[robotrenegade]

Well, its about that time. My wife needs a new vehicle for our growing family. Looking to lease a 2011 X3 and have a few questions.

- Should I get one now or wait till Oct (2012 models)
- I'm not a big fan of the standard or Sport wheels (on 28i)
- 28i or 35i

Packages we want
Alpine White w/Mojave
-Prem
-Cold
-Convenience
-Sport
-Tech

[Mako]

I agree about the wheels, I like the 35i wheels much better.

as far as waiting for 2012 models, here is my opinion

-if you are buying, wait
-if you are leasing (which it looks like you are) there is no need to wait because you don't care about trade in value down the road! bad thing for you is there aren't any great lease deals on the X3 right now, and won't be for another year or two (new hot car).

only reason to wait on a lease is if you want the new 28i engine (turbo i4) or holding out for the 35D engine (some think it will come out for 2012 models, others don't)

[robotrenegade]

Originally Posted by Mako

only reason to wait on a lease is if you want the new 28i engine (turbo i4) or holding out for the 35D engine (some think it will come out for 2012 models, others don't)

So the 2012 wont look any different? Just engine change.(maybe) What the miles per gallon difference between 28i or 35i? Also I heard the 35i isn't much faster. Is that true?

[tuco44]

Also I heard the 35i isn't much faster. Is that true?

What do you care, it's just a "baby wagon" anyway......

[Mako]

Originally Posted by robotrenegade

So the 2012 wont look any different? Just engine change.(maybe) What the miles per gallon difference between 28i or 35i? Also I heard the 35i isn't much faster. Is that true?

well for the current engines, the MPG is exactly the same! reason is the 35i is just a turbo version fo the 28i.

now as far as speed, there is a pretty major difference, depends on what you view as speed but for a baby wagon 0-60 is your best measure and there is over a 1 second difference between the two engines (I think some magazine tested the 35i at 5.3 and the 28i will be around 6.7)!

for a 2011 model I would go 35i all the way (especially if leasing), for 2012 if there are new engines its a lot tougher choice.

[ismelllikepoop]

I think the mpg difference is pretty much a wash, until i suppose the newer i4 engine comes out. I do think that the 28 engine is more than capable, and definitely quick especially for a baby hauler, but it just doesnt quite have the legs when pushed harder. I did come from an m3 so i wanted something a bit faster so i went with the 35. The best description i can think of is it reminds me a lot of the last gen cayenne turbo which ive driven quite a bit. The only issue i have with the 35 is that the response is a bit laggy in regular drive mode, but that sharpens up in sport. what has me intrigued is the x3m

[Want the thrill]

35i all the way. Test drive the 28i & then the 35i and you'll notice a big difference. Floor it and you'll be hooked.

[fvfvsix]

Hey - your color choices are exactly the same as our X3.

As for engines... go 35i and don't look back. Well, you can, because you'll be leaving a lot of other drivers back there.

[beerfan]

If its a baby wagon a HIGHLY recommend the rear window shades.

[turbotoy4me]

I have to agree with the posts here. I ordered the 35i engine and would suggest it for you also. Even if you do not use all the power often it is nice to have it when you need/want it, or when the baby is not in the car and you want to blow away some of the faster sports cars for fun..

[robotrenegade]

What should my payments be w/ 12k miles and 3,500 down?

[lhsa]

lease rates are terrible for x3's. you're looking at 600 - 650 pre tax for your build.

i couldn't stomach the terrible lease rates and ended up buying and paying only $100 or so more each month and the car will be fully paid in 2 additional years.

i would also recommend m-sport if you're fully optioning the X3.

[buckeyebill]

Originally Posted by lhsa

i would also recommend m-sport if you're fully optioning the X3.

Just wondering what you mean here? So a fully optioned sport package with DHP is different? From my understanding M sport is pretty much a body kit outside of the sport susp. delete, No?

[lhsa]

in addition to the substantial cosmetic enhancements, m-sport includes performance control and sport auto transmission. as far as i can tell, the chassis becomes stiffer in sport mode vs. normal.

i looked at the cost of SAP and DHP and realized that with just $350 more you gain a host of enhancements at the expense of only variable steering and DHP. trade off was worth it for me because i can't stand the black trim on regular x3's.

[Powerrunner]

Both the 28i and 35i are great performing eng., as for me after test driving both I went with the 35i. I would see what is our best lease option and go with that.

[turbotoy4me]

If you currently have a BMW and can meet the credit requirements the interest rate for BMW financing is lower than the lease rates. If you look at an amortization schedule you should be better off in 3 years with the purchase. I am going with the purchase for those reasons even though I have leased for several years. Good luck!

[lhsa]

even better than bmw financing is penfed. 2.49% up to 60 months.

[robotrenegade]

Deal:
48,000 build
3,500 down
Best offer I could find is 650 a month
12,000 miles a year
3 year lease

I'm going to wait till dec to look again. These prices seem high for an x3. Plus at this time we may still have twins. If that's the case we're getting a x5

[lhsa]

not surprising. residuals and money factor both stink right now.