Your kind of comparing 2 different things here... A sedan and and SUV... (Granted the X3 isn't quite the most spacious SUV on the market...)
The 07's have a very good blend of power with comfort, etc... Much much of an improvement over my 04'. (If you go for an 07' the comfort seats are amazing...) Also the new additions to the interior really spruce it up in terms of quality...
I see it like this:
X3:
+ More Space
+ Higher seating position
+ Better for snow & the like (higher ground clearance)
+ Because the SUV market is in a slump you'll get a great deal (close to invoice).
+ Hence for the same price you can spec up more options...
+ Reliable, tried and tested old BMW technology
- Old tech (no iDrive - could be a + for some people..., worse implementation of Bluetooth, no comfort access).
- Really isn't that spacious for an SUV... better than the 3 sedan but not amazing either...
- Worse resale, the SUV market is in a slump...
335xi:
+ Amazing Engine
+ New tech
+ Amazing mileage (about the same as you'll get with the 07' X3 with the new N52 engine but so much more power!)
+ Higher resale
- Height (ground clearance & back pain from bending over to load kids into carseats...)
- Lower visibility
- Oh so common (well at least out here in CA - BMW central... maybe not so bad on the east coast)
- xi 3 series look somewhat retarded (the slight increase in ground clearance makes them look somewhat stupid...)
- First year for 335 engine... Eh, reliability could be an issue down the line...
With that being said, the 335i is an amazing vehicle. However you'll probably get a much better deal on a X3 than a 335i...
I say drive both, see what you like. Perhaps as someone said, it would be wiser to save money now, and then splurge later...
Besides I don't like the thought of you or your wife driving a baby around with 300+ hp...
In the end it comes down to what you & your wife like. The car should feel right.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by vern
If your getting 22mpg city, which I doubt. Just maybe you should get intouch with BMWNA and let them have your X3 checked out to find out what they put in your X3 that no body else has to get that kind of gas mileage. You have been reading the posts on this forum quite a long time just like me and one of the biggest complaints is gas mileage. Are you sure you didn't make a typo and mean 12 instead of 22
cheers
vern
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The worst I've ever gotten in city was 15.5... And I'm a led foot becrazed teenager, flooring it at ever light... Average for me used to be about 17. Now that i've grown up a little (its been a long 2 years...), I get around 19-20 with a good mix of highway & city.
Getting 12 is really an accomplishment... I have yet to find a more aggressive driver/leadfoot person than me vern... haha, maybe you should show me some of your tricks...