BMW X3

[arj7]

Hi all,

Just wondering what people thought of these from an owning perspective.

I'm looking at one for a family car, with my wife primarily driving it.

Thanks

[Challo]

Which version?

First Gen E83 or the Second Gen F25

[gizlaroc]

I have owned 3 now, original version with the 3.0 diesel engine, then a 2013 version and then went back to a 1st gen with the 3 litre petrol.


Didn't really like the first gen diesel much, it was OK, but thirsty, slow and gruff engine.

The new model is nice, great interior and comms etc. But steering too light (as most new cars are) and no petrol models.

I went back to a 3.0i petrol, much nicer engine, not far off the diesel MPG wise and far nicer steering, but it is a heavy car and feels like it could do with more power.

But all pretty good and I would have another.

[arj7]

Challo said:

Which version?

First Gen E83 or the Second Gen F25

Looking at second assuming that's 2016

[ian in lancs]

I have an f25 3.0d m sport and love it. I get 35mpg and over 40 on a run. I love the elevated driving position and it can be driven with some gusto an is great fun on the twisties. Good interior space. It's a really nice do it all car. For me a keeper.

[crolandc]

I have an F25 30d and it is brilliant, the economy is very good for the performance you get and the engine is a peach & sounds great when pushing along. The size is spot on if you want a biggish car with elevated position. Love this car to bits, downside is the electric steering I suppose, shame but all modern cars have it now.

[Barnesy77]

I have an F25 35d and it is brilliant. The performance is amazing and for a big car it is nimble.

I like the high up driving position and the fact that I can get 40+ mpg (but not if I drive it like it should be driven )

It is very practical for shifting stuff around as well.

[gizlaroc]

arj7 said:

Looking at second assuming that's 2016

I would just be careful on price at this point, it is about to be replaced in the Autumn.

Plus we should be seeing some nice efficient petrol models that we don't get in the UK with this generation.


I nearly bought an ML350 cdi last night as it was a good price, but my wife made me swear not to buy a diesel. I think we are going to see them take a bit of a dive in values soon.

[Ranger 6]

I've also had 3. The first an E83 2.0d, then a 3.0d and now an F25 35d.

My thinking is that the 6 cylinder engines are very good with the 35d actually quite quick. There's good space in both models, the F25 is a noticeable step from the previous model.

I wouldn't have another ML - that was one of the worst cars I ever owned.

[Claire-i1bmr]

We have a 2013 X5, 4.0d and it's an easy car to drive with good MPG on a long run. Interior is lovely and well specced and in sports and using the paddles on the steering wheel, it can shift pretty quickly.

I second the sentiments on the ML, my older bro had one and it's been trouble from the word go.

[Earthdweller]

As the other posters have said the F25 generation X3 is a very good allround car

35-40 mpg is genuinely achevable in normal use

I've had mine for two years and 33k and apart from two factory recalls it had been totally faultless

In quality it feels more akin to a 5 series than the 3 series

My humble opinion is that it is the best car BMW make.

It seems to be more than the sum of its parts and tbf I would really struggle to find something to replace it with

Also I might add the interior is a good size with a huge boot yet it is far more compact than the X5 and much more suited to our narrow crap roads

[Challo]

We had the 2.0d version MSport and it was a tad underpowered. Fine when up to speed but I think the larger engine would be perfect for the car.

No issues in the 9months we had the car. Few times we had the car fully loaded on various trips and plenty of space in the boot, and inside the cabin. Great spec and comfortable drive.

If I had the choice I would have another in a heartbeat.

[Roman]

I echo the statements above re my 2013 2.0D SE

Well built, reliable, very roomy for footprint, practical, great visibility so easy to place and park as just the right size for UK parking bays and roads.

2.0D manual can feel slightly lethargic off the line due to initial inertia and the gearchange between 1st and 2nd not being the slickest (but fine thereafter). Ride slightly bouncy with standard suspension and 17" wheels. Standard lights are a little disappointing after being used to Xenons.

However, all of the above can be remedied with a higher spec 6cyl car - just factor increased depreciation with the new X3 due later this year.

A great car overall and objectively, one I'll find very hard to justify replacing.

[arj7]

Thanks for your comments, with regards to it being replaced I am not going to wait, cars are always being replaced so I cant keep waiting. Done the same with others, so may as well bite the bullet.

I think for my wife we will end up with the 20d msport plus pack, trying to find a decent deal.
Took a test drive over the weekend and we both loved it, much more engaging drive than a GLC and XC60.

[Roman]

Could also be worth considering the 2016- X1 25d. 228bhp, newer design (similar interior to the next X3) and hardly any smaller than the X3:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSTKXR8tFsY

[arj7]

Roman said:

Could also be worth considering the 2016- X1 25d. 228bhp, newer design (similar interior to the next X3) and hardly any smaller than the X3:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSTKXR8tFsY

We had a look at it but it is a bit smaller than we would like, the x3 is spot on for us