[X5plug-in]

3.0l diesel
304 Titanium silver paint
205 Auto box
2VL Variable sport steering
216 Servotronic Steering
2VG Performance Control
316 Bootlid operation, powered
320 Model designation deletion
3AG Reversing Assist camera
402 Panoramic glass sunroof
430 Ext. mirrors - folding, auto dimming
494 Seat heating, front
522 Xenon headlights

Not going for w.r.t. usefulness / cost:
VDC
Bigger wheels (18"std)

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[ktjernstrom]

What kind of seats? Sport? Leather standard or option?

Personally, I would consider sport suspension, as the car might become one of those "fast on the straights, brake like he** before each corner" type of car, which can end up being a bit erratic to drive.

Karl

[ktjernstrom]

BTW, what's the UK price on the 30d?

Karl

[X5plug-in]

Not thought of sports seats-yet. Can't remember even seeing them on the UK option list. I like my comfort, so happy to take advice tho. My last BMW with sports suspension rattled my fillings, so same applies. Leather is STD in Uk. £37000 is the rumoured Uk 3.0l price but may include some of my options already.

[ktjernstrom]

Originally Posted by X3buyerScotland

Not thought of sports seats-yet. Can't remember even seeing them on the UK option list. I like my comfort, so happy to take advice tho. My last BMW with sports suspension rattled my fillings, so same applies. Leather is STD in Uk. £37000 is the rumoured Uk 3.0l price but may include some of my options already.

If you haven't tried sport seats yet, do so. In my opinion they are vastly superior to the standard seats both in terms of comfort as well as support during more active driving. They also offer adjustable thigh support.

Karl

[sfax]

Originally Posted by ktjernstrom

If you haven't tried sport seats yet, do so. In my opinion they are vastly superior to the standard seats both in terms of comfort as well as support during more active driving. They also offer adjustable thigh support.

Karl

+1 agree on comfort and style. I've had some problems with my back so the seat choice is very important, tried both and the sport seats were a no brainer. They are available as a UK option for about £430 (that was old price at 17.5%).

[marmite]

I've heard the starting OTR price for the 3.0d is £37240 from two separate dealers now, neither could tell me what spec. was included as standard.
But it seems 99% certain that the auto box is include for starters, since the info they had had performance figures for the 3.0d auto and none for manual.

I'm waiting to hear what other differences/equipment are included etc.

[X5plug-in]

£37000 is reported from my lot with build of the 3.0l starting in April. 3 local dealers all have not-for-sale demos and don't expect to be able to even sell them until they are replaced in March / April.

[sfax]

Have you gone for black nevada? Are you happy with standard silver trim rather than brushed alu?

Also, do you really want the model designation deleted? This only affects the xDrive20d on the door which looks good IMO, and it means environmental activists will target the 3.0l car parked next to yours!

[X5plug-in]

Originally Posted by sfax

Have you gone for black nevada? Are you happy with standard silver trim rather than brushed alu?

Also, do you really want the model designation deleted? This only affects the xDrive20d on the door which looks good IMO, and it means environmental activists will target the 3.0l car parked next to yours!

Still evaluating interior colour. Have black at the moment so would like something lighter if it fits with titanium silver. Not sure either on the trim. And I just dont like badges cluttering up lines so always decline them!

[marmite]

I'd love to go for a Oyster Nevada leather interior, instead of the black leather interior I have on current car, but I think it would just be too difficult to maintain, with a kid and other travellers

[Nahoa]

+1 on the badges

Tried to have them removed on my order, but the dealer insisted that in the US that option was only available on M cars. Seemed odd considering all the X3's come out of the same plant, so I pushed him a bit but he was unwilling to explore it further.

Anyone have experience removing the badges? Is there a post underneath, or is it simply affixed with an adhesive? Seems that it would need to be on top of the paint and clear coat. Any easy way to pop those buggers off? Any risks?

[Ranger 6]

For the UK make sure you order DAB, there's a likelyhood that FM radio transmissions will be switched in the next few years (maybe 2013 although the govt hasn't confirmed year yet).

[X5plug-in]

Good point. Missed that entirely!

[marmite]

Originally Posted by Ranger 6

For the UK make sure you order DAB, there's a likelyhood that FM radio transmissions will be switched in the next few years (maybe 2013 although the govt hasn't confirmed year yet).

I don't believe it will happen for a good 8-12 years. It's not like the TV market, there 150 million working analogue radios out there that haven't been outdated in the same way that analogue tv sets have.
DAB might get you more options just as digital TV has given you more options over the past 10 years, but it will be a good while yet before total analogue annihilation IMO... next car maybe.

[X5plug-in]

Which is good news as I see it is a £350 option. That is a lot of CDs or whatever people play these days!

[sfax]

Originally Posted by X3buyerScotland

Which is good news as I see it is a £350 option. That is a lot of CDs or whatever people play these days!

It is a rip off but I went for it mainly for 5live and 5live sports extra which I listen to a lot and hate them being on MW or not available at all. If it wasn't for these stations, I wouldn't have paid