[AndyM7777]

I just ordered my first ever BMW (and making my first post to a BMW board )- I've been driving Audis for 10 years and canceled my Q5 order after spending 3k on repairs to my A4 with 50k miles.

I ordered:
X3 35i
Mineral Silver and Oyster with aluminum trim
Convenience, Premium, SAV and Tech packages plus 6NR.
MSRP was 52.5 and I got it for 50. $500 less than Edmunds said to pay.

One small worry is that there wasn't a single car on the lot with this color combination and I haven't seen any forum posts from anyone else that has it.

I must admit that it took a lot of convincing to talk myself into this. I really liked the Q5 but I'm fed up with all of the expensive repairs and don't want to wait 3-4 months to get one - plus I just want to drive something other than an Audi for a change. The only X3s the dealer had were both pretty plain inside (neither had SAV or premium packages) so I'm really banking on the options I got and the aluminum trim jazzing it up.

2 things I debated but ultimately left off were the 19" wheels and the upgraded audio. I had to draw the line somewhere.

[BIMMER UK 76]

Welcome Andy and congrats on your order

I like the looks of the Q5 but IMO it cannot compare for ride and build quality

We have a couple of Audi converts on here already so you shoudl feel right at home

[Want the thrill]

I have Mineral Silver 35i and love it! Here is a link to Sabian's with the same color combo you ordered except for the trim:

http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=536842

There is an M-sport also posted with the Oyster leatherette and same trim you ordered. It'll give you an idea what it will look like. I think you are going to be very happy

[Upgrade15]

I just ordered the Q5...so we should compare notes in 6 months...oh wait, I'll be lucky to have the car by then!

[AndyM7777]

I had ordered a Q5 too. I hope you get yours before 2013. But I will say that I was not at all worried about whether or not I would like the Q5 - they all kind of look the same inside while the X3s can be drastically different based on color and trim and there is no way to really see what it will look like.

Even though I've read lots of threads about the dynamic handling option - I have no idea whether or not mine will have a button on the center console that may or may not do something possibly related to throttle response/shift points, etc... I would have asked the CA but I wouldn't believe either answer. But one thing I am absolutely certain of is that I got all the right smart phone, blue-tooth and iphone apps options included.

[Want the thrill]

Originally Posted by AndyM7777

I had ordered a Q5 too. I hope you get yours before 2013. But I will say that I was not at all worried about whether or not I would like the Q5 - they all kind of look the same inside while the X3s can be drastically different based on color and trim and there is no way to really see what it will look like.

Even though I've read lots of threads about the dynamic handling option - I have no idea whether or not mine will have a button on the center console that may or may not do something possibly related to throttle response/shift points, etc... I would have asked the CA but I wouldn't believe either answer. But one thing I am absolutely certain of is that I got all the right smart phone, blue-tooth and iphone apps options included.

You are going to have the normal, sport and sport + modes on your car. If you read through several threads posted here which do explain it pretty clearly (after some long debates), you will feel a change in the suspension as well as the steering and shift points in sport mode. I promise you that. Getting the sport activity package with the 35i ensures the ability to switch from normal/sport/sport + modes.

[AndyM7777]

I read through a couple of those threads but didn't see a clear answer. Maybe I didn't read far enough but it's not a deal killer for me either way.

Thanks for the links to similar photos. I'd still like to see photos of one with oyster+aluminum+sav if you know of one.

[Powerrunner]

I had the A6 and absolutely love the performance of the BMW hands down. You are going to love the X3, congrats and welcome to the forum and to the X3 team.

[Marmik]

Originally Posted by MrsAdams2007

I just ordered the Q5...so we should compare notes in 6 months...oh wait, I'll be lucky to have the car by then!

Well finally settled on the Q5 then MrsAdams! Well enjoy :-) Audi's are nice too. And the Q5 beats a truck by a mile.

[SomeRandomer123]

BMW is awesome. With a high spec 35i like that, you will not be disappointed!
You will love it

[tuco44]

Originally Posted by Marmik

Well finally settled on the Q5 then MrsAdams! Well enjoy :-) Audi's are nice too. And the Q5 beats a truck by a mile.

Barely................but OK, enjoy your Audi...

[LEDZEP]

Welcome. I think you will be happy with your choice. I test drove a mineral silver and it is a beautiful color. It will look great with oyster.