2006 X3 Options?

[Roderick]

I am going to buy a 2006 X3 Sport. I like a firm ride and tight steering. Is Servotronic steering for me?

I like a decent audio system but do not need anything too powerful. Is the Premium Sound worth the extra $615.00?

How is Leatherette as opposed to the Montana leather. Not sure if one will last longer than the other. Does one breathe better than the other as I live in a warm climate.

[818Guy]

Originally Posted by Roderick

I like a decent audio system but do not need anything too powerful. Is the Premium Sound worth the extra $615.00?

How is Leatherette as opposed to the Montana leather. Not sure if one will last longer than the other. Does one breathe better than the other as I live in a warm climate.

I've got as basic an X3 you can get. As I have just found out, upgrading the sound system is tough since the front door speakers are hard to find (shallow fit). So if I were to do it again, I would pay for the premium sound.

I have the Leatherette and think it's great. It "should" wear better than the leather over the long term. It won't crack like leather.

[rickp]

I really like the sport package and Servotronic. It's great at all speeds. Parking is effortless and high speed driving feels more solid (almost as if there is no power steering). As for the premium sound, I have it and enjoy it.

As others have mentioned, the sport suspension gives a lot of road feedback. You'll feel every bump on the road. I don't mind it others do. Good luck!

[DutchX3]

Originally Posted by 818Guy

I've got as basic an X3 you can get. As I have just found out, upgrading the sound system is tough since the front door speakers are hard to find (shallow fit). So if I were to do it again, I would pay for the premium sound.

I have the Leatherette and think it's great. It "should" wear better than the leather over the long term. It won't crack like leather.

I've got mine since august last year en its equipped with leatherette, its beautiful, but i noticed last weet that the leatherette was cracked on the drivers seat, only after 30000 km! I called BMW en the seat has to be replaced, yes the whole chair.

[canadianbattery]

I dont like leatherette though. It looks and feels cheap. The leatherette in my E36 is much better than the X3. I really regret that I didnt pay for the Leather seats.

[shane.reid]

I have has 2 MINIs with leatherette and I still have a 2001 325i with leather.

I've never been a fan of BMW's leather... and their leatherette weathers great and doesn'tget nearly as hot as leather in the sun.

That said, you can EASILY tell the different between the two.

If you want to actually use your BMW for some "fun" in teh sense of biking, camping, etc... definitely get the leatherette - it cleans tremendously easier.

[moymch]

I have the upgraded stereo and love it. It makes a big difference when that sun roof is back.

I'm glad I didn't get the Sport. I think that mine without rides rough and bothers my back on long trips.

My only regret is that I wish I would have gotten the Navigation. I let my wife talk me out of that one.

For sure go with the leather, it will make a big difference come trade in time.

Xenon lights are a must in my book. Once you have them you will never go back.

Good luck. Welcome to the board.

[shane.reid]

Options are all about choice... If I bought this car for me - I would have gotten:
-premium(terracotta leather)
-sport
-xenons
-servotronic
-cold weather

however, it was a wedding present for my fiancee, and she spec'd it instead... I gave her the option of any options she wanted...

Her reaction:
Premium: not happy with the leather, BMW assist is dumb, I have a bluetooth headset, why do I need it in my car, lumbar support is nice

Sport: too rough, I will never use thigh support, wheels are nice, but I would not notice the different between 17 and 18

Cold: I only need heated seats, i already own a ski bag, and headlight washers are not that worthwhile

Xenons: I did not like how they would turn around corners.. would prefer normal xenons

She did no get to test one with servotronic.

She ended up with beige sensotec, jet black exterior, heated seats/wheel

They make options for a reason...

Originally Posted by moymch

I have the upgraded stereo and love it. It makes a big difference when that sun roof is back.

I'm glad I didn't get the Sport. I think that mine without rides rough and bothers my back on long trips.

My only regret is that I wish I would have gotten the Navigation. I let my wife talk me out of that one.

For sure go with the leather, it will make a big difference come trade in time.

Xenon lights are a must in my book. Once you have them you will never go back.

Good luck. Welcome to the board.

[moymch]

Originally Posted by shane.reid

Options are all about choice... If I bought this car for me - I would have gotten:
-premium(terracotta leather)
-sport
-xenons
-servotronic
-cold weather

however, it was a wedding present for my fiancee, and she spec'd it instead... I gave her the option of any options she wanted...

Her reaction:
Premium: not happy with the leather, BMW assist is dumb, I have a bluetooth headset, why do I need it in my car, lumbar support is nice

Sport: too rough, I will never use thigh support, wheels are nice, but I would not notice the different between 17 and 18

Cold: I only need heated seats, i already own a ski bag, and headlight washers are not that worthwhile

Xenons: I did not like how they would turn around corners.. would prefer normal xenons

She did no get to test one with servotronic.

She ended up with beige sensotec, jet black exterior, heated seats/wheel

They make options for a reason...

Noted