help with buying a x3

[vegard_bmwx]

Hi all

First I like to say thanks for a good forum.

I am now thinking of getting me a X3, 3.0A. But, I have no idea how the car is, used. What to look for?
How is the engine? Last many milage?
What kind of mpg can I get? Was told to get around, 20-22mpg.

I did test drive one, last week, but I did find the ride to be VERY hard....no comfort at all. Is that right? Or, was it that that X3 had sport suspension?

I am thinking of two cars, a x3,, 3.0 or a 330xi Touring, e46. If the ride is so hard on a x3, I will go for the 330xi. But, I love the higher ride in a x3....plz, all help is good help for me.

Best regards


Vegard_bmwx

[Derek]

Originally Posted by vegard_bmwx

Hi all

First I like to say thanks for a good forum.

I am now thinking of getting me a X3, 3.0A. But, I have no idea how the car is, used. What to look for?
How is the engine? Last many milage?
What kind of mpg can I get? Was told to get around, 20-22mpg.

I did test drive one, last week, but I did find the ride to be VERY hard....no comfort at all. Is that right? Or, was it that that X3 had sport suspension?

I am thinking of two cars, a x3,, 3.0 or a 330xi Touring, e46. If the ride is so hard on a x3, I will go for the 330xi. But, I love the higher ride in a x3....plz, all help is good help for me.

Best regards


Vegard_bmwx

Like any used car.... attempt to get service records. A certified pre-owned is nice because of the warranty (if such a thing exists in Switzerland)

The engine is the same one used in many other models and as such is great and should last well over 100,000 miles (160,000KM) if the oil is properly changed.

Mileage wise.... your quote is fairly accurate depending on driving style.

The suspension on the X3 varies some depending on the year model. The 04 was terrible but each year after got a little better. We have an 07 non-sport and while it isn't bad..... It is fairly bouncy but not jaring. If that seems to bother you and your budget only allows for the older x3 I'd recommend the 330xi. You'll also end up with an end of life 330 with most of the bugs worked out versus a realatively new model with the x3. again.... my recommendations are based on the assumption you are looking to buy a 2-3 year old model.

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by Derek

Like any used car.... attempt to get service records. A certified pre-owned is nice because of the warranty (if such a thing exists in Switzerland)

The engine is the same one used in many other models and as such is great and should last well over 100,000 miles (160,000KM) if the oil is properly changed.

Mileage wise.... your quote is fairly accurate depending on driving style.

The suspension on the X3 varies some depending on the year model. The 04 was terrible but each year after got a little better. We have an 07 non-sport and while it isn't bad..... It is fairly bouncy but not jaring. If that seems to bother you and your budget only allows for the older x3 I'd recommend the 330xi. You'll also end up with an end of life 330 with most of the bugs worked out versus a realatively new model with the x3. again.... my recommendations are based on the assumption you are looking to buy a 2-3 year old model.

I have heard that the earlier X3's didn't ride the best and that the engines are somewhat underpowered for a vehicle of the X3's weight. The earlier X3's are not really known for thier performance. I am pretty sure that the gas milage really insn't anyhting to brag about either. I also do not like all the plastic in the X3's interior. It doesn't really look like BMW to me. I would vote fo rthe 330xi. You will probably end up with a more comfortable ride, better interior materials, better performance and better gas mileage. The only real benefit of the X3 that I can see would be a higher driving position and more ground clearance. Just my opinion, though.

[Derek]

Originally Posted by FSETH

I have heard that the earlier X3's didn't ride the best and that the engines are somewhat underpowered for a vehicle of the X3's weight. The earlier X3's are not really known for thier performance. I am pretty sure that the gas milage really insn't anyhting to brag about either. I also do not like all the plastic in the X3's interior. It doesn't really look like BMW to me. I would vote fo rthe 330xi. You will probably end up with a more comfortable ride, better interior materials, better performance and better gas mileage. The only real benefit of the X3 that I can see would be a higher driving position and more ground clearance. Just my opinion, though.

The 04-05 models in the US were offered with teh 2.5 & the 3.0. The 2.5 was underpowered but the 3.0 was a powerful enough engine for the x3 and is the same engine you'll get in the 330xi.

I agree the exterior plastic on the earlier models was ugly and the interior was a little bland as well.

[FSETH]

[quote=Derek]The 04-05 models in the US were offered with teh 2.5 & the 3.0. The 2.5 was underpowered but the 3.0 was a powerful enough engine for the x3 and is the same engine you'll get in the 330xi.

Yes, the engine in the 330 and the X3 3.0 are the same, but the X3 weighs probably 500 pounds more than the 330xi, so the performance will not be identical. The 3.0 engine is adequate in the earlier X3's, but it will feel sportier in the faster 330xi. The 330xi is about 1.5 seconds or faster 0-60. That is a huge difference.

[Derek]

[QUOTE=FSETH]

Originally Posted by Derek

The 04-05 models in the US were offered with teh 2.5 & the 3.0. The 2.5 was underpowered but the 3.0 was a powerful enough engine for the x3 and is the same engine you'll get in the 330xi.

Yes, the engine in the 330 and the X3 3.0 are the same, but the X3 weighs probably 500 pounds more than the 330xi, so the performance will not be identical. The 3.0 engine is adequate in the earlier X3's, but it will feel sportier in the faster 330xi. The 330xi is about 1.5 seconds or faster 0-60. That is a huge difference.

YUP....... I completely agree.... I like our 07 X3 but if I was given the choice between an early x3 or a 330xi I'd take the 330 in a second. If my memory serves me correctly the US never got the 330xi did we? I've seen some 330xi sedans but I only recall 323/325 tourings. Of course Houston isn't exactly the greatest place to see any Xi BMWs.

[vegard_bmwx]

Hi and thanks for help. Yes, then you all say the same as me, early x3´s are not the best from bmw...I will then go for the late 2003 model 330xii Touring. Got only 48900 km on it and is loaded...as far as I can tell.

Vegard_bmwx

[AzNMpower32]

Well, you're from Switzerland, so your engine choices are going to be a bit different.

The 3.0i with an automatic transmission will get you around 15 l/100km in urban driving, and down to around 9 l/100km for highway driving. The 2.5i is the most popular option in Europe, as it sits neatly in the middle of the model range. The 3.0i eventually was the only choice sold in America for us power-hungry Americans with cheaper gasoline. You might consider a diesel model, since it provides more torque with lower fuel consumption. Keep in mind, the 3.0i is the top of the range.

The 2004 was the first year and the suspension was a bit too firm all around. BMW softened it up a bit in 2005, so later models will have a slightly better ride, although still not as good as a 330xi.

All in all, the 330 xi Touring is the better vehicle. However, the X3 does have that higher driving position and more cargo space. But that comes at the price of higher fuel consumption, so it depends on your priorities.

[vegard_bmwx]

Hi and thanks for good info. Yes, I know the 325 is not so heavy on the gass. Its just that the 330xi who ois now for sale is sooooooooo nice!

A 330dx is what my wife is asking me to get, but, I like gass...and power. Saying that, the 330d is fast!

Vegard_bmwx

[xx3]

Stay away from the 04's.

Take a look at this post: http://www.x3world.com/x3-e83-forum/...tml#post421489