[bigcat_lu]

Interested in X3 35i. It's near thanksgiving, so dealer is discounting 2011 model. I can get 2011 x3 premium + cold weather + technology + satellite radio + root rail for same price as 2012 x3 + premium + cold weather I + premium sound + park assistance + rear view cam.
For 2011 model, the good:
1) Get extra technology package ( of which top view camera is what I want. Not excited about the GPS & BMW assist, I like my Garmin touchscreen).
2) Get rear heated seat since it's in 2011 model's cold weather.

The bad:
1) Color (Black) is not what I preferred (blue, in 2012 customized model).
2) No convenience feature included in 2012 model's premium ( power tailgate, comfort keyless).
3) Less resale value as it's 2011 model. No 0.9% finance rate.

Can anyone comment on these two, whether it's worth to go for 2011 because of its technology package? Can this offset the resale value difference of 2011 vs 2012? Also I heard first year model might be less reliable than 2012.

[April1]

My suggestions would be not to be in hurry for the purchase, buy what you really want it. Don't compromise for few hundreds. Practically 2011 and 2012 models are the same with realignment of options. go for what will give you the max satisfaction.

[mibmwx3]

Unless you're in a hurry, I'd suggest ordering exactly what you want.

[Want the thrill]

I agree with the others. Unless you need the vehicle immediately, I'd custom order it.

[drtdvl]

Agree with e other posters. It also reads like you may be considering the financing option of 0.9% vs whatever BMW is offering.

[dgreene]

Hello, don't know if you would be interested and where you are located but i have a 2011 x3 3.5i all packages including M and sport and all the others that i am considering selling. 1800 miles it is perfect, the wifes car, it is completely loaded, black sapphire metallic which has the blue tint. If you would like to talk send me an email to davis.greene@jetblue.com and will explain details and can give you a nimber to contact. Just to let you no do not need to sell just came out of an 09 Tohoe and looking to get x5 if was to sell. Thanks

[greg2step]

there won't be much difference in resale value - that will be more affected by miles on it. I say if you can live w/ the 2011 on the lot as its equipped, and can make a fantastic deal on it. if not you can probably make a decent deal on a 2012 and get what you want.

It needs to be really worth your while $$$ to take a 2011 that isn't exactly what you want.

part of the fun of buying an X3 is ordering it to spec and getting exactly what you want imho and if by blue you mean deep sea blue - its stunning you may want to order one.


one piece of advice either way - your proposed 2012 spec is for rear view camera and park control but NOT tech package. The tech package gives you NAV and rear/top view camera - where as when you get the camera independently its rear view only. don't pass up the top view camera - its a fantastic feature for parking. its not unique to BMW but its a must have. as for NAV - the system is decent, your garmin may be a little more friendly but it won't help your resale value later and its more likely to get you broken into if you leave it out....so if you to decide to order a 2012, get the full tech package, not just rear camera and pdc....or consider making a deal on the 2011 that has it. while i enjoy having both tech package and convenience key access, the features of tech package are far more must have.....

[jbinbi]

have nav since 2004 built into car. have a garmin and android phone that i use when i rent cars. no comparision, would NEVER get a luxury car, or in fact, any car without built in nav.

[bigcat_lu]

Thanks for all the replies. The technology pkg VS rearview+pdc has difference of ~1800 invoice so looks like I should get the pkg , even if only for the resale.

I can get 2011 for ~2300 under invoice, while for 2012, ~1000 under, including the $500 option credit. Total difference of 2011 black model VS 2012 customized deep sea blue would be ~1000, very similar config.

[Nahoa]

Small fraction of the total price if it matters to you at all to have a particular color or option.