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      07-02-2012, 07:06 AM   #1
sfiermon
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X3 or x5?

Looking for some advise. Have 2 boys and one dog. We have a gmc Acadia now and it's too big. This would be our first BMW for a family.

Looking for any advise. Does anyone think the x3 is too small? The people dimensions are almost identical between the two.
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      07-02-2012, 07:22 AM   #2
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Our X3 is our first one - We tried all 3 - X1, X3, X5.
We settled on the X3 for size and ecomony. The X1 with just a few option is nearly as much as an X3 - the X5 is nice but a bit too big and less ecoonomical. The X3 just felt right for use. We often carry friends and its a great 4 seater, the middle seat is fine for kids.
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      07-02-2012, 07:28 AM   #3
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I certainly don't think its too small for my needs. With a wife, two kids and a dog it may well be. Especially if you have any luggage or go away anywhere. But then again, you could easily argue the X5 would be too small. What about a Q7? Now that's a beast!
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      07-02-2012, 09:38 AM   #4
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Here's what I'll say. If you want a luxurious and well appointed interior, get the X5. Go for the 35d and get the $4,500 eco-credit. The X3 is NOT a small X5. It is a cost-cut mini-ute. The X3 is a premium SUV, but the X5 is a luxury SUV.
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      07-02-2012, 09:40 AM   #5
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The interesting thing is that the latest x3 is similar in size to the old x5. What was too big about the arcadia? I would have thought a three row suv would be just right for a family of 5 (including dog). How big is the dog? If I had 4+dog, I would choose X5 for myself. Isn't a new X5 model coming soon?
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      07-02-2012, 10:25 AM   #6
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The X3 certainly has a more lively feel about it, is more nimble than the X5. However, with 2 kids and a dog things might get really tight in the X3 if you all want to take a road trip together. We've had 2 kids with booster seats in the X3 and it was decent. Also have had 60+ lbs dogs in the rear cargo area and it works fine but if you combine all them there won't be much room left for luggage.

We have our first kid on the way any day now actually and we've already spoke about moving to the X5 for more space and the $4.5k eco credit is very attractive. I think the new X5 is set for release in 2014.

With that being said, the X3 is a blast to drive. It in no way handles and reacts like a normal SUV would. It is very car like in it's road going nature.
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      07-02-2012, 10:43 AM   #7
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I think others have correctly identified the pros and cons of the x3. I have a couple of tweens and the car is a perfect family car and a fun commuter car.

One thing I can comment on is the storage space which is somewhat limited. My last car was a Honda Accord and it had more room in the trunk.
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      07-02-2012, 12:01 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lbjgh View Post
I think others have correctly identified the pros and cons of the x3. I have a couple of tweens and the car is a perfect family car and a fun commuter car.

One thing I can comment on is the storage space which is somewhat limited. My last car was a Honda Accord and it had more room in the trunk.

Honda Accord: 14.7 cubic feet of trunk space
BMW X3 F25: 19.4 cubic feet with the seats up...
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      07-02-2012, 12:02 PM   #9
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Aren't they changing the X5 shape soon?
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      07-02-2012, 12:51 PM   #10
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That is correct if you stack stuff up...

sedan

xxxxxxx
xxxxxxx

vs


CUV

xxx
xxxxx
xxxxx
xxxxx

It was one of the reasons I opted for the pass through rear seat because the limited flat storage area.

Quote:
Originally Posted by nonagon View Post
Honda Accord: 14.7 cubic feet of trunk space
BMW X3 F25: 19.4 cubic feet with the seats up...
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      07-02-2012, 01:15 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sfiermon View Post
The people dimensions are almost identical between the two.
Not really, dimensions thread attached
http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=472994

A view from X5 forum peeps on X5 over X3

http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=494939

It boils down to individual taste.
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      07-02-2012, 01:56 PM   #12
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With your family size, I would get the X5 with the third row. Families tend to grow along with their stuff.

We moved from an Acura MDX to a X3 because all three of our boys are grown and out of the house. The MDX was ideal for a family and the third row comes in handy.
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      07-02-2012, 09:27 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sfiermon
Looking for some advise. Have 2 boys and one dog. We have a gmc Acadia now and it's too big. This would be our first BMW for a family.

Looking for any advise. Does anyone think the x3 is too small? The people dimensions are almost identical between the two.
I have 2 boys a chocolate lab and the x3 is perfect. All i need is a nice lady to complete the package
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      07-03-2012, 02:39 AM   #14
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Keep the Acadia!
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      07-03-2012, 04:27 AM   #15
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X5. We have an X3 also and the space for a family your size would be far too small.
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      07-03-2012, 05:06 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BSM328xi View Post
X5. We have an X3 also and the space for a family your size would be far too small.

not sure, the best would be is to try both. X5 has bigger external dimensions, but passanger and luggage space is very close imo (never made a direct comparison, just sat in both, so this might be subjective).
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      07-03-2012, 06:59 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BSM328xi View Post
X5. We have an X3 also and the space for a family your size would be far too small.
If the X3 is far to small then the X5 will be almost far too small. There really is not that much difference.

For the difference in size between them let other factors determine choice, ie looks, mileage, handling, equiepment etc. If you need more space then go for a Q7 or other larger SUV.

There are 4 in our family plus a big dog. The X3 is fine for us but we're in the UK where we are used to smaller cars than in the US.
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      07-03-2012, 10:37 AM   #18
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Wifey and I were deciding between a loaded X3 35i and X5 Premium with comparable options for the two of us and our new baby. We ultimately went with the X3 because my wife would utilize the car most often, and she said she liked the smaller "feel" of the X3. Price differential was negligible (roughly $4k), so the biggest trade-off was space. We didn't think space was going to be an issue with one baby, however, roughly 6 months later, I definitely wish we had gone with the X5. The X3 provides enough space, but I often find myself playing Tetris with the stuff we need to carry. Not sure how much larger the X5 is, but every cubic centimeter would help.

All that being said, I still like the X3. Hope this makes sense.
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      07-03-2012, 11:47 AM   #19
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My Parents own an X5 and the difference is not that big. In the cargo, you'll have a little bit space on the side and a lot more space in height. For the back seats, you can have seat 3 adults comfortably instead of 2 in the X3.
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      07-03-2012, 02:38 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mistermagoo View Post
Wifey and I were deciding between a loaded X3 35i and X5 Premium with comparable options for the two of us and our new baby. We ultimately went with the X3 because my wife would utilize the car most often, and she said she liked the smaller "feel" of the X3. Price differential was negligible (roughly $4k), so the biggest trade-off was space. We didn't think space was going to be an issue with one baby, however, roughly 6 months later, I definitely wish we had gone with the X5. The X3 provides enough space, but I often find myself playing Tetris with the stuff we need to carry. Not sure how much larger the X5 is, but every cubic centimeter would help.

All that being said, I still like the X3. Hope this makes sense.
It gets easier, promise.... For some reason (at least for the first few years), the bigger he child, the less "stuff" they need
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      07-03-2012, 03:24 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by juddholland View Post
Here's what I'll say. If you want a luxurious and well appointed interior, get the X5. Go for the 35d and get the $4,500 eco-credit. The X3 is NOT a small X5. It is a cost-cut mini-ute. The X3 is a premium SUV, but the X5 is a luxury SUV.
The X3 can't really be considered "cost cut" as fully optioned versions overlap with some of the lower to mid priced X5's. Mini Ute or Mid Sized (as representative of it's place in the BMW SAV lineup) I think is a better classification IMHO.
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      07-03-2012, 03:32 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bluedevils View Post
Isn't a new X5 model coming soon?
^ This.. The F15 is coming along with all of the updates that the other BMW "F series" vehicles have received. As such, the current X5 has reached the end of its lifecycle. This is the primary reason I didn't purchase one. If you are leasing - the current X5 may be a viable option. But on a purchase I guarantee you will take a huge hit once the F15 X5 is introduced. BTW: My last SUV was a 2012 QX56 so I understand size. Just my needs changed and no longer require the dimensions of the QX56. I also owned an LCI E53 X5 4.4i Sport. One of my favorite BMW's to date. I would say the F25 X3 is comparable in size, but it still feels a bit smaller than the previous X5.
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Last edited by car_fan; 07-03-2012 at 11:50 PM..
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