[Rainbow_007]

Steve30dMSport, thanks for your input. I'm convinced on sun blinds on top of sun protection which seems to provide a little privacy.

clivem2, that is a very good point you mentioned about resale. Indeed, I want to get max value for the options as well when I sell my car after 3 to 5 years.

Here's the configuration so far:

X3 xDrive20d SE
• Jet Black w/ Red Brown Nevada leather
• Automatic Gearbox
• Servotronic Steering
• Access package
• Windscreen with grey shade band
• xLine package
• Sun protection glass
• Ext. mirrors - folding, auto dimming
• Split-folding rear seats
• Xenon headlights
• Bluetooth hands-free with USB audio interface
• Business speakers (I'll probably skip this one)
• Brushed aluminum trim
• sun blinds

Now, in terms of resale, any idea what are the items here that don't come into price when selling the car? Of course, I won't go solely for the resale value since there are personal preferences as well which will give me the joy while I have the car for the next 3-5 years.

[clivem2]

Of course you must pick what enhances your pleasure with the vehicle, you don't want to spend 3 to 5 years regretting not getting an option (or indeed spending too much). Also 3 years is one thing, 5 years is another....5 years to write off the costs is more palatable.

I'm guessing you could recover value from:
Auto - not just value, a lot of people want these cars with Auto
Xenon - probably you get a something back on these

[Rainbow_007]

Originally Posted by clivem2

Of course you must pick what enhances your pleasure with the vehicle, you don't want to spend 3 to 5 years regretting not getting an option (or indeed spending too much). Also 3 years is one thing, 5 years is another....5 years to write off the costs is more palatable.

I'm guessing you could recover value from:
Auto - not just value, a lot of people want these cars with Auto
Xenon - probably you get a something back on these

Any idea if NAV could recover some of its value? If no, then I definitely stay away from it..

[tank531]

If the option price in Spain for xenon, for example, is as high as UK (GBP920) then this is 3% of the basic purchase price. The price of options becomes very high, unless you live in the US and you will never get your money back with a higher resale price. All the options are subjective and you will see very few members on the forum who advise not to spend more.... It is easy to say once you have had memory seats, or similar, you will never do without them again but the price gets higher and higer.

You must make up your own descision based on budget - one thing is for sure, everyone spends more than they want to...... (including me)

[clivem2]

Originally Posted by Rainbow_007

Any idea if NAV could recover some of its value? If no, then I definitely stay away from it..

Some say that cars with no nav are hard to sell. Others say not....the reality is that a 5 year nav is way out of date and outclassed by a new 100€ TomTom or Garmin. It will depend on your market whether a nav is vital for resale.

[swamp]

How about no options, but choose 30d instead?

[Rainbow_007]

Originally Posted by swamp

How about no options, but choose 30d instead?

Swamp, price wise 30d with no options is almost the same price I have with all the options for 20d. I noticed 30d comes with auto transmission and metallic paint at no extra cost. what else am I missing? I don't require that big engine with the extra horse power since I don't live in the mountains.

[sfax]

Originally Posted by swamp

How about no options, but choose 30d instead?

Nice curveball. Luckily I didn't have the 30d available to me as then deciding becomes even harder as you have to weigh up the options against extra power

I think you get auto and metallic paint on the 30d SE but that's it so you're paying an extra £4,000 for the engine assuming you wanted auto and metallic.

I would obviously prefer the 30d but on the downside I would definitely use more fuel and probably have to pay more slightly more insurance and road tax, also other little things like tyre wear. Is it worth it? Yes! Damn!

The other thing to consider is that the total cost of the 30d with loads of options (I think my option list on a 30d would be £49k) becomes nearly 60% more than the base 20d SE model. That seems one hell of a lot to me for a car with the same shell but I guess it's the same with lots of models like the difference between a 320 and a 335

[ricardoyak]

I have gone for the 3.0 SE but also mad on the extras. I had a long weekend test in a 2.0d and it had plenty of "go" but was a little on the course side. I had a 330d a while ago and it was sublime. Quiet and with endless power.

Mine will be about £49k which is the most I have ever spent on a car. But, I echo the point that others make - go with what you need to enjoy it!

[dnw]

Originally Posted by ricardoyak

I have gone for the 3.0 SE but also mad on the extras. I had a long weekend test in a 2.0d and it had plenty of "go" but was a little on the course side. I had a 330d a while ago and it was sublime. Quiet and with endless power.

Mine will be about £49k which is the most I have ever spent on a car. But, I echo the point that others make - go with what you need to enjoy it!

Sounds like we have a similar motor on order - mine a 30d SE optioned to around £47k before discount. When did you order and what is your ETA?

20d is ok but nothing exciting. 30d is another world. It literally kicks you in the back when you floor it from standstill...

[sfax]

Originally Posted by dnw

Sounds like we have a similar motor on order - mine a 30d SE optioned to around £47k before discount. When did you order and what is your ETA?

20d is ok but nothing exciting. 30d is another world. It literally kicks you in the back when you floor it from standstill...

I guess it's all relative but it's only 1/2 second quicker than my old Golf GTI 0-60mph. Fast, yes. Not sure on another world though - maybe I need to get in one. However, I'm resolved never to get in a 30d because I'll be annoyed!

[dnw]

Originally Posted by sfax

However, I'm resolved never to get in a 30d because I'll be annoyed!

Ha you better try to keep to that! I'm used to my 2.0 Q5 which feels on par with the 20d even though its 1.5s slower on paper. It 'felt' pretty much the same. However, once I got in the 30d... wow did it feel different. From standstill its pretty frightening for an SUV. Most fun I've had between sheet (metal) in a long time . After that morning I could never go back to the 4 pot.

[BIMMER UK 76]

Originally Posted by sfax

I guess it's all relative but it's only 1/2 second quicker than my old Golf GTI 0-60mph. Fast, yes. Not sure on another world though - maybe I need to get in one. However, I'm resolved never to get in a 30d because I'll be annoyed!

35d might be another universe then!?!

[swamp]

I had a 20d on order with auto and metallic paint (amongst other options), but I upped it to a 30d last month. It was an effective £4K upgrade, but one that I believe will be well worth it and will hold its value in years to come. It's also an upgrade I can't really afford, but I will save money in other areas of my life like buying own-brand Cornflakes, or something like that!

X3 30d SE due March 2012

[dnw]

I guess it's all relative and you have to try it for yourself but being used to diesel engines the wall of torque on those BMW sixes is a real treat. The 30d is 530Nm, I remember when Aston Martin Vantages were 550... I found the X3 with that pulling power a lot more fun than the smaller petrol sixes in other BMWs and on a par with the 35i. The 35d must be better still (I was very tempted) but I think the law of diminishing returns kicks in a bit there. 20d to 30d is a BIG difference, 30d to 35d probably not as much, although I'd have to get used to the 30d and then drive one to be sure!

I have learnt this the hard way - if you really enjoy driving, always go for the biggest engine you can afford and then spend the left overs on options, not the other way around.

[ricardoyak]

Originally Posted by dnw

Sounds like we have a similar motor on order - mine a 30d SE optioned to around £47k before discount. When did you order and what is your ETA?

20d is ok but nothing exciting. 30d is another world. It literally kicks you in the back when you floor it from standstill...

I ordered in July and it is being built this week according to the dealer. Due at the dealer in the UK in January for early Feb delivery.

Full spec is:

3.0d SE, Mineral Silver, oyster, Matt silver trim, visibility package, professional media package, access package, cold weather package, electric seat package, sports seats, sports wheel, performance control, VDC, electric towbar, reverse camera with top view, xLine package, business speakers, sun protection glass, extended storage, 308 18" wheels

It has been a long wait, but my dealer has been great at keeping me informed and also setting up a Friday to Monday test drive.

[BIMMER UK 76]

Originally Posted by swamp

I had a 20d on order with auto and metallic paint (amongst other options), but I upped it to a 30d last month. It was an effective £4K upgrade, but one that I believe will be well worth it and will hold its value in years to come. It's also an upgrade I can't really afford, but I will save money in other areas of my life like buying own-brand Cornflakes, or something like that!

X3 30d SE due March 2012

Blue stripe cornflakes and £0.09 per tin baked beans for you, enjoy the 30d

[Rainbow_007]

Originally Posted by BIMMER UK 76

Blue stripe cornflakes and £0.09 per tin baked beans for you, enjoy the 30d

LOL. Actually with same specs 30d I can afford to but reaching my max limits. Would have to resort to those cornflakes too

Obviously, I would want to test drive the 30d engine to feel it myself but guys from UK tell me, in terms of resale whether to expect difference in 20d and 30d?

Also, what is practical fuel consumption difference on local roads and highways?

Thanks

[swamp]

Originally Posted by Rainbow_007

LOL. Actually with same specs 30d I can afford to but reaching my max limits. Would have to resort to those cornflakes too

Obviously, I would want to test drive the 30d engine to feel it myself but guys from UK tell me, in terms of resale whether to expect difference in 20d and 30d?

Also, what is practical fuel consumption difference on local roads and highways?

Thanks

The anecdotal 'real-world' figures from the fora would suggest that the 30d is almost the same as the 20d. A large pinch of salt is due here since many X3s are still being run in and are keeping to low speeds.

On the resale issue, it is only my guess that a 30d will maintain few more K over a 20d on nothing other than that it is a more desirable machine.

[clivem2]

Originally Posted by Rainbow_007

LOL. Actually with same specs 30d I can afford to but reaching my max limits. Would have to resort to those cornflakes too

Obviously, I would want to test drive the 30d engine to feel it myself but guys from UK tell me, in terms of resale whether to expect difference in 20d and 30d?

Also, what is practical fuel consumption difference on local roads and highways?

Thanks

Performance - a considerable difference
Resale - will payback some of the extra cost (unlike most options)
Consumption - if driven gently then it's barely any more thirsty

[Rainbow_007]

Originally Posted by clivem2

Performance - a considerable difference
Resale - will payback some of the extra cost (unlike most options)
Consumption - if driven gently then it's barely any more thirsty

Cool. I'll try to arrange for a test drive tomorrow to see if this 30d gives me more joyful ride. Especially if this engine is going to payback at the resale, no reason why not to go for it. I may have to erase couple of options from my list though

[clivem2]

Originally Posted by Rainbow_007

Cool. I'll try to arrange for a test drive tomorrow to see if this 30d gives me more joyful ride. Especially if this engine is going to payback at the resale, no reason why not to go for it. I may have to erase couple of options from my list though

Make sure you switch it into sport mode or at least move the stick to the side.