X3 - Very Happy Owner!! - XBimmers

cwilkie · 12-28-2011, 06:01 AM

Hi all,

So I finally took delivery of my X3 a couple of weeks ago, and could not be happier!

Went for the X3 2.0d. Sapphire Black, M Sport Package, dynamic suspension, premium sound, etc etc. Only thing I missed were the power folding mirrors (as per a previous thread) but I have not had occasion to use them!

Bought the new Thule Aero bars, and a Thule roofbox for carting around snowboarding kit. Photo attached.

The drive is great. Much better than I could have imagined for this size of car. I currently have winter wheels (17's) fitted, and had a couple of very snowy drives up to the mountains. No issue at all, and did not need to break out the chains! The 2.0d engine is actually perfect for my needs. Living in Switzerland with very strict speed control, I didn't want something that would tempt me too much. Besides, this is an SUV, and I have my motorbikes when I really have to let loose. The engine has plenty torque for driving around the mountains, and shifting quickly around the city. Only noticeable lack in power is when maxing out at motorway limits. No big deal for me.

Went for the M kit for looks alone. I may not have the 3.5d to match, but don't care

My wife is no car fan, especially not BMW (don't ask why). However, this is the first car she really loves to drive. Driving position, visibily, feel from the engine are all great. She finds this much improved from our previous 320d touring.

If anyone is on the fence about buying this car, jump straight over....it is awesome

DEVM · 12-28-2011, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwilkie

Hi all,

So I finally took delivery of my X3 a couple of weeks ago, and could not be happier!

Went for the X3 2.0d. Sapphire Black, M Sport Package, dynamic suspension, premium sound, etc etc. Only thing I missed were the power folding mirrors (as per a previous thread) but I have not had occasion to use them!

Bought the new Thule Aero bars, and a Thule roofbox for carting around snowboarding kit. Photo attached.

The drive is great. Much better than I could have imagined for this size of car. I currently have winter wheels (17's) fitted, and had a couple of very snowy drives up to the mountains. No issue at all, and did not need to break out the chains! The 2.0d engine is actually perfect for my needs. Living in Switzerland with very strict speed control, I didn't want something that would tempt me too much. Besides, this is an SUV, and I have my motorbikes when I really have to let loose. The engine has plenty torque for driving around the mountains, and shifting quickly around the city. Only noticeable lack in power is when maxing out at motorway limits. No big deal for me.

Went for the M kit for looks alone. I may not have the 3.5d to match, but don't care

My wife is no car fan, especially not BMW (don't ask why). However, this is the first car she really loves to drive. Driving position, visibily, feel from the engine are all great. She finds this much improved from our previous 320d touring.

If anyone is on the fence about buying this car, jump straight over....it is awesome

Nice picture and good looking car :-)
I'm still waiting for mine x3 to arrive. Promised delivery in december, but now delivery will be early märz. When did you order and how long was your wait? I live in züri as well. I can't stand that we have to pay twice as much compared to the usa and have to wait 6 months or longer for delivery...

Enjoy your ride. Cheers

tank531 · 12-28-2011, 06:36 AM

Good write up - I have read several threads from apline users of the F25 who are enjoying the flexible use of the vehicle and enjoying the winter driving.

sfax · 12-28-2011, 07:17 AM

Congrats! Great to see another X3 in the snow. I want some snow to try out mine with! 11C where I am now and not a single snowflake has fallen this winter

. Bound to happen the moment I fitted winter tyres!

rd450 · 12-28-2011, 07:38 AM

Hey cwilkie, looks great.

If you don't mind me asking what model is the Thule roof box as I too am looking to fit one.

Did you go for the aero roof bars ?

Cheers

cwilkie · 12-28-2011, 09:04 AM

I also had a loooooong wait! Ordered back in April as far as I remember. Was worth the wait though. Agree about the price in CH....best to never look at US prices

We have been lucky to finally get snow. Very late start to the season though, just hope it keeps coming.

The roof bars are indeed the Aero model. The box is the new Thule Motion 800. Perfect fit for the car. I can easily fit 4 boards with bindings..and probably more if I pack the thing correctly!!

mistermagoo · 12-28-2011, 09:20 AM

Good looking vehicle. I must agree, the X3 is a great handling vehicle in both dry and inclement weather. Wife and I decided to drive to Toronto for Christmas with her family this past weekend, just so we can break-in our new 2012 X3 35i. I was hoping for snow, but got tons of rain on the way back. Car felt bolted to the ground the entire time. Glad I bought this car... for my wife.

cwilkie · 12-28-2011, 09:30 AM

And just so you can see the conditions I had to drive back in, I have attached another couple of pictures.

We simply cleared the snow from the windows in the carpark, and drove straight off. Other cars were being pushed, or having snowchains mounted....not the mighty X3

Pulled away without a single wheelspin!

The second pic is from the car, looking down the road we were driving (Tannenboden - Flumserberg). Once again, not a single slip...excellent handling.

The motorway was also covered in snow all the way back home, but didn't manage to get any pics then, was too busy concentrating!

sfax · 12-28-2011, 09:51 AM

That is some serious snow. Pleased to hear the X3 is doing the business!!

Rodion · 12-28-2011, 10:17 AM

Do you have it with manual or automatic gearbox?

Nice winter pictures. No snow up here in the North (Helsinki)!

cadman50 · 12-28-2011, 11:18 AM

Nice pics and nice to know the X3 plowed thru that stuff. Sure looks like the skiing and/or boarding was fantastic. Not so here. I cancelled my trip to Utah. Not worth it yet. What make/model of snow tires are on the X?

Dr Goethe · 12-28-2011, 11:45 AM

What brand/model/size winter tires and snow chains did you use? They clearly worked well!

tank531 · 12-28-2011, 02:57 PM

Great winter pictures - looks like you are snow bound but a single picture can easily fool others.

MetaX · 12-28-2011, 03:00 PM

Now I know where all the snow went!

cwilkie · 12-29-2011, 01:25 AM

Yes, plenty of snow then. But sadly warming up by the weekend. I hope it comes back with a vengeance!

I have an automatic gearbox. This is incredibly smooth, and never found myself to be wishing for a manual.

Don't have new snowchains yet actually, still have to purchase. Had for my old car, but they won't fit the new wheels. Not sure what new ones to get, so if anyone has any recommendations?

The tyres are Dunlops, although not run-flat. Dealer was unable to get the Pirelli run-flats I originally requested, as they were out of stock. I did however get a free compressor

I will have to check the exact model, but they are 225/60-17 99 H. Pirelli would have been my first choice, but the Dunlops seem to be excellent so far!

Sorry to hear the Utah trip was cancelled, wish you a very snowy New Year!!

Ben Lee · 12-29-2011, 06:45 AM

Wow... Very snowy weather. Comng from the tropics, I can't imagine how life will be like to live with so much snow. Glad you like your new X3, great car isn't it?

dnw · 12-29-2011, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sfax

. Bound to happen the moment I fitted winter tyres!

Sods law isn't it. However historically the main chill comes in Feb, we've just got used to it being Dec the last couple of years... so you may get some hard core use out of them yet!

khaiql · 12-31-2011, 06:30 AM

Hi everyone,

To the OP, what specific model code are the Thule aero bars and mounts? Hoping to get them on a sale before delivery of the car (just ordered my X3 but won't get delivered until mid-April).

Thanks,

Khai

12-28-2011, 06:01 AM	#1
cwilkie New Member Drives: X3 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Switzerland Posts: 7 iTrader: (0)	X3 - Very Happy Owner!! Hi all, So I finally took delivery of my X3 a couple of weeks ago, and could not be happier! Went for the X3 2.0d. Sapphire Black, M Sport Package, dynamic suspension, premium sound, etc etc. Only thing I missed were the power folding mirrors (as per a previous thread) but I have not had occasion to use them! Bought the new Thule Aero bars, and a Thule roofbox for carting around snowboarding kit. Photo attached. The drive is great. Much better than I could have imagined for this size of car. I currently have winter wheels (17's) fitted, and had a couple of very snowy drives up to the mountains. No issue at all, and did not need to break out the chains! The 2.0d engine is actually perfect for my needs. Living in Switzerland with very strict speed control, I didn't want something that would tempt me too much. Besides, this is an SUV, and I have my motorbikes when I really have to let loose. The engine has plenty torque for driving around the mountains, and shifting quickly around the city. Only noticeable lack in power is when maxing out at motorway limits. No big deal for me. Went for the M kit for looks alone. I may not have the 3.5d to match, but don't care My wife is no car fan, especially not BMW (don't ask why). However, this is the first car she really loves to drive. Driving position, visibily, feel from the engine are all great. She finds this much improved from our previous 320d touring. If anyone is on the fence about buying this car, jump straight over....it is awesome Attached Images
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12-28-2011, 07:17 AM	#4
sfax Brigadier General Drives: BMW X3 2011 F25 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Berkshire, UK Posts: 3,774 iTrader: (0)	Congrats! Great to see another X3 in the snow. I want some snow to try out mine with! 11C where I am now and not a single snowflake has fallen this winter . Bound to happen the moment I fitted winter tyres! __________________ BMW X3 (F25) xDrive20d SE . . titanium silver . . titanium front grille . . 309s . . xline . . xenons . . black leather . . alu trim . . professional multimedia package . . dynamic package . . climate package . . electric seats . . folding mirrors . . servotronic steering . . DAB radio . . business speakers . . sun protection glass . . split rear seats . .

12-28-2011, 07:38 AM	#5
rd450 Private Drives: bmw x3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: scotland Posts: 78 iTrader: (0)	Thule roofbox Hey cwilkie, looks great. If you don't mind me asking what model is the Thule roof box as I too am looking to fit one. Did you go for the aero roof bars ? Cheers

12-28-2011, 09:30 AM	#8
cwilkie New Member Drives: X3 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Switzerland Posts: 7 iTrader: (0)	More snow..... And just so you can see the conditions I had to drive back in, I have attached another couple of pictures. We simply cleared the snow from the windows in the carpark, and drove straight off. Other cars were being pushed, or having snowchains mounted....not the mighty X3 Pulled away without a single wheelspin! The second pic is from the car, looking down the road we were driving (Tannenboden - Flumserberg). Once again, not a single slip...excellent handling. The motorway was also covered in snow all the way back home, but didn't manage to get any pics then, was too busy concentrating! Attached Images

12-28-2011, 09:51 AM	#9
sfax Brigadier General Drives: BMW X3 2011 F25 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Berkshire, UK Posts: 3,774 iTrader: (0)	That is some serious snow. Pleased to hear the X3 is doing the business!! __________________ BMW X3 (F25) xDrive20d SE . . titanium silver . . titanium front grille . . 309s . . xline . . xenons . . black leather . . alu trim . . professional multimedia package . . dynamic package . . climate package . . electric seats . . folding mirrors . . servotronic steering . . DAB radio . . business speakers . . sun protection glass . . split rear seats . .

12-28-2011, 06:36 AM	#3
tank531 Deckhand Drives: F25 2.0D SE xDrive (Sep 11) Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Coventry - UK Posts: 389 iTrader: (0)	Good write up - I have read several threads from apline users of the F25 who are enjoying the flexible use of the vehicle and enjoying the winter driving.

12-28-2011, 09:04 AM	#6
cwilkie New Member Drives: X3 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Switzerland Posts: 7 iTrader: (0)	I also had a loooooong wait! Ordered back in April as far as I remember. Was worth the wait though. Agree about the price in CH....best to never look at US prices We have been lucky to finally get snow. Very late start to the season though, just hope it keeps coming. The roof bars are indeed the Aero model. The box is the new Thule Motion 800. Perfect fit for the car. I can easily fit 4 boards with bindings..and probably more if I pack the thing correctly!!

12-28-2011, 09:20 AM	#7
mistermagoo Enlisted Member Drives: 2012 X3 xDrive35i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: New York, NY Posts: 31 iTrader: (0)	Good looking vehicle. I must agree, the X3 is a great handling vehicle in both dry and inclement weather. Wife and I decided to drive to Toronto for Christmas with her family this past weekend, just so we can break-in our new 2012 X3 35i. I was hoping for snow, but got tons of rain on the way back. Car felt bolted to the ground the entire time. Glad I bought this car... for my wife.

12-28-2011, 10:17 AM	#10
Rodion Second Lieutenant Drives: X3 (F25) Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Helsinki, Finland Posts: 229 iTrader: (0)	Do you have it with manual or automatic gearbox? Nice winter pictures. No snow up here in the North (Helsinki)!

12-28-2011, 11:18 AM	#11
cadman50 Private First Class Drives: 2012 X3 35i Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 147 iTrader: (0)	Nice pics and nice to know the X3 plowed thru that stuff. Sure looks like the skiing and/or boarding was fantastic. Not so here. I cancelled my trip to Utah. Not worth it yet. What make/model of snow tires are on the X?

12-28-2011, 11:45 AM	#12
Dr Goethe New Member Drives: 2011 X3 28i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Bethesda, Md Posts: 15 iTrader: (0)	What brand/model/size winter tires and snow chains did you use? They clearly worked well!

12-28-2011, 02:57 PM	#13
tank531 Deckhand Drives: F25 2.0D SE xDrive (Sep 11) Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Coventry - UK Posts: 389 iTrader: (0)	Great winter pictures - looks like you are snow bound but a single picture can easily fool others.

12-28-2011, 03:00 PM	#14
MetaX Private Drives: 2012 X3 xDrive35i Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: San Francisco Posts: 78 iTrader: (0)	Now I know where all the snow went!

12-29-2011, 01:25 AM	#15
cwilkie New Member Drives: X3 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Switzerland Posts: 7 iTrader: (0)	Yes, plenty of snow then. But sadly warming up by the weekend. I hope it comes back with a vengeance! I have an automatic gearbox. This is incredibly smooth, and never found myself to be wishing for a manual. Don't have new snowchains yet actually, still have to purchase. Had for my old car, but they won't fit the new wheels. Not sure what new ones to get, so if anyone has any recommendations? The tyres are Dunlops, although not run-flat. Dealer was unable to get the Pirelli run-flats I originally requested, as they were out of stock. I did however get a free compressor I will have to check the exact model, but they are 225/60-17 99 H. Pirelli would have been my first choice, but the Dunlops seem to be excellent so far! Sorry to hear the Utah trip was cancelled, wish you a very snowy New Year!!

12-29-2011, 06:45 AM	#16
Ben Lee Enlisted Member Drives: BMW F10 528i and BMW X3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Indonesia Posts: 34 iTrader: (0)	Wow... Very snowy weather. Comng from the tropics, I can't imagine how life will be like to live with so much snow. Glad you like your new X3, great car isn't it?

12-31-2011, 06:30 AM	#18
khaiql New Member Drives: X3 2012 30D Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 28 iTrader: (0)	Hi everyone, To the OP, what specific model code are the Thule aero bars and mounts? Hoping to get them on a sale before delivery of the car (just ordered my X3 but won't get delivered until mid-April). Thanks, Khai

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