[cebula2000]

Have owned my X3 for 6 weeks and covered 3500 miles.
Cant help but compare to my 2007 330D SE touring

Positive comments
Very spacious cabin
Smooth 8 speed auto
Comfortable ride
Light handling for a large heavy car
Auto Stop/start and electronic/auto handbrake works surprisingly well
I-drive and business advanced media package impressive and easy to use
sports seats very comfortable

Negative comments
Poor quality plastics similar to cars half the price (a few small bits have fallen off already)
4 cylinder engine is harsh and noisy when revved hard
Only achieving 33 MPG with mixed driving
Standard items on 300D (eg umbrella holder under rear boot cover and less storage)
thought panoramic sun roof would fully open) like 3&5 series...expensive for what it is.

Summary
After owning 4 BMW's this one doesn't hit the spot for me and obviously lacks the 6 cylinder and for me driver appeal of a BMW.

Should I have waited for X3 30D engine, new 3 series touring or bought a 5 series?.....probably.

Would I spend 40,000 GBP again on a 4 cylinder BMW...definitely not. It just doesn't have the quality and feel a car of that price should have in my opinion. Maybe it will grow on me in time.

[Bimar]

Honestly u cannot compare a 330d to an x3, the handling, power etc are not even close u give up some items when u trade u from saloon/wagon to an suv/sav

[Beyu]

Originally Posted by inamik75

Honestly u cannot compare a 330d to an x3, the handling, power etc are not even close u give up some items when u trade u from saloon/wagon to an suv/sav

Well I think the review was more geared towards comparing two cars of similar pricing and maker than it was between handling and engines. There's many great cars around the X3's price range so it's not that weird to cross shop models or car sizes. It's a given that the X3 won't handle like a saloon or wagon but they can have different electronics and better or worse interiors.

[thefreeze]

I pity you for owning a car of that value and then not being happy with it.

You should have made a proper test drive. The noisy engine shouldn't have been a surprise.

[Bimar]

Originally Posted by thefreeze

I pity you for owning a car of that value and then not being happy with it.

Nothing as bad as buyers remorse, I hope over time appreciation will come for its a fine car. The issue of cheap hard plastic on the bottom of the doors is the biggest bummer of the new X3 after no spare wheel, but we buy knowing this and instead of living with that disappointment you focus on the good parts which are many to make you happy

[acey81]

So... why did you buy it then? Bad research?

[Steven40]

I have a little bit the same feeling as you have.
Before I had the first gen X3 3.0d, now I have the new 2.0d
and this because of the high taxes in Belgium.
It's also difficult to sell a car with an engine like that.
I miss the 6 cylinder and it's smooth ride, the engine was more
quiet than the 4 cylinder is now.
I'll get used to it.

[BIMMER UK 76]

Originally Posted by Steven40

I have a little bit the same feeling as you have.
Before I had the first gen X3 3.0d, now I have the new 2.0d
and this because of the high taxes in Belgium.
It's also difficult to sell a car with an engine like that.
I miss the 6 cylinder and it's smooth ride, the engine was more
quiet than the 4 cylinder is now.
I'll get used to it.

The 4 cylinder has improved over the years but is far from 6 cylinder in tone and performance, I also drive 20d because of tax

However, every single aspect of the F25 is a big improvement over 1st gen X3 so try to focus on the positives and you will get used to it

[Waffle]

I would lose my licence in anything other than a 2.0D. Difficult to keep the speed under check cruising on the motorway even with a MTB on the roof yesterday.

[x99]

I wanted a SUV and I got one I just love it - The fuel consumption is 0,6L/10Km.

[BIMMER UK 76]

Nice, I see you have the most important 20d accessories....the chrome exhaust trim and titanium grille

[Bustofa]

Looking good

[cebula2000]

One week on another 800 business and private miles.....the X3 is growing on me a lot. Have adopted a more relaxed driving style, the space with family + dog and weekend luggage was great. Overlooking my initial negative points, the ease of taking and making phone calls, the sat-nav and now achieving 38-40 MPG is pleasing. Miss the old cruise control on the left-hand stalk which was so much easier to use but maybe the steering wheel version will become familiar in time.

[scotsdunc]

I've covered 30k miles in four months in my new X3 and really cannot fault it. Last car was a 123d coupe M sport so used to the 4 cydr and its roughness so no surprises with that. Miss the extra turbo though. The interior space, better towing, relaxed motorway drivinng and 4x4 for snow are all big benefits. Got the dynamic pakage and very glad I did as I don't think it would be quite the same car without the sports interior and dynamic suspention. Sport and Sport+ settinng do make a difference on twisty roads. So far averaging 38mpg, 42 at times on long steady journeys. No issues at first service, just changes the RFT tyres at 29k which is better than the 15-20k I got before. Do still want more power but the tax advatage with it's low co2 emmisions reminds me why I didn't wait for a 3.0 and always glad I didn't go for a Q5.

[sfax]

Originally Posted by scotsdunc

I've covered 30k miles in four months

Thanks for the feedback and glad you're still enjoying it and had no problems with so many miles under your belt already!

[Bustofa]

Originally Posted by scotsdunc

I've covered 30k miles in four months

You mustn't have time to do anything other than drive your car! Very impressive mileage.