Purchasing Advice Needed

[warrior1]

Just joined today and have found this forum to be helpful in my decision to purchase a 07 X3. A few questions though:

1. Crash tests scores for the X3. I was unable to find any government based (U.S. or other) crash scores. Safety is on par with performance in my decision.

2. Should I wait for the rumored 08 diesel? When is the X3 scheduled for an overhaul?

3. Do you need the navigation to integrate a bluetooth phone with the vehicle?

4. Stationed in Germany as a U.S. Soldier so I have not been able to drive the X3's primary competitor; the RDX. It seems designed for creature comforts and gee-wiz batman gear then driving dynamics. Plus I can't stand turbo lag in a self described performance oriented vehicle. Don't convince me that it sucks or that BMW is much better, just tell me how it drove if you test drove it before the X3. Some unbiased thoughts would be helpful.

5. What do the 18" wheels do to the driving dynamics as opposed to the standard 17's. I don't want the sports package because when I test drove it it was too solid (great for Autobahn where I tested it but I can imagine not fun for stateside driving). Don't convince me that I need the sports package I just want to know what 17's to 18's does (other then make the vehicle look a lot better).

6. Is servotronic steering worth the $250?

7. Felt a small jolt from 1st gear to second gear when I came out of a dead stop. Some reviews mentioned that as well. Any comments? Do you find this to be a problem or not?

8. I can get the premium package, heated front seats, 18" wheels, metallic paint, rear side airbags, bluetooth (don't think I need the nav for it to work) and $325 delivery cost for $38,xxx. No taxes. U.S. Spec. 3.0si. Delivery to stateside is free for me.

9. One last thing - does the audio turn down automatically when you accept or make calls using bluetooth?

Thanks so much for your help in advance. The biggest question I want answered is regarding the safety. I know the safety features, but want to know the crash scores from a legitimate agency.

Warrior 1.

[Rick in Prescott]

Man o man, if I would of had analysis paralysis like this I wouldn't be able to get out of bed in the morning.
You're asking way to many questions here.
The "primary competitor" to a BMW X3 is certainly not a Honda RDX.
Yes the audio "turns down" when you make calls. If you want to drive a rumor, wait a few years to buy. If you want to drive now, buy now and sell it when the diesel comes out.
Can't help you on price as I'm not a dealer that can make you that deal but it sounds pretty good if you can get it.
It's a safe car but not as safe as a tank but way better than a VW bug.
I don't have servo-Tronic steering but I can still steer quite nicely, so can my 100lbs 5'2" wife.
I won't convice you about the sports package but I be pretty fair in assuming that the 19's will ride a lot stiffer than 17's. I love my sport package here in the states but don't know how it would be in Germany on the Autobahn.
Good luck and thanks for serving our country.

[blondboinsd]

I for the life of me cannot understand why the X3 has not been crash tested but some info:

The X3 comes with BMW Head Protection in the form of a front and rear head curtain teamed with chest/thorax side impact airbags for the front seats
Seat sensing front airbags
Numerous stability controls and Brake Assist
Wonderful brakes
and the best part? The Safety of being able to avoid accidents

[RastaGurl]

OK, so answers to a couple of your questions from my perspective.

3. No, you don't need Navigation to have Bluetooth.

6. Yes, in my personal opinion, the servotronic steering is worth the extra $250. I had a 2004 X3 without it, and currently have an '06 X3 with it, and the difference is amazing. It's a LOT easier to steer in tight spots, for example, in parking lots/garages. But, it is a personal preference. There are those here on this board and elsewhere who think it's not worth it. My suggestion is that you test drive a car with this option and make your own decision in that regard.

I must, however, suggest that you drop the extra dough for the steering wheel warmer if you live, or plan to live in a cold climate. Especially with the way winter's been for the last week or two here in the northeast, it's been invaluable, and it's unlikely that, if given the choice, I would ever get another car without it.

7. As for the "jolt" you felt, it's possible that the car had not yet "adjusted" to your driving style. As you drive the vehicle, it "senses" your acceleration/deceleration habits, and adjusts accordingly. There are others here who're capable of providing a more scientific explanation, and to whom I defer for a more complete answer to your question.

9. Yes, the audio/radio automatically mutes during 'phone calls using Bluetooth.

Hope this helps, thank you for your selfless service, and :xoutpost: !

[xnsf]

:xoutpost:

tell us more when you have decided

[jpnut]

I am considering an X3, any outstanding issues to look at for the 2007 model?

[jpnut]

This forum is so slow!

[AzNMpower32]

I'd stay away from 2007 X3s equipped with an automatic transmission; the programming on the software is problematic in a fair number of vehicles. In addition, the moonroof drains must be completely clear or else the floorboard will get wet the next time it rains. Otherwise, those are pretty much it. The AT issue can be a headache though, so definitely test drive it, especially on hilly terrain and using all modes of the transmission.

[jpnut]

Thanks AzN, I have been test driving one for 4 days and the acceleration has a mind of it's own! Unless I get get some great deal, I will probably repair the E53. Thanks.

[JCL]

No comment on the automatic transmission. An advantage of the X3 over the X5 is that you can get a manual transmission with all engines.

Never had an issue with the panoramic sunroof. Haven't opened it much, either, but it lets lots of light in.

Vehicle is comfortable, great performance with the 3.0si 260 hp engine, and it handles better than the E53. It is significantly lighter, so cornering and acceleration is better. Luggage capacity is better than the E53, shoulder room in the front is not. I miss the dual zone climate control, but that is really the only thing from the E53 that I wish it had.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one. I didn't consider the E70, as it is too large and heavy for us, so the X3 was the logical choice. If you need to tow over 3500 pounds, then an X5 is required.

As an aside, why not start a new thread instead of tagging on to one from 2007?

If you have any specific questions, fire away.