Quote:
Originally Posted by psyxologos
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.
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The X3 is as real a BMW as an X5. BMW makes the engines, etc, while final assembly is either done in the US for the X5, or in Austria by Magna-Steyr for the X3. Magna is not a BMW company, but given that they do assembly for Jeep (Grand Cherokee), Chrysler (300), SAAB (convertibles), BMW (X3), Mercedes (G Class), and Porsche (Boxster & Cayman from 2012 onwards) I think they know what they are doing. Quality stats match the BMW factories.
Another poster commented on the ride of the X3. Early models were harsh, in my opinion. The sports package made it worse. They got a lot better as the years went on. The 2006 was a big step forward, and our 2007 is very comfortable. You may be able to get into a 2006 for your budget, I don't know what the prices are in the UK at the moment.
Interior space for luggage is better in our X3 than it was in our X5 in my opinion, as it is a more usable shape. I suppose it depends what youa re carrying. I like the vertical sides of the luggage compartment in the X3. Passenger space is reduced, particularly shoulder room, as it is a narrower vehicle. I am 6'4" and 230 lbs, and fit fine in the X3. I wouldn't want to put five people in it though, for anything other than a very short trip.