X3 - any good?
Discussion
The wife likes the looks of an X3 so I'm looking for general opinion and ownership experiences. Whatever I get her will serve general family purposes and I'll inevitably end up driving it quite a bit. I'd naturally prefer an E61 or possibly X5 but she refuses saying they are both too big/long (and refuses to drive my E39).
I've not been too keen on the X3 since it came out but reviews cast a positive impression, it seems quite roomy in the back, and whatsmore I think the 3.0sd remapped (in SE trim for comfort) would make for a bit of a sleeper.
I'm not too fussed about residuals - which look appalling - because I'd be buying 1-2 years old anyway.
I've not been too keen on the X3 since it came out but reviews cast a positive impression, it seems quite roomy in the back, and whatsmore I think the 3.0sd remapped (in SE trim for comfort) would make for a bit of a sleeper.
I'm not too fussed about residuals - which look appalling - because I'd be buying 1-2 years old anyway.
Edited by theboss on Tuesday 5th August 14:44
General: Not as wide as an X5 - which is good for car parks, especially with kids - but slightly bigger boot.
Bad bits: Our 3.0 petrol gets a bit boomy in the back at low revs and you can really feel the hard ride in the back. Thirsty. Dash more utilitarian than X5. And, of course, you can't actually go off road too much because of the tyres and the ground clearance isn't as much as a Range Rover for example.
Good bits: Handles really well for a high car - doesn't roll too much. Quite pokey in the right gear - I've suprised a few hot hatches. Brakes are good. In fact it's a bit spooky to drive because you're higher up but it drives like a "sports saloon".
Looks: Get it in the right colour and it looks great IMHO. In the wrong colour it's a minger.
Overall we're quite pleased with ours.
Bad bits: Our 3.0 petrol gets a bit boomy in the back at low revs and you can really feel the hard ride in the back. Thirsty. Dash more utilitarian than X5. And, of course, you can't actually go off road too much because of the tyres and the ground clearance isn't as much as a Range Rover for example.
Good bits: Handles really well for a high car - doesn't roll too much. Quite pokey in the right gear - I've suprised a few hot hatches. Brakes are good. In fact it's a bit spooky to drive because you're higher up but it drives like a "sports saloon".
Looks: Get it in the right colour and it looks great IMHO. In the wrong colour it's a minger.
Overall we're quite pleased with ours.
I don't rate them as a handsome vehicle personally, and certainly not next to an X5. Personally I feel they are a bit of a pointless step in BMWs range.
Depreciation will also continue to be steep, even on a 2 year old car. They are not a particularly popular choice and have never sold that well.
Fine as a road vehicle, but rubbish off road ability (but then again who actually uses them for anything more off road than a muddy path?)
Depreciation will also continue to be steep, even on a 2 year old car. They are not a particularly popular choice and have never sold that well.
Fine as a road vehicle, but rubbish off road ability (but then again who actually uses them for anything more off road than a muddy path?)
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