Which X3 Options

[boxster9]

I am looking at speccing an X3 M sport within a week. Which options are recommended? Has anyone specced one recently. I am not sure whether VDC is a must on these cars with sports suspension? Any thoughts?

[JimmyTheHand]

boxster9 said:

I am looking at speccing an X3 M sport within a week. Which options are recommended? Has anyone specced one recently. I am not sure whether VDC is a must on these cars with sports suspension? Any thoughts?

I would definitely add "Bluetooth hands free/USB" (it also allows music from USB) and heated front seats - I also added Electric seats, Xenons & DAB, if I was going in again I would consider the extended storage. If you don't go for electric seats - consider folding mirrors (to make passenger side mirror dip when reversing - not sure it does without folding mirrors/electric seats) or reversing camera with top view as I find it a pain to park otherwise.

Can't comment on Sport suspension as I have SE

You might find lots more info - in x3.xbimmers.com

edit: if 2.0D - add automatic or get good test drive in a manual

[A900ss]

Xenon's.

I have a 2012 F10 520d and went cheap without speccing Xenon's.

Big mistake as the halogens are dire.

Alternatively only drive during the day.

[boxster9]

thanks for the advice and the link to the x3 forum, lots of info there

[Fox-]

A900ss said:

Xenon's.

I have a 2012 F10 520d and went cheap without speccing Xenon's.

Big mistake as the halogens are dire.

Luckily though as the F10 has projectors even if you don't spec Xenons, you can retrofit them easily and cheaply enough. Sadly I dont think the same can be said for the X3 which I beleive has reflector lenses unless you spec Xenons.

[A900ss]

From reading the F10 forums if you retrofit Xenon's it will blow part of the light modules after time so not recommended.

I've put in Phillips Xtreme power.

[Fox-]

A900ss said:

From reading the F10 forums if you retrofit Xenon's it will blow part of the light modules after time so not recommended.

Yeowch, I retract my suggestion if that really is the case? How come?

[LeoSayer]

I could be wrong, but I thought that the suspension is the same on the X3 M Sport as it is on the SE.

Unless I had the opportunity of a very long test drive then I would play safe and spec VDC.

[JimmyTheHand]

LeoSayer said:

I could be wrong, but I thought that the suspension is the same on the X3 M Sport as it is on the SE.

Zero cost Option Available on the X3 M Sport models is "Sport Suspension Deletion" (225) - Sport Suspension is included Dynamic Pack for SE models. You need to check the car you test drive as salesman said they had spec'd "Sport Suspension Deletion" on demonstrator

[LeoSayer]

The thing that gets me is that the magazine reviews for almost all BMW X cars are almost always with press cars that are optioned with VDC, Adaptive Drive etc. So you never read of any problems with the ride quality.

[JimmyTheHand]

LeoSayer said:

The thing that gets me is that the magazine reviews for almost all BMW X cars are almost always with press cars that are optioned with VDC, Adaptive Drive etc. So you never read of any problems with the ride quality.

I have no complaints about my SE ride quality, it is definitely better than the E83 SE I traded in - however it has not done 700 miles

[Roo3Stuart]

I bought one of these recently, have had it a few months now and very impressed. It is the M Sport on the optional 19 inch wheels and no VDC - the ride is firm but fine. It is my wife's car and she is happy with the ride - she likes driving but is no racer and uses mainly on A and B roads. We did however have one for the weekend before ordering as I had heard some find the ride too firm.

I'd agree on xenons - the visibility pack is the best value as includes folding mirrors etc. Also through load - split folding sits as a cost options seems a bit steep but there you go.

Auto box works really well and would spec if going 2.0d, plus think the 19 inch wheels worth it for looks but that's personal, as are most of the other options I suspect.