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Probably a good question for the X3 forum.
Are you talking about the existing E83 X3, or the new X3 that is out this month?
I sold my 2003 X5 and my Z4, to move to a daily driver that was more fun to drive than the X5, while having some of the sportiness of the Z4. I didn't want an E70, as it was larger and heavier, moving away from what I wanted. I went with a 535i, 6MT. We still had use for a SUV, so we sold my wife's 325xi and bought a new 2007 X3, 3.0si, 6MT, at the same time. Haven't regretted it at all. It wasn't a direct replacement (I was the primary driver of the X5, she is the primary driver of the X3) but it functionally replaces the X5 for us, and is the vehicle we use on winter road trips. Compared to the X5, we find that the E83 has more luggage capacity, and is more fun to drive, as it is more agile, more 'tossable', has more power, and has a manual transmission. I also think it is more reliable, it is a simpler platform (E46) so there is less to go wrong. It is narrower, and some might not like that, but I am not a small person and I have plenty of room. I think it has similar or slightly less sound insulation than the E53. Downsides are that it is less sophisticated, so things like dual climate zones don't exist, Nav (if you want it) is even worse than the X5, etc. I prefer not to have all the electronics that can fail, so it was a good fit for me. My wife really likes it, as she considered the E53 too wide, and she didn't like the automatic. If you want the latest in back up cameras and so on, you may not be happy with an E83. The E83 did go through several refinements during its life. The early ones rode roughly, and weren't finished as well IMO. Our 2007 is significantly better in those respects than earlier models I test drove.
The new X3 is a whole different beast. It is the same size as the original E53, and is on a new platform. I like the look of it, and would be more likely to buy one than to buy an E70, if I was in the market for such a vehicle. I would not buy one of the first model year, however.
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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White
Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue
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