04-11-2011, 03:47 AM | #1 |
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X3 of inferior build quality...
Hello,
first of all, this topic title might sound a bit like a X3 bashing topic but it's not... I'm a huge fan of the X3, did a test drive and have some clear objective remarks... some of them I've not read about before. so here it goes: I was leaning 90% towards the X3 and 10% towards the 5 series... the I did a testdrive with both and was over impressed by the 5 and hugly dissapointed by the X3. Both had standard seats and 20d engine. The X3 was noisy on the highway when doing around 140km/h and the seats where so terrible that I had terrible pain in my back after a 1hour drive... I also noticed the different in build quality. So let's look at some facts: - X3 standard seats are nowere in the neighbourhoud of the 5 series seats, comfort seats could have resolved this... but no luck as they are not available in the X3 - We had both the 5 series and X 3 parked next to eachother and with the doors opened. The build quality of both was so shocking different! While the 5 had fine, high quality finish the X3 looked cheap and of inferior quality, less leather, more hard plastic, etc... - the navi pro screen of the X3 is smaller than the 5 series navi pro, don't let yourself be fooled by the marketing, the X3's navi screen is smaller! - While the airco controls in the 5er are nicely integrated in the dashboard with nice black finish, the climate controls of the X3 are actually exact the same as in my current X1 series. - The dashboard of the x3 looks plastic compaired to the 5 series dashboard... hence, my 1 series looked better finished then the X3. The driving part is maybe more subjective but I coudn't get rid of the feeling that the x3 was a bit bouncy while the 5 series was sticking to the road as a pile of dogsh*t at a shoe... superbe! Man, this test drive really became a painfull experience, after being so sure about the X3 I'm now full of doubt and lending more towards the 5 series. Problem with 5 series is that it's an absolute lease sl*t, so a huge amount of people are driving this exact same car while the X3 is in my opinion more unique. |
04-11-2011, 03:56 AM | #2 |
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I haven't driven a 5 series however here in Aus it is $20k more expensive (20d vs 20d) so I would expect a difference in quality.
As for drive, one is a sedan and one an SUV so I expect differences. Just my very uninformed decision though. |
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04-11-2011, 04:00 AM | #3 |
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Ow 20k price difference? that's not the case here in belgium, they are about the same price here. That's why i was so surprised in the huge build quality difference.
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04-11-2011, 04:05 AM | #4 |
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04-11-2011, 04:10 AM | #5 | |
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04-11-2011, 04:30 AM | #6 | |
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04-11-2011, 04:40 AM | #7 |
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Im not sure all that can be possible, i doubt BMW uses different plastic for the dashboards. Navigator is 8.8", same size on both, unless youre telling us that BMW is deliberatly lieing and the Nevada leather is.....Nevada leather for all cars.
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04-11-2011, 05:14 AM | #8 | |
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04-11-2011, 06:20 AM | #10 | |
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The Pro navigator is 10,2", so I don't think anyone has ever stated that they should be the same? I think in general that the criticism BMW has go regarding the interior lately is the fact that the are much the same through out the range. I'd put the X3 interior somewhere between the current 3-series and the new 5-series. But thats more down to the layout and other features (blackpanel on the 5-series, 10" instead of 8,8" screen) rather than the materials used. I think you can expect higher road noise from a SUV, however some cars need door and / or mirror adjusting. The road noise was quite noticeable in one of my demos, but my loaner was very different. Get the sport seats instead of the regular. But I would like a comfort seat option. |
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04-11-2011, 07:31 AM | #11 | |
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04-11-2011, 08:50 AM | #12 |
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I agree.
Automobiles should be compared within their same class of vehicle. First decide whether you want a sedan or an SUV, then compare the X3 against its competition like Audi and MB’s SUV’s and compare the 5-series against their sedans. I see these posts with every model. “Gee, my 3-series sedan drives and handles much better than an 18-wheeler truck!” |
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04-11-2011, 10:35 AM | #13 | |
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Other materials are more on par with 3 series + than new 5
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04-11-2011, 11:42 AM | #15 |
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I found this post informative. I am currently considering the x3, audi q5, lexus rx350, acura mdx. Each one is configured with NAV and same level of luxury. In the States, they are all around the same price i.e. 47k- 50k.
German cars are more expensive than Japanese cars since the rx350/mdx usually compare against the x5/q7. The fact that I'm losing something in the interior might be the deciding factor of whether I go Japanese or German. I've gotten accustomed to my Lexus' interior |
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04-11-2011, 11:51 AM | #16 | |
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That said, most Japanese interiors will be "plusher" than German interiors. If it's plush you want, buy the Lexus.
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04-11-2011, 11:54 AM | #17 |
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I gave up my '09 Lexus for the '11 X3. Prefer the X3 on many levels, & comfort is one of them.
Dave
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04-11-2011, 12:21 PM | #19 | |
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And less stuff does not = "inferior build quality..." It means it's less equipped. |
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04-11-2011, 05:33 PM | #21 | |
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04-11-2011, 05:53 PM | #22 | |
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My father was an early Lexus owner. Loved the car, it performed well, was reliable, and lasted a long time. Looking to replace the Lexus (many years later) he found the current similar model quite a bit more expensive and looked for an alternative. He encountered my 3 series and was impressed with the handling and performance. After buying, he realized he didn't enjoy the more spartan "driver focus" of the cockpit, handling, suspension, etc. All things I loved, but he missed the plusher, gadgety, and softer ride of the Lexus. Dunno what he would have thought if he'd bought a 7 series, but for him the difference was great with the 3. We still talk, I can accept his Lexus path without judgement . . . most of the time. Parents. Sometimes they just don't grow up the way you expect . . .
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