[cc3]

Have had a test drive in an auto 2.0d and was impressed, however felt it just lacked a little bit of overtaking ability. Can't find a dealer with a bigger engine diesel to test. I note from reading the forum some people feel there is not a lot of difference in performance between the 2 and 3 litre diesel?? BMW figures show it being a decent bit quicker. The trade off on fuel in the real world from what I can read on the forum is 35 v 40 mpg (UK). Any help would be appreciated, wish BMW would make a wider range of demos available. Guess the 2.0 d is very popular in UK and that's why dealers tend to have that model as a demo.

[clivem2]

If you are driving just briskly then the 2.0D feels fine. Ask it to do that little bit more and you discover there is no more. This is where the 3.0D and 3.5D take over. I get 37mpg quite easily once the engine is warm and I drive sensibly. I've had 47mpg over almost 200 miles but I was only doing 60.

[troggy1969]

I went through the choice and went for the 3.0. Nothing in fuel cost in real terms, about 175 a year if you do 10,000 miles (if you can afford a 40k car 175 is nothing), 50 extra for the insurance and you get far better performance and a smooth 6 rather than a slightly noisy 4. Servicing still the same price and if you add auto and metallic you are only looking at a few thousand on the price.

I don't reget getting the 3.0, the only question is, do you want a 35D

[RSchneider]

No-brainer. 30d, or if you can get it: 35d.
20d only for strictly urban driving.

[kingbadger]

I'm with troggy1969. I had a 2.0D on test for a day (about 80 miles) and a 3.0D (MSport) for a whole weekend on a 300 mile round trip. My take away was that the 3.0D had much more grunt! Especially noticeable at everyday speeds on UK A roads trying to get past slower traffic. The 3.0D take-off is really impressive and noticeably faster. Although I didnt really want to spend the extra, I wanted the auto box anyway (extra on the 2.0D here) which reduced the real difference, and I just thought I would regret "what might have been" for ever If I went for the 2.0D.

Both are good, but I doubt you'd regret getting the 3.0. You might regret not getting the 3.5.......

[Alligator69]

Originally Posted by RSchneider

No-brainer. 30d, or if you can get it: 35d.
20d only for strictly urban driving.

I have a 2.0d. I honestly would have taken the 3.0d but taxes and diesel costs here, plus insurance would make a consistent difference here in Italy.

This said, I feel I'm less tempted to push down on the throttle with this X3 rather than with the previous 320d I had. And the difference between the 177 and the current 184Hp engine can be felt even with much more weight on. It's nice to drive with some attention and get 15-16 km per liter, or even more if driving in the range of 70 to 90 km/h. Long range driving is very comfortable up to 140-150 kmh (or little more...) where possible by road laws... bit noisy but it's more on the aerodynamics than on the engine. Clearly I miss the regularity and smoothness of the 6 cylinders against the slightly rough 4.

One thing that I don't like much is the lag when you need to overtake, but I think it's not turbo-lag but rather something relevant to the "drive by wire" technology. Maybe something that a good software update could improve.

[dnw]

I think it's all been said already. 30d and above are amazing engines. Overtaking is effortless and performance off the mark is stomach-leaving-behind-brilliant. 20d is fine, but not fun. 30d/35d will leave a huge smile on your face, and isn't that why we drive BMWs?

I could never go back to a 4-pot diesel now...

[brissim]

This is my first BMW and the 30d is the main reason I'm driving an X3. There is simply nothing special about the 20d engine that sets its apart from any other similar diesel offerings from competitors. I've said it before, but if the 30d wasn't available in our market, I'd be driving an XC60 D5. Even if it means saving up for another 6 months or whatever, go for the 30d. As said above - its a no brainer.

Tony

[Horsey]

Haven't tried the 20d or 30d ... But the 35d is awesome ... And that's what I am having!

... if they ever get round to building it!

[Cropwell]

When I was looking at placing my order the dealer only had a 2.0d.I ended up driving an X6 3.0d as a comparison!
Really no comparison, the 3.0d is much better- you get what you pay for. If you want an auto then 3.0d SE price comparison is closer and includes metallic paint.
2.0d is adequate for pottering around and motorway cruise but no real get up and go for overtaking on A roads.
Probably not much difference in fuel consumption in real world driving as with 2.0d you will need to work the engine quite hard.

[swamp]

The 30d is very refined and I think it is probably quieter than the 20d at idle and low revs. Otherwise it is probably no different from a 20d in 'normal' use. When you do need some power it can take some time for the engine to respond (turbo lag + efficiency programming), but once it does wake up a monster is unleashed! The delivery is brutal and the sound fantastic.

This power is great for overtaking on A roads, but the lag can make it a little difficult on a busy motorway when you just want a quick boost to change to a faster lane.

[clivem2]

Sport sorts most of the lag but the big turbo can be slow to respond, that's what the 35D does better.

[Bill S]

I had to wait quite a long time for my 3.0d - very glad I did. It really is a no-brainer.

The effortless acceleration has to be experienced to fully appreciate. No way could I ever be happy with a 2.0d now but that's only because I've driven the 3.0d.

[troggy1969]

It's all about power.

It's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it!!!!

My thought for the day

[cc3]

Thanks for all the helpful information. Think this has made up my mind to go for the 3.0d probably SE spec.
Deep Sea Blue
Oyster
Prof Nav
DAB
Business speakers
Xenons
Front seat heating
Not sure which wheels yet, see the 17 inch don't have run flat so better ride??

Tempted by M Sport but my dealer seems to say delete sports suspension so partly defeats the object

At the end of the day will come down to price, some members appear to have done well quoting 7% discount in the UK. Anyone with recent experience??

Thanks again

[Cropwell]

I got about 6.5% discount and dealer has agreed to hold PX value until car arrives hopefully End june/July. Did the deal mid March.
Of course it all depends on PX value they give you if it is not a cash deal.
Went to other dealers/car brokers to check what PX value before I did the deal. Try and get them to throw in a service pack and overpriced paint protection for free.
The deal you will get will depend on a number of factors, model you are ordering-expect more on 3.0/35D,dealer sales targets, time of the month and of course your negotiating skills ! - Good luck.

[clivem2]

Originally Posted by gaz26

Thanks for all the helpful information. Think this has made up my mind to go for the 3.0d probably SE spec.
Deep Sea Blue
Oyster
Prof Nav
DAB
Business speakers
Xenons
Front seat heating
Not sure which wheels yet, see the 17 inch don't have run flat so better ride??

Tempted by M Sport but my dealer seems to say delete sports suspension so partly defeats the object

At the end of the day will come down to price, some members appear to have done well quoting 7% discount in the UK. Anyone with recent experience??

Thanks again

Why delete the sports suspension? It's really good, if you like sporty handling then you need it. The ride is more controlled too, it's not at all rough, just taught.

When I tried an SE without sport suspension I found it had a slight floating sensation which I didn't care for. I prefer taught, but not hard suspension. It's down to your preferences. Sport Suspension with 17 inch non-RFTs could be a good match.

[khaiql]

Obviously the 3.0L diesel if you can afford it. I test drove the 2.0L diesel and felt it was almost too laggy off stand-still and not much oomph when on the move either. The 3.0L felt more normal and also not as clattery as the smaller engine (only audible when accelerating whereas the 2.0L can be heard ticking along even with steady cruising).

I've moved on from a VW 2.0L turbo-petrol Jetta and found the 3.0L diesel actually not as responsive even though the 30D should be slightly faster. Admittedly, I've only just got the X3 and the engine in the Jetta has been worn in so hopefully the X3's engine will free up quickly.

[clivem2]

Originally Posted by khaiql

Obviously the 3.0L diesel if you can afford it. I test drove the 2.0L diesel and felt it was almost too laggy off stand-still and not much oomph when on the move either. The 3.0L felt more normal and also not as clattery as the smaller engine (only audible when accelerating whereas the 2.0L can be heard ticking along even with steady cruising).

I've moved on from a VW 2.0L turbo-petrol Jetta and found the 3.0L diesel actually not as responsive even though the 30D should be slightly faster. Admittedly, I've only just got the X3 and the engine in the Jetta has been worn in so hopefully the X3's engine will free up quickly.

Is your comparison with the 30D in sport mode....the character changes so much when you hit sport, it's a different car.

[Yeltzer]

It all depends on what you can afford. If you can afford the 30d, great. I would rather have a 20d with lots of toys than a 30d poverty spec.

The 20d was just as brisk as my current E90 320d which has easily more than sufficed on UK roads

[RSchneider]

Originally Posted by gaz26

...

Not sure which wheels yet, see the 17 inch don't have run flat so better ride??

Tempted by M Sport but my dealer seems to say delete sports suspension so partly defeats the object

...

Optically that M package doesn't improve the looks. But that's personal taste.

Important question is: Adaptive dampers yes/no? If you reside in an area with crappy roads go for adaptive dampers and 18" (no 17" with the 30d as far as I'm aware). If the roads are good the normal setup is more than sporty enough; after all it's still a SUV, not a sports car.

[khaiql]

Originally Posted by clivem2

Is your comparison with the 30D in sport mode....the character changes so much when you hit sport, it's a different car.

I haven't tried it in Sport mode yet as I literally only just got the X3 today and I was advised that you are supposed to be gentle with the brakes and throttle in the first 1000 KMs. Nevertheless, I still felt my VW was at least as quick (and obviously much smoother being petrol) than the X3 after test driving the 30D. Also getting used to recalibrating my brain to the weaker brakes in the X3, although I have heard many people say that the Jetta's brakes are very sensitive and over-assisted. Don't get me wrong, I still adore the X3