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      08-01-2015, 03:44 AM   #1
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Looking likely to buy an X3

Hello all!

Great forum. I am still doing research on what I want to move on to, and even when, but the X3 is likely to be my next vehicle. I've had all manners of cars over the years (E46 M3, and an E46 328i)...even sometimes buying and selling and buying another car in the same year.

Fortunately I have mellowed out and had the same great car for the past seven years--an Infiniti G37S Coupe (08).

I love sporty cars, but my circumstances and needs are changing, so I need something that can move more people and gear, and regular visits up to Lake Tahoe in Northern California--but I still must have a vehicle that is fun to drive.

I like the X3 because it represents great looks, reputation, refinement, and still a great driver. It's not a mini-van, and it looks tough?

Anyway, I have been looking at the X1 and the X3. The new 2016 X1 is stunning but the feedback on it's driving characteristics have not been great. The X3 really seems to be the sweet spot for size, features, and performance...the price is a bit hefty, but nothing I've ever driven has driven like a BMW. It's part of the reason I'm coming back.

This looks like a great community and I can't wait to learn more about the X3.
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      08-01-2015, 04:11 AM   #2
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Thanks for sharing, exilio. For many of us the X3 does represent that perfect blend of form, function and performance which is only going to get better with the next generation G01 models. Glad you stopped by to read and post, and hope to see some new X3 pictures soon.
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      08-01-2015, 07:06 AM   #3
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Bought my wife an X3, and she's happy with it, except for one thing: We ordered it, not knowing it came with the standard headlights. The trademark corona "angel eyes" headlight rings are not standard on the X3, despite what every single ad, commercial, and even the darn owners manual indicates. If you want the lights, they'll be around $900 extra.

But they did come standard on my K1600 GTL motorcycle.
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      08-01-2015, 02:48 PM   #4
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We went from a 335 to and X3 35i, almost as fun to drive, but much more practical with children and hauling them and their things around. The cargo space of the X3 is miles ahead of the X1, so if you plan on carrying stuff along with 3+ people the X3 is a no brainier.
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      08-01-2015, 04:15 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elbman View Post
................. The cargo space of the X3 is miles ahead of the X1, so if you plan on carrying stuff along with 3+ people the X3 is a no brainier.
Not "miles" ahead. The 2016 X1 has grown in size. The quoted cargo volumes for the 2016 X1 are 505 litres (rear seats up) and 1,550 litres with seats down. The corresponding numbers for the F25 X3 are 550 and 1,600 litres. Front shoulder room is 43mm (1.7in) more in the X3, while rear shoulder room is only 5mm (0.2in). BMW claim an increase in rear legroom in the new X1 of 37mm (1.5in) which can be increased a further 30mm (1.2in) with the optional sliding rear seats.

We certainly will be looking at the new X1 as a possible replacement of our X3 when it gets released in Australia later this year.

Tony
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      08-01-2015, 05:29 PM   #6
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I went from a 328i to a X3 28i as I was in the same situation. Needed more space for family and road trips. At first I was hesitant as I never wanted an SUV but after I had a X3 loaner and test drove my current X3, I was hooked. Maybe I am getting old but I like the smooth ride, the space, no longer have to drop down to get into the car, a hair slower than the 328i but faster than the majority of the vehicles out there. I think the X3 is the perfect vehicle. The one I even wanted was on the lot.
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      08-01-2015, 05:32 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by brissim View Post
Not "miles" ahead. The 2016 X1 has grown in size. The quoted cargo volumes for the 2016 X1 are 505 litres (rear seats up) and 1,550 litres with seats down. The corresponding numbers for the F25 X3 are 550 and 1,600 litres. Front shoulder room is 43mm (1.7in) more in the X3, while rear shoulder room is only 5mm (0.2in). BMW claim an increase in rear legroom in the new X1 of 37mm (1.5in) which can be increased a further 30mm (1.2in) with the optional sliding rear seats.

We certainly will be looking at the new X1 as a possible replacement of our X3 when it gets released in Australia later this year.

Tony
If one needs a new SUV/SAV within the year then Tony may be correct. With all of the research I've been doing on the X3 and its performance, though, I would place money on the G01 X3 increasing correspondingly in all compartments interiorly, while (whilst) still maintaining an athletic and improved aerodynamic form. Disclaimer needed again - I have no affiliation with BMW nor any of its subsidiaries, but without a doubt I am hoping to keep our current X3 even past warranty until the G01 debuts.
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      08-02-2015, 12:50 AM   #8
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You are aware of the all new Mercedes GLC ? When I ordered my X3 in december 2014 , I looked at the Mercedes GLK and I found its style so oldfashioned.
But this new GLC is rather nice.... I don't know what I would have decided now. Well... probably still the BMW



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      08-02-2015, 02:34 AM   #9
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Lots of Great info. Thanks!
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      08-02-2015, 02:35 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elbman View Post
We went from a 335 to and X3 35i, almost as fun to drive, but much more practical with children and hauling them and their things around. The cargo space of the X3 is miles ahead of the X1, so if you plan on carrying stuff along with 3+ people the X3 is a no brainier.
This! It is a good representation of what I want.
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      08-02-2015, 07:03 PM   #11
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welcome and hope u do get the X3
if you're in the states, i am selling mine because I am upgrading into the 35i or 28d depending which i get better deal in
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      08-02-2015, 09:01 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Max Well
Quote:
Originally Posted by brissim View Post
Not "miles" ahead. The 2016 X1 has grown in size. The quoted cargo volumes for the 2016 X1 are 505 litres (rear seats up) and 1,550 litres with seats down. The corresponding numbers for the F25 X3 are 550 and 1,600 litres. Front shoulder room is 43mm (1.7in) more in the X3, while rear shoulder room is only 5mm (0.2in). BMW claim an increase in rear legroom in the new X1 of 37mm (1.5in) which can be increased a further 30mm (1.2in) with the optional sliding rear seats.

We certainly will be looking at the new X1 as a possible replacement of our X3 when it gets released in Australia later this year.

Tony
If one needs a new SUV/SAV within the year then Tony may be correct. With all of the research I've been doing on the X3 and its performance, though, I would place money on the G01 X3 increasing correspondingly in all compartments interiorly, while (whilst) still maintaining an athletic and improved aerodynamic form. Disclaimer needed again - I have no affiliation with BMW nor any of its subsidiaries, but without a doubt I am hoping to keep our current X3 even past warranty until the G01 debuts.
This.

You have to compare apples to apples, not the next generation X1 with the current iteration of the X3 knowing an update is on the horizon.

We sat in both before our our purchase, and the X1 felt small at the time even coming from a 335i.
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      08-02-2015, 10:46 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elbman View Post
This.

You have to compare apples to apples, not the next generation X1 with the current iteration of the X3 knowing an update is on the horizon.

We sat in both before our our purchase, and the X1 felt small at the time even coming from a 335i.
Read the OP's original post. He/she specifically mentioned that they were considering the current model X3 and the 2016 X1 - not the current model X1. So it is totally proper and correct to compare the size of the F25 X3 with the F48 X1.

Don't get me wrong - size isn't everything. The main reason why the 2016 X1 has grown so much in interior space is the basic change to the drive platform. The X1 has gone from a RWD-based system to a FWD-based system similar to that used on the 2 Series BMWs and to be seen also on the next generation 1 Series. This together with the traverse mounted engines has freed up considerable "length" resulting in increased passenger compartment space. While the F48 X1 does has AWD xdrive versions, it is more of a Haldex-type FWD-biased system. The X1's 2WD sdrive versions are purely FWD.

Tony
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      08-02-2015, 11:23 PM   #14
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Great feedback. I also went down to the dealership today to look at some interiors and drive. I I have narrowed down the options/packages I want to custom order:

- 2016 X3 xDrive28i (35i more than I want to spend, 28d, the gas mileage is nice, but the trade-offs aren't worth it to me.)

- M Sport line

- 20" M Style 310 wheels

- Color, can't decide...Space Gray or Carbon Black (my current car is just a shade lighter than Space Gray...I love the color but contemplating a change.)

- Interior Color: Leaning towards black, but interested in Mocha...haven't seen it in the flesh yet.

- Trim: Anthracite wood trim.

- Dynamic Handling Package

- Driver Assistance Package (required but I'd likely have got anyway)

- ACC Stop & Go + Active Driving Assistant (required)

- Adaptive full LED Lights

- Technology Package

- Harman Kardon Audio

- Heated Front Seats

$56,420 MSRP

Thoughts?
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      08-03-2015, 12:22 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Endre2 View Post
You are aware of the all new Mercedes GLC ? When I ordered my X3 in december 2014 , I looked at the Mercedes GLK and I found its style so oldfashioned.
But this new GLC is rather nice.... I don't know what I would have decided now. Well... probably still the BMW



Looking at the side profile, I think the X3 design is more dynamic, the GLC is looking more wagon-y. However, the interior is a different story. I really like the interior of the new Mercedes, GLC included, they look very upmarket.
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      08-03-2015, 01:17 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by exilio View Post
Great feedback. I also went down to the dealership today to look at some interiors and drive. I I have narrowed down the options/packages I want to custom order:

- M Sport line

- 20" M Style 310 wheels

- Color, can't decide...Space Gray or Carbon Black (my current car is just a shade lighter than Space Gray...I love the color but contemplating a change.)


Thoughts?
Than go for Space Grey. It looks really sharp in different lights (shade, sun, dawn or twilight). And black, well, it's just black.
I would re think 20 inch wheels. The ride might not be very comfortable anymore, but maybe guys can tell you that have these wheels on their X3.

Interior, that's very personal. I went for black, but also because my car is Melbourne red metallic and in X-Line trim. Than the black seats have red stitches which looks awesome in combination with the melbourne red.
And I never liked very bright interiors. But I would recommend to see Mocha in the flesh before you order it (but I know this is easier said than done, for I'd never seen a melbourne red car, and ordered it anyway.... , am still happy with it.)

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      08-03-2015, 01:17 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Endre2 View Post
You are aware of the all new Mercedes GLC ? When I ordered my X3 in december 2014 , I looked at the Mercedes GLK and I found its style so oldfashioned.
But this new GLC is rather nice.... I don't know what I would have decided now. Well... probably still the BMW
The GLC is nice but appears...soft? While I usually like MB interiors, it kind of struck me as looking like the interior of a high-end boat--a bit busy and ostentatious. Part of the reason I wanted to come back to a German-designed vehicle is the austere and Teutonic design sensibilities.

Just as there is allure when a woman is subtly sexy in dress and appearance, a car that is simple in its appearance but leading edge technology and convenience lie beneath, making it interesting and compelling.

Is that weird?
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      08-03-2015, 10:31 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jegs2 View Post
Bought my wife an X3, and she's happy with it, except for one thing: We ordered it, not knowing it came with the standard headlights. The trademark corona "angel eyes" headlight rings are not standard on the X3, despite what every single ad, commercial, and even the darn owners manual indicates. If you want the lights, they'll be around $900 extra.

But they did come standard on my K1600 GTL motorcycle.
I had the same issue, the BMW website leads you to believe its inlcuded, but as you said its a $900 option. Fortunately the dealer was cool about it, ordered us a new car, and is taking back the one we bought from them. The only money we're out of pocket it $900 for the lights.

Lesson learned, you have to specify if you want the Xenon lights with Halos!!!!
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      08-03-2015, 10:34 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by exilio View Post
Great feedback. I also went down to the dealership today to look at some interiors and drive. I I have narrowed down the options/packages I want to custom order:

- 2016 X3 xDrive28i (35i more than I want to spend, 28d, the gas mileage is nice, but the trade-offs aren't worth it to me.)

- M Sport line

- 20" M Style 310 wheels

- Color, can't decide...Space Gray or Carbon Black (my current car is just a shade lighter than Space Gray...I love the color but contemplating a change.)

- Interior Color: Leaning towards black, but interested in Mocha...haven't seen it in the flesh yet.

- Trim: Anthracite wood trim.

- Dynamic Handling Package

- Driver Assistance Package (required but I'd likely have got anyway)

- ACC Stop & Go + Active Driving Assistant (required)

- Adaptive full LED Lights

- Technology Package

- Harman Kardon Audio

- Heated Front Seats

$56,420 MSRP

Thoughts?
Make sure you check the box for the xenon lights, believe it or not, halogens are standard....
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      08-03-2015, 03:41 PM   #20
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welcome and hope u do get the X3
if you're in the states, i am selling mine because I am upgrading into the 35i or 28d depending which i get better deal in
Oh really now LOL
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      08-03-2015, 07:56 PM   #21
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Originally Posted by fusion0389 View Post
Make sure you check the box for the xenon lights, believe it or not, halogens are standard....
Which is why he has optioned the adaptive LED lights.

Tony
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      08-04-2015, 09:20 AM   #22
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Which is why he has optioned the adaptive LED lights.

Tony
Oh yeah, i see that now. I havent seen the LED headlights in person, but i hear they are phenomenal!
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