wheel.

Seats are worth swapping, IMHO.

[02420X3]

One thing about the '11 35i wih Xenons, which doesn't apply to other years, or to the '11 28i, is that you have both front and rear daytime running lights. If you enable the front DRLs then you automatically enable the rears too.

[woodchuck1]

Originally Posted by wings516

I constantly find myself readjusting the lumbar support and position and irritated I can't adjust my headrest angle.

The headrest issue has been a minor irritant for me since day 1. I noticed it when I first test drove the cars. The head restraint forces my head slightly forward, and there's no possible adjustment to prevent it. It was the same with X3 sport seats or standard seats, and it was also the same in the X1 (I suspect they share the same seats.) Has this been an issue for anyone else? I really hope they put the cushy multiadjustable X5 seats in the next X3.

[VMRWheels]

Great pickup, congrats!

[wings516]

Originally Posted by woodchuck1

The headrest issue has been a minor irritant for me since day 1. I noticed it when I first test drove the cars. The head restraint forces my head slightly forward, and there's no possible adjustment to prevent it. It was the same with X3 sport seats or standard seats, and it was also the same in the X1 (I suspect they share the same seats.) Has this been an issue for anyone else? I really hope they put the cushy multiadjustable X5 seats in the next X3.

This. I don't know if it is testament to bad posture, or what, but my neck just can't find the comfy spot when actually using the headrest.

I wonder if you can interchange the X5 headrests with the X3? I wouldn't see why not... May solve all the issues

Great pickup, congrats!

Thanks!

[kozzi]

Nice pick-up. I will never forget the joy my 2011 SAP brought me.

[wings516]

As an adder to the topic on towing without opening a new thread.... After scavenging the search function and other bmw forums along with multiple guides, here is my assumption. Can somebody either deny or support this?

2011 X3 x35i
GVWR: #5214
CW (includes #150 driver, 100% fuel, oil, all options, etc): #4222
Maximum trailer tow weight: #3500
Maximum Tongue Weight: #350

Lets assume these passenger weights...
D1: #25 (Additional to the included #150)
P2: #140
Backseat Passengers: #320
Cargo: #150
Tongue weight: #350
GVW: #5207

So you are under GVWR with tongue weight included, albeit barely, but you are. It is my assumption, that even if you are only 7 pounds under the GVWR (obviously an independent trailer braking system would be the smart choice), as far as engineering is concerned, the X3 can, and will tow a #3500 trailer with a tongue weight of no more than #350, with adequate performance, correct? From what I have read, the GVWR of the trailer is in no way shape or form calculated into your vehicles GVWR, only the tongue weight. As far as GCVWR, I have no idea how that plays into the equation.

Also, adding the #150 of cargo to the BACK trailer would probably be a smarter decision if you are under your GVWR for the trailer, correct? You are taking away from your GVWR and potentially taking weight off the tongue... right?

[Crashnbrn5]

Originally Posted by nyalpine90

creaking noise from the pano sunroof is very common but there is a fix.
there is DIY thread with pictures to resolve the noise.

buy rubber/silicone pads, place them on tabs where top glass comes down.

congrats!

I had to do the same sh*t... but easy as hell. EVERY x3 does this to my knowledge, POS, lol

[pgviper]

Originally Posted by Crashnbrn5

I had to do the same sh*t... but easy as hell. EVERY x3 does this to my knowledge, POS, lol

I've been wanting to take care of this problem since I drove the car home! My dads E32 735 makes less creaks. Its unbelievable!!!

[Crashnbrn5]

Originally Posted by pgviper

I've been wanting to take care of this problem since I drove the car home! My dads E32 735 makes less creaks. Its unbelievable!!!

lol, Are you coming to the meet?

[pgviper]

Originally Posted by Crashnbrn5

lol, Are you coming to the meet?

I'm going to VT this weekend but the following weekend I should be able to as long as work and wife's schedule clear me to do so.

[Crashnbrn5]

Originally Posted by pgviper

I'm going to VT this weekend but the following weekend I should be able to as long as work and wife's schedule clear me to do so.

Perfect, hope to see you on the 24th... It will be from 7:30/8 till about 11 or 12, so you'll find the time I'm sure. All "Racing" for the big video is being done early to get that done with and out of the way, then talking and BSing after that

[pgviper]

Originally Posted by Crashnbrn5

Perfect, hope to see you on the 24th... It will be from 7:30/8 till about 11 or 12, so you'll find the time I'm sure. All "Racing" for the big video is being done early to get that done with and out of the way, then talking and BSing after that

Sounds good.

OP: Great looking car, I dove into a 2011 X3 xdrive35i a couple months ago and absolutely love the car. Enjoy in good health!