X3 SE or MSport or MSport with VCD

[Petrolhead]

Looking at buying a new car and the X3 is on my list.

I like the look of the MSport but I read that the SE is a better ride. I was wondering how the ride is with the Variable Damper Control on the MSport.

Has anyone compared an SE to MSport ride wise

[pvogue]

No idea but the SE looks pants compared to the M Sport.

[HoHoHo]

We have a 6 month old 20D and I have no idea what people complain about, with off the shelf suspension it seems fine to me

[Petrolhead]

You dont say if its a SE or MSport

[HoHoHo]

Duh.....it's an M Sport

[Spuffington]

The wife has an X3 20d SE. It was bought out of necessity rather than particularly wanting it, but it's a fine car.

It's quite a nice antidote to my E89 Z4 M Sport in that the Suspension is cosseting and comfy but has a reasonable amount of roll and feels a bit understeery when pushing on. But providing you treat it like a comfy, wafty car, then it's actually very good and we'd have another SE again. The only thing I would change is the seats - SE ones are pants, you need the Sports Seats upgrade IMO.

I did used to think that the M Sport was the one to go for every time and that the SE looked rubbish. But perhaps it's also about context - we now live on a farm and I think the SE with small wheels and covered in mud actually looks very good indeed!

[breadvan]

My better half went from a M Sport 35d to a LCI M Sport 30d with VDC. Night and day different and a must in my view.

[KrisP]

we've a 35d sport, but cruicially with sports suspension delete. I think it rides really well, so theres another option for you

[anonymous-user]

I recently got a 30d in xLine trim, which as far as I can tell is an SE with a few more shiny bits. Standard suspension setup is fine for me, comfortable and handles well enough for an SUV. I've not tried the VCD so I can't comment on that but I did have an MSport car for a few days and found it a touch firmer but still perfectly acceptable. I'd echo the comments about the seats though, I'd opt for the sports ones regardless of the model you choose.

Edited by Sten. on Thursday 7th July 12:19

Edited by Sten. on Thursday 7th July 12:20

[Petrolhead]

I had a test drive of a 2.0d SE Auto

Came away unerwelmed. I personaly think the 2.0 is a bit too small for it.

I have also test driven a 2.0 Audi Q5 Auto and Evoque.

So far I liked the Evoque best

[breadvan]

Agreed, really needs a 3.0 engine.

[Charlie Croker mk2]

X3 and evoque are totally different cars , the LR having very small interior and particularly the boot is surprisingly small & I found the new engine coarse and the gearbox was forever changing gears . X3 is quiet , refined and oh so smooth when fitted with either of the 6 cyl engines but still efficient enough to do 600 + miles on a full tank of fuel . Q5 & LR just are not the same thing at all sure the suspension on M sport is firm but its very well controlled at speed .

[anonymous-user]

Petrolhead said:

I had a test drive of a 2.0d SE Auto

Came away unerwelmed. I personaly think the 2.0 is a bit too small for it.

I have also test driven a 2.0 Audi Q5 Auto and Evoque.

So far I liked the Evoque best

I agree with that. We had a 20d for a weekend a while back and did feel like the engine was too weak for the size of the car. The 30d I have now is a lot quicker, more refined and doesn't seem to use much more fuel.