Anyone tempted to switch from the x3 to the F30 3 series?

torzeck · 02-10-2012, 05:47 PM

I know many of forum members have gone from 3 series cars to the new x3, but i just saw the new F30 in the flesh. It's really beautiful and just more refined. Door bins are lined, it just feels more complete. Of course, utility wise the X3 wins.

Sure, I'm probably just in love with the new.

I'd want one with xdrive and I'd be in breach of my behavior contract with my wife, but aside from that, I kind of want one. Anyone else?

E92LNGCGY · 02-10-2012, 06:10 PM

I wouldn't switch from X3 to the 3er but I would get one to replace the E92. M-Sport to be exact.

fiddy yen · 02-10-2012, 06:16 PM

The new F30 is nice. Got to drive a couple Pre release units a month ago. Drives nice goes pretty good and more features. I would love to have one now because of that.... But personally I still love my X3 35i more.

IF you trade in, be prepared to loose some money on your X3. I would personally wait until you've owned your X3 longer and by then the F30 kinks will also all be worked out. F30 is nice but not worth loosing money over.

OOOSQ · 02-10-2012, 06:20 PM

The whole reason we went the X3 was due to the Mrs wanting a higher driving position (we had a 118i).

3 series was too similar to the 1'er.

I love them however - great looking vehicle and the past few 3 series sedans have fantastic driving dynamics. I'd have one in a heartbeat.

roundtree · 02-10-2012, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by torzeck

I'd be in breach of my behavior contract with my wife, but aside from that, I kind of want one.

Careful treading, as those blasted behavior contracts tend to have steep, painful penalties in some cases. First step is always to make sure your couch is extremely comfortable.

Personally, I was completely sold on the 3-series until I got to drive the X3 instead. The driving experience was very different for me and I was just hooked. I'm sure the F30 will be great, but as others said, wait for iteration #2 at a minimum to let them work out the kinks.

renderfarmer · 02-10-2012, 08:13 PM

The F30 is what got me into the dealer in the first place. Saw it online in November - Needed a car for a job I was starting in January - Was told it wouldn't be out until February (fall 2012 for Xdrive) - Sat in an X3 with M package they had in the showroom and fell in love. Having just seen the F30 I'm very impressed and I think BMW will do very well with them, but I'm not looking back from the X3.

Nahoa · 02-10-2012, 10:07 PM

Not sure I'm in love with the F30 yet, but the X3 has always been a compromise between my love for a 3er and my need for something more SUV. I'm very happy with the F25, but if I didn't have SUV needs I'd switch in a second.

JoeyO · 02-10-2012, 10:33 PM

I'm waiting for both the X3 and 328ix with the N20 engines to be released, before making a decision. I'll test drive both and pick the one I like. Right now, neither is available.

I'm hoping the drive-by-wire delay in the X3 disappears with the new N20 and 8 speed drivetrain.

Archmc · 02-11-2012, 12:53 AM

I do like the new F30. But I would only get one with a xdrive because of the snow. I need a car for my job before summer. So it seems there is no choice left for me. Getting x3 35i, and I am happy with that.

02420X3 · 02-11-2012, 01:53 AM

No temptation. I don't want to sit that low again.

fiddy yen · 02-11-2012, 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeyO

I'm waiting for both the X3 and 328ix with the N20 engines to be released, before making a decision. I'll test drive both and pick the one I like. Right now, neither is available.

I'm hoping the drive-by-wire delay in the X3 disappears with the new N20 and 8 speed drivetrain.

Im sure your local BMW retailer has some F30 328's on ground now. One thing to note though is that the xdrive models do not start production until August. Only RWD's are available for the initial release.

JoeyO · 02-11-2012, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fiddy yen

Im sure your local BMW retailer has some F30 328's on ground now.

Surprisingly, they don't. I was snooping around their parking lot last night and didn't see any F30 328i's.

DJ Daddy-O · 02-11-2012, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02420X3

No temptation. I don't want to sit that low again.

Totally agree.

Nahoa · 02-11-2012, 09:48 AM

Ha! I sort of miss that part. I do like the visibility of the higher X3, but I also miss that low position feeling like I and a set of wheel have been attached to the engine and taking off down a twisty mountain road . . . .

QTPie · 02-11-2012, 09:53 AM

I just went in to the dealer to finalise my (first) X3 specification today and they were holding a new 3 Series launch party (UK dealer). I sat in the X3 and the new 3 Series. I am sure that the new 3 Series is excellent (can't not be!), but not what I am looking for now and just didn't feel as good as the X3.

Horses for courses...

turbotoy4me · 02-11-2012, 09:54 AM

Given the performance, and near 3 series handling. I do not think I could switch. Even though the "3" is gorgeous

Nahoa · 02-11-2012, 10:29 AM

Anyone else thrown a bit by the side view mirrors on the new 3er? They just don't match for me. I like the visibility of the mirror-mounted side signals, but it's also soooo Mercedes that I'd prefer the body-mounted version.

As with other models, they've moved the hood seam up to be a horizontal line several inches over the grill and below the roundel. I'd not pass the car up over it, but I find it highly visually distracting, particularly on lighter colors. I guess the way the did the headlights necessitated the move?

If I were in the market for a sport sedan, I'd buy it in a second, but those things would not be me favorite items.

Back to the thread, I think, the 3er just doesn't get me the flexibility of the X3. For the dogs it's great. Nice for getting groceries, but doesn't feel like a grocery getter. Back seats are far roomier and more easily accessed for guests -- I loved the low sport sedan seating of the 3er, but a lot of times those who road with me found it difficult. I didn't buy the car for them, but I like that the X3 satisfies us both. I like the stealth fast of the X3. Just the other day a nice looking G35 with that cool exhaust note seemed to want to overcome the "grocery getter" zipping around in its midst -- ehhhhhh, failed. (They were not in any way rude, just enjoying the cars.)

fiddy yen · 02-11-2012, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeyO

Surprisingly, they don't. I was snooping around their parking lot last night and didn't see any F30 328i's.

could be hidden in the shop? Im in Canada and we're usually the last to get them. If not they will be there very very shortly.

Drove the production 335 and 328 today. Handled just like the Pre-prods. Can't say the new 3's give me the same "joy" as MY OWN X3 does

dandanio · 02-11-2012, 11:19 PM

F30/M-Sport/xDrive/28i in Estoril Blue, would look like next to the F25 in the garage.

torzeck · 02-11-2012, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dandanio

F30/M-Sport/xDrive/28i in Estoril Blue, would look like next to the F25 in the garage.

I'm with you . I just want both.

fedinand · 02-12-2012, 05:16 AM

will there be a f30 wagon? The new 4 cylinder engine is very intriguing to me...hopefully it will be as mod friendly as VW's 2.0T

JoeyO · 02-12-2012, 11:33 AM

I saw a F30 last night and it was parked directly next to a X3.

Believe it or not, I prefer the looks of the X3. The front end of the F30 looks very busy and everything is squashed/crushed towards the pavement. There's too little surface area for all the different design cues (probably designed by committee?). On the other hand, the nose of the x3 stands upright, bold, and looks very clean. All its design cues blend together very well.

I wish the F30 had the front end of the X3.

02-10-2012, 05:47 PM	#1
torzeck Lieutenant 52 Rep 400 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 35i, 2020 X3 30i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Portland Oregon iTrader: (0)	Anyone tempted to switch from the x3 to the F30 3 series? I know many of forum members have gone from 3 series cars to the new x3, but i just saw the new F30 in the flesh. It's really beautiful and just more refined. Door bins are lined, it just feels more complete. Of course, utility wise the X3 wins. Sure, I'm probably just in love with the new. I'd want one with xdrive and I'd be in breach of my behavior contract with my wife, but aside from that, I kind of want one. Anyone else?
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02-10-2012, 06:16 PM	#3
fiddy yen First Lieutenant 25 Rep 329 Posts Drives: 2012 X3 35i Msport Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Skeetsckatchewan iTrader: (0)	The new F30 is nice. Got to drive a couple Pre release units a month ago. Drives nice goes pretty good and more features. I would love to have one now because of that.... But personally I still love my X3 35i more. IF you trade in, be prepared to loose some money on your X3. I would personally wait until you've owned your X3 longer and by then the F30 kinks will also all be worked out. F30 is nice but not worth loosing money over. __________________ 2008 335i 6MT - Dinan tuned stge 2 1986 325es - SOLD 2012 BMW X3 35i AW on RB Msport - JB3 @ 4.0PSi over stock, 20x9F and 20x10.5R Stance SC-5ive, H&R lowering springs. - SOLD 2006 BMW 330i - //M rep kit with custom exhaust, H&R springs, 19" VMR - SOLD
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02-10-2012, 06:20 PM	#4
OOOSQ First Lieutenant 16 Rep 367 Posts Drives: F85 X5M / CLA45 AMG SB Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0)	The whole reason we went the X3 was due to the Mrs wanting a higher driving position (we had a 118i). 3 series was too similar to the 1'er. I love them however - great looking vehicle and the past few 3 series sedans have fantastic driving dynamics. I'd have one in a heartbeat.
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02-10-2012, 08:13 PM	#6
renderfarmer Enlisted Member 3 Rep 42 Posts Drives: 2012 X3 xDrive35i M Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	The F30 is what got me into the dealer in the first place. Saw it online in November - Needed a car for a job I was starting in January - Was told it wouldn't be out until February (fall 2012 for Xdrive) - Sat in an X3 with M package they had in the showroom and fell in love. Having just seen the F30 I'm very impressed and I think BMW will do very well with them, but I'm not looking back from the X3.
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02-10-2012, 10:07 PM	#7
Nahoa Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,876 Posts Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Not sure I'm in love with the F30 yet, but the X3 has always been a compromise between my love for a 3er and my need for something more SUV. I'm very happy with the F25, but if I didn't have SUV needs I'd switch in a second. __________________ Last edited by Nahoa; 02-11-2012 at 09:21 AM..
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02-10-2012, 06:10 PM	#2
E92LNGCGY Lieutenant Colonel 433 Rep 1,732 Posts Drives: F97/Q5/982 GT4 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	I wouldn't switch from X3 to the 3er but I would get one to replace the E92. M-Sport to be exact.
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02-10-2012, 10:33 PM	#8
JoeyO Captain 208 Rep 814 Posts Drives: silver car Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I'm waiting for both the X3 and 328ix with the N20 engines to be released, before making a decision. I'll test drive both and pick the one I like. Right now, neither is available. I'm hoping the drive-by-wire delay in the X3 disappears with the new N20 and 8 speed drivetrain.
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02-11-2012, 12:53 AM	#9
Archmc New Member 0 Rep 11 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	I do like the new F30. But I would only get one with a xdrive because of the snow. I need a car for my job before summer. So it seems there is no choice left for me. Getting x3 35i, and I am happy with that.
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02-11-2012, 01:53 AM	#10
02420X3 Captain 63 Rep 983 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 35i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	No temptation. I don't want to sit that low again.
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02-11-2012, 09:48 AM	#14
Nahoa Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,876 Posts Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Ha! I sort of miss that part. I do like the visibility of the higher X3, but I also miss that low position feeling like I and a set of wheel have been attached to the engine and taking off down a twisty mountain road . . . . __________________
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02-11-2012, 09:53 AM	#15
QTPie Private First Class 11 Rep 161 Posts Drives: BMW X3 2.0D M Sport Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I just went in to the dealer to finalise my (first) X3 specification today and they were holding a new 3 Series launch party (UK dealer). I sat in the X3 and the new 3 Series. I am sure that the new 3 Series is excellent (can't not be!), but not what I am looking for now and just didn't feel as good as the X3. Horses for courses...
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02-11-2012, 09:54 AM	#16
turbotoy4me Captain 131 Rep 752 Posts Drives: 2020 X5 M50i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Berthoud, CO iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 Porsche Macan ... [0.00] 2017 BMW i3 [0.00] 2020 BMW [0.00]	Given the performance, and near 3 series handling. I do not think I could switch. Even though the "3" is gorgeous
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02-11-2012, 10:29 AM	#17
Nahoa Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,876 Posts Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Anyone else thrown a bit by the side view mirrors on the new 3er? They just don't match for me. I like the visibility of the mirror-mounted side signals, but it's also soooo Mercedes that I'd prefer the body-mounted version. As with other models, they've moved the hood seam up to be a horizontal line several inches over the grill and below the roundel. I'd not pass the car up over it, but I find it highly visually distracting, particularly on lighter colors. I guess the way the did the headlights necessitated the move? If I were in the market for a sport sedan, I'd buy it in a second, but those things would not be me favorite items. Back to the thread, I think, the 3er just doesn't get me the flexibility of the X3. For the dogs it's great. Nice for getting groceries, but doesn't feel like a grocery getter. Back seats are far roomier and more easily accessed for guests -- I loved the low sport sedan seating of the 3er, but a lot of times those who road with me found it difficult. I didn't buy the car for them, but I like that the X3 satisfies us both. I like the stealth fast of the X3. Just the other day a nice looking G35 with that cool exhaust note seemed to want to overcome the "grocery getter" zipping around in its midst -- ehhhhhh, failed. (They were not in any way rude, just enjoying the cars.) __________________
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02-11-2012, 11:19 PM	#19
dandanio The one that drives! 22 Rep 187 Posts Drives: 11 x3 35i/09 Jetta TDI Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	F30/M-Sport/xDrive/28i in Estoril Blue, would look like next to the F25 in the garage.
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02-12-2012, 05:16 AM	#21
fedinand Major 74 Rep 1,271 Posts Drives: '11 X3, '11 GTI Join Date: May 2007 Location: MN iTrader: (6)	will there be a f30 wagon? The new 4 cylinder engine is very intriguing to me...hopefully it will be as mod friendly as VW's 2.0T __________________ The X3 The GTI The Birds The Dogs
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02-12-2012, 11:33 AM	#22
JoeyO Captain 208 Rep 814 Posts Drives: silver car Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I saw a F30 last night and it was parked directly next to a X3. Believe it or not, I prefer the looks of the X3. The front end of the F30 looks very busy and everything is squashed/crushed towards the pavement. There's too little surface area for all the different design cues (probably designed by committee?). On the other hand, the nose of the x3 stands upright, bold, and looks very clean. All its design cues blend together very well. I wish the F30 had the front end of the X3.
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