New Twin X!! (X3 & X5!)

[Kewl X5]

Actually, they were going to give us a loaded prem./sports packaged 330i 4-door, but we decided to try the X3 and given the opportunity I took it. Actually, a BMW is a BMW no matter what options are in the car.

I'll try to get some more pics (I'll park both cars side-by-side outside the garage)....

Originally Posted by Curious Joel

Nice review, Dr. Kewl. I agree with your points you make. It sure does handle well! It's surprising that a dealership that's as huge as Crevier would give you a stripped-out X3 as a loaner, especially for an M3... Tulley always gives me X3s, but they're nearly loaded. Usually 2.5i, sometimes 3.0i, and they're pretty well equipped. Even heated steering wheels! I agree about the HK system in the E46 not being great. If you get a chance, could you post more pics from different angles? It's interesting to see.

[Chris F.]

Hey Doc, how was BMWs vinyl in the car? Does it look and feel like leather? Seems like it might be a good way to save $1500 for someone looking to save $$$.

[gojira-san]

Sometime I would like to drive an X3 to see how it compares up against the xi, especially in the AWD department. I've not been completely enamoured with the xi's AWD.

Originally Posted by Curious Joel

Tulley always gives me X3s

Grrrr... while they always give me jack s--- (Sorry for the rag... Tulley is on my black list as far as that goes.)

[rocketir]

How about the interior seating space, back seat space? According to the specs the X3 has more interior room than the X5 i think. Does it feel that way?
Thanks for the side by side.
Jesse

[Kewl X5]

It feels like vinyl. It is rougher.....Looks wise, it looks great, better than most domestic cars vinyl seats.

I would never mistaken it for leather, especially compared with the nappa lether in the M3/M5.

Originally Posted by Chris F.

Hey Doc, how was BMWs vinyl in the car? Does it look and feel like leather? Seems like it might be a good way to save $1500 for someone looking to save $$$.

[Kewl X5]

The front seats and rear seats are roomier than a E46 3-series. The leg room is about the same front/rear seats as compared with the X5. The biggest difference is that it seems like the X3 is not as wide as the X5.

The interior room size is almost as roomy as the X5.

I really like the single rear hatch design of the X3 vs. the X5's dual tailgate system.

Originally Posted by rocketir

How about the interior seating space, back seat space? According to the specs the X3 has more interior room than the X5 i think. Does it feel that way?
Thanks for the side by side.
Jesse

[caesar]

Originally Posted by Kewl X5

One thing that my friend and I agree on....the basic X3 stereo has better bass than the E46 M3 with HK! Are there subwoofers underneath the front seats or something?

Precisely. There are subs under each front seat.

[climrgrl]

Originally Posted by Kewl X5

I really like the single rear hatch design of the X3 vs. the X5's dual tailgate system.

I'll trade you -- you can have the hatch from my X3 in return for the tailgate from your X5! I used to have a '92 4Runner with a tailgate, and I really miss that one part. Though at least you can sit on the X3's back without your legs going numb -- no protruding rails or anything.

[Kewl X5]

Agree with the advantage of the tailgate for tailgate parties ....However, for our daily use, opening and closing a 1-door rear hatch system makes more sense.

The lower part of the rear hatch can withstand 400lbs!

Nevertheless, I wish the rear cargo floor area was lower in the X5 like the X3.

Originally Posted by climrgrl

I'll trade you -- you can have the hatch from my X3 in return for the tailgate from your X5! I used to have a '92 4Runner with a tailgate, and I really miss that one part. Though at least you can sit on the X3's back without your legs going numb -- no protruding rails or anything.