X5 instead of Replacement X3?

ianfp · 05-08-2017, 04:56 PM

Hi All,
My X3 is 4 years old and although only 21k miles and mint condition, I am thinking about a replacement.

My first thought was a new loaded X3. Then thoughts turn towards the G01, but this may still be some time away. For those of us in the UK there is an another consideration and that is the extra tax on any new car from April this year (above £40K).

I am put off paying the high tax, and my thoughts are turning towards the F15 X5. I have found a low mileage (<2K) Alpine White 3.0D M Sport and although this is above the £40K threshold, it was registered before April and therefore falls into a lower tax bracket.

I really enjoy my X3, but I think the X5 is perhaps the better option for me.

What are your thoughts my fellow X3 drivers?

Ian

MSport_Jon · 05-09-2017, 02:14 AM

i am in the same boat...

have a X3 Xline with ALL options and packages, never driven in the winter and never on a mechanical carwash, always hand washed by me... on 23k miles on a 04/14 build... LCI...

Got word the X3 M40i is comming out and i am considering selling it so that i can buy this M model. if Not a X3 35D will do as well but M Sport this time...

i have tested the new X5 in both 6 benzin, 6 diesel and 8 and it feels like a boat... except for the 8 which felt more like the engine and added equipment made up for some of these deficiencies. just not for me...! too big and too heavy... and it will not fit in most german garages...

Smithy2014 · 05-09-2017, 03:58 AM

I once had a Freelander 2 which is a comparable size to the X3, it went in for warranty work (more than once.....) and I was given a Range Rover Sport for the day, luckily for me I had a meeting over 120 mile away so had a good day driving the RRS - I hated it!!!! It felt too big, I felt I was filling the lane on the motorway, narrow lanes seemed like single lanes, parking was a nightmare as every spot seemed too small I just wasn't comfortable driving it. I guess over time I may get used to it but not for me, I guess the X5 would make me feel the same, the X3 is plenty big enough for me so would have no need to go bigger.

Jon Fi · 05-09-2017, 10:00 AM

In parallel to us buying a new X3 earlier this year our neighbor bought a nex X5 which allowed for a good comparison. Initially I was under the same impression of 'too big' but I must admit that I like ithe X5 much better than our new X3.
The extra space for passengers is great, the seats even without the M package offer very good seating quality and the entire refinement inside appears so much better. If the loss in value of the X3 in the first year would not have been so 'impressive' I would have loved to trade in the X3 in a heartbeat.

exon · 05-10-2017, 10:24 AM

The current gen X5 isn't much change from the last gen (in terms of the chassis). So the large turning radius problem still persists.

But I do think X5 is a more desirable vehicle than the X3 if size is not a problem, more space, more quiet, more stable. X3 always feel a bit narrow and tippy to me and after 3 years it has much creaks and rattle...

Fast4d · 05-10-2017, 12:17 PM

we came off a 2008 X5 4.8 into our current X3 2.8

X5 rides great and handles amazing. but every seal in the engine will leak by 100k. water pump and other plastic will fail way before 100k. what finally did us in was the immobilizer failed leaving us stranded. 2nd time. not under warranty....

did I mention the 15mpg?

X3 returns 23mpg plus at least 80% of the space. inline 4 is also alot easier to work on (by me) but we have another 4 years of warranty.

ba ba boosh · 05-10-2017, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by exon

The current gen X5 isn't much change from the last gen (in terms of the chassis). So the large turning radius problem still persists.

But I do think X5 is a more desirable vehicle than the X3 if size is not a problem, more space, more quiet, more stable. X3 always feel a bit narrow and tippy to me and after 3 years it has much creaks and rattle...

My F25 reminds me of my old E90 330i, but the E90 had sport package and rack and pin steering, which had incredible tightness in steering and control. The F25 has electrically assisted (soft steering) and brakes are not that good, I'm not sure because of the overall more weight or smaller brakes.

Crassus · 05-11-2017, 06:04 AM

The X5 is more indulgent than the X3 and feels more luxurious, not to mention the heavenly comfort seats. I love the way it drives and the higher seating position but its too bulk for the shops, roads and parking places I frequent.

Last week a new Q7 parked next to my X3 and I feel dwarfed by how it occupied the full width of the parking bay but also protruded several inches past three nose of my car.

ianfp · 05-12-2017, 12:34 PM

I have just bought a 2016 X5 M sport 3.0D with low mileage.

I will be very sorry to see my faithful X3 go and I will miss this forum. It has been a great place for all kinds of interesting discussions and friendly advice. I still have my X3 for a week, so don't bar me from this forum just yet

Northandy · 05-12-2017, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ianfp

I have just bought a 2016 X5 M sport 3.0D with low mileage.

I will be very sorry to see my faithful X3 go and I will miss this forum. It has been a great place for all kinds of interesting discussions and friendly advice. I still have my X3 for a week, so don't bar me from this forum just yet

Interested to know how you get on with it, my x3 just turned 2 and an x5/x6 is starting to creep into my thoughts

ianfp · 05-12-2017, 04:34 PM

Here is an iPhone photo for anyone that is interested.

Crassus · 05-12-2017, 11:44 PM

Congrats. Greats exterior spec. How are you liking the ride and comfort compared with the X3?

ianfp · 05-13-2017, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crassus

Congrats. Greats exterior spec. How are you liking the ride and comfort compared with the X3?

Thanks Crassus - I have only driven it for half an hour or so on dual carriageway and semi-rural roads. It feels smoother over bumps and rides very nicely. It has adaptive suspension as standard, but I was concentrating too much on the road to know if I had it enabled. I drove in comfort and sport modes. Surprisingly, it didn't feel too dissimilar to the X3, just bigger!

It should be ready for me to collect next week!

Northandy · 05-13-2017, 06:14 PM

That looks great, I'm definitely fancying one of these next time

ianfp · 05-14-2017, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Northandy

That looks great, I'm definitely fancying one of these next time

I could have bought a brand new X3, but with a new model on the horizon AND the big jump in road tax, I decided that this was my best alternative.

MSport_Jon · 05-14-2017, 05:59 AM

congrats... looks nice..!

ianfp · 05-14-2017, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSport_Jon

congrats... looks nice..!

Thanks MSport_Jon

PX3 · 05-15-2017, 02:31 AM

Very nice ian, you're going up in the world!

Last year I did an off road experience at Goodwood in an X5 and absolutely loved it. The car itself (4.0d) was awesome and if it wasn't for the Mrs, I would definitely get one.

Enjoy your new car, I'm sure you will love every minute.

ianfp · 05-15-2017, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PX3

Very nice ian, you're going up in the world!

Last year I did an off road experience at Goodwood in an X5 and absolutely loved it. The car itself (4.0d) was awesome and if it wasn't for the Mrs, I would definitely get one.

Enjoy your new car, I'm sure you will love every minute.

Thanks a lot PX3, I am hoping I will love every minute!

Driving home in my X3 today I felt a little sad, because it is still such a great car and in mint condition. I will be sad to be driving it to the dealer for the last time Thursday all being well.

ianfp · 05-15-2017, 04:10 PM

At least I will have this to look forward to:

kevink1 · 05-15-2017, 04:30 PM

And here I would be more tempted to go smaller. I've had a few 3 series as loaners, and my needs have changed.

However, I plan to go ahead and get an extended warranty instead, and keep my 3 year old car at least until 7 years, and close to 100,000.

05-08-2017, 04:56 PM	#1
ianfp Lieutenant 144 Rep 560 Posts Drives: X5 40D M Sport Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	X5 instead of Replacement X3? Hi All, My X3 is 4 years old and although only 21k miles and mint condition, I am thinking about a replacement. My first thought was a new loaded X3. Then thoughts turn towards the G01, but this may still be some time away. For those of us in the UK there is an another consideration and that is the extra tax on any new car from April this year (above £40K). I am put off paying the high tax, and my thoughts are turning towards the F15 X5. I have found a low mileage (<2K) Alpine White 3.0D M Sport and although this is above the £40K threshold, it was registered before April and therefore falls into a lower tax bracket. I really enjoy my X3, but I think the X5 is perhaps the better option for me. What are your thoughts my fellow X3 drivers? Ian
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05-09-2017, 02:14 AM	#2
MSport_Jon Captain 126 Rep 615 Posts Drives: X3 F25 LCI /// F80 M3 (SOLD) Join Date: May 2013 Location: Bavaria, Germany iTrader: (2)	i am in the same boat... have a X3 Xline with ALL options and packages, never driven in the winter and never on a mechanical carwash, always hand washed by me... on 23k miles on a 04/14 build... LCI... Got word the X3 M40i is comming out and i am considering selling it so that i can buy this M model. if Not a X3 35D will do as well but M Sport this time... i have tested the new X5 in both 6 benzin, 6 diesel and 8 and it feels like a boat... except for the 8 which felt more like the engine and added equipment made up for some of these deficiencies. just not for me...! too big and too heavy... and it will not fit in most german garages...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-09-2017, 03:58 AM	#3
Smithy2014 Second Lieutenant 50 Rep 219 Posts Drives: X3 2.0d msport Auto Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Midlands iTrader: (0)	I once had a Freelander 2 which is a comparable size to the X3, it went in for warranty work (more than once.....) and I was given a Range Rover Sport for the day, luckily for me I had a meeting over 120 mile away so had a good day driving the RRS - I hated it!!!! It felt too big, I felt I was filling the lane on the motorway, narrow lanes seemed like single lanes, parking was a nightmare as every spot seemed too small I just wasn't comfortable driving it. I guess over time I may get used to it but not for me, I guess the X5 would make me feel the same, the X3 is plenty big enough for me so would have no need to go bigger. __________________ Now - LC1 20d Carbon Black Gone - F25 20d Space Grey
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05-09-2017, 10:00 AM	#4
Jon Fi New Member 0 Rep 13 Posts Drives: BMW X3 x28i Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Scottsdale iTrader: (0)	In parallel to us buying a new X3 earlier this year our neighbor bought a nex X5 which allowed for a good comparison. Initially I was under the same impression of 'too big' but I must admit that I like ithe X5 much better than our new X3. The extra space for passengers is great, the seats even without the M package offer very good seating quality and the entire refinement inside appears so much better. If the loss in value of the X3 in the first year would not have been so 'impressive' I would have loved to trade in the X3 in a heartbeat.
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05-10-2017, 10:24 AM	#5
exon Private First Class 25 Rep 132 Posts Drives: 2014 X3 35i Jet Black! Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	The current gen X5 isn't much change from the last gen (in terms of the chassis). So the large turning radius problem still persists. But I do think X5 is a more desirable vehicle than the X3 if size is not a problem, more space, more quiet, more stable. X3 always feel a bit narrow and tippy to me and after 3 years it has much creaks and rattle... Last edited by exon; 05-10-2017 at 10:31 AM..
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05-10-2017, 12:17 PM	#6
Fast4d Captain 267 Rep 885 Posts Drives: 325 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: So cal iTrader: (0)	we came off a 2008 X5 4.8 into our current X3 2.8 X5 rides great and handles amazing. but every seal in the engine will leak by 100k. water pump and other plastic will fail way before 100k. what finally did us in was the immobilizer failed leaving us stranded. 2nd time. not under warranty.... did I mention the 15mpg? X3 returns 23mpg plus at least 80% of the space. inline 4 is also alot easier to work on (by me) but we have another 4 years of warranty.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-11-2017, 06:04 AM	#8
Crassus Lieutenant 229 Rep 547 Posts Drives: 19' G20 X3 20i & 19' M140i Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: England iTrader: (0)	The X5 is more indulgent than the X3 and feels more luxurious, not to mention the heavenly comfort seats. I love the way it drives and the higher seating position but its too bulk for the shops, roads and parking places I frequent. Last week a new Q7 parked next to my X3 and I feel dwarfed by how it occupied the full width of the parking bay but also protruded several inches past three nose of my car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-12-2017, 12:34 PM	#9
ianfp Lieutenant 144 Rep 560 Posts Drives: X5 40D M Sport Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I have just bought a 2016 X5 M sport 3.0D with low mileage. I will be very sorry to see my faithful X3 go and I will miss this forum. It has been a great place for all kinds of interesting discussions and friendly advice. I still have my X3 for a week, so don't bar me from this forum just yet
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-12-2017, 04:34 PM	#11
ianfp Lieutenant 144 Rep 560 Posts Drives: X5 40D M Sport Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Here is an iPhone photo for anyone that is interested. Attached Images
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05-12-2017, 11:44 PM	#12
Crassus Lieutenant 229 Rep 547 Posts Drives: 19' G20 X3 20i & 19' M140i Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: England iTrader: (0)	Congrats. Greats exterior spec. How are you liking the ride and comfort compared with the X3? Last edited by Crassus; 05-12-2017 at 11:58 PM..
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05-13-2017, 06:14 PM	#14
Northandy Second Lieutenant 12 Rep 245 Posts Drives: BMW X3 3.0d M Sport Join Date: May 2012 Location: Stockton on tees iTrader: (0)	That looks great, I'm definitely fancying one of these next time
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05-14-2017, 05:59 AM	#16
MSport_Jon Captain 126 Rep 615 Posts Drives: X3 F25 LCI /// F80 M3 (SOLD) Join Date: May 2013 Location: Bavaria, Germany iTrader: (2)	congrats... looks nice..!
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05-15-2017, 02:31 AM	#18
PX3 Lieutenant 140 Rep 594 Posts Drives: X3 / F32 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: South East iTrader: (0)	Very nice ian, you're going up in the world! Last year I did an off road experience at Goodwood in an X5 and absolutely loved it. The car itself (4.0d) was awesome and if it wasn't for the Mrs, I would definitely get one. Enjoy your new car, I'm sure you will love every minute.
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05-15-2017, 04:10 PM	#20
ianfp Lieutenant 144 Rep 560 Posts Drives: X5 40D M Sport Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	At least I will have this to look forward to: Attached Images
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05-15-2017, 04:30 PM	#21
kevink1 Second Lieutenant 23 Rep 253 Posts Drives: 2015 X3 xDrive28d Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Oklahoma iTrader: (0)	And here I would be more tempted to go smaller. I've had a few 3 series as loaners, and my needs have changed. However, I plan to go ahead and get an extended warranty instead, and keep my 3 year old car at least until 7 years, and close to 100,000.
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