07 X3 Vs 325xi

[smjc_99]

I have a sports car- Convertible and was considering to lease a 2007 bmw X3 or a 328Xi
In terms of
1) handling 2) Comfort, 3) Fun to drive and other factors such as ride quality which is a better bet between 07 X3 and 07 328Xi


Thanks

[Wagner]

Well two different animals. One is a SAV one is a sedan. Like comparing a Cadillac STS to an Escalade.

[smjc_99]

Thanks for the reply
I guess they are 2 different animals. I nver owned a SUV

If the Prioirty is 1) Handling 2) Ride comfort and 3) Luggage capability would the 328 Xi handle much better than X3 in dry ?

are runflat's liveable in the 328Xi?

The extra luggage space in the X3 is something I would use may once a year

[E61Silver]

I had a 325xi as a loaner for about four days.

Its a great car and offers great handling and power. Yes it has low profile run flats that could cause the ride to be a little hard however it seems that suppression system was designed for these tires and does a good job of compensating. The ride is better than my 4.4 X5 with 18 inch tires.

The cargo space is a limited and I would suggest getting fold down rear seats. That said the trunk is relatively big thanks to the run flats.

The X3 does not compare with regard to ride handling and performance the only reason to get it is for the raised height and cargo. But If cargo was the issue the 3 wagon is probably a better answer. Too bad wagons are not considered cool here in the US.

Another factor is mpg, I average about 25 mpg with the 325xi my friends X3 does no better than my X5 which averages around 18 to 19 mpg.

[Bill Valley]

328xi hands down. Get a manual trans and sport package. Now THAT would be fun to drive. The X3 is nice, but it is a utility vehicle. Oh, and I better tell my wife that her wagon is not cool .

[AzNMpower32]

Go for the best of both worlds: 328i or xi sport wagon

X3 doesn't have a "comfortable" ride no matter how you look at it or order it.

[blondboinsd]

I feel the X3 is a dated car with dated technology, the new 3 is an amazing vehicle, its fun to drive, fast, luxurious and still affordable, save some dough or get more packages and get a 328i OR if you want cargo room get a 328xi wagon!

[stangmatt66]

This is really an apples to oranges comparison.

For me the X3 with 17"s rides smooth and sporty, granted my current car is a Mazda RX-8 with sport suspension and 18" wheels and rides extremely harsh. I ordered my X3 with 17's to keep the smooth ride.

If you've never had an SUV and really don't have too compelling reason to want or need one (dogs, kids, etc), I'd say stick with the 3-series. It's built on a newer chassis with newer options and technologies than what's available on the X3.

[xnsf]

:xoutpost:

go with the 328 sportswagon

3 series is a great car

[E61Silver]

[go with the 328 sportswagon

3 series is a great car[/QUOTE]

I thought thats what I said?