I have definitely noticed some different responses from the suspension to road conditions that I would have thought were fairly similar otherwise. I had mostly attributed that to relative speed, but I am open to suggestions as I am largely a techno-peasent when it comes to most things automotive.

That said, I have been driving BMW's since 1980 and I know what I like and what feels good.

This X3 steers and handles like a gopher through a sewer pipe. I love the brakes and I love this gearbox. The seats are superb. I am done kibitzing about the gas mileage. A pal of mine just picked up a 2008 3-series coupe with Xdrive and he tells me that he cannot get better than an average of 20mpg with mixed driving. I told him maybe it will get better when he breaks it in.



Got into a minor "race" yesterday with a very clean looking, late model Audi A4. With about 1500 feet between stop lights, we wound it up... me cranking my engine up to almost 6000 in 2nd gear before a quick shift and they were a car length behind and we were cresting 80 mph.

This sort of stuff rarely happens when I am out in the 540i.

I am done second guessing my purchase.

I LOVE MY X3!

(and I am not even afraid to admit it.)