X3 or X5 for around £15k
Discussion
Thinking of changing our family car, 130i M Sport, for something a bit bigger, and possibly 4WD to cope with family holidays, bikes etc. I don't want to spend much over what we will get for the 130, so assume a budget of around £15k.
Which would you recommend, X3 or X5, and which model to go for? I'm not keen on diesel, so would favour petrol (although the 286bhp 3.0sd/xDrive35d sounds good on paper!), and I like something with decent pace, being used to the 130i and my Boxster. I have seen some nice looking 4.4i X5s for just over our budget, which are tempting, but I would worry about the running costs.
The unfortunate thing is, with the UK market's obsession with diesel, esp. over the last few years, the 2nd hand market is full of 2.0D X3s and 3.0D X5s ... maybe I'm being unfairly biased against diesel - only ever had one diesel car (a Passat) and hated it!
Which would you recommend, X3 or X5, and which model to go for? I'm not keen on diesel, so would favour petrol (although the 286bhp 3.0sd/xDrive35d sounds good on paper!), and I like something with decent pace, being used to the 130i and my Boxster. I have seen some nice looking 4.4i X5s for just over our budget, which are tempting, but I would worry about the running costs.
The unfortunate thing is, with the UK market's obsession with diesel, esp. over the last few years, the 2nd hand market is full of 2.0D X3s and 3.0D X5s ... maybe I'm being unfairly biased against diesel - only ever had one diesel car (a Passat) and hated it!
Think you'll find a 6 cylinder BMW diesel engine will have the edge over a 4 cylinder VW diesel - I'd suggest giving one a whirl. My E60 is a diesel and it's great.
The SD engine only became available with the new shape X5 and so will be out of your price range.
I'd suggest trying to find a 3.0d X5 or one of the larger petrol engines. A mate of mine had the 3.0i petrol and it was neither fish nor foul - not powerful enough to make up for the inferior fuel consumption versus the diesel. Guess you could have a 3.0d DMS'd if you wanted more power.
I've had X3s as courtesy cars on a couple of occasions - at the risk of offending owners of X3s, personally I think they are crap. Cheap and nasty inside and not as cohesive outside as an X5.
Just my opinion of course!!
PS - don't be tempted by this:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1439502.htm
The SD engine only became available with the new shape X5 and so will be out of your price range.
I'd suggest trying to find a 3.0d X5 or one of the larger petrol engines. A mate of mine had the 3.0i petrol and it was neither fish nor foul - not powerful enough to make up for the inferior fuel consumption versus the diesel. Guess you could have a 3.0d DMS'd if you wanted more power.
I've had X3s as courtesy cars on a couple of occasions - at the risk of offending owners of X3s, personally I think they are crap. Cheap and nasty inside and not as cohesive outside as an X5.
Just my opinion of course!!
PS - don't be tempted by this:
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1439502.htm
There's a thread on BMWland which discusses much the same thing. If it's space you're after then for the budget an E70 X5 will be out, so my comments refer to the E53.
Simply, the X3 is bigger inside, has a better chassis and the 'proper' xDrive transmission. richterswil has mentioned a common criticism of the X3, that of trim quality (BTW I'm not offended
) after your 130 you'll find they're much quiter with less rattles as it's much better screwed together than the 1.
The X3 is a very 'marmite' car and like the Vectra people remember the Clarkson test - although they've never even sat in one you'll find it is universally disliked. I love mine and am waiting for the new model later this year for the next!
Also mentioned already is the BMW 3.0d is in a totally different league to the VAG 1.9 tdi, and possibly you'd find a leggy 3.0sd for your money, but unlikely.
Simply, the X3 is bigger inside, has a better chassis and the 'proper' xDrive transmission. richterswil has mentioned a common criticism of the X3, that of trim quality (BTW I'm not offended
) after your 130 you'll find they're much quiter with less rattles as it's much better screwed together than the 1.The X3 is a very 'marmite' car and like the Vectra people remember the Clarkson test - although they've never even sat in one you'll find it is universally disliked. I love mine and am waiting for the new model later this year for the next!
Also mentioned already is the BMW 3.0d is in a totally different league to the VAG 1.9 tdi, and possibly you'd find a leggy 3.0sd for your money, but unlikely.
We are quite happy with the 130i, just wish it had a bit more room & a bigger boot (and I think the wife will like the higher driving position), therefore a 3.0i X3 would seem logical, but I'm not so keen on the looks, and they do get rather indifferent reviews. Always liked the looks of the E53 shape X5, and the big V8 petrol ones are very tempting ... have seen a nice Estoril blue 05-reg 4.4i Sport nearby for £19k, but I'm sure they could be had a bit cheaper - just the running costs that worry me!
Where is the terrible review Clarkson gave the X3? Was it on Top Gear - I can't recall it myself.
I just googled for Clarkson X3 review and found this:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/new_car_r...
It's actually quite favourable!
I actually quite like the idea of the 3.0i X3, especially if I could find on of the later 272bhp ones for my budget. Only problem is finding them ... there are quite a few early petrol ones, as they launched the petrol engines before the diesel, but later cars are almost all diesel
BTW, similar issue with the 3-series and 5-series tourings - although I haven't been actively searching, i do keep my eyes open in the BMW approved ads in the paper, and they are almost all either diesels or base model (e.g. 320i) petrol. If I see a nice 330i or 335i touring, I might be tempted.
Then again, 4wd would be nice for those odd snowy days we get (had a Subaru WRX estate before the 130).
I just googled for Clarkson X3 review and found this:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/new_car_r...
It's actually quite favourable!
I actually quite like the idea of the 3.0i X3, especially if I could find on of the later 272bhp ones for my budget. Only problem is finding them ... there are quite a few early petrol ones, as they launched the petrol engines before the diesel, but later cars are almost all diesel
BTW, similar issue with the 3-series and 5-series tourings - although I haven't been actively searching, i do keep my eyes open in the BMW approved ads in the paper, and they are almost all either diesels or base model (e.g. 320i) petrol. If I see a nice 330i or 335i touring, I might be tempted.
Then again, 4wd would be nice for those odd snowy days we get (had a Subaru WRX estate before the 130).
richterswil said:
Oh Dear Note to the seller of that monstrosity , there is only one because not many people are such total spastics as you
Edited by Lost soul on Monday 8th February 19:32
Lost soul said:
richterswil said:
Oh Dear Note to the seller of that monstrosity , there is only one because not many people are such total spastics as you
Edited by Lost soul on Monday 8th February 19:32
Targarama said:
Lost soul said:
richterswil said:
Oh Dear Note to the seller of that monstrosity , there is only one because not many people are such total spastics as you
Edited by Lost soul on Monday 8th February 19:32
On second thoughts no , you would still get mongs smashing their door against yours
Edited by Lost soul on Monday 8th February 19:54
I've had lots of bimmers... And we've just bought a another x3.... Had one previously, we bought it primarily for our dogs and whilst I love land rovers the x3 is a much better car. Off road you can't beat a defender but not many people will use it off road enough to justify it's poor handling on the road.
My dogs are working dogs so I'm on the farm with them at least once a week and the x3 is more than capable. Decent tyres are the key as the xdrive system is great!
My dogs are working dogs so I'm on the farm with them at least once a week and the x3 is more than capable. Decent tyres are the key as the xdrive system is great!
I've had lots of bimmers... And we've just bought a another x3.... Had one previously, we bought it primarily for our dogs and whilst I love land rovers the x3 is a much better car. Off road you can't beat a defender but not many people will use it off road enough to justify it's poor handling on the road.
My dogs are working dogs so I'm on the farm with them at least once a week and the x3 is more than capable. Decent tyres are the key as the xdrive system is great!
My dogs are working dogs so I'm on the farm with them at least once a week and the x3 is more than capable. Decent tyres are the key as the xdrive system is great!
richterswil said:
Ranger 6 said:
(BTW I'm not offended
Pleased I didn't offend - far too many people get hot under the collar on here when someone expresses an opinion which differs to their own - good to see you get yours muddy too!
Would prefer a good debate rather than just a slagging match - which as you say is what happens too often these days!ammw said:
Actually, did BMW drop the 3.0 petrol X3 in the UK after 2006, as I can't find any on Autotrader after that? Wikipedia said the old 231bhp 3.0i was replaced by the 272bhp 3.0is in 2007, but maybe we didn't get it in the UK? Similar to the new X1, which is diesel only in the UK
I think you'd struggle to find one with the new 3.0 in, as you've said they're few and very far between. I would suggest trying something like this http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1354986.htm although watch the 19s, I've heard they kill what's left of the ride comfort completely.From experience with both a 130 and an X3 I really wouldn't go petrol, the 3.0 diesel is a cracking engine and the extra torque makes a big difference.
Also, I noted your comments about the E53 - remember when you're looking round the X3 does have a bigger boot, as it's lighter it handles better and you'll get better mpg too
Targarama said:
Lost soul said:
richterswil said:
Oh Dear Note to the seller of that monstrosity , there is only one because not many people are such total spastics as you
Edited by Lost soul on Monday 8th February 19:32
4sure said:
Targarama said:
Lost soul said:
richterswil said:
Oh Dear Note to the seller of that monstrosity , there is only one because not many people are such total spastics as you
Edited by Lost soul on Monday 8th February 19:32
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