[PhotoMax]

Hi All,

I am a young(or I would like to think so) 50-ish guy who just bought my very first really nice car: a 2015 BMW X3 xLine xDrive35i.

It is preowned, obviously, but comes with lots of solid warranty left. A few weeks ago I set out to replace both my wife's and my daily driver. Lots of agonizing (make that tons of fun really) research, analysis, chatter and tire kicking.

I have never really owned a super nice car before, so I finally feel like I "have arrived". My X3 comes loaded with the xLine package and just about every option available. I have had this thing about two weeks now and I am still shifting through the manuals and playing with all the tech options.

Do I like it? Well, no, not really. I never really thought I saw myself as a guy who would be zooming around in a BMW or Mercedes. But after a very brief "getting to know you" period I can honestly say I just love this thing. Seeing it in my driveway or parked around town just puts a silly grin on my face.

Done some driving on windy roads, busy highways, getting on/off Puget Sound ferries, in all kinds of Seattle rainy weather, etc, and this car has been flawless so far.

The only thing I am not so sure of is the Stop/Start function, but the handling, comfort, lighting, surround camera system and navigation, etc, has all been really great. Still trying to get the audio EQ dialed in but there is no rush.

Well, I better stop blathering...

Max

[Max Well]

Welcome to the forum, PhotoMax.

You will undoubtedly have some great times in your X3 -35i. It is a performance-oriented vehicle but offers ample capabilities for fulfilling a host of utilitarian needs. After hauling landscape boulders, fertilizer, and mulch in the morning, simply provide it with a good wash and interior clean and you're ready for a night out on the town dressed in formal attire.

Which is why many of us, after owning an array of vehicles across many Mnfrs' lines, really feel at home with what this vehicle offers.

And just wait for the G01!

[PhotoMax]

My two previous vehicles: 1976 FJ55 Toyota Land Cruiser, the heaviest Land Cruiser made and then a much enjoyed 2009 Subaru Outback. I used the Outback all the time while remodeling this project house we bought in 2012. Now that I am more or less done hauling lumber around I decided to treat myself to the X3...

[Kugaman1]

Hey Max,
Its easy enough to turn off the stop/start if you have a cable!

[Pinewood]

Welcome @PhotoMax , you certainly picked a decent BMW TO "arrive". As others have testified, the X3 really is a do it all vehicle in the right guise. Power, practicality & high end kudos in one car. Enjoy

[PhotoMax]

I am 6'4" so many of the cars I looked at did not have the headroom. I also need legroom. But I did not want a huge boat or a "boxy" SUV. I tried the X1 and X5. Both were nice. But the X3 gave me the room I needed while still being nimble in city driving. I love the huge moon roof system. Gives me more room and adds lots of natural light to the interior which is a real plus in winter here in the Northwest...

[Crassus]

Welcome Max. The X3 is one of the roomiest SUVs in its class thanks to proper sized windows. With time, and driving other cars, I've come to love my X3 more and more.

What's the colour of yours?

[PhotoMax]

Originally Posted by Crassus

Welcome Max. The X3 is one of the roomiest SUVs in its class thanks to proper sized windows. With time, and driving other cars, I've come to love my X3 more and more.

What's the colour of yours?

Thanks! The color is Black Sapphire. I really like it...

[JupiterBMW]

Welcome Max. Glad you're enjoying the X3. My original BMW was a '12 X3 (for the wife) and after selling it, she's had a diesel 3 series sedan and an X5M, complete opposite ends of the spectrum... After owning all of those, we (she) are back in the X3, this time a 2013. It really is a great vehicle, does everything.

Your X3 should have the ability to remember the setting for the auto start/stop, so turn it off on the dash and it should stay off all the time. If not, bring it to the dealer and they'll reprogram it to remember your setting, for free. Good luck.

[Pinewood]

Originally Posted by PhotoMax

Thanks! The color is Black Sapphire. I really like it...

The best colour

[Scandic24]

Congrats to your new ride, PhotoMax!
Enjoy!

[Kugaman1]

Originally Posted by JupiterBMW

Your X3 should have the ability to remember the setting for the auto start/stop, so turn it off on the dash and it should stay off all the time. If not, bring it to the dealer and they'll reprogram it to remember your setting, for free. Good luck.

They certainly wont do that in the UK.

All you can do is buy a cable yourself and reprogramme the function.

[JupiterBMW]

Originally Posted by Kugaman1

They certainly wont do that in the UK.

All you can do is buy a cable yourself and reprogramme the function.

Hmm that's a shame. I have a very good relationship with my dealership, so they typically give me extra service when I ask for it. Makes up for the standard $246/hr labor rate I pay!