Anyone switch from X5 to X3?

[Derek]

I had an 02 X5 3.0 Sport and last year bought my wife an 07 x3 3.0si. I really enjoyed the X5 but as others mention the x3 is more fun. Size wise.... when you compare the E53 x5 to the x3 they are fairly similiar. The x5 is a little widder but the storage space in the back is larger with the x3.

I would run from that 04 x3. The 05's received an improved suspension and they get more reliable the new they get. The early 07's (like) ours have some transmission programming issues but that has mostly been resolved.

I'd vote for getting and 05 or newer X3 or stay in what you have.

Originally Posted by klnteg

Thanks for your input guys! A dealer down the road has a 2004 X3 2.5 for sale for decent price. My wife is tired of me spending time in the garage fixing my X5! For me I dont mind doing the work its just frustrating when you talk to people about it and their like " Its a BMW what a hunk of junk!" They don't understand that its an addicting vehicle! I just think that X3 with 4 years newer technology learning from their mistakes on my X5 will be better off in the long run..

[Coffeeman]

I had two X5's, a 2002, and a 2005. Loved them both, but when the lease was up on the '05, I just could not warm up to the new E70 X5... Bigger than I needed, not a big I-Drive fan, and hate the fact that the E70 comes with run flats.

So, I picked up an '08 X3 for my wife, and ordered an ML-320 CDI for myself.

I enjoy driving the X3, and as many have said, it is more fun to drive than the X5, and it really is quite nimble. A lot of '08's have transmission issues, and mine is not immune to this. The six speed auto hunts for the proper gear, and does not shift nearly as smoothly as it should. BMW says this is "normal", but I and many others don't buy it.

Would I buy another one? Probably not, due to the transmission issues.

[E5M1R]

I have had X3 05 and now have X5
X3 is more of an ofroad touring, while X5 is luxsury SUV
Sitting space is better on X5, while storage is better on X3
Overall quality impression is better on X5, howeever the reality is that X3 wil couse you less hours spent here or in the shop

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by Coffeeman

I enjoy driving the X3, and as many have said, it is more fun to drive than the X5, and it really is quite nimble. A lot of '08's have transmission issues, and mine is not immune to this. The six speed auto hunts for the proper gear, and does not shift nearly as smoothly as it should. BMW says this is "normal", but I and many others don't buy it.

Would I buy another one? Probably not, due to the transmission issues.

What production date is your '08?

[Coffeeman]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

What production date is your '08?

9/07 Production date

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by Coffeeman

9/07 Production date

K. That's before the supposed "safe/fixed" date of 11/07. Early '08s apparently have similar issues as the '07. I had a 11/07 production '08 X3 as as loaner that shifted acceptably (better than our '06 325i, far worse than the old 5AT).

This issue has been and continues to raise a firestorm on Bimmerfest. Part of me is sick of hearing folks complain, and the other part is annoyed that BMW changed the gearbox on something that wasn't broke.