All
i can offer you is my time (3 days as a loaner) driving the new X3. I found the ride VERY stiff and hard compared to my 06 X5 4.8is with 4-corner air suspension. There have been a few articles recently about the X3 (see above). I do remember hearing that the earlier X3's did not have the "si" as part of their name were even harder than the outgoing model. But, it will ultimately be up to the new owner regarding their likes and dislikes.

If you're a family man, I would suggest you look into a used/possibly certified 335i sedan with 6 sp. With a few dollars you can turn it into a virtual beast. If not, go with the coupe. But if you do, ensure it has the sport package which has the larger intercooler to keep the turbos/oil cool. And, if you go this route, ONLY go with GIAC software. They cut their teeth on Porsche and have moved on to BMW's following their lead into the world of turbos. No pigtails; no spoofing! A CAI, exhaust and GIAC s/w and you have the best of all worlds: it sits four comfortably, has a decent trunk, great gas mileage and when by your lonesome....yeehaw!

GL with whatever decision you make.

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///BRUCE