[Rainbow_007]

Originally Posted by clivem2

Make sure you switch it into sport mode or at least move the stick to the side.

Well, that's a standard option even on 20d, isn't it or do you mean that where I'll feel the power of 30d?

[clivem2]

Originally Posted by Rainbow_007

Well, that's a standard option even on 20d, isn't it or do you mean that where I'll feel the power of 30d?

You'll get best response that way.

[Rainbow_007]

Originally Posted by clivem2

You'll get best response that way.

Got you, thanks!

[Rainbow_007]

xbimmers, here are a couple of more questions:

1. I saw maintenance costs being mentioned for 30d. Can you guys please help me understand what kind of extra maint. costs are we looking at compared to 20d?

2. For guys in UK, what kind of discounts were able to negotiate with your dealer? I just want to get an idea for example here in Spain the dealer offered about 7% so do you see bigger % in UK or smaller than this?

[Rodion]

Originally Posted by swamp

I had a 20d on order with auto and metallic paint (amongst other options), but I upped it to a 30d last month. It was an effective £4K upgrade, but one that I believe will be well worth it and will hold its value in years to come. It's also an upgrade I can't really afford, but I will save money in other areas of my life like buying own-brand Cornflakes, or something like that!

X3 30d SE due March 2012

Interesting! I checked what would cost upgrade for my ordered 2.0d -> 3.0d and with similar options 3.0d was 15k€ more expensive.

Phew... too much for my budget. I will stick with my 2.0d order.

[Rainbow_007]

Originally Posted by Rodion

Interesting! I checked what would cost upgrade for my ordered 2.0d -> 3.0d and with similar options 3.0d was 15k€ more expensive.

Phew... too much for my budget. I will stick with my 2.0d order.

Just coming back from the dealer and info I got re 3.0d is that it's not an easy sell and that he had two which were sitting in his garage for 6 months and finally he had to sell 'em reducing the price to 2.d. So that's a NO NO for me. I'm sticking with the 2.0d considering the resale market here.

Another point is that the speed limit around here 120 k/h for which 2.0d should be more than enough don't you guys think? After all, what's the point of all the extra hp if I'm not going to be utilizing it...

[clivem2]

Originally Posted by Rainbow_007

Just coming back from the dealer and info I got re 3.0d is that it's not an easy sell and that he had two which were sitting in his garage for 6 months and finally he had to sell 'em reducing the price to 2.d. So that's a NO NO for me. I'm sticking with the 2.0d considering the resale market here.

Another point is that the speed limit around here 120 k/h for which 2.0d should be more than enough don't you guys think? After all, what's the point of all the extra hp if I'm not going to be utilizing it...

What a difference a market makes! You could probably sell a new 3.0D for over list price in the UK.

As for speed, it's not about top speed, it's about the acceleration.

[cheesebag]

I know... little if any discount in the UK. I've just sold a house in Lanzarote and hardly anything of large value is selling over there or on the mainland either at the minute (I was lucky)! try and push for as much discount as you can!!!!

[dnw]

Originally Posted by cheesebag

I know... little if any discount in the UK.

There are very good deals to be had in the UK if you do your homework and are prepared to shop around.

[Rainbow_007]

Guys, question is still up re maintenance cost of 3.0d vs 2.0d? Even if i don't go for the 3.0d, it would still be worth knowing. thanks

[dnw]

Originally Posted by Rainbow_007

Guys, question is still up re maintenance cost of 3.0d vs 2.0d? Even if i don't go for the 3.0d, it would still be worth knowing. thanks

Do they not have service packs in Spain? in UK its £350 for 5 years, money well spent.

[Rainbow_007]

Originally Posted by dnw

Do they not have service packs in Spain? in UK its £350 for 5 years, money well spent.

Will have to check but what does this money get you there; the service and oil included or just the labor and you pay for the oil?

Also, when high maint. cost is mentioned is it more on oil change or other things come into picture as well?

[Rainbow_007]

Originally Posted by clivem2

What a difference a market makes! You could probably sell a new 3.0D for over list price in the UK.

Yea it's weird but I'm still checking with other dealers to see if I get more to favor the 3.0d.

Originally Posted by clivem2

As for speed, it's not about top speed, it's about the acceleration.

Thanks I see your point so it's actually the pickup (acceleration) that would make difference. I'm sure I'll enjoy it but my concern is that I don't wanna end up having to sell it for the price of 2.0d.

[Rainbow_007]

Dear All,

I want to close this thread by thanking all of you for your valuable input and answering my concerns to help me make the wise decision!

I placed the order today after a couple of days of intensive analysis with various options and between 2.0d and 3.0d engines. The final decision was made after visiting local BMW dealers to get sense of the market here, the sales trend and lastly the insurance cost.

Here's what I ordered:

X3 xDrive20d SE
• Space Gray w/ Red Brown Nevada leather
• Automatic Gearbox
• Servotronic Steering
• Windscreen with grey shade band
• Sun protection glass
• Ext. mirrors - folding, auto dimming
• Split-folding rear seats
• Xenon headlights
• Bluetooth hands-free with USB audio interface
• Brushed aluminum trim
• sun blinds
• Y spoke style 17" tires (standard in 3.0d)

The initial est. deliver on paper is May 15th but I was told to expect it before May. Now the long wait begins…