Discussion
andrews said:
I'm looking at a new car for the wife, I thought about a 3 series tourer but the PCP rates on a 2.0d SE X3 are about the same. Anyone any experience of them?, bit concerned that the 2.0d could be a bit underpowered.
Not if you get the new 177 engine however the PCP support is less so it will cost you more.Haven't a clue on leasing but the car is very good. Like all 2.0 diesels it could be better with a re-map.
With the new 177 engine it's probably even better.
We bought ours after a couple of 3 Tourings, the extra space is very noticeable and useful. I don't understand what all the moaning was at launch about low rent cabins - ours feels and looks very simialr to the 3.
Don't be fooled by the size, it's lighter than the 520d (nearly a ton lighter than a Disco v3) and very sure footed with the 4wd. I use mine on and off-road so have experience of the slimy stuff. Economy isn't as good as the figures would have you believe (no suprise there then) and is usually averaging 35mpg+, about 2mpg worse than my previous 320ds.
With the new 177 engine it's probably even better.
We bought ours after a couple of 3 Tourings, the extra space is very noticeable and useful. I don't understand what all the moaning was at launch about low rent cabins - ours feels and looks very simialr to the 3.
Don't be fooled by the size, it's lighter than the 520d (nearly a ton lighter than a Disco v3) and very sure footed with the 4wd. I use mine on and off-road so have experience of the slimy stuff. Economy isn't as good as the figures would have you believe (no suprise there then) and is usually averaging 35mpg+, about 2mpg worse than my previous 320ds.
I had one for 2 years and 40K miles. I only parted with it in March, I still miss it.
It was a great allrounder and way better than an estate car.
Mine was the 150BHP car and it was lacking a little, only a little though. I'd say with 177 they must be some car. Mine made 36MPG in my time with it and I did drive it hard, the thing was so good that you drove it like a well sorted car.
Forget what the press say go have a drive I thought mine was great, the only bad word I'd say about it was it felt like another 30 BHP was needed.
It was a great allrounder and way better than an estate car.
Mine was the 150BHP car and it was lacking a little, only a little though. I'd say with 177 they must be some car. Mine made 36MPG in my time with it and I did drive it hard, the thing was so good that you drove it like a well sorted car.
Forget what the press say go have a drive I thought mine was great, the only bad word I'd say about it was it felt like another 30 BHP was needed.
I borrowed a 3.0 Sd. To be honest I thought that it was going to be rubbish . . . it was fantastic.
I think the mid range was comparable to my M5! I would not buy one new at £40k with the essential extras, nearly new £30k, a much better proposition. 286 BHP, 0-60 6.6 - 150mph. I think it the best all round car you can buy. I am looking for a used one with the right spec. I am taking a trip up to see the Aurora at the arctic circle, so I do need a 4x4.
A DMS re-map me thinks.
I think the mid range was comparable to my M5! I would not buy one new at £40k with the essential extras, nearly new £30k, a much better proposition. 286 BHP, 0-60 6.6 - 150mph. I think it the best all round car you can buy. I am looking for a used one with the right spec. I am taking a trip up to see the Aurora at the arctic circle, so I do need a 4x4.
A DMS re-map me thinks.
I did the deed brought a used high specification 3.0Sd M Sport and promptly had a DMS conversion raising the already good 286 BHP to around 350BHP and nearly 600 foot pounds of torque.
The result is stunning, really amusing and juvenile hanging lardy Supercharged Range Rover Sports and Porsche Cayenne's out to dry, O.K bar the Turbo, but it's not much slower. It will do 160 MPH and oh yes it a diesel!
I drove down to Switzerland to Verbier via Alpe du Huez for some end of season skiing. The Swiss having the habit of flashing you out of the fast lane. Wait for a Supercharged Range Rover to flash you and then floor it and what the afore mentioned fade into the distance. It's O.K until it turns out to be the Russian Mafia!
The hike in power really allows you to enjoy the great handling as it is quite a light steed. I had a quick tussle with an previous line RS6 up through Chamonix, not many crash barriers and against a local that knew the road, I was impressed. I had to let that one go at it had ball of flames to the bottom of a valley written all over it!
In the snow it was fantastic, the snow ploughs stop at about 7pm, I was driving up to Alp du huez in a really heavy blizzard with a foot of fresh snow. Really scary in the dark at 9pm and no other tyre tracks on steep mountain switch back roads. Hey I could die here. Proper where Eagles Dare stuff.
2500 miles later, 30 MPG, a great long distance car + sports car + SUV – a little terrier that just does not give up.
The result is stunning, really amusing and juvenile hanging lardy Supercharged Range Rover Sports and Porsche Cayenne's out to dry, O.K bar the Turbo, but it's not much slower. It will do 160 MPH and oh yes it a diesel!
I drove down to Switzerland to Verbier via Alpe du Huez for some end of season skiing. The Swiss having the habit of flashing you out of the fast lane. Wait for a Supercharged Range Rover to flash you and then floor it and what the afore mentioned fade into the distance. It's O.K until it turns out to be the Russian Mafia!
The hike in power really allows you to enjoy the great handling as it is quite a light steed. I had a quick tussle with an previous line RS6 up through Chamonix, not many crash barriers and against a local that knew the road, I was impressed. I had to let that one go at it had ball of flames to the bottom of a valley written all over it!
In the snow it was fantastic, the snow ploughs stop at about 7pm, I was driving up to Alp du huez in a really heavy blizzard with a foot of fresh snow. Really scary in the dark at 9pm and no other tyre tracks on steep mountain switch back roads. Hey I could die here. Proper where Eagles Dare stuff.
2500 miles later, 30 MPG, a great long distance car + sports car + SUV – a little terrier that just does not give up.
Bogracer said:
I did the deed brought a used high specification 3.0Sd M Sport and promptly had a DMS conversion raising the already good 286 BHP to around 350BHP and nearly 600 foot pounds of torque.
Are you sure on that second figure? Thought they were about 412lb/ft standard so thought getting nearer 500 would be good going.sniff petrol said:
Bogracer said:
I did the deed brought a used high specification 3.0Sd M Sport and promptly had a DMS conversion raising the already good 286 BHP to around 350BHP and nearly 600 foot pounds of torque.
Are you sure on that second figure? Thought they were about 412lb/ft standard so thought getting nearer 500 would be good going.Not sure about DMS's figures. I seam to recall a lot being said that their M3 power figures were way over the top.
I still took our clio 197 there and they have suggested it adds approx 20 bhp, which a lot of people think is way too optimistic.
Having said that, there work is very well respected and I wouldn't go anywhere else.
I still took our clio 197 there and they have suggested it adds approx 20 bhp, which a lot of people think is way too optimistic.
Having said that, there work is very well respected and I wouldn't go anywhere else.
andrews said:
time to go go and arrange a test drive, whats the sensitec leather alternative like, not sure that i want to pay for leather interior but also want a "cleanable" surface for sticky little fingers
Trust me, you do want to pay for leather. Anything else in a BMW and you'll never be able to sell it.Ranger 6 said:
Didn't like the sensatec - plastic leather just seemed to be wrong.
Plastic leather, in a BMW? 
My only gripes are:
That the interior trim is just shade cheap.
Leaking front window seals at high speed – unacceptable in a BMW really.
Oh yes turn the traction control to DTC or off in deep snow on slopes or you will get stuck as you need some wheel spin!
Low speed bumpy ride.
Overall you can forgive it though.
That the interior trim is just shade cheap.
Leaking front window seals at high speed – unacceptable in a BMW really.
Oh yes turn the traction control to DTC or off in deep snow on slopes or you will get stuck as you need some wheel spin!
Low speed bumpy ride.
Overall you can forgive it though.
andrews said:
time to go go and arrange a test drive, whats the sensitec leather alternative like, not sure that i want to pay for leather interior but also want a "cleanable" surface for sticky little fingers
The leather is really durable – go for black though!I have a 15 month old we did a 2500 mile ski trip, puke, poo, pee and yogurt all wiped off.
Edited by Bogracer on Saturday 3rd May 23:17
MitchT said:
Ranger 6 said:
Didn't like the sensatec - plastic leather just seemed to be wrong.
Plastic leather, in a BMW? Bogracer said:
My only gripes are:
Leaking front window seals at high speed....
Over 120 then.... Mine was fine up to about 120ish, then it ran out of puff, after all it's only a 2.0d.... not a 3.0 twin turboLeaking front window seals at high speed....
Edited by Ranger 6 on Saturday 3rd May 23:56
Catherine197 said:
Not sure about DMS's figures. I seam to recall a lot being said that their M3 power figures were way over the top.
I still took our clio 197 there and they have suggested it adds approx 20 bhp, which a lot of people think is way too optimistic.
Having said that, there work is very well respected and I wouldn't go anywhere else.
TBH 20 bhp increase is modest if all you do is increase the rev limiter and if the torque can be maintained for a few more revs. It's the shape of the torque curve that's most important though.I still took our clio 197 there and they have suggested it adds approx 20 bhp, which a lot of people think is way too optimistic.
Having said that, there work is very well respected and I wouldn't go anywhere else.
Our X3 had an issue with noise around the windscreen at 120+, which resulted in a new design of seal being fitted. It saw 135 on the speedo a couple of time. I just wish the big diesel was launched first as I think we'd have hung onto the car, but the 3.0 petrol was pretty thirsty.
Also had no problem at all in the ascent to Tignes in deep snow, no chains, 4 up and fully laden on standard road tyres. Never had to turn the DSC off. Only ever did that when they used the X3 at Rockingham on the off road course.
StuB said:
Also had no problem at all in the ascent to Tignes in deep snow, no chains, 4 up and fully laden on standard road tyres.
Needed chains in the alps this feb - fresh snow fallen over an icy base. When you've got the handbrake and footbrake firmly applied and the car is still moving then there's a bit of a grip issue.... Ranger 6 said:
StuB said:
Also had no problem at all in the ascent to Tignes in deep snow, no chains, 4 up and fully laden on standard road tyres.
Needed chains in the alps this feb - fresh snow fallen over an icy base. When you've got the handbrake and footbrake firmly applied and the car is still moving then there's a bit of a grip issue.... Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff