2006 -vs- 2008 X3

[TRAINER]

My wife is thinking about getting rid of the 2006 325xi wagon for a 2008 X3. Her car is in for service now and they gave us an 06 X3 3.0. I drove the the loaner and was not impressed by the power at all, in fact I feel that her wagon is zippier. I went and did some research and came up with this:

2006 X3
225 hp @ 5900
214 tor @ 3500
weight 4067

2008 X3
260 hp @ 6600
225 tor @ 2750
weight 4067

2006 325xi wagon
215 hp @ 6250
185 tor @ 2750
weight - 3733

So, is the 334 pounds what I'm feeling? By the numbers alone I'm going to assume that the 2008 will be quicker than both the wagon and 2006 X3. Also, does the 2007 ride better than the 2006? If so I'm going to assume that the 2008 will be all that much better, all around.

Your thoughts?

[AzNMpower32]

It's the engine change from the older M54 engine to the N52 engine that's in your 325xiT. So yes, the E91 is quicker and it rides on an all-new platform, both technically and physically. The X3 is still based off the E46 3-series, so please, don't complain about the lack of luxury features because the software and such is back from 1999.

2007 X3s saw the N52 engine and it creates 260hp. It was also the year of the facelift. The '08s continue unchanged. It is marginally more fuel-efficient, quieter, and smoother. BUT the '07s also got the 6-speed automatic transmission from the E90.......which sounds great in theory. In reality, there have been fairly numerous complaints about hesistation, poor respose, and rough shifting. It's geared poorly and there has not been a software fix that is tried and problem. In short, if affected, the gearbox will ruin the entire driving experience. There is a big software fix that has just come out, but not many dealers receive it until later this month. I don't know if the '08s are fixed or still exhibit this issue.

Now for my 2 cents: I'm partial to the E46 and the M54 motor. I like how it's louder, sounds better, and how it doesn't have Valvetronic to dull the throttle response. We have an '04 X3 2.5i and a '06 325i sport in the garage, and despite the technical greatness of the 325i, I actually enjoy driving the X3 far more than the 325i. But if you like the smoothness of the E91, then go for the '08.

[TRAINER]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

It is marginally more fuel-efficient, quieter, and smoother. BUT the '07s also got the 6-speed

For an expecting mother to be, that's exactly what we're looking for, thanks for the info...

[JCL]

Go for the '08, skip the sport package, stay with the standard wheels. The X3 rides a little firmer, and IMO is sporty enough with standard suspension and tires. The '07 and '08 have very few changes between the two years.

Lots of power with the '08. We just took delivery of our '07 a few months back. We chose the X3 3.0si over the X3 3.0i; in the US you don't get both options, you just have the si.

Incidentally, we traded a 325xi (sedan), but it was an E46. My wife likes her new ride, particularly the PDC.

[jwbekens]

Yesterday I had a 2007 X3 loaner with 12k miles on it, since my 2006 X3 was in for the every 6 month paint treatment (some fancy wax) and it's free annual state inspection (we really like our dealer). Can't believe the car is 2 yrs old already.

The newer engine with 260 horses is definitely quicker, especially once you're moving. Loved the greater acceleration when entering interstate highways. Loads of fun. On the other hand, the hesitation when accelerating from stop with the 6 speed auto is a big disappointment compared to my 2006 5 speed auto. Ride quality with standard suspension is nearly identical between the two years. I also agree that there is a less aggressive sound with the newer, 260 hp engine. The loaner didn't have xenons. Once you live with them you can never go back to the "dark side." If the auto tran glitch is fixed in 2008, the newer car is worth the extra horsepower.

[moymch]

I will keep my 06' until the bugs are worked out on the 08'.

[320]

the x3 is very slow to accelerate and suspension is tough to say the least.

[TRAINER]

The wagon takes the bumps VERY hard in NYC...

[Boston X5 4.4]

Originally Posted by TRAINER

The wagon takes the bumps VERY hard in NYC...

X3 won't be much better. As others have said, def. skip the sport package an the bigger rims if you are very concerned about ride?

Maybe you should get a lexus RX?

[TRAINER]

Interesting. I test drove the RX and I guess my wife and I are both spoiled but the RX just felt "too" disconnected from the road - no road feedback and delayed turn in. It was very nice and offered a lot for the $$.