[wb47]

Hello Everyone,

I am from Sydney, Australia and I am thinking of buying a new vehicle very soon, and the BMW X3 28i interested me the most,

However after reading:
http://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=410429
and all the negative feedback on its styling, I am having second thoughts,

I looked at the X3 forums of people who photographed their new 2011 X3s and they seemed really "good looking", why do the 2012 Models as shown on the link seem so different? isn't 2011 and 2012 X3s meant to be practically the same? or was it a case of bad angling?

Thank You.

[colson79]

For every tread you find that where people don't like it's looks you can find one where people love the look. It is personal preference and I think the new X3 looks great.

[greg2step]

The thread you posted a link to hasn't been updated since August 2010 before the F25 X3 was available. 2011 and 2012 are very similar - a few minor changes in packages in the US, 35d engine available outside the US with the N20 4cyl turbo coming (not sure when).

While styling is and looks are more a matter of preference and perception, I find my X3 to be a beautiful vehicle.

don't make your decision based on a bunch of posts by some contrarians 6 months before the X3 came out - I say go to your local BMW Center and schedule a test drive.

[wb47]

Thanks guys for speedy replys, and greg thank you, it was stupid of me not to check the dates of the posts, just read the "2012" part.
Looks like i'll be getting a X3 after all, but on to the new models, what is N20?

[colson79]

N20 is a turbo 4 cylinder engine that is available on the 2012 X3 in some countries.

[Beyu]

To add to earlier comments, make sure that you're not confusing packages such as the M-Sport and Sport Activity Package (both change the exterior) as 2012 models.

From the link that you provided the X3s in all of the photos are without any extra exterior styling and the 2012 is pretty much the same as 2011 models but with some packages/options moved around.

PS: Sard posted some really nice photos of his AW M-Sport, you should check it out and compare it to the link you had.

[Dukat]

The car looks different depending on the trim level you get. 35i has different tires and a few other things than the 28i. Sports package changes trim around window from black to chrome, etc. Tinted rear windows make a huge difference.

I still don't know if the car I ordered will have tinted rear windows. Seems to be standard in Canada but I've seen lots in the US with no tint to any window.

I haven't seen an X3 with my tires or the new 2012 anthracite headliner and piano finish dash pieces in person yet so I hope I like it. Pickup is tomorrow!

[colson79]

Originally Posted by Dukat

The car looks different depending on the trim level you get. 35i has different tires and a few other things than the 28i. Sports package changes trim around window from black to chrome, etc. Tinted rear windows make a huge difference.

I still don't know if the car I ordered will have tinted rear windows. Seems to be standard in Canada but I've seen lots in the US with no tint to any window.

I haven't seen an X3 with my tires or the new 2012 anthracite headliner and piano finish dash pieces in person yet so I hope I like it. Pickup is tomorrow!

I'm curious about the tint as well. The standard options for the 35i in the US list privacy glass, so I assume it will have some kind of tint.

[Dukat]

Originally Posted by colson79

I'm curious about the tint as well. The standard options for the 35i in the US list privacy glass, so I assume it will have some kind of tint.

My CA just confirmed that my 35i does have back & rear tinted windows. I don't know if that's standard with the 35i or with one of the packages I selected.

[brissim]

wb47,

I join in with the others here in saying not to be put off by the negative views of others - the important thing is what you think about the appearance of the X3. Yes I have read reviews and comments which call the X3's look "polarising". The spin I put on these types of comments is that at least the car has character. By comparison - IMO - the Q5 is bland and uninteresting (but to be fair probably pips the X3 in interior design).

My main comment/query is on your choice of the 28i. Unless you have something against diesels can I suggest you at least have a test drive of the 30d - it absolutely runs rings around the 28i in performance, drivability and of course fuel economy. It is unfortunate we don't get the 35i in Australia. I do appreciate you can probably get a better deal on the 28i given the popularity of the diesel X3s.

Tony

[Penso di no]

Piling on here. Most of the negative comments in that thread were complaints that it didn't look more like the Mercedes or Audi. Some people really love those Qs, but I find them boring.

Bottom line is pick what makes you happy and don't worry about what other people think.

You're lucky in Oz as you have two diesel options (we have zero in the US), but you miss out on the 335i, unfortunately. It looks like the 28i engine in Oz is still the straight six (i.e., not the N20 yet), same as here. The 30d makes massive torque compared to the 28i, but I assume there's a price premium, too.

[greg2step]

[QUOTE=Penso di no;10568904]Piling on here. Most of the negative comments in that thread were complaints that it didn't look more like the Mercedes or Audi. Some people really love those Qs[QUOTE]

atleast the Q5 (as well as the Q7) are very nice looking. the GLK, if pained yellow, would look like a short school bus

[Penso di no]

Originally Posted by greg2step

atleast the Q5 (as well as the Q7) are very nice looking. the GLK, if pained yellow, would look like a short school bus

True enough. Still, somebody likes it. Hooray for variety.

[wb47]

Will the 28i be replaced by the N20?

[Penso di no]

Originally Posted by wb47

Will the 28i be replaced by the N20?

The i6 engine in the 28i will likely eventually be replaced by the N20, as has happened in the 528i, X1 xDrive28i, and Z4 sDrive28i. BMW haven't announced when that will happen in the various markets.

[beto_L.A.]

[QUOTE=Dukat;10568382]

Originally Posted by colson79

I'm curious about the tint as well. The standard options for the 35i in the US list privacy glass, so I assume it will have some kind of tint.

My CA just confirmed that my 35i does have back

[wb47]

Originally Posted by brissim

wb47,

I join in with the others here in saying not to be put off by the negative views of others - the important thing is what you think about the appearance of the X3. Yes I have read reviews and comments which call the X3's look "polarising". The spin I put on these types of comments is that at least the car has character. By comparison - IMO - the Q5 is bland and uninteresting (but to be fair probably pips the X3 in interior design).

My main comment/query is on your choice of the 28i. Unless you have something against diesels can I suggest you at least have a test drive of the 30d - it absolutely runs rings around the 28i in performance, drivability and of course fuel economy. It is unfortunate we don't get the 35i in Australia. I do appreciate you can probably get a better deal on the 28i given the popularity of the diesel X3s.

Tony

Thank you for the suggestion, however I have some personal issues with diesel, but will the N20 i4 Turbo replace the 28i?
I was planning to purchase mid-feb 2012 and hopefully get a 2012 production line for the 28i, unless, as rumours state it will no longer be available.

[brissim]

Originally Posted by Penso di no

You're lucky in Oz as you have two diesel options (we have zero in the US), but you miss out on the 335i, unfortunately. It looks like the 28i engine in Oz is still the straight six (i.e., not the N20 yet), same as here. The 30d makes massive torque compared to the 28i, but I assume there's a price premium, too.

In Australia, the (list) drive away price of the X3 30d is about AU$3,000 more than the 28i (AU$83k vs AU80k) - but you do get an auto tailgate standard in the 30d above that standard in the 28i. No brainer in my view.

The turbo 4-cylinder N20 has not been comfirmed for Oz. However I do believe it will eventualy happen - but not necessarily replace the 28i. Instead I can see it perhaps being used as a price leader alongside the cheaper 20d while still retaining the more expensive 28i (with its better standard equipment). This seems to be the strategy used by BMW in Australia.

Tony

[greg2step]

as Penso said, supposedly the n20 4cyl turbo is coming to the X3 at some point - when and for what countries/markets is not yet known by anyone... in contrast the 35d engine is now available for order in many markets outside north america.

In the US, the N20 avail in the 2012 528 and Z4 28i. I assume the 3 series won't see it until the new 3 series is out. no word on the X3 or the 1 series at all on switching the engine. the consensus is eventually the 4cyl turbo will replace the current 28i engine totally at some point.

you can resolve your dilemna real easy with a test drive of an X3 35i.

[wb47]

Originally Posted by greg2step

as Penso said, supposedly the n20 4cyl turbo is coming to the X3 at some point - when and for what countries/markets is not yet known by anyone... in contrast the 35d engine is now available for order in many markets outside north america.

In the US, the N20 avail in the 2012 528 and Z4 28i. I assume the 3 series won't see it until the new 3 series is out. no word on the X3 or the 1 series at all on switching the engine. the consensus is eventually the 4cyl turbo will replace the current 28i engine totally at some point.

you can resolve your dilemna real easy with a test drive of an X3 35i.

I would, but the only petrol option available in Aus is the 28i and I really want a i6. I'm looking to purchase around feb/mar, do you think the N20 will be replacing the 28i by then considering it hasn't even been announced for the X3?

Thanks

[ppduck]

Originally Posted by wb47

I would, but the only petrol option available in Aus is the 28i and I really want a i6. I'm looking to purchase around feb/mar, do you think the N20 will be replacing the 28i by then considering it hasn't even been announced for the X3?

Thanks

hi,

i m in sydney as well and waiting for my x3 to be delivered end of the month....
i go for the diesel option, however, when i spoke with the dealer after i placed my order in august, the delaer told me that the 2.0 Petrol engine will be here early next year and becoming the entry model of X3 series which will be 2k cheaper than the current 2.0 Diesel X3, however, there may be slight less inclusion on the 2.0N petrol model comapring to the existing 2.0 diesel model... check with the dealer for details....
cheers....

ppduck

[sparoz]

I had the impression there are no 28i from October production until the arrival of the N20. if you want an I6, you really need to find a car now. You don't like the noise of the diesels?