X5 to X3

Rik · #1 10-12-2007, 07:46 AM

I have had two X5's now and been exceedingly pleased with them but I am wondering about changing to an X3 next time to cut costs a little. BMW seems to be lifting the X5 further and further up market to the point where it is getting painful.
Has anyone here made this move and if so any comments or regrets?

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StumpyPete · #2 10-12-2007, 08:19 AM

I feel your pain! I've done E53->E53->E70....and the cost increase is pretty big - about 20k USD/10kGBP on the last jump! But having said that my spec has increased each time too.

Bo knows X · #3 10-12-2007, 11:30 AM

I've done the x5 (e53 v8) --> x5 (e53 v8) --> to x3 (e83 v6 3.0i).

Rational = My last e53 lease had expired and the delivery date for my e70 launch in Canada was delayed too many times so I cancelled my order. I was also tired of driving a rental for months with no end in sight.

In terms of the X3 ... it's not a X5 ... but it is fun to drive ... responsive ... lacking the luxury technoid options ... way cheaper on gas ... way cheaper leasing ... BUT no regrets at all.

When my X3 lease expires ... It will be very hard decison X3 vs. X5 vs. X6 ... but definitely a BMW and definitely an "X".

AzNMpower32 · #4 10-12-2007, 11:40 AM

I haven't technically made an ownership switch, but I have driven both the E70 X5 4.8i (mostly optioned-up) and we have a X3.

The X3 will be nimbler and feel a bit quicker on its feet. I mean, it weighs half a ton lighter, so that's a good start. It can also get 27 miles to the US gallon on the freeway, regardless of what the window sticker says.

The interior isn't as luxurious as the X5 and nor does it have many features. I is after all, based off the E46 3-series. But it is roomy enough, and fairly comfortable up front. It's a bit "no-frills" for a luxury car, but everything is well-laid out and purposeful. No iDrive or electronic shifter.

The size is just right in the city. I can dart in and out of traffic as I would a smaller car; and parking is not difficult.

To its merit, the X5 does ride better. It's a longer wheelbase, smoother, and still fairly competent in the bends. There's also the allure of a V8. And if you're into gadgets and must have the latest technology, the X5 does it much better than the X3, which is based off technology from 1999.

I like the X3 a lot, and at the end of the day I'm not a big car fan. I don't like big vehicles, but the X3 is about as nimble as SAVs (or SUVs) get. I'm one of those who are bit nostalgic about the older BMWs, so I like how my X3 reminds me of the previous 3-series.

Rik · #5 10-12-2007, 11:45 AM

Thanks for your answers everybody - most helpful.

Doomdriver · #6 10-12-2007, 05:59 PM

I have not done anything other than test drive the X5 but ended up buying the X3. The rational was simple - X3 was smaller, way more economical, more nimble for the city driving which is 95% our usage, and carried very close to the the same amount of stuff. Also I am not a big fan of the latest technology - always seems to break and cause grief in our long cold winters.

I don't have scientific data to back this but it seems that X3's are selling like hotcakes in my city - they are taking over as the top end SAV of choice and are everywhere!!

AzNMpower32 · #7 10-12-2007, 10:17 PM

The X3 outsells the X5 globally when you look at total sales. The X3 2.5i version (I think its now the 2.5si) is the best selling in the X3 lineup, which makes sense cuz it's smack in the middle. So that makes my X3 the best selling BMW SAV!

JCL · #8 10-13-2007, 01:27 AM

I have an E53, for sale next month. We just bought my wife a 2007 X3 3.0si. I enjoy driving it more than the X5. Agree with all the comments above; it isn't an X5, not as many luxury features, but more engaging and fun to drive. Price really wasn't a factor for us, but the improved fuel economy of the X3 was a nice bonus. My wife finds it easier to park, and it has all the luggage storage space of our E53, if not the same shoulder room.

kevins99z28 · #9 10-13-2007, 11:03 PM

I know it's not an X5. My wife went from a Cayenne S to the X3. She enjoys the X3 every bit as much. We did opt of the sport which she liked better than the non sport. It rides like the Porsche did. Best part is 5-6 miles per gallon better on gas. Bad part the Porsche sounded better good V8 growl.

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