Help! Pr-owned "05 or '07?

[jo-e90]

Some say the black plastic looks more rugged on the '05. I noticed that in '06 bumpers went mono color. What looks better?

Also "05 CPO(non-sport) I am looking at probably will not have the tranny issues but rides stiffer.

The '07 rides more comfy I hear but has tranny probs.

which year would be better to get? Cant decide.

[Quicksilver]

No need to look to other opinions regarding this decision. You are the one that must live with the decision. If what you say is true regarding the Xs you listed which one would you choose???

[JCL]

The '07 is a different vehicle than the '05, much more refined. I don't think you can compare them. The '07 is just that much more of a vehicle.

On our '07 there were two different trim packages available, with different bumper colours (black vs painted), apart from the aero package. Seems like a petty issue compared to how the vehicle drives and handles.

Some will differ, but I don't think the transmission issues are important. There have been updates that addressed the issue for many people. We bought a 6 spd manual so didn't have any of the transmission issues to worry about.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Wagner

I agree, you can't directly compare the E53 and E70 one model replaced the other, of course it has more refinement and "newer" technology.

Unless I missed something, we are discussing the E83, not the E53 or E70

[trueX5er]

Originally Posted by Wagner

I agree, you can't directly compare the E53 and E70 one model replaced the other, of course it has more refinement and "newer" technology.

This is the X3 Forum

[trueX5er]

wow, strange how we both posted the same remark at the same time exactly 14 minutes after Wag made that comment
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But anyways, it's your choice. You can get the more refined more luxurious faster 2007, or get an older, more rugged 2005 with a better transmission.

[AzNMpower32]

There are potential gearbox software problems with the '07, and unless the programming (and the dealer) fix it just right, it's going to be a massive headache, potentially dangerous, since you'll hit the gas pedal and nothing will happen for 3 to 5 seconds. And you'll break your spine with every downshift.

'05 is a safer bet. IMO the X3 is not a soft riding vehicle, no matter what year or spec. The '07s ride a bit better but it is going to still have a "firm" ride, not a "soft" one. I believe the '04s were the only ones with a ride that's too much.........'05s had slightly reduced spring rates.

[Derek]

I'd vote 07.......... nicer vehicle..... more power..... two years newer........ better fuel mileage

We bought an early 07 and I've had every version of the transmission software loaded.......... The latest does seem to work ok. It's not as smooth as the old 5spd trans was but to me the other benefits outweigh it.

I also have an 07 525 with the 6spd auto......... It does shift a little smoother than the 07 x3 does but again it isn't as smooth as the old 5spds were........... I think they have some tuning to do on all the 6spds.

We have a 07 non-sport so there is still some black plastic but less than the 05s. In the US if you get the sport package you get all painted trims. i believe Canada is slightly different.

[DWill]

I had an 06 and picked up my 07 in July.

The 07 is better and I have had no problems with trans at all.
The 07 has more power, better interior trim and some "cooler stuff" the 06 didn't have. Electric folding mirrors, little compass thingy in the rear view mirrow, garage door opener etc....

The only thing I complain about now is that the VR on the telephone doesn't work as well as the 06 did. I have to basically yell the name or number and it just doesn't seem to understand what I'm saying sometimes.

It also took me a while to get used to the servo steering that I didn't have on the 06. At first I didn't like it, but now I don't even notice it.

I have not one complaint about the 07 really, besides the nav system which REALLY SUCKS but I just use my garmin nuvi.