Discount on new X3: UK

[flamez]

Hi I have just been informed that the latest offer on new X3's in the UK is an upgrade to autobox, a saving of £1,470.

Having ordered mine last week, my BMW dealer say they will honour the discount, yippeee....

[AzNMpower32]

Why would you want an X3 with automatic? While I have a 2.5iA, I really wished it was a manual.

FYI: The US has had the no-cost AT option for X3s since 2006. Probably to stimulate interest and lower lease rates (most folks seem to lease X3s). I think it's absurd and BMW should charge the regular $1.275 for AT. They should also charge for the moonroof, but Americans also demand moonroofs, despite the fact they never use them.

[flamez]

95% of the time we will use the X3 for commuting, I also have the auto box on my 335i and it performs really well, so why would you have a manual?

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by flamez

95% of the time we will use the X3 for commuting, I also have the auto box on my 335i and it performs really well, so why would you have a manual?

I guess I'm partially biased, since I live in a remote university town and most of the driving is rural or suburban when I go back home.

I am not sure what automatic gearbox BMW uses on the 2.0d. In the US, the 3.0si has had a sizeable number of problems with its autobox from the 325xi. None of the X3s have the excellent automatic that resides in the 335i. I have driven a 3.0si that did not have problems, but it was not very smooth nor responsive. My parents have a '06 325i sport, and the automatic gearbox is a ever-present source of frustration when I drive it. It tries too hard to minimise fuel consumption and doesn't listen to me. Actually, the car as a whole doesn't listen to me, which is why I often yell at the car in frustration. (But that's a rant for later)

I have few complaints (actually, no complaints) with my older 5-speed automatic from 2004 derived off the E46 3er. However, I feel that the X3 would benefit from a manual since it does not have the power of a V8 under the bonnet, like the X5 does.

I understand though, if it is mostly commuting that you do. In the UK and Europe, cities are more densely packed than the US. If I averaged 4 km/h for hours on end, I'd probably want an automatic as well.

[flamez]

The autobox is not the one that you state [thank goodness as I have seen previous posts] the spec is [and in the UK it is standard on the 3.o petrol and diesels]


Six speed automatic trandmission, with steptronic sequential manual gear selection, adaptive gearbox system [AGS], shiftlock/interlock, Includes sport auto mode. For exceptionally smooth and agile gear shifting and unsurpassed driving dynamics. [a straight lift from the brochure]

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by flamez

Six speed automatic trandmission, with steptronic sequential manual gear selection, adaptive gearbox system [AGS], shiftlock/interlock, Includes sport auto mode. For exceptionally smooth and agile gear shifting and unsurpassed driving dynamics. [a straight lift from the brochure]

BMW has a lot of 6-speed automatics utilised in different models. However, you are correct in that it is not the same GM unit as the 3.0si. I think it is a separate ZF unit, but still not shared with the 335i. It should be okay though.

Do post pics though. I want to see what the anthracite headliner looks like on an X3, esp. without the moonroof.

[flamez]

yeah sure hope to post some pics on sunday with an initial write up,

By the way the box on my 335 has some odd moments; especially when moving from standstill in 1st, the take up is very harsh you have to get used to it and drive around the problem with the correct revs etc. In essence I find I nurse it in first gear.