X3 35d (3.0 sd)

[tonto1]

Any thots on one of these. Was looking for a 535d M-Sport, and happened across a nicely specced X3 in my local dealers.

Took it for a test drive and despite the ride being a little firm was very impressed at how quick it was and how well it handled.

Now I'm in a bit of a dilema do I go for a pre-LCI (272BHP) 535d or go for the X3 with the newer engine (286BHP) and the 4 wheel grip of x-drive. Both equally specced and similarly priced, X3 is slightly newer and got less miles on it.

I would use the car for towing, think both would be very competent at this, but with the load carrying space and 4x4 of the X3 think it may just have the advantage here, but concerned that when not towing I'd be missing out on better driving experience offered by the 535d.

Also can't help but thinking that if I were to get the cars chipped then the X3 with the newer engine and extra traction would be a great fun stealth performer.

Any thots or opinions much appreciated.

[christer]

tonto1 said:

thots

haha

But seriously, the cars themselves are quite a different proposition. I guess if you are concerned that the X3 does not have the driving dynamics that you would like and this is important to you then you have answered your own question.....

[Thorny]

Please don't buy an X3 - dreadful cars IMO. About to be replaced, look awful and very dated inside. Go for the 5 series with more space and better handling or get an Audi Q5, Freelander 2 or Volvo XC60 if you want a car like an X3 or even an older X5.

[theboss]

I bought one for the wife recently and I have to say I'm really pleased with it. I couldn't get her into anything larger (I'd have loved an E70 3.0SD with 7 seats personally). The way I see it, it was comparably priced to a 335d touring (and surely cheaper than an equivalent 535d), nearly as quick as both, but with a number of benefits particularly space. I did 2000 miles around Spain recently with a roof box on top, wife and 2 kids, loads of luggage, pushchair and even a BBQ onboard, and it was absolutely great. We also needed something with a bit of extra clearance as I can't even get my E39 down the driveway without scraping the underside.

For comparison with similarly specced estates I bought a 57 plate with 20k miles, leather, media pack, xenons and panaramic roof for £26k from a main dealer, there were better deals to be had IMO but there were only 2 cars in the country with the sunroof which the missis was demanding, and both were priced high.

I know they are replacing it next year, but I wasn't in the market for a brand new one so it would be at least a few years before I could get my hands on the new model. Residuals will no doubt take a pounding but she loves the car and if it stops her from nagging...

As for comments about the interior, I understand it was a bit low rent pre-facelift ('56) but the newer models seem fine to me, slightly dated as controls were derived from the E46 but certainly doesn't seem obsolete to me.

One thing I would say to the OP if you buy one, is to check the build date first, as late in 2007 they introduced efficiency dynamics to the range and as well as improving fuel consumption the tax band dropped. I inadvertendly bought a very slightly earlier car without doing the research properly.

ETA not sure if its 'okay' to mention this on PH these days... but I have thought about taking it into DMS next time I'm in Southampton... I have been informed reliably that the car is transformed with a remap... and as the OP says there is the potential for a great stealth machine

Edited by theboss on Thursday 10th September 21:16

[wilftwo]

theboss - having read your post you're clearly not!

facelift X3 is a pretty decent car - ride is only minor fault really. Most of rest of slating it gets is hangover from earlier models.

Edited by wilftwo on Friday 11th September 07:48

[Matt UK]

tonto1 said:

..but with the load carrying space and 4x4 of the X3 think it may just have the advantage here..

The X3 has more load carrying space that a 535d Touring? I'd be surprised if that was a fact.

[tonto1]

Matt UK said:

tonto1 said:

..but with the load carrying space and 4x4 of the X3 think it may just have the advantage here..

The X3 has more load carrying space that a 535d Touring? I'd be surprised if that was a fact.

Sorry never specified, but I was thinking of a 535 Saloon.

[Ranger 6]

Matt UK said:

The X3 has more load carrying space that a 535d Touring? I'd be surprised if that was a fact.

I don't have figures, but I wouldn't be suprised if it was, the load space on the X3 is massive and bigger than the old X5 so I would expect it to be very close to a 5 touring.

[theboss]

wilftwo said:

theboss - having read your post you're clearly not!

Like all women she needs to be allowed to *believe* she calls the shots from time to time. What I didn't tell her is that by getting an X3 instead of a nearly new well-specced X5 costing £15-20k more I can probably budget for a Z4MC in about 6 months time !!