[BitStream]

Uncle called me and told me about some great lease deals going on for the X3. Anyone have any experience with this car? I'm looking for some opinions.

[shimshimhada]

It's been said, if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all.

[Squawks]

Hahah, that's cold, shim. Bitstream - if you search the forums you'll find that most posts regarding the X3 will be negative ones. They heap praise on the X5, however.

[mrbelk]

I'll offer a word of praise for the X3. I got one for my wife last year, an X3 3.0. She loves it. The driving position is great; the handling is very solid (we did one of those "Ultimate Driving Experience" autocross events with X3's and that sold us); the fit and finish is top shelf; and the materials in the MY2005 and newer vehicles are just as good as in the E46 3er that I had. Ride quality is very good; not nearly as bad as some of the talking heads would have you believe.

Anyway, I think the X3 is a great little trucklet. Don't forget also that to get the hp/weight ratio that the X3 3.0 has you would have to get an X5 4.4.

-MrB

[ward]

it's a decent truck, but the features and quality are a step behind the 3 series

[E90X3]

We have an X3....had an e46 which was traded for e90.

In terms of an SUV it is probably the best - although it is gives a harsh ride when compared with an explorer yet feels solid.

the E46 was the most comfortable ride, with the e90 a distant second. I think the runflats are giving the harsh ride or perhaps it is moving from 16" wheels on e46 to 17" wheels on e90....no i think it is the runflats they are not 'comfortable'.

I digress.....before buying the X3 don't think for a moment you are getting a sedan ride - it is definately a harsher ride especially for passengers....take it for a long drive on a secondary rode and really feel it you will like the ride - once our lease is up we will not get another one. Also it is surprisingly small cargo space and for the money i'd get a 3 or 5 sedan xi if you want all wheel....finally it is a bit sluggish expecially up hills (and loud) the 3.0 engine just has trouble pulling the extra 700lbs over a sedan....

[BitStream]

hmmm ... I was hoping for a little more positive feedback to be honest.

Going to test drive it this weekend with the wife. We were going to order this one in blue, sport/premium, xenons and navi.

I have to say -- a little dissapointed no i-drive. I'm very interested to see how the navi interface is. Also the storage space concerns me. I remember when I was waiting for my car to be prepped I was looking at the X3 and thinking to myself it doesn't have ALL THAT MUCH MORE storage capacity than the 3.

Problem is, with the deal currently going on we can pick this up for about 365/mo on a 2 year lease. Cheapest X5 isn't going to come close - and I can't stand getting cars without all the goodies.

[Discodancingrover]

I've had them as loners twice. I was really surprised it was a BMW. The ride wasn't that great and it just seemed very loud. I know it's one of their base cars, but the 325 is much more quieter and much nice. The leather also feels really cheap to me. I know it's an SUV, but it seems to be a little quieter than my old land rover that was lifted and had mud tires. My mom was going to get one then rode in the loaner and hated it. So she is going to get a 5. I would say it depends if you don't mind those things. But I do like the sunroof and sound system, they are both pretty good.

It's really all what your wife thinks. But that's my opinion.

[BellasBmw]

I had 2 X3 for loaner cars. I sort of had a negitive impression due to the fact that my dealership only uses X3 for loaners. Hmm i wonder why?..

Anyway- From my experience i thought it was a decent SUV, however, for the money, i believe there are many more options out there that probably drive alot smoother than the X3. It was bumpy and the interior was very plastic looking. I didnt feel like it was "bmw quality". Anyway, if the wifey likes it, well then.. thats the most important factor, or else you'll hear about it for months.

[xsb00st]

X3 3.0 for a loaner...wasn't all that bad. Enjoyed the quick accelaration and the panaramic sun/moon roof. I believe the new ones have the hidious black/plastic trimmings painted now.

[ward]

X3 has more cargo room than X5

[BitStream]

i've had one x3 loaner car but it was obviously beaten and abused so i couldn't really form an opinion

x3 really bigger than x5?

edmunds.com

06 x5 3.0i

Front Head Room: 39.9 in. Front Shoulder Room: 58 in. Rear Head Room: 38.5 in. Rear Shoulder Room: 57.2 in. Front Leg Room: 39.3 in. Rear Leg Room: 35.4 in. Luggage Capacity: 16.1 cu. ft. Maximum Seating: 5

06 x3 3.0i

Interior Front Head Room: 38.1 in. Front Shoulder Room: 55.8 in. Rear Head Room: 37.8 in. Rear Shoulder Room: 55.4 in. Front Leg Room: 40.2 in. Rear Leg Room: 35.8 in. Luggage Capacity: 30 cu. ft. Maximum Cargo Capacity: 71 cu. ft. Maximum Seating: 5

It would appear you are correct sir! Thanks!

[E90X3]

Bitsteam,

More positive feedback ?

ok - let me 1st answer your comment about cargo space - the extra cargo room is all vertical so it really doesn't hold as much as it seems (you are not going to double layer bags of groceries for example)

On a positive note - it drives MUCH better then the X5 does you can't make that comparison the X5 is definately a truck (again this is just my opinion) -

it drives very well on the highway, once at speed the acceleration is excellent - feels sturdy and quieter than any other SUV that we tried - it feels very solid and safe and whether you like the plastic inside or not it is very well put together and after a year still looks new.

When you test drive it don't just take it on the highway (this is where is shines) but take it on backroads and on hills where you can test the acceleration, the roll etc, and the feel on non-perfect roads that you will experience in daily driving....and finally DON'T compare it with a sedan, just as you wouldn't compare it to a moterbike.

hope this helps...

[TYW]

Originally Posted by BitStream

Uncle called me and told me about some great lease deals going on for the X3. Anyone have any experience with this car? I'm looking for some opinions.

What Dealership are you working with? The Wife also want a BMW but is leaning more towards the X5, but as you know, it's a boatload more money. :mad:

[BitStream]

My uncle is in sales at open road in edison

[BitStream]

Just got back from Open Road with our new X3!

The wife seems happy and thats really all that matters.

06 x3 3.0i w/premium package, heated seats & heated steering wheel.

[shimshimhada]

Congrats! I like the wheels. Are you guys going to take it on the Dakar rally?

[06330i]

i recently saw a show about the x3. they took it off road in the mud, it drove well. the new x3s r nice looking since the plastic is painted.

[BellasBmw]

Originally Posted by 06330i

i recently saw a show about the x3. they took it off road in the mud, it drove well. the new x3s r nice looking since the plastic is painted.

I agree, the 06 looks pretty nice. Much better than the previous style.

[dencoop]

Congrats on your new car....and looking at your wife smile :rocks: I'd say who cares if anyone else thinks you should have gotten something else...your wife loves this thing.....Good Luck with it!!!!