I went to the dealership driving my '00 Z3 thinking I'd get an E46 3 series and thought I'd test the X3 just for kicks. I was sold from the moment I got in. The handling was phenomenal - no wheel hop from a trailing arm suspension - and that was the non-sport packaged version. I would think the Sport Package would make it ride a bit rough. The 2.5 does well on almost all roads except for a steep hill with curves it feels a bit sluggish. If I had to do it over again, I'd have gotten the 3.0 - perhaps when my lease is up in a little over a year!

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MWBBMW
2006 X3 3.0i Highland Green Metallic, Sand Beige Montana Leather, Steptronic, Premium Pkg, Cold Weather Package, Privacy Glass, Xenon Headlights
2007 328i 6-speed, Black Sapphire Metallic, Sport package, Black Leatherette, Heated Seats, iPod & USB Adapter
If God had intended man to walk or fly, he would not have made BMWs!