330xi or x5

[x5Alpine]

hi, im new to this forum and I was wondering which is best because I cant decide on which one to get 330xi or x5 3.0i (2001-2003). I will be commuting from southwest Reno NV to lake Tahoe every weekend in the winter. Which one would be the most reliable and cheapest on repairs?

PS. Which color combo do you think is the best for a 2001-2003 x5 3.0i

Thanks!!

[PersonaNonGrata]

By your chosen screen name I think you've made up your mind.

I think both are good for the snow but the 330xi would get you better gas mileage. The question is probably best answered by what your needs are. The X5 doesn't haul a ton of cargo but does hold more than the 330xi so do you need to haul things to Tahoe? If so, the X5 is obviously better. Do you need more ground clearance than the 330xi offers? X5 is better here. If you want a pure commuter car then the 330xi is better.

Color combo? It's totally subjective but again, your screen name is a clue. Alpine White and black is very nice and not that common. I have Steel Gray on my '02 and it has held up well. It still look up to date. I think in '03 they introduced Sterling Gray and this is very nice as well. (It's lighter than Steel but darker than Titanium Silver.) Either of those grays look good with black or gray interior. Titanium Silver is always a nice and safe color but more common. Keep in mind that the Sport Package option changed the headliner from light gray or beige to anthracite gray, which looks better IMO.

[x5Alpine]

thanks!!..... I've been looking at a 2002 alpine white on beige and a topaz blue 2003 330xi on beige...I really like the setup on the x5 and I think it has more to offer. Are they as reliable as a 3 series?