Which X3 should I choose - X3F25 30d or new shape X3 G01 20d

[Mallyo]

I've been looking at buying an X3.

I'm looking at around £26,000 and have found I can get either at 2017 X3 F25 30d or a 2018 X3 G01 20d.

I've currently got a 2007 530d and love the power but the tax costs of modern 530d are around £500 a year which is double what I pay now.

What would you go for?

thanks

[cerb4.5lee]

Mallyo said:

I've been looking at buying an X3.

I'm looking at around £26,000 and have found I can get either at 2017 X3 F25 30d or a 2018 X3 G01 20d.

I've currently got a 2007 530d and love the power but the tax costs of modern 530d are around £500 a year which is double what I pay now.

What would you go for?

thanks

That is a tough one I reckon. I much prefer the looks of the G01 X3, but I much prefer the 30d engine in the F25 X3 in comparison to the 20d engine in the G01.

I think the 30d engine would win me over ultimately in the older generation car. The X3 is a fairly big/heavy car so I'd personally prefer the extra punch from the bigger engine I reckon. The current generation X3 does look really smart though.

[Mallyo]

Yep, it's hurting my head as my brain is saying get the newer version but my heart is saying get the bigger engine haha.

[cossy400]

We have an X4 66 plate 30d coming from a 530d 09 plate 5 series.

MRS400 dropped it off for service and they gave her an X3 20d as we were looking at changing it was nice to have a free run with it as such.

No doubt in time we would adapt but the initial thoughts were fxxk that it feels slow.

2nd time it went in they gave us an X5M M50d she smiled all day until I enlightened her to the price of getting in one.

REF:tax I'm sure ours is the £200 roundabout figure.

[mekondelta]

I have a F25 x30d. The power is lovely and the car feels usable with this much power. I prefer the refinement of the 30d as well. Ultimately the newer car should hold its value for longer and should have more and nicer toys but I went for less toys and a better engine and don't regret it.

[Ranger 6]

mekondelta said:

....I went for less toys and a better engine and don't regret it.

I started with a 2.0d (old shape E83) went to a 3.0d and now got a 35d (F25) - the six cylinder is a lovely engine, made even better with the two turbos. My RFL is £210 a year, so I'd honestly be considering a 35d too with a £26k budget.

[VerySideways]

Definitely the G01.

You can't hear the 20d anyway, and the performance is adequate and the economy is good and the rest of the car is genuinely light years ahead of the F25 (and i really like the F25).
The G01 really moves the game on in tech, interior comfort and refinement, ride and handling, NVH, etc.

[Sn1ckers]

F25 3.0 for me every day of the week. The 2017 model has very similar tech and, to my eyes anyway, the newer model looks more lci than complete redesign (something I like about BMW).

The 3.0 six is much better suited to a car of the size / weight of and X3.

That said, the 2.0 is fine if that extra oomph isn’t that important to you. If you do like the extra grunt the 2.0 will be a constant disappointment / frustration.

[cerb4.5lee]

Sn1ckers said:

The 3.0 six is much better suited to a car of the size / weight of and X3.

That said, the 2.0 is fine if that extra oomph isn’t that important to you. If you do like the extra grunt the 2.0 will be a constant disappointment / frustration.

That is definitely where I sit with it as well. I've no doubt that the 20d is adequate...but personally I want more than that with the size/weight of the car.

The E61 520d Touring I had was a big disappointment/frustration for me, and the engine just didn't deal with it's 1700kg kerbweight very well imo.

[Lozw86]

I had an F25 M Sport 30d for 3 years and it was great. If you get the 19 or 20” wheels I’d suggest changing to non-Run flat tyres when the time comes, it improves the ride noticeably

[Ranger 6]

VerySideways said:

Definitely the G01.

You can't hear the 20d anyway, and the performance is adequate and the economy is good and the rest of the car is genuinely light years ahead of the F25 (and i really like the F25).
The G01 really moves the game on in tech, interior comfort and refinement, ride and handling, NVH, etc.

Very interesting - if I didn't know you, I'd be sceptical

Is it really that good - and so much better that an 'adequate' engine would be enough? Not being deliberately argumentative, I do value your opinion

I would've suggested that a good engine was enough to settle for the older model, and you're right, the F25 is a good car - light years better than the E83

[Wills2]

G chassis X3 is night and day compared to the F chassis which is mostly awful in terms of the drive it handles like a boat, I was genuinely shocked when I drove the G chassis that was just 20d and the engine/performance is fine.

[VerySideways]

Ranger 6 said:

Very interesting - if I didn't know you, I'd be sceptical

Is it really that good - and so much better that an 'adequate' engine would be enough? Not being deliberately argumentative, I do value your opinion

I would've suggested that a good engine was enough to settle for the older model, and you're right, the F25 is a good car - light years better than the E83

Ideal world you'd save up a few more pennies and buy a six pot G01...

But yes, the G01 is light years ahead of the F25 IMHO.

[Ranger 6]

Thanks

Will a 17” wheel fit over the front brakes?

[Mallyo]

Thanks all. The 3 litre x3 is very pricey plus £500 Road tax

The x3 2.0 G01 had been reserved prior to me test driving it. I drove tohe x3 3.0 f25 which was great but hate the idea of paying so much money and being in an old model vehicle.

[VerySideways]

Mallyo said:

Thanks all. The 3 litre x3 is very pricey plus £500 Road tax

The x3 2.0 G01 had been reserved prior to me test driving it. I drove tohe x3 3.0 f25 which was great but hate the idea of paying so much money and being in an old model vehicle.

Fate has intervened.
Save up a few more pennies for the 3.0 G01, but if a nice 2.0 comes up that ticks your boxes then go for it.

[mekondelta]

Lozw86 said:

I had an F25 M Sport 30d for 3 years and it was great. If you get the 19 or 20” wheels I’d suggest changing to non-Run flat tyres when the time comes, it improves the ride noticeably

I have 18" wheels on Pirelli PZero runflats and the ride is very comfortable on the standard suspension (I have the xline). It handles acceptably, I don't need to do a slalom course in a suv.