[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by bimmernic

Many congratulations, johnbmw6.

How would you compare the handling of the X3 to your 550i, leaving aside the higher CG and power difference?

In addition, you mentioned that you had, prior to deciding on the X3, also tested the Cayenne V6 and indicated that the X3 creamed the Cayenne. Would you have arrived at the same conclusion if the Cayenne had comparable power to the X3? Or, in other words, if the Cayenne and the X3 had similar power/torque, would you still prefer the handling of the X3?

Many thanks.

The handling is good enough, in fact in sport steering only is excellent.
If the Porsche had the same engine I would have preferred it overall.

The fit and finish is better but at a price.
PS) the power of the 35D engine is great, I showed a few cars the way and once i let them past they just gave the thumbs up.

[JOHNBMWM5]

Just come back from my weekend away, 550 Miles up now, economy 40.7 MPG cruising @ motorway speeds 75/80 MPH.
Car drives great no faults so far and NO rattles.

[gemuk]

Originally Posted by johnbmw6

Just come back from my weekend away, 550 Miles up now, economy 40.7 MPG cruising @ motorway speeds 75/80 MPH.
Car drives great no faults so far and NO rattles.

I'm glad you're loving your new motor John (especially after the dodgey start) - I'm still very envious of you!

My dealer got their first X3 35d m sport in this week, and I took it out for a little spin today - OMG I LOVE THIS CAR!! I can't wait until next March for mine to arrive.

[MattUK]

Good to hear John!

Sadly I can't agree on the internet, its far too slow to be of any use with the built in SIM.. or are you connecting to a 3G phone?

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by MattUK

Good to hear John!

Sadly I can't agree on the internet, its far too slow to be of any use with the built in SIM.. or are you connecting to a 3G phone?

Mine seems a bit quicker than "Slow" but not fast by any means, it passes time while the wife shops though

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by gemuk

I'm glad you're loving your new motor John (especially after the dodgey start) - I'm still very envious of you!

My dealer got their first X3 35d m sport in this week, and I took it out for a little spin today - OMG I LOVE THIS CAR!! I can't wait until next March for mine to arrive.

I hope yours is trouble free, it should be by then. I am impressed so far.

[bimmernic]

Originally Posted by johnbmw6

The handling is good enough, in fact in sport steering only is excellent.
If the Porsche had the same engine I would have preferred it overall.

The fit and finish is better but at a price.
PS) the power of the 35D engine is great, I showed a few cars the way and once i let them past they just gave the thumbs up.

Thanks. I take it that, handling wise, the X3 does not give up much to the Cayenne.

Sounds like you are enJOYing the ride

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by bimmernic

Thanks. I take it that, handling wise, the X3 does not give up much to the Cayenne.

Sounds like you are enJOYing the ride

It handles BETTER than the Cayenne and is sharper. Loads more performance too, no comparison in those respects.
The cayenne is better fit/finish and thats it.

[clivem2]

Let's be honest here, you don't get something for nothing. The X3 for what it is is quite light. It has great engines too. The result is good handling and performance. Ultimately though the lack of weight can be felt as a SLIGHT lack of solidity. It's a compromise I'm ok with as performance and handling with good economy are what I want.

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by clivem2

Let's be honest here, you don't get something for nothing. The X3 for what it is is quite light. It has great engines too. The result is good handling and performance. Ultimately though the lack of weight can be felt as a SLIGHT lack of solidity. It's a compromise I'm ok with as performance and handling with good economy are what I want.

Yep me too, the Cayenne is an expensive cruiser and not as sporty as the BMW.

[JOHNBMWM5]

After 4000 miles ( as written in another thread) Economy has settled @ 38MPG out of town 35MPG mixed town work and 35 MPG Booting it.

nothing close to BMW claims.
After the gentle running and use experience, I settled for "driving normally"
for me thats accelerate at any opportunity to sensible cruising speeds, and boot down on clear roads.