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      03-09-2008, 01:31 PM   #1
jprieur
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335i in for service . . . thoughts on x3 loaner

So ok, this may not belong under this forum, but the x3 forum is dead so hey why not.

My 335i is in for 15k mile service and several other items. As a loaner I received an 07 X3. Though I was not expecting much, I am highly impressed with this vehicle. Here are my thoughts:

- The engine (N52) is so smooth, at idle you cannot tell it is even running. My E46 3.0 was never this smooth at idle, nor was the 06 330 I test drove at length. Perhaps this car just has a better engine mounting system. More than just the idle, the entire powertrain is just so much smoother than the 3ers.

- There is less wind noise in the X3 than in my 335i. This is intriguing as 1) the 335 has a better shape for wind cutting 2) there are twice as many door seals on the 335i and 3) the X3 has the panoramic roof. On a similar note, the windshield is far superior to the 3er, several rocks bounced off at highway speeds leaving NO marks at all. I think most of us on here know what this would do to the 3er.

- The interior materials on the X3 are far richer in both looks and touch. Of course this is subjective to some degree, but the quality is noticeable. The door panels (especially the top ridge where most rest there elbows when driving) are MUCH sturdier. The dashboard feels much more solid (I think the 3ers feels a bit flimsy and 'hollow'). Makes me miss my old E46.

Overall, I am highly impressed with the X3. I am not saying I want to dump my 335i for one, that is unless the fuel pump fails a 3rd time. It handles very well for an SUV or SAV or Crossover or whatever else people call it. My wife and I took a day trip with it and it was wonderful on the interstate. Its nice to play around with BMWs other products every once in a while.
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      03-09-2008, 02:17 PM   #2
ianbiz
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I couldnt agree with you more on the X3. We had a 3.0si when my Z4 was in for service, and it was quite nice. I do wish there was a tiny bit more room in the backseat though. Good SAV.
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      03-12-2008, 11:27 AM   #3
fijigabe0
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honestly, the reason why i bought my x3 was that when i originally purchase my wife's 330, there was a problem with the headlights, and we were given an X3 loaner for about a week. we drove the car to Key West, and i was completely and totally amazed at how the car drove and felt (and that was before the revamping, adding the new N52 engine and improving the exterior asthetics). with the new changes, this is an incredible vehicle, and i loathe the day i have to turn it in (particularly because of the unique color combo)
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      03-15-2008, 01:13 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jprieur View Post
So ok, this may not belong under this forum, but the x3 forum is dead so hey why not.

My 335i is in for 15k mile service and several other items. As a loaner I received an 07 X3. Though I was not expecting much, I am highly impressed with this vehicle. Here are my thoughts:

- The engine (N52) is so smooth, at idle you cannot tell it is even running. My E46 3.0 was never this smooth at idle, nor was the 06 330 I test drove at length. Perhaps this car just has a better engine mounting system. More than just the idle, the entire powertrain is just so much smoother than the 3ers.

- There is less wind noise in the X3 than in my 335i. This is intriguing as 1) the 335 has a better shape for wind cutting 2) there are twice as many door seals on the 335i and 3) the X3 has the panoramic roof. On a similar note, the windshield is far superior to the 3er, several rocks bounced off at highway speeds leaving NO marks at all. I think most of us on here know what this would do to the 3er.

- The interior materials on the X3 are far richer in both looks and touch. Of course this is subjective to some degree, but the quality is noticeable. The door panels (especially the top ridge where most rest there elbows when driving) are MUCH sturdier. The dashboard feels much more solid (I think the 3ers feels a bit flimsy and 'hollow'). Makes me miss my old E46.

Overall, I am highly impressed with the X3. I am not saying I want to dump my 335i for one, that is unless the fuel pump fails a 3rd time. It handles very well for an SUV or SAV or Crossover or whatever else people call it. My wife and I took a day trip with it and it was wonderful on the interstate. Its nice to play around with BMWs other products every once in a while.
Thanks for the impressions...looking forward to our next BMW!
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      04-10-2008, 03:03 PM   #5
thegeneral101
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I had an X3 for 2 years and loved it, but I never felt i was driving a true BMW so I got a 335i and NOW i feel like I'm in a bimmer

both good vehicles though
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      04-13-2008, 07:49 PM   #6
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I just ordered my wife one. AW sport with Tobacco Brown and a 6 speed manual.
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