ANy more experience with the 13 X3 28i?

heverlee · 04-12-2012, 08:48 PM

Trumpeter68 might be the first on the planet to give some heads up.

Any new owners else with some more input?

thanks

swag · 04-13-2012, 08:32 AM

X3 Impressions coming from an X5 so far.

The start/stop feature will take time to get used to.
My wife doesn't not like the start/stop feature.
It can be disabled by pushing the "off" button next to the start button.
You will need to disable every time you start the car.

Steering is super light unless you select "sport" mode on eco pro.
You can also select sport mode by flipping the trans lever to the left.
Not sure what the differences are between "sport" mode on eco or flipping the lever to the left.

Steering wheel feels a little thin/skinny.
Should have opted for Sports Package but I really just wanted the bigger wheels. (now standard)

This is only day 3 so still getting used to it.
Overall I like so far and don't miss the extra space the X5 provided.

Ask questions and I'll answer best I can.

My Specs:
Space Gray/Beige/N20
Convenience Package
Cold Weather Package
Panoramic roof
Roof rails

heverlee · 04-13-2012, 11:30 AM

thanks a lot for the reply.

How does the N20 feel compare the the I6? I assume you did some test drive on 2012 28i?

Also, do you know if the window trim would be aluminum (instead of black) when you select roof rail?

Mind the post some pics of your beast?

Quote:

Originally Posted by swag

X3 Impressions coming from an X5 so far.

The start/stop feature will take time to get used to.
My wife doesn't not like the start/stop feature.
It can be disabled by pushing the "off" button next to the start button.
You will need to disable every time you start the car.

Steering is super light unless you select "sport" mode on eco pro.
You can also select sport mode by flipping the trans lever to the left.
Not sure what the differences are between "sport" mode on eco or flipping the lever to the left.

Steering wheel feels a little thin/skinny.
Should have opted for Sports Package but I really just wanted the bigger wheels. (now standard)

This is only day 3 so still getting used to it.
Overall I like so far and don't miss the extra space the X5 provided.

Ask questions and I'll answer best I can.

My Specs:
Space Gray/Beige/N20
Convenience Package
Cold Weather Package
Panoramic roof
Roof rails

FX3OK · 04-13-2012, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swag

X3 Impressions coming from an X5 so far.

The start/stop feature will take time to get used to.
My wife doesn't not like the start/stop feature.
It can be disabled by pushing the "off" button next to the start button.
You will need to disable every time you start the car.

Steering is super light unless you select "sport" mode on eco pro.
You can also select sport mode by flipping the trans lever to the left.
Not sure what the differences are between "sport" mode on eco or flipping the lever to the left.

Steering wheel feels a little thin/skinny.
Should have opted for Sports Package but I really just wanted the bigger wheels. (now standard)

This is only day 3 so still getting used to it.
Overall I like so far and don't miss the extra space the X5 provided.

Ask questions and I'll answer best I can.

My Specs:
Space Gray/Beige/N20
Convenience Package
Cold Weather Package
Panoramic roof
Roof rails

Just a comment on the 28i standard steering wheel feel. I also find it thin and "slippery". I dont like the feel of it and should have opted for the sport wheel. My veh is: late model 2012 28i.

Can it be switched to the sport wheel?

lbjgh · 04-13-2012, 11:59 AM

Yes, there was a discussion about swapping steering wheels somewhere.

While test driving different models I immediately noticed the difference in steering wheel 'girth' between the 28i and 35i.

The upgraded steering wheel was included on the 28i with one of the packages IIRC.

The Msport wheel is thicker again... I just hope it doesn't feel too thick.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FX3OK

Just a comment on the 28i standard steering wheel feel. I also find it thin and "slippery". I dont like the feel of it and should have opted for the sport wheel. My veh is: late model 2012 28i.

Can it be switched to the sport wheel?

swag · 04-13-2012, 12:37 PM

I actually never test drove the X3 I6 so I can't attest to the difference.
I haven't really felt any downsides to the N20 compared to my X5 I6.
The engine feels peppy but I've been holding back while it breaks in.
Attached is a photo

heverlee · 04-13-2012, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swag

I actually never test drove the X3 I6 so I can't attest to the difference.
I haven't really felt any downsides to the N20 compared to my X5 I6.
The engine feels peppy but I've been holding back while it breaks in.
Attached is a photo

this car looks gorgeous. The new wheel looks much sexier than the 2012.

Thanks for the infor about the engine. that was the biggest concern I have for a while.

heverlee · 04-13-2012, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swag

X3 Impressions coming from an X5 so far.

My Specs:
Space Gray/Beige/N20
Convenience Package
Cold Weather Package
Panoramic roof
Roof rails

what was the final price for your X3?
thanks

JulieDriving · 04-22-2012, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lbjgh

Yes, there was a discussion about swapping steering wheels somewhere.

While test driving different models I immediately noticed the difference in steering wheel 'girth' between the 28i and 35i.

The upgraded steering wheel was included on the 28i with one of the packages IIRC.

The Msport wheel is thicker again... I just hope it doesn't feel too thick.

I test drove an '12 28i with the regular steering wheel and then sat in an X3 35i with the M Sport steering wheel and wow.......

It's thick alright. I'm even wondering if it's thicker than the steering wheels on, say, the M3 or 1M. But I just love it. And I have small hands! I suspect you'll like very much. Looks top quality.

kskpsu · 04-22-2012, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JulieDriving

I test drove an '12 28i with the regular steering wheel and then sat in an X3 35i with the M Sport steering wheel and wow.......

It's thick alright. I'm even wondering if it's thicker than the steering wheels on, say, the M3 or 1M. But I just love it. And I have small hands! I suspect you'll like very much. Looks top quality.

Same wheel, minus the paddle shifters (and colored stitching) on manual M cars like the 1M. It's as thick as they come, like steering your car with a summer sausage.

stactum · 04-23-2012, 10:46 AM

I have my experience to share as well! We (my wife and I) are totally new to the brand so bear with me! The X3 is my wife's primary vehicle.

On Saturday (April 21) we picked up our 2013 X3 xDrive28i with N20 engine.
It has:
Premium Package
Convenience Package
Cold Weather Package
MSRP: $45,395

We have only about 200 miles on it so far, but I have some things to share. Both my wife and I did test drive 2012 I6 X3 and to us throttle lag was very evident, she was very concerned about it but I kind of convinced her that N20 won't be hesitant at start and it is not. In fact, it's pretty snappy and in fact I don't miss extra 2 cylinders! It doesn't have the sound of I6 and it kind of sounds like a diesel from outside, but in the inside it's very quiet.

Few things that I've noticed:
- we have black inserts on the kidney grille - it's probably something BMW changed for 2013, i know 2012 28i had silver inserts.
- I don't think it has Sport+ mode, it has only 3 modes: Eco Pro - Comfort - Sport
- Leather - well, it's not really a leather. I took off headrests on the back to install car seats - there are holes for the mount poles and it's clear that it is not actual leather. I will call BMW at some point to make sure they explain why they charge $1,450 for nicer leatherette. Well, unless headrests made from a different material, what I doubt.

Without any break in period I got about 25mpg in mixed driving - I pushed it a couple of times, not to the redline but a little.

Thanks!

stactum · 04-23-2012, 10:51 AM

Pictures!

lbjgh · 04-23-2012, 12:29 PM

stactum, nice write up about your new wheels! I think many 'traditional' BMW owners will be pleasantly surprised by the performance of the new n20.

BTW you car looks great!

Quote:

Originally Posted by stactum

I have my experience to share as well! We (my wife and I) are totally new to the brand so bear with me! The X3 is my wife's primary vehicle.

On Saturday (April 21) we picked up our 2013 X3 xDrive28i with N20 engine.
It has:
Premium Package
Convenience Package
Cold Weather Package
MSRP: $45,395

We have only about 200 miles on it so far, but I have some things to share. Both my wife and I did test drive 2012 I6 X3 and to us throttle lag was very evident, she was very concerned about it but I kind of convinced her that N20 won't be hesitant at start and it is not. In fact, it's pretty snappy and in fact I don't miss extra 2 cylinders! It doesn't have the sound of I6 and it kind of sounds like a diesel from outside, but in the inside it's very quiet.

Few things that I've noticed:
- we have black inserts on the kidney grille - it's probably something BMW changed for 2013, i know 2012 28i had silver inserts.
- I don't think it has Sport+ mode, it has only 3 modes: Eco Pro - Comfort - Sport
- Leather - well, it's not really a leather. I took off headrests on the back to install car seats - there are holes for the mount poles and it's clear that it is not actual leather. I will call BMW at some point to make sure they explain why they charge $1,450 for nicer leatherette. Well, unless headrests made from a different material, what I doubt.

Without any break in period I got about 25mpg in mixed driving - I pushed it a couple of times, not to the redline but a little.

Thanks!

clivem2 · 04-23-2012, 12:39 PM

In Europe 4 pot models get black grills, 6 pot get silver.

KingX · 04-23-2012, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stactum

I have my experience to share as well! We (my wife and I) are totally new to the brand so bear with me! The X3 is my wife's primary vehicle.

On Saturday (April 21) we picked up our 2013 X3 xDrive28i with N20 engine.
It has:
Premium Package
Convenience Package
Cold Weather Package
MSRP: $45,395

We have only about 200 miles on it so far, but I have some things to share. Both my wife and I did test drive 2012 I6 X3 and to us throttle lag was very evident, she was very concerned about it but I kind of convinced her that N20 won't be hesitant at start and it is not. In fact, it's pretty snappy and in fact I don't miss extra 2 cylinders! It doesn't have the sound of I6 and it kind of sounds like a diesel from outside, but in the inside it's very quiet.

Few things that I've noticed:
- we have black inserts on the kidney grille - it's probably something BMW changed for 2013, i know 2012 28i had silver inserts.
- I don't think it has Sport+ mode, it has only 3 modes: Eco Pro - Comfort - Sport
- Leather - well, it's not really a leather. I took off headrests on the back to install car seats - there are holes for the mount poles and it's clear that it is not actual leather. I will call BMW at some point to make sure they explain why they charge $1,450 for nicer leatherette. Well, unless headrests made from a different material, what I doubt.

Without any break in period I got about 25mpg in mixed driving - I pushed it a couple of times, not to the redline but a little.

Thanks!

Nice write-up. Wonder why they switched to the black grille for the 28i in 2013

clivem2 · 04-23-2012, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingX

Nice write-up. Wonder why they switched to the black grille for the 28i in 2013

Because it's a 4 cylinder engine would be my guess.

heverlee · 04-23-2012, 05:55 PM

nice pics. I order the same package except the cold weather one.

is your wheel the standard one? I had an impression the standard one was on the thin side (from my last test drive) but yours looks thick

I did hear some engine noise on the day I drove the 2013 plus quite some wind noise above 75mph. not sure if this was due to the windy weather or not.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stactum

I have my experience to share as well! We (my
wife and I) are totally new to the brand so bear with me! The X3 is my wife's primary vehicle.

On Saturday (April 21) we picked up our 2013 X3 xDrive28i with N20 engine.
It has:
Premium Package
Convenience Package
Cold Weather Package
MSRP: $45,395

We have only about 200 miles on it so far, but I have some things to share. Both my wife and I did test drive 2012 I6 X3 and to us throttle lag was very evident, she was very concerned about it but I kind of convinced her that N20 won't be hesitant at start and it is not. In fact, it's pretty snappy and in fact I don't miss extra 2 cylinders! It doesn't have the sound of I6 and it kind of sounds like a diesel from outside, but in the inside it's very quiet.

Few things that I've noticed:
- we have black inserts on the kidney grille - it's probably something BMW changed for 2013, i know 2012 28i had silver inserts.
- I don't think it has Sport+ mode, it has only 3 modes: Eco Pro - Comfort - Sport
- Leather - well, it's not really a leather. I took off headrests on the back to install car seats - there are holes for the mount poles and it's clear that it is not actual leather. I will call BMW at some point to make sure they explain why they charge $1,450 for nicer leatherette. Well, unless headrests made from a different material, what I doubt.

Without any break in period I got about 25mpg in mixed driving - I pushed it a couple of times, not to the redline but a little.

Thanks!

tanstudio · 04-23-2012, 09:28 PM

Just got a call from my sales saying my 2013 X3 28 arrives today in dealership, I can pick it up this Wednesday and will let you know.

sbt007 · 04-23-2012, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tanstudio

Just got a call from my sales saying my 2013 X3 28 arrives today in dealership, I can pick it up this Wednesday and will let you know.

please report on the black grille as well. Personally, I prefer the silver grille.

stactum · 04-24-2012, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by heverlee

is your wheel the standard one? I had an impression the standard one was on the thin side (from my last test drive) but yours looks thick

It is standard steering wheel. It's actually not bad at all, I also thought it's going to be thinner.
No engine noise as far as I can tell. Pretty quiet at 80mph. Engine noise might be there if dealer uses regular gasoline, not premium (one dealer where I test drove I6 used regular).

When I saw the black grille first I thought I'll change it to silver (dealer said it very inexpensive, a little over $60), but I think I am getting used to that and actually like it - and my car doesn't have silver accents so it works well.

tanstudio · 04-24-2012, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbt007

please report on the black grille as well. Personally, I prefer the silver grille.

Mine is silver, correct me if I am wrong, with Premium package, the front grille is silver

lbjgh · 04-24-2012, 11:52 AM

I wonder is the black grill is a US/Europe thing.

The below info is for the Canadian car....

Quote:

Originally Posted by tanstudio

Mine is silver, correct me if I am wrong, with Premium package, the front grille is silver

04-12-2012, 08:48 PM	#1
heverlee Private 15 Rep 56 Posts Drives: X3 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: AZ iTrader: (0)	ANy more experience with the 13 X3 28i? Trumpeter68 might be the first on the planet to give some heads up. Any new owners else with some more input? thanks
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04-13-2012, 08:32 AM	#2
swag New Member 3 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW X3 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Alexandria VA iTrader: (0)	X3 Impressions coming from an X5 so far. The start/stop feature will take time to get used to. My wife doesn't not like the start/stop feature. It can be disabled by pushing the "off" button next to the start button. You will need to disable every time you start the car. Steering is super light unless you select "sport" mode on eco pro. You can also select sport mode by flipping the trans lever to the left. Not sure what the differences are between "sport" mode on eco or flipping the lever to the left. Steering wheel feels a little thin/skinny. Should have opted for Sports Package but I really just wanted the bigger wheels. (now standard) This is only day 3 so still getting used to it. Overall I like so far and don't miss the extra space the X5 provided. Ask questions and I'll answer best I can. My Specs: Space Gray/Beige/N20 Convenience Package Cold Weather Package Panoramic roof Roof rails
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04-13-2012, 12:37 PM	#6
swag New Member 3 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW X3 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Alexandria VA iTrader: (0)	I actually never test drove the X3 I6 so I can't attest to the difference. I haven't really felt any downsides to the N20 compared to my X5 I6. The engine feels peppy but I've been holding back while it breaks in. Attached is a photo Attached Images
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04-23-2012, 10:46 AM	#11
stactum Private 11 Rep 73 Posts Drives: 340i xDrive M-Sport Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Sussex, WI USA iTrader: (0)	I have my experience to share as well! We (my wife and I) are totally new to the brand so bear with me! The X3 is my wife's primary vehicle. On Saturday (April 21) we picked up our 2013 X3 xDrive28i with N20 engine. It has: Premium Package Convenience Package Cold Weather Package MSRP: $45,395 We have only about 200 miles on it so far, but I have some things to share. Both my wife and I did test drive 2012 I6 X3 and to us throttle lag was very evident, she was very concerned about it but I kind of convinced her that N20 won't be hesitant at start and it is not. In fact, it's pretty snappy and in fact I don't miss extra 2 cylinders! It doesn't have the sound of I6 and it kind of sounds like a diesel from outside, but in the inside it's very quiet. Few things that I've noticed: - we have black inserts on the kidney grille - it's probably something BMW changed for 2013, i know 2012 28i had silver inserts. - I don't think it has Sport+ mode, it has only 3 modes: Eco Pro - Comfort - Sport - Leather - well, it's not really a leather. I took off headrests on the back to install car seats - there are holes for the mount poles and it's clear that it is not actual leather. I will call BMW at some point to make sure they explain why they charge $1,450 for nicer leatherette. Well, unless headrests made from a different material, what I doubt. Without any break in period I got about 25mpg in mixed driving - I pushed it a couple of times, not to the redline but a little. Thanks!
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04-23-2012, 10:51 AM	#12
stactum Private 11 Rep 73 Posts Drives: 340i xDrive M-Sport Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Sussex, WI USA iTrader: (0)	Pictures! Attached Images
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04-23-2012, 12:39 PM	#14
clivem2 Colonel 541 Rep 2,073 Posts Drives: X3 M40i Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	In Europe 4 pot models get black grills, 6 pot get silver. __________________ Current: G01 M40i Silver / Tartufo Previous: E30 318iS, E39 520i 523i 523i, E46 vert 330i 330i, E93 vert 335i, F25 30D 35D
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04-23-2012, 09:28 PM	#18
tanstudio Enlisted Member 2 Rep 33 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW X3 28 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Just got a call from my sales saying my 2013 X3 28 arrives today in dealership, I can pick it up this Wednesday and will let you know.
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