Many thanks Jeff. Great reply!

I am only considering diesel engines, as petrol is way too expensive for me to run, especially when I also own a 330 Ci which, I have to admit, is a bit of a guzzler.

I have heard reports from X3 owners saying that they are not 'a real BMW' (whatever that means) as they were constructed by a subsidiary. I do not know if this is an urban myth or there is any truth to it, but it has put me off. I am looking at buying a 2005 model, so I suspect it is not an E70. I am tempted to paste the same thread on the E53 forum, I hope the moderators will not kill me for double posting.

Soft roader eh? I thought so. I just feel I do not have another choice though, as I am not ready to compromise on safety and comfort (especially of my pregnant wife and a newborn child on its way). I am thinking of using the car on unsealed roads (I suspect you mean non tarmac) and not doing any 'wild' off roading anyway, so I take hope from what you said with regards to both being fine.

Thanks again!