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      02-27-2012, 05:14 PM   #1
swfrom07
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Thumbs up New X3 owner from UK

Hi folks,
A newbie on here and to BMW ownership. I have been lurking for the last few days and have read up on loads of useful information. I have to say its seems like a very friendly and helpful forum.

Not new to the 4x4 world as I have just sold off my Land Rover Freelander 2 which I owned for 2 years since new.
Loved the Freelander 2 but it does look a bit dated esp. the interior so I test drove the X3, Q5, Evoque.

Didn't fancy another Freelander 2 even though I loved it as it is in serious need of an upgrade.
The Evoque looks good from the front and the interior is quality but seemed much smaller than the X3 and Freelander 2.
The Q5 has a good interior and is the right size but didnt feel as happy driving it as I did in the X3.

Overall, it was an easy choice....and after a couple of days trying to negotiate a decent deal with the dealers, have taken the plunge and ordered the X3 2.0d SE version in Black Sapphire with a Black Nevada Leather interior.

Being my first BMW, please forgive me if I ask a few questions - only 2 for now..
1). If I am due to get the car delivered sometime in June, I presume it will be a 2013MY, as I remember reading somewhere that the 2013MY model manufacturing starts from April 2012. Is this correct?
2). Are there any changes beign introduced for the 2013MY over 2012?

The dealer has said I am looking at a delivery sometime in June so........... the wait begins !!
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      02-27-2012, 06:32 PM   #2
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... bloody hell mate ... welcome to the forum

congratulations on the purchase
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      02-27-2012, 07:03 PM   #3
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You'll have to check with the dealership for local my2013 changes as each market is unique. For instance the USA gets standard powered liftgate and the liftgate remains a $4000 option north of the border.

Good luck on the new wheels.
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      02-28-2012, 01:11 AM   #4
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Hi swfrom07

We too have just taken the plunge and ordered a X3, 2.0d SE Auto, White with Red Brown interior...sounds like we have just gone through an almost identical process. Ours also due around June.

We also used to own a Freelander albeit a few years ago now - great car just didn't want another.

Agree with all your conclusions about Q5, Evoque. Evoque came VERY close - fabulous interior in my opinion...just a little small considering the price but in the end nothing drives quite like a BMW and thats what swung it. Had many BMW's in the past I'm sure you will love it.

Be interested to hear if you get any info regarding the model year thing...
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      02-28-2012, 01:27 AM   #5
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Thanks electricjet and lbjgh for the welcome :-) I will check with the dealer again as they thought it would be the 2012MY and didnt know what I was talking about

SR40X3, congratulations on your new purchase. Looks like a good combination of colour and interior. I was tempted by the Red Brown interior.
Am well excited but its the waiting time that is the killer ... oh well can get everything eh !

I test drove the Evoque at launch and was very impressed. Was going to put in a holding deposit back in September ... glad I didnt as the more I saw them on the road and priced it up, it didnt make sense to order it. Mind you, I hadnt test driven an X3 till then ;-)
The test drive just sealed the deal. Brilliant drive over all its rivals as BMW are known for. I didnt order it with the Variable Damper Control even though most reviews said its worth the £920 excess as I though the SE drove really well.
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      02-28-2012, 01:56 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by swfrom07 View Post
Hi folks,
1). If I am due to get the car delivered sometime in June, I presume it will be a 2013MY, as I remember reading somewhere that the 2013MY model manufacturing starts from April 2012. Is this correct?
2). Are there any changes beign introduced for the 2013MY over 2012?
I'm not sure if the 2012/2013 question is the same in the UK as it is for the US market. AFAIK, there are no real differences in the pipeline with the X3 except for possibly the available trim options and engine type availability.

When I lived in the US, it appeared to me that a new model year differed from the old mainly in the number of options included in the standard specification - that were chargeable options in the previous model year.
Of course, sometimes a new model would be just that - very different from the old one (like the difference between the MKII and MKIII Escort - showing my age here) - but I don't beleive that to be the case with the X3.

Speaking of specification, the standard options and contents of option packs vary significantly from country to country. So, don't assume you are getting the same options as standard as mentioned by people on this forum who order outside the UK.

According to the UK manual "The production date of your vehicle is indicated on the rear side of the bonnet at the front. The 'built date' is defined as 'the calendar month and calendar year in which the body shell and the powertrain assemblies are conjoined and the vehicle is driven or moved from the production line'". We don't seem to have the same notion of model year that our friends in the US do. We only seem to care about the month/year that the car was registered (2011/11; 2011/61; 2012/12; 2012/62 etc.)

So, I suspect your dealer genuinely won't know what a 2013 MY is (but I could be wrong of course)
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      02-28-2012, 02:00 AM   #7
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Sheesh plob...thats some SPEC mate!! Added nought to ours...apart from Auto, haha but then I am a tight arse!! (that has no sexual connotations for our US friends) - grieves me to pay extra for a colour...hence White!
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      02-28-2012, 02:09 AM   #8
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Hi mate
I know what you mean. I deliberated long and hard over my specification. I also changed it quite significantly after hearing helpful guidance from people like DNW and Sfax.

I think the deal is that it doesn't matter which options you have - as long as it is the car you want. The X3 seems to be something special - especially with the automatic gearbox.
Given that I doubt I'll be able to afford another car for the next 75 years or so, I wanted to include all the options I could. I figured it would be better to do that than drive round for the next few years thinking "I wish I'd included that option".
Again, it doesn't matter what you have as long as it gives you pleasure. A 'base' X3 is a wonderful car so I'm sure you'll enjoy it (when it eventually arrives of course).

There is loads of good advice in the 'UK orders' thread to help you follow your order through the production line and on to delivery. I hope your wait passes quickly and congratulations on your order.

Cheers
Plob
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      02-28-2012, 04:02 AM   #9
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If built after 1st April your car will be a 2013 model year. The changes you will notice will be the drive select control as standard with ECO PRO mode which is new. You'll also be able to order lane departure warning and speed limit recognition should you wish.

You'll also benefit from production line / under the skin improvements but we don't know exactly what they will be... think revised parts to do niggles etc. Better to have than to have not.
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      02-28-2012, 04:16 AM   #10
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The 2012My started Sep 11 and ends April 2012. The next batch may be 2013My or may be 2012B (or anything BMW fancies).

AFAIK the only changes are in the features eg Speed Limit info. I have seen nothing on the base car for the UK.

Don't be surprised to see a price increase in April. Last increase in Oct 12 only affected the M Sport.

To SR40X3 & SWFrom07 - there is a long history on this site of people ordering the SE and then changing the order to the M Sport. The reasons usually include
I wanted Runflats anyway
I wanted the Sport Seats anyway. etc
I prefer the look of the M Sport (although many prefer the look of the SE - dont let's open that up again)
The M Sport is a different model and Parkers etc quote a higher trade in value.
Apart from Automatic box, you should assume no improvement in trade in value for any options you pay for. ie Models good, Options bad.

All this effectively narrows the Cost of Ownership differential of the SE to M Sport. The COO sums on retaining for 4 or 6 years are very interesting and quite suprising when comparing between models and engines.

I hope that you enjoy the cars when they arrive.

It looks like DNW was commenting at the same time as me. sorry
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      02-28-2012, 06:40 AM   #11
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Welcome!

I think most points are covered, but definately check with the dealer when the build week is, they will know if that is year 12/13, if it is in 12, then ask for them to move it so you get the 13 build
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      02-28-2012, 08:06 AM   #12
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This is the info I got on the Canadian models from a local dealer:
Quote:
The 2013 X3 will be April production. Yes, there will be the N20 replacing the N52. 241hp with an extra 28lb-ft of torque is added to a total of 258. Officially, it will be lighter, faster, and more fuel efficient than the engine it replaces. Other changes include a chrome exhaust tip on the 28i, ECO PRO, Driving Dynamics Control, Auto Start and Stop, and gloss black finishing trim on the instrument panel.

Other than that, not many other changes worth noting. Pricing will be released ....later lol. In the mean time if you have ordered an X3 and was waiting for production, call your retailer and find out if your X3 will have to be pushed to the 2013 production if you were not able to squeeze into March.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dnw View Post
If built after 1st April your car will be a 2013 model year. The changes you will notice will be the drive select control as standard with ECO PRO mode which is new. You'll also be able to order lane departure warning and speed limit recognition should you wish.

You'll also benefit from production line / under the skin improvements but we don't know exactly what they will be... think revised parts to do niggles etc. Better to have than to have not.
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      02-28-2012, 01:18 PM   #13
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Welcome to a bunch of new UK memebers - plenty of new blood is good for new threads and feedback
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      02-28-2012, 02:15 PM   #14
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Well swfrom07 it certainly seems to me that UK June delivered X3's should be MY13...I.e: built after 1st April...based on 6 weeks maximum factory to UK. If I hear anything from my dealer will let you know. My order currently says 30/06 estimated delivery.
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      02-28-2012, 03:26 PM   #15
swfrom07
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Thanks a lot to everyone for your comments and the warm welcome.

Very useful information and I will definitely be calling the dealers tomorrow to ask for definitive details.
SR40X3 please do let me know if your dealer does share more details about the MY. I am going to call the dealer again tomorrow hoping she has found something new. My order say estimated delivery as 14/06 with a possibility of it being the beginning of June.. fingers crossed.
I too haven't ordered a lot of options other than Xenons and Bluetooth as I liked the car set up as it is.
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      02-29-2012, 11:29 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by swfrom07
Hi folks,
A newbie on here and to BMW ownership. I have been lurking for the last few days and have read up on loads of useful information. I have to say its seems like a very friendly and helpful forum.

Not new to the 4x4 world as I have just sold off my Land Rover Freelander 2 which I owned for 2 years since new.
Loved the Freelander 2 but it does look a bit dated esp. the interior so I test drove the X3, Q5, Evoque.

Didn't fancy another Freelander 2 even though I loved it as it is in serious need of an upgrade.
The Evoque looks good from the front and the interior is quality but seemed much smaller than the X3 and Freelander 2.
The Q5 has a good interior and is the right size but didnt feel as happy driving it as I did in the X3.

Overall, it was an easy choice....and after a couple of days trying to negotiate a decent deal with the dealers, have taken the plunge and ordered the X3 2.0d SE version in Black Sapphire with a Black Nevada Leather interior.

Being my first BMW, please forgive me if I ask a few questions - only 2 for now..
1). If I am due to get the car delivered sometime in June, I presume it will be a 2013MY, as I remember reading somewhere that the 2013MY model manufacturing starts from April 2012. Is this correct?
2). Are there any changes beign introduced for the 2013MY over 2012?

The dealer has said I am looking at a delivery sometime in June so........... the wait begins !!
Unless delivery times have changed dramatically recently - don't hold your breath for June! I placed my order for the X3 in May 2011 and took delivery in January 2012, but I have to say it was worth the wait - good luck.
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      02-29-2012, 12:05 PM   #17
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I have read that the MY2013 builds start in week 14 ...

Anyway, I ordered my car two weeks ago with the Speed limit display, for a MY2013, and have been given a provisional week 16 build.

I am guessing that will result in delivery mid to end of May.

If you have a June delivery I would imagine that it will be a MY2013 build.

(…and congrats!)

Last edited by Horsey; 03-02-2012 at 08:57 AM..
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      03-01-2012, 08:57 AM   #18
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congrats SW.
I was looking at a Q5 too. It's a great looking car, but man, it is way overpriced with options.
I think the X3 fits better in the crevices.
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      03-01-2012, 09:07 AM   #19
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A tad 'off-topic' but thought I'd ask here:

tailgate - on UK versions does it FULLY open (or just de-latch) when using the open button on the key?
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      03-01-2012, 04:36 PM   #20
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Thanks Horsey for the update on MY2013. That is very useful information that I will feed back to the dealers to ensure that they confirm the MY of my car. The dealer has said it will be a 16th May 2012 build date so I will get it towards the end of June. Fingers crossed.

Sorry for sounding dumb, but can someone tell me where I can find more information on about the Speed Limit Display? Is this an option or now a standard feature.

Have to say, the forum has been of great help with loads of useful information and thanks to all who have responded.
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      03-01-2012, 04:56 PM   #21
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The speed limit option and lane departure warning are two separate options as I understand it.

The speed limit display costs £250, I don't know about the lane departure. I was told that the lane departure is incompatible with the heated steering wheel ... So I picked the heated wheel.

Additionally, the lane departure warning also has anti collision warning I believe. The dealer suggested that if you were to have an assertive driving style you might find it quite annoying ...

And so it was an easy choice ... Nice warm hands!
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Last edited by Horsey; 03-02-2012 at 06:15 AM..
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      03-02-2012, 08:56 AM   #22
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Having just checked with my dealer (and Google) ... it looks like Microsoft Outlook has a different view on week numbers from everyone else ...

Outlook reports week 14 as 26th May, while everyone else reports week 14 as 2nd April ...

So my apologies on that ...

MY2013 starts week 14 on April 2nd

Somehow I feel the same way I do when the clocks go forwards and I lose an hours sleep ... doh.

.. now I have to wait an extra week (at least in my mind).

*grrrr*
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