I would reiterate the joyful driving experience of an X3 with a standard transmission. Why they do not give the poor old 6cyl X5 this wonderful 6spd transmission is beyond all reason.

My Mom drives a 3.0i X5 with the 5speed and I am always feeling for that next gear. This engine and it's ilk demand it.

Room-wise, I feel that the X3 more than competes with the X5 as far as even passenger room. The X5 has more, but to my mind it is unnecessary, even with a large sized family. Also, the X5 feels MUCH bigger than the X3 when it comes to manuevering and parking. The X3 is just tidier.

Good luck with your choice.

D

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Give me a clutch and a stick or call me a cab.