[DJ Daddy-O]

So I have read on this forum over the last few weeks that a number of people who had the 1st gen X3 believe BMW has gone soft with the new one, and how they miss their previous car. The 1st gen X3 was pretty much universally slated by the automotive media. I never drove one.

But this got me thinking (dangerous I know, but it's ok I was lying down at the time) what car did everyone own prior to their new X3, and how do they compare. Does anybody actually wish they still had their old car ??

To kick us off - I had a Merc C180k sport saloon. Overall, my X3 is a way better car. I really notice the extra engine power (about 20% more than my old car) and the X3 ride is superb in comparason. I have a lot better spec on my new car so I am enjoying that. I also love the higher driving position, although for some reason cant get the steering wheel setting just how I like it - going to have to stop messing with it and just get used to a new position.

The Merc was much better at surpressing traffic and wind noise so was much quieter in the cabin and the quality of the paintwork was excellent - very resistant to scratches, whereas my X3 is less so (ouch). The lower door panels were also covered - I know there has been much debate about these, but my bigger issue is not the look but the fact the inside of the bins are not covered with anything - bring on the rattle as soon as anything is put in them. Very poor.

My Merc (black metallic with body styling) looked the muts nuts when cleaned and waxed. My X3 is shiny but doesn't have the same wow factor. The space grey is however the compromise I was after as it hides the dirt well.

Do I miss my Merc - not even in the slightest way.

[Harplayr]

I came from a first generation X3 which I got after lemoning a 2010 Outback.

History:
I had a 2004 X3 that I traded in on the new re-designed Subaru Outback. The Outback has a problem that there is no fix for where it develops the shakes at highway speeds. It also handles like a pig.
I filed a lemon law suit, and then purchased a 2010 X3.

I was happy with the first generation X3 and had planned to keep it for a long time until I attended the X3 experience event and drove the new generation X3. My dealer gave me a fantastic deal I couldn’t pass up on so I made the trade.

This new X3 is a better fit for me in just about all respects. I find the seats more comfortable, the updated styling to my liking, the new electronics superior, quieter, more up-scale and the ride quality vastly improved. The only thing it doesn’t do better than the old X3 is in cornering, but even that change is slight IMO.

In the end it was the improvement in ride quality that sold me. I live in an area where most roads are poorly constructed concrete with expansion joints that the old X3 would bounce on. The new X3 goes over these expansion joints much more smoothly.

[Radioactive]

Ford Freestyle

Since everybody else in my family drove a bimmer I was shamed into getting rid of the Ford.

Combo of my two favorite cars Capri II and Jeep Liberty. Couldn't be happier!

[smoothmoka]

Just got my x3 this Monday... I had an '04 330ci ZHP and a '07 Rav4 (i was very happy with the 2 cars) but last March, I had an accident with the Rav4...make a long story short I decided to just have 1 car and sell my ZHP as well. Love the X3 but I honestly miss my ZHP driving dynamics and the "care-free" feel on the Rav4 (didn't care as much if I scratched it or dirty cargo, hehe). Every morning, I tell myself I did the right thing...I guess the thing that bothers me most is I had 2 cars that I enjoyed but now I only have 1...I just gotta get over it and enjoy my x3.

[Le Chef]

I'm contemplating the total car shuffle. Getting rid of my wife's Mazda 3, getting rid of my Jaguar XFR. Replacing her car with the X3. Replacing my car with an old 911. We need an all weather practical vehicle that can do long distances, can be parallel-parked easily in town, and is fun to drive. Hence the X3. And as I take public transport to work everyday the 911 becomes the dedicated fun weekend car.

[tuco44]

My most recent car was a '07 328xiTouring that I took in a trade-down from my '09 M3 Sedan. I knew the new X3 was coming, so traded my M3 last Sept and drove the Touring thru the winter. The Touring was not big enough for my needs, thus wasn't a long-term keeper.

The M3 was sort of a "bucket list" thing; and I really enjoyed it. Had it just over a year, but was not practical in the longer term. Glad I did it - a truly awesome car with the 4L V8...

I am really enjoying the new X3. It is a great mix of fun to drive, and practicality. I am glad I got the 35i MSport as it makes my giving up the M3 a bit easier to take.

[mtlcruisin]

Coming from 2005 Cayenne S.

Brakes - I'm coming from one of the best braking systems on an SUV, so it's really not fair. The Cayenne, while weighing substantially more, had amazing brakes. However, in the winter, with the larger weight, the car did slide.

In terms of handling, the cayenne wins by a landslide. I'm an aggressive driver, so I really took the car to the extreme, testing it in the country on winding roads and city driving. The suspensions are quite different, the BMW is pretty rough, not that I care so much, but it's noticeable.

Engine - yes the BMW wins here, but only if driven in DS. Although I did test drive the 2011 Cayenne S, and the new engine in the car does not have the lag the BMW does. But both vehicles are fairly even if you switch the bmw to DS mode.

From handling turns, to brakes, to overall ride performance, I downgraded. However, I am still happy with my choice in the X3. It's a fun car to drive, and I'm sure if I had driven a Honda CRV or something beforehand, then I'd be way more impressed with the performance. The X3 offers GREAT bang for your buck, and that's what I was after this time around. I'm starting a family soon, getting married, and didn't want to waste the extra 20k needed to build the Cayenne.

[sblove]

I had a 2004 325i and a 2006 Range Rover before deciding to buy my X3. I LOVED my 3-series, as it was a fun little car to drive. It worked great for commuting in the years I had it. The Range Rover is a car I love and it was the perfect travel car, especially considering the dog. It had the room we needed for camping trips or road trips, as well as enough space for everyone and everything.

So, in a sense I upgraded and I downgraded by buying the X3, so I think it's kind of a wash. I don't really miss the 3-series as much as I thought I would because I think the X3 handles very nicely, almost non-SUV (sorry, SAV) like. I do like the better handling around turns compared to the RR and of course, the better gas mileage. It's quite nice to fill up every 10 days for $65-70 vs. once a week for $100+. The X3 sports seats (I had these on my 325i) are extremely comfortable, I really like the large NAV screen, the panorama sun roof, and the list goes on.

So yes, I am happy with my choice and have no regrets. I got the space I need, as well as the efficiency of a smaller vehicle. 2-in-1. I have Alpine White, which looks very nice, especially when clean

[sfax]

Golf GTI so can’t really compare fairly on power and handling because of the weight and size difference. Needed the extra doors in the back and the extra space for family. Also wanted the higher driving position for my back so the X3 ticked all of the boxes.

One thing that you can compare is the techie stuff and although it’s not a fair comparison because the Golf was produced 4 years earlier, the BMW wins hands down (particularly with pro nav). Also fuel economy better on the X3 despite the extra weight which is a bonus.

The sound the doors make when you close them suggests better build quality than the GTI. Also much prefer the TiAg paintwork to the very fragile and hard to clean pearlescent black paint. Both had xenons. BMW’s look much cooler .

GTI's 2 litre petrol turbo engine a lot quieter and I miss the turbo growl a little

[ZipSpeed]

Coming from a 2006 Subaru Forester XT. Pretty much a huge upgrade in every way. The Forester has plenty of pep but lacks the tech and driving experience the X3 has.

[Theepz]

Came from 2009 Merc C350 to 2011 X3 35i... love it... faster than C350. love the interior and all the tech stuffs. needed the SAV, made a great choice

[BIMMER UK 76]

Good thread!

Came from a E60 5 series 520d manual saloon and prefer the X3 for raised driving position, all wheel drive, versitility for family/luggage, 8 speed auto

both had virtually the same engine and F25 has slightly improved performance versus E60, less mpg but I guess it is driving 4 wheels versus 2

No regrets here, would go for 30d in a couple of years though

[Boy_with_Joy]

Moved to 2011 x35i MSport from a 2010 328xi. The 328xi is a sluggish joy killer in D mode and a sporty yet gas guzzler in the DS mode. Took the hit on depreciation and traded it in with less than 3K miles on it.

[Want the thrill]

QUOTE=Boy_with_Joy;9745767]Moved to 2011 x35i MSport from a 2010 328xi. The 328xi is a sluggish joy killer in D mode and a sporty yet gas guzzler in the DS mode. Took the hit on depreciation and traded it in with less than 3K miles on it.[/QUOTE]

So you didn't end up selling your M-sport after all? I didn't think you were going to keep it?

[MA78]

Last car was an '09 328i. Would still be driving it if not for the woman in the bronze Odyssey who ran a red light. Before that I drive a Mini Cooper S, and a Subaru WRX. I bought the X3 (35i, DHP, ZPT) because I thought that it was the closest thing to a true sport wagon that BMW offered. Plus, it's a stunning car. Looks matter.
I've had the car since January and I'm really enjoying it. It handles as good as my 3 series did (sorry, can't say the same for X3s without DHP) and it's fast as hell. My only complaint is sluggish throttle when it's not in Sport mode.

[fedinand]

Came from a '07 335i - The X3 is familiar, but has better interior than the 3 series. The X3 actually seems to get better gas mileage in the city. The 335i was tuned - so am losing some performance in the X3, but it more than makes up for it with the increased utility, tech features, and I love the way it looks.

[Nahoa]

Came from the combo of an '06 330i and a Toyota 4Runner (V8). My wife and I love the 3 series sedans and have owned 4. Found we needed more of a utility vehicle for dogs and things. Our former Mini Cooper S had actually served that role well. In order to avoid having three cars (2 3 series sedans and a utility) we went for the X3 35i as a "combo". Had driven the previous X3 and really not liked it (sorry to those of you who did!). I'm really enjoying this car, though. It's not as capable as the sedan in aggressive cornering, but it's close enough that I'm a happy camper. The engine/turbo blows away the 330i in terms of general get up and go -- and I thought that car offered a lot for the price. Comfort is excellent. Newer gadgets are fun. Love the cameras. Wish I had 6NR, though. Like the xDrive for the bits of bad Winter weather we have. I do enjoy the high, but not too high, viewpoint during traffic. Works great for the dogs and such. I'd still love to drive the 330i, but I don't actually miss it like I did when driving the 4Runner (or however you spell that).

[Santa69]

Traded in a 2004 E83 with 147k. What an improvement! And I liked my old car enough to keep it for seven years. Still trying to avoid running into people when I step on the gas to pass

[ando]

My x35i replaced my 2007 328i 6MT joining my 2011 A4 Q 6MT. The power and sound is amazing. I also believe that it handles better than the Audi. I got my BMW in late January so it was good for a few Iowa snowstorms. My previous BMW replaced a 2005 Grand Cherokee. For some reason I am proud it is made in the US.

[NYC_340i]

I traded in my 2006 ML350 for an x3 with is in production. I loved my Mercedes, it had a 270hp V6 in it. I saw the x3 in a commercial and was facinated by the design. So I went to the dealership and brought a 28i with almost everything on it. Sacrificed power for features. Overall I'm happy with my decision. I'm thinking about selling my 2007 Honda Odyssey Touring, hate driving in it LOL I feel like a soccer mom.

[Irish-Texan]

.

[BMW FINALLY!]

The lease is up on my 2008 Infiniti EX35 AWD Journey. My second build 2011 X3 28i should be here this week. I didnt take the first one I ordered that arrived last month because I forgot to order it with the Premium HiFi system. Did not realize it until it was already in production. I did not want to spend three years regretting it. Love my EX 35. However, they need to add more options to it for future builds. Power tailgate would be nice as well as more technology. I will miss the speed though. My 28i will have a little less power. My EX 35 is fast.