Cheap HARD plastic in X3......

Bimar · 02-21-2011, 01:50 AM

For those who have received their X3, are all of them with really cheap hard plastic on bottom half of doors? Dealer says its the new crash impact friendly plastic BMW is using which i don't buy.

Lotus7 · 02-21-2011, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inamik75

For those who have received their X3, are all of them with really cheap hard plastic on bottom half of doors? Dealer says its the new crash friendly plastic BMW is using which i don't buy.

It's actually"cheap-looking, crash friendly plastic".

Just go to your friendly BMW parts counter and I'll bet you will find that replacement price wise, it's not "cheap".

kmarei · 02-21-2011, 08:32 AM

plastic certianly looks cheap in comparison to the 3 series interior

Nahoa · 02-21-2011, 09:03 AM

Doesn't seem so bad to me. I just wish the bins were lined.

ScotX5 · 02-21-2011, 09:12 AM

Its a door bin and it houses my sunglasses just fine.

Lotus7 · 02-21-2011, 10:16 AM

If you really can't stand the X3's interior door-panels/storage bins just get a Ferrari 458 Italia instead. The Robb Report, 2010 voted it the best leather interior of the year.

Oh, never mind - the 458 Italia costs as much as 5 well equipped X3's

sfax · 02-21-2011, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lotus7

If you really can't stand the X3's interior door-panels/storage bins just get a Ferrari 458 Italia instead. The Robb Report, 2010 voted it the best leather interior of the year.

Oh, never mind - the 458 Italia costs as much as 5 well equipped X3's

BMW could take some tips from Ferrari's online configurator

http://www.ferrari.com/English/GT_Sp...gure/458italia

Bimar · 02-21-2011, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lotus7

If you really can't stand the X3's interior door-panels/storage bins just get a Ferrari 458 Italia instead. The Robb Report, 2010 voted it the best leather interior of the year.

Oh, never mind - the 458 Italia costs as much as 5 well equipped X3's

Best idea i have heard all day, off to the Ferari dealership

MA78 · 02-21-2011, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmarei

plastic certianly looks cheap in comparison to the 3 series interior

Seriously?!?

I guess "cheap" is subjective. My '09 3 Series didn't feel cheap, but the materials in the X3 seem so much nicer. Especially compared to previous generations.

If you're looking for ultra plus, this probably isn't the right brand for you.

kmarei · 02-21-2011, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MA78

Seriously?!?

I guess "cheap" is subjective. My '09 3 Series didn't feel cheap, but the materials in the X3 seem so much nicer. Especially compared to previous generations.

If you're looking for ultra plus, this probably isn't the right brand for you.

but we're not discussing materials in general

the lower door plastic is cheap on X3
is not cheap looking on 3 series
i have both and i was just comparing today

Bimar · 02-21-2011, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MA78

Seriously?!?

I guess "cheap" is subjective. My '09 3 Series didn't feel cheap, but the materials in the X3 seem so much nicer. Especially compared to previous generations.

If you're looking for ultra plus, this probably isn't the right brand for you.

This is why I asked, I have only driven the 20d and interior very nice except lower door panels which are Hyundai like hard plastic. Maybe ur model has better plastic, tell us.

BIMMER UK 76 · 02-21-2011, 12:42 PM

The bottom door section is cheap hard plastic and looks out of place in my opinion, all surfaces in the E60 are spongy to the feel as are most of the surfaces in the F25 but not the lower door section.

MA78 · 02-21-2011, 01:55 PM

I have to admit that I didn't pay particular attention to the lower door panels. When my car gets here (please god let it get here soon) I'll take a look and let you know how different it is from my 3.

nick776 · 02-21-2011, 06:22 PM

To be honest, the cheap door bottoms are the ONLY thing I don't like about this car. It is super-crappy. My LCI 328i had nice door bottoms. My last-gen X3 (2008 model) had better materials on the doors (its was the same as the LCI 3-Series). I simply cannot figure out why they upgraded everything, basically, but downgraded the doors. The door is a massive hunk of plastic with a little leather and wood at the top--senseless.

bastula · 02-21-2011, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nick776

To be honest, the cheap door bottoms are the ONLY thing I don't like about this car. It is super-crappy. My LCI 328i had nice door bottoms. My last-gen X3 (2008 model) had better materials on the doors (its was the same as the LCI 3-Series). I simply cannot figure out why they upgraded everything, basically, but downgraded the doors. The door is a massive hunk of plastic with a little leather and wood at the top--senseless.

This the exact same feeling I got when I took a look at the X3 a few weeks ago.

Are the backs of the front passenger seats the same material? That was what I gathered on a 28i without the rear seatback nets. Does it change if you get the seatback nets?

Wonder if they will fix it on the LCI.

AC888 · 02-23-2011, 10:17 AM

Most cars used inferior plastic for the lower part of the dash board to save cost. I think this apply to most brands of cars unless they are really expensive or give you the option of full leather interior like Porsches, Range Rover etc...
These days, car cost around £30K to £45K are quite poorly equipped and cost cutting can be seen everywhere.
If you look at a Merc SL in the 70s or 80s, the dash plastic is really cheap looking too, but it feels premium in that era. The older SLs dash board were clad with leather or soft vinyl which make them look a lot more 'premium'

nick776 · 02-23-2011, 10:59 AM

Nope, the seat backs with the storage nets are also the crappy plastic (unlike the seat backs in my last X3 and 328i which were the soft vinyl-like material).

It's almost like they tried to make it crappy. There is just no excuse for what they did (especially considering that the MSRP on my car was $45,300.00.).

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the car. I just hate the plastic.

sfax · 02-23-2011, 11:57 AM

I'm really not that bothered by what plastic is used in the bottom half of the doors but the use of plastic on part of the seat backs is a slight disappointment...

Nahoa · 02-23-2011, 09:53 PM

The seat backs are a bit odd to me, but they've been that way for years so I guess I've mostly grown to accept it.

Bimar · 02-28-2011, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nahoa

The seat backs are a bit odd to me, but they've been that way for years so I guess I've mostly grown to accept it.

Seat back not too bad and helps when kids like to kick rear of seat and avoid dirt and discomfort for driver. Bottom plastic is the real bummer, guess you live with it luckily not visible to everyone. Hope April production its not there...i can only dream

I however do wonder if the BEIGE lower panel plastic is of a better quality than black, anyone?

BMW5151 · 03-01-2011, 12:22 AM

The hard plastic has nothing to do with safety, it saves a few cents per car. All the German competitors have the same CHP (Cheap Hard Plastic) door bins. MB, Audi and BMW. Just that BMW has more of it since the X3 has larger door bins. Unfortunately for BMW, MB and Audi actually did a better job of finishing the inside top edge of the door bins. BMW just left it exposed and when you grab it, you feel the ridges. This is VERY tacky. The LCI E83 (previous X3) had very nicely finished door bins, thick padded vinyl, very much like the 5 series.

And the door bins aren't the only CHP: Try the door to the left side (driver's) glove box door. But the Audi Q5 matches that with its entire glove box being CHP.

darskiczd · 03-13-2011, 10:07 PM

The bins on the doors of our 2011 X3 are wrapped in the same material as the middle to upper parts of the doors; I am guessing this is leatherette. The material has a grain to it and is slightly rubbery to the touch. Same as on our 2008. Both vehicles are Canadian spec and came with leatherette.

Does somebody have a picture of the CHP door bins?

02-21-2011, 01:50 AM	#1
Bimar Colonel 800 Rep 2,599 Posts Drives: Bmw X Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Www iTrader: (0)	Cheap HARD plastic in X3...... For those who have received their X3, are all of them with really cheap hard plastic on bottom half of doors? Dealer says its the new crash impact friendly plastic BMW is using which i don't buy. Last edited by Bimar; 02-22-2011 at 02:10 AM..
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02-21-2011, 08:32 AM	#3
kmarei Major General 685 Rep 6,845 Posts Drives: 2018 Audi RS5 coupe Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Reston, VA iTrader: (34) Garage List 2018 Audi RS5 [0.00]	plastic certianly looks cheap in comparison to the 3 series interior
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02-21-2011, 09:03 AM	#4
Nahoa Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,876 Posts Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Doesn't seem so bad to me. I just wish the bins were lined. __________________
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02-21-2011, 09:12 AM	#5
ScotX5 Private First Class 43 Rep 159 Posts Drives: X5 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Scotland iTrader: (0)	Its a door bin and it houses my sunglasses just fine.
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02-21-2011, 10:16 AM	#6
Lotus7 Major 66 Rep 1,041 Posts Drives: xxxx Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: xxxx iTrader: (0)	If you really can't stand the X3's interior door-panels/storage bins just get a Ferrari 458 Italia instead. The Robb Report, 2010 voted it the best leather interior of the year. Oh, never mind - the 458 Italia costs as much as 5 well equipped X3's
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02-21-2011, 12:42 PM	#12
BIMMER UK 76 Major 48 Rep 1,089 Posts Drives: BMW F25 X3 20d SE Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	The bottom door section is cheap hard plastic and looks out of place in my opinion, all surfaces in the E60 are spongy to the feel as are most of the surfaces in the F25 but not the lower door section. __________________ BMW F25 X3 xDRIVE 20d SE Black Sapphire \| Oyster Leather \| Fineline Sienna Wood \| 307 V Spokes \| Auto \| Prof Multimedia Package \| xLine Package \| Xenons \| Business Radio \| Sports Steering Wheel \| Sports Seats \| Panoramic Sunroof \| Sun Protection Glass \| Sun Blinds \| Folding Ext. Mirrors + Titanium Grille \| Chrome Exhaust Trim \| Mudflaps
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02-21-2011, 01:55 PM	#13
MA78 TK-421 18 Rep 610 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 35i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	I have to admit that I didn't pay particular attention to the lower door panels. When my car gets here (please god let it get here soon) I'll take a look and let you know how different it is from my 3.
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02-21-2011, 06:22 PM	#14
nick776 Private First Class 78 Rep 169 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Montgomery, AL iTrader: (0)	To be honest, the cheap door bottoms are the ONLY thing I don't like about this car. It is super-crappy. My LCI 328i had nice door bottoms. My last-gen X3 (2008 model) had better materials on the doors (its was the same as the LCI 3-Series). I simply cannot figure out why they upgraded everything, basically, but downgraded the doors. The door is a massive hunk of plastic with a little leather and wood at the top--senseless.
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02-23-2011, 10:17 AM	#16
AC888 Private 7 Rep 70 Posts Drives: Porsche Boxster, Mini Clubman Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Essex iTrader: (0)	Cheap Plastic Most cars used inferior plastic for the lower part of the dash board to save cost. I think this apply to most brands of cars unless they are really expensive or give you the option of full leather interior like Porsches, Range Rover etc... These days, car cost around £30K to £45K are quite poorly equipped and cost cutting can be seen everywhere. If you look at a Merc SL in the 70s or 80s, the dash plastic is really cheap looking too, but it feels premium in that era. The older SLs dash board were clad with leather or soft vinyl which make them look a lot more 'premium'
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02-23-2011, 10:59 AM	#17
nick776 Private First Class 78 Rep 169 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Montgomery, AL iTrader: (0)	Nope, the seat backs with the storage nets are also the crappy plastic (unlike the seat backs in my last X3 and 328i which were the soft vinyl-like material). It's almost like they tried to make it crappy. There is just no excuse for what they did (especially considering that the MSRP on my car was $45,300.00.). Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the car. I just hate the plastic.
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02-23-2011, 11:57 AM	#18
sfax Brigadier General 91 Rep 3,855 Posts Drives: BMW X3 2011 F25 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Berkshire, UK iTrader: (0)	I'm really not that bothered by what plastic is used in the bottom half of the doors but the use of plastic on part of the seat backs is a slight disappointment... __________________ F25 xDrive20d SE __ professional multimedia package \| dynamic package \| climate package \| 309s \| xline \| xenons \| electric seats \| folding mirrors \| business speakers
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02-23-2011, 09:53 PM	#19
Nahoa Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,876 Posts Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	The seat backs are a bit odd to me, but they've been that way for years so I guess I've mostly grown to accept it. __________________
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03-01-2011, 12:22 AM	#21
BMW5151 Enlisted Member 64 Rep 43 Posts Drives: 2022 M550i /2020 X3 M40i Join Date: May 2010 Location: California USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 BMW X3 M40i [0.00] 2022 M550ix [0.00]	Cheap Hard Plastics The hard plastic has nothing to do with safety, it saves a few cents per car. All the German competitors have the same CHP (Cheap Hard Plastic) door bins. MB, Audi and BMW. Just that BMW has more of it since the X3 has larger door bins. Unfortunately for BMW, MB and Audi actually did a better job of finishing the inside top edge of the door bins. BMW just left it exposed and when you grab it, you feel the ridges. This is VERY tacky. The LCI E83 (previous X3) had very nicely finished door bins, thick padded vinyl, very much like the 5 series. And the door bins aren't the only CHP: Try the door to the left side (driver's) glove box door. But the Audi Q5 matches that with its entire glove box being CHP. __________________ Current: '22 G30 M550i & '20 F25 X3 M40i
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03-13-2011, 10:07 PM	#22
darskiczd Enlisted Member 9 Rep 40 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW X3 35i Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Calgary, Alberta iTrader: (0)	The bins on the doors of our 2011 X3 are wrapped in the same material as the middle to upper parts of the doors; I am guessing this is leatherette. The material has a grain to it and is slightly rubbery to the touch. Same as on our 2008. Both vehicles are Canadian spec and came with leatherette. Does somebody have a picture of the CHP door bins?
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