X3 Observations-Problems?

[Archivist]

Hi all, newbie with ~ 8 mo old X3 - 2.5 Sport Pkg Tiptronic. Have a couple of observations & would like some feedback/thoughts:

a) Background - Dealer ~ 300miles away so easy visit impractical but possible if appropriate.

b) I find ingress/egress difficult on both X3/X5's d/t large sill coupled with external 2-3" moulding flair. This is not on any of other BMW's but becomes awkward w/X3. Anybody seen a better alternative - eg AeroPackage?

c) My 2.5 whines at ~ 40 mph or primarily between 1200 & 2000 RPM regardless of gear. I love the vehicle, but its surprising that I get that much noise through gearbox or engine compartment. It is sufficient to actually intrude on music via radio. I really didn't pay much attention until the WAF made a comment, now I can't forget it. I've asked dealer/BMW but no one has responded - do others have this same problem?

d) I'm a bit picky, but the rear window cover (shroud, roof extension whatever...) seems only functional to collect "dust" which then drifts down over the window. I've seen several other vehicles (not BMW) that have perforations/vents in the cover and seem to clean/clear the window better. Anybody else experiencing? Do you have a solution other than constant washing (by the time I'm out of the car wash & back home, its dusty again!).

e) I've posted another comment to BMW and at another Board, but I think its "nutz" for BMW to not include a garage door opener and/or to charge $ 500+ for a upgraded mirror. They're nutz to charge (luxury vehicle, now included in a midline Hyundai!) and we're crazy to pay! I made my own by the way, write and I'll give you the means - ~ $ 40!

f) Finally w/gas prices reaching all time highs for US (us too), it would seem that the super auto engineers could do a couple of things, 1) make an engine run on at least mid- grade 2) significantly improve the mileage. I had a Pilot (much bigger, uglier, etc..) that got better mileage and weighed more than the BMW. Part of my change was for size and ostensibly for enjoyment and practicality. I'd appreciate tips, I get about 12-13 MPH in town and maybe 19-20 MPH on the highway.

Thanks for commenting (please don't flame, I may not have the right place, but am trying to get some help and share some frustrations).

Dave

[mwbbmw]

I've also had mine for about 8 months, so we're in a similar situation with similar vehicles, so I'll do my best to recount my experiences thus far:

a) Background - Dealer ~ 300miles away so easy visit impractical but possible if appropriate.

I have only had to make a trip once for replacement of windshield wipers which I could have easily done myself. While there, they did some "crucial warranty work" that they wouldn't let me leave with he vehicle until it was done. My dealership is a scant 10 miles away, so it hasn't been a problem for me.

b) I find ingress/egress difficult on both X3/X5's d/t large sill coupled with external 2-3" moulding flair. This is not on any of other BMW's but becomes awkward w/X3. Anybody seen a better alternative - eg AeroPackage?

Agreed. Depending on height and seat positioning (I find it easier with the seat further back). Usually a side/backwards hop gets me in and an aggressive hope out will help me miss the moulding. Still, there's usually a clean spot ont he panel and dirt on my pants when I forget that they're there. Having said that, my boss (read: wife) at a height of 5' has no problems with it! Don't ask me why, she just doesn't.

c) My 2.5 whines at ~ 40 mph or primarily between 1200 & 2000 RPM regardless of gear. I love the vehicle, but its surprising that I get that much noise through gearbox or engine compartment. It is sufficient to actually intrude on music via radio. I really didn't pay much attention until the WAF made a comment, now I can't forget it. I've asked dealer/BMW but no one has responded - do others have this same problem?

I have not had any noise problems to speak of - the only exception is wind noise from the panoramic moon-roof with the lining all the way back at speeds in excess of 65. Other than that, no noise, no problems. I've got well over 8k on it, so I'm feeling pretty lucky. From what I've read, it is not an uncommon problem.

d) I'm a bit picky, but the rear window cover (shroud, roof extension whatever...) seems only functional to collect "dust" which then drifts down over the window. I've seen several other vehicles (not BMW) that have perforations/vents in the cover and seem to clean/clear the window better. Anybody else experiencing? Do you have a solution other than constant washing (by the time I'm out of the car wash & back home, its dusty again!).

Agreed. No help there. It's annoying and is constantly being cleaned. It's even worse if you live in a fairly rainy environment as streaks run down it and down the back window constantly . . . that's okay, because the overspray from the rear tirs does a nice job of hiding these streaks.

e) I've posted another comment to BMW and at another Board, but I think its "nutz" for BMW to not include a garage door opener and/or to charge $ 500+ for a upgraded mirror. They're nutz to charge (luxury vehicle, now included in a midline Hyundai!) and we're crazy to pay! I made my own by the way, write and I'll give you the means - ~ $ 40!

I skipped this option as $500 doesn't seem worth it for the garage door opener - though the mirror that adjusts to light is.

f) Finally w/gas prices reaching all time highs for US (us too), it would seem that the super auto engineers could do a couple of things, 1) make an engine run on at least mid- grade 2) significantly improve the mileage. I had a Pilot (much bigger, uglier, etc..) that got better mileage and weighed more than the BMW. Part of my change was for size and ostensibly for enjoyment and practicality. I'd appreciate tips, I get about 12-13 MPH in town and maybe 19-20 MPH on the highway.

When I drive a combo of city/highway, my mileage averages 19-20. When I drive just highway, it averages the same (mostly because I keep it pinned above 75 when I take trips and the mileage seems to worsen at anything substantially above 65). When my wife drives short jaunts around town, she's been seeing the 14-16 range. I read a post somewhere that actually recommended driving around town in the sport mode. The thinking is that sport mode ramps up the RPMs and makes the engine work a bit harder, but can save a bit on gas as you're not having to depress the guzzler pedal as much. I just suggested the boss give it a try, so we'll see how it does. I also find I can get better mileage if I lay off of the fun pedal a bit . . . but then that's not why I bought a BMW.