[awaitingbimmer]

I am leaning towards getting a crossover next year.

Waiting to see the new x3.

I would also be new to BMW.

Has anyone driven both sedan and crossover?

What are the main differences?

[kevink1]

The X3 is higher, and feels the wind more than the sedan.

[brissim]

All things being equal (engine, wheels, tyres etc), the sedan - and I assume you are referring to a 3 Series sedan - is the better drivers car because of the lower centre of gravity. The X3 has more room - shoulder room in particular - plus boot space and being higher off the ground is much easier to get in and out of. It really comes down to what your priorities are.

Why not consider a 3 Series wagon? The driving dynamics of the sedan combined with the extra boot space if required. And the wagon looks better than the sedan. And also the 3 Series GT - looses a little on dynamics and looks but with increased ground clearance over the sedan or wagon.

Tony

[awaitingbimmer]

I agree with the lower center of gravity being better but I am leaning towards being a little higher and having a little more room. My Acura tlx lease ends in one year so I have some time to think it over

[Crassus]

The X3 has better interior quality than the 3-Series. However the 3 series is cheaper to the point that some pre-owned can be as little as 50% less than a new one.

On the practicality side? The 3-Series has a big boot but the high loading lip makes it useless of you want occasional hauling capabilities. For that reason I recommend the 4-Series Coupe as it has four doors but the hatchback makes it easier to get things into the boot.

If you buy the 3-Series, get the sports seats. The standard ones offer no support and you slide around if you take any corner enthusiastically.

[kevink1]

Some people find a car easier to get into/out off than a higher vehicle. But I can see where too low might be difficult.

Several years ago when my back was in pain, the pickup was the only vehicle I could get into/out of easily. Bending my head to get into smaller car was difficult. At least I didn't have an issue with climbing up any.

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by kevink1

Some people find a car easier to get into/out off than a higher vehicle. But I can see where too low might be difficult.

As you get older it becomes a lot more difficult to get in and out of a station wagon/sedan because you stiffen up after driving for a while. I sold our F31 320d Sport and purchased an X3 xDrive 30d M Sport after 2 years because of this. Not only is it easier to get in and out of the X3, but the raised driving position affords a far better all round view making it safer to drive IMHO.

[kevink1]

I know that, when I had an Infiniti G35, it was too low for my father, who is now in his 70s. But he thinks my current X3 is too high. His Buick Lucerne is between the 2.

People differ. Look at all the discussions about regular seats. Sports seats. Different sized bodies in them, etc.

[MichiganMike]

My wife and I in our 60s and below average height can get into our 2016 X3 easily. Even my 5' tall 87 year old mother-in-law has no problem with X3 entry and exit.

Both my wife and mother-in-law complained seating in my 2010 535i was too low.

[Peter_R]

Originally Posted by MichiganMike

My wife and I in our 60s and below average height can get into our 2016 X3 easily. Even my 5' tall 87 year old mother-in-law has no problem with X3 entry and exit.

Both my wife and mother-in-law complained seating in my 2010 535i was too low.

Same here. We are in our 70s and been driving for 56 years and stated above the X3 is by far a better proposition for entry and exit. In fact that was the very reason we purchased the X3.

[pokerface]

Aerodynamics more than the weight will impact fuel economy.

[Alfisti]

I am a huge fan of being half pregnant. I think the "in between" product is ideal, so for example ....

- Outback
- V60 Cross Country
- Golf Alltrack
- Original X1
- A4 AVant Allroad

Really is win/win at that ride height.

[FSociety]

Originally Posted by brissim

All things being equal (engine, wheels, tyres etc), the sedan - and I assume you are referring to a 3 Series sedan - is the better drivers car because of the lower centre of gravity. The X3 has more room - shoulder room in particular - plus boot space and being higher off the ground is much easier to get in and out of. It really comes down to what your priorities are.

Why not consider a 3 Series wagon? The driving dynamics of the sedan combined with the extra boot space if required. And the wagon looks better than the sedan. And also the 3 Series GT - looses a little on dynamics and looks but with increased ground clearance over the sedan or wagon.

Tony

My friend Crashnbrn5 had an 2013 X3 35i M-Sport pkg fully loaded for 3yrs (lease) wanted to try something different until next-gem X3 comes out so he got a 335 GT last Nov 2015 and really enjoys it.

OP, I also had a 328 and 335 (07 & 08) so I definitely know where the X3 (i also had for 2yrs) would benefit and its all about your needs. Now I have X4 M40i and less cargo boot than X3 its sportier and i have no regrets the past 3yrs driving a taller car, since I'also 6'3ft.tall convenient and on weekends I'm often with parents in the car and family member so we def enjoy the size and space and the X5 would be too big for my daily needs.

I would def recommend doing a Thorough and even multiple-day (dealership) test-drive of 3 series GT and X3 (both M-Sport and X-Line).

Cheers

[awaitingbimmer]

I think the new x1 is nice but it doesn't offer blind spot or 360 camera.

On BMW blog they say new x3 won't arrive until mar 2018

[Crashnbrn5]

Originally Posted by Maybebuybimmer

I think the new x1 is nice but it doesn't offer blind spot or 360 camera.

On BMW blog they say new x3 won't arrive until mar 2018

Besides that there are like 3 other big things wrong with it. I'm sure you know.

[Crashnbrn5]

Originally Posted by FSociety

My friend Crashnbrn5 had an 2013 X3 35i M-Sport pkg fully loaded for 3yrs (lease) wanted to try something different until next-gem X3 comes out so he got a 335 GT last Nov 2015 and really enjoys it.

OP, I also had a 328 and 335 (07 & 08) so I definitely know where the X3 (i also had for 2yrs) would benefit and its all about your needs. Now I have X4 M40i and less cargo boot than X3 its sportier and i have no regrets the past 3yrs driving a taller car, since I'also 6'3ft.tall convenient and on weekends I'm often with parents in the car and family member so we def enjoy the size and space and the X5 would be too big for my daily needs.

I would def recommend doing a Thorough and even multiple-day (dealership) test-drive of 3 series GT and X3 (both M-Sport and X-Line).

Cheers

Yup. My friend brings some good points.

Listen op. From a straight Performance AND practical standpoint the GT's gonna blow the X3 out of the water. Of course you lose some off-road capabilities and 3 inches of ground clearance but so what I say.

I am excited for the next X3 which will be about 150 pounds lighter and perform even sharper.

Please keep in mind it's a must to get the adaptive suspension if you're a spirited driver.

Being new to Bmw you have no choice but to now start acting like an asshole. Lmao. Smiles per gallon not miles per gallon.

But joking aside. Please test drive these for at least 20 minutes apiece report back to us if you can. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[awaitingbimmer]

Thanks for the info

I will have a lot of test drives to do next year

[Almaretto]

They are different beasts. I have both F15 and F10. I regularly use both and enjoy each for various reasons.

[kpgray]

Originally Posted by Crassus

....If you buy the 3-Series, get the sports seats. The standard ones offer no support and you slide around if you take any corner enthusiastically.

+1

Originally Posted by FSociety

....wanted to try something different until next-gem X3 comes out so he got a 335 GT last Nov 2015 and really enjoys it....

+1, My daughter has the 3GT, it sits a little higher, the rear seat is roomy enough to put 2 rear facing children seats and the power hatchback is has plenty of room for storing.

My other daughter has the pre-LCI X3 (she came from first gen X3). This is a great driver compared to other SUV's. It is not on a truck platform and has the most car like drive and ride. It is easy to get into and maneuver around. Just remember the 3rd gen X3 is slated for 2018. This one is what I will be trying to convince my Wife to get in 24 months. You do not need the 3.5 as the standard engine has ample power so spend your money wisely... I highly recommend the following options:

• M-Sport because of the sport seats and 19" wheels
• Premium Package for the comfort access and moonroof
• Lighting Package for the significantly better headlights
• Cold Weather package for the heated steering wheel & seats
• Harmon-Kardon if you are into louder music ($875)

I know these options tack on $8,000 on list price but these make the vehicle sooo much better! No matter which one you choose, you will do well.

[FSociety]

+1

M-Sprt because of the Sport seats mainly and nicer body kit
Premium a must
Lightning a must, once you go LED u won't go back (Turn Signals are amazingly brighter "safer" since others can see you better)
Sound Upgraded - always!
Surround View camera great for parking in the city or other parking spots!

[Crassus]

Originally Posted by kpgray

[*]M-Sport because of the sport seats and 19" wheels

You can get sport seats and 19 inch wheels with any trim.

My biggest annoyance about M sport is that it only comes with a black head liner which makes the car feel claustrophobic when it in fact has the largest windows in its segment.

[CalCarNut]

I have an F36 (Gran Coupe) and now an F25 X3 to go with it. The X3 is much easier to get in and out and isn't overly 'high'. The ride is nicer (more due to the 17s on the X3 vs the 18" on my GC) as well as the suspension NOT being M. You can feel the weigh of the X3 but still moves out. I don't expect mpg to be impressive but it's a nice vehicle...