New-old X3

[ETD]

Just got an 2006 X3 and starting to test it. Am a little disappointed about off-roading X3 community/info I have run across so far.. Came from H3 commmunity (soon to be ChiCom vehicle so I bailed) but don't plan on so much rock climbing with X3. Will take my little SAV on as much adventure as possible on 2-4 rated trails. 1st pics below. Need to add real tires, underride protection, and 3M clear protectors. Can't find a real rock slider for X3 so far. Anyone with off-roading/after-market parts recommendations to share, please help. Thanks.

[Naz24]

nice pictures..

very funny up next to the gleaming Ferrari

[AzNMpower32]

There isn't much off-roading support for the X3 or any BMW for that matter since they're not really designed to be Jeeps. I've taken mine on an ATV trail and various farm and gravel roads but that's really about it. The ground clearance and lack of locking diffs are going to hinder serious off-road performance. There's also limited suspension travel and the relatively low-profile tires. The X3 was really designed to go around corners at blistering speeds like a sports car.........on road.

That said, do as you wish. Not sure of off-road aftermarket stuff.

[killcrap]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

There isn't much off-roading support for the X3 or any BMW for that matter since they're not really designed to be Jeeps. I've taken mine on an ATV trail and various farm and gravel roads but that's really about it. The ground clearance and lack of locking diffs are going to hinder serious off-road performance. There's also limited suspension travel and the relatively low-profile tires. The X3 was really designed to go around corners at blistering speeds like a sports car.........on road.

That said, do as you wish. Not sure of off-road aftermarket stuff.

the x3 is made for off roading, the x5 is however not.

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by killcrap

the x3 is made for off roading, the x5 is however not.

Don't agree. Neither vehicle is expressly designed for off-road but with a robust wheel and tyre package (I run 17s on my E53 3.0d with 235/65 all-terrain tyres) you can still have a bit of fun. I find my X is excellent on sand (aired down to 16-18psi), fantastic on fast gravel and handy enough on easy trails provided you drive with due care.

[ETD]

Went out again mudding and climbing. Did well given lack of locking diff and street tires. Pictures to follow. Will be going with 17 inch wheels and 235/65/17's as recommended on this forum, actually. Leaning towards Yoko's Geo AT-s but also looking at Pirelli ATR and Michelin X-terrains. Any opinions? Does anyone have the underrider protector? Seems like that is a must as well. I would say that I am a very proficient off-roader on the H3 (read: careful driver) so hopefully the X3 will continue to take me places as well. Plan on taking the easy lines on obstacles but will test what German engineers have done

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by ETD

Went out again mudding and climbing. Did well given lack of locking diff and street tires. Pictures to follow. Will be going with 17 inch wheels and 235/65/17's as recommended on this forum, actually. Leaning towards Yoko's Geo AT-s but also looking at Pirelli ATR and Michelin X-terrains. Any opinions? Does anyone have the underrider protector? Seems like that is a must as well. I would say that I am a very proficient off-roader on the H3 (read: careful driver) so hopefully the X3 will continue to take me places as well. Plan on taking the easy lines on obstacles but will test what German engineers have done

235/65R17 is the standard X5 E53 size. 17s on the X3 wear 235/55R17s as standard. You would have to check if the taller 235/65s would fit your X3 without fouling anything. I'm very happy with my Pirelli ATRs - good puncture resistance and good off-road traction but still quiet and comfortable on sealed roads.

[JoshGM]

Ha ha ha this guy must be having real fun, very funny pics. Like one next to a Porsh (like really sending a messege).

Advice: BMW SUVs are not OFF-ROADERS no matter what. Period. The only places I have taken my X is flat dirt roads and driving at a snail pace! I feel my car wasnt made for rough terrains besides if at all I had to have a punctured tire I really need a bank loan to bail me out on new tires!

Have fun, but dont over push your baby! It wasnt born for such!

[ETD]

Well...I hope to see what the limits of X3 is! Stay tuned

[dirtdevilnc]

X3 is a good size to fit into tight spaces off-road but still has non locking diffs and not exactly the worlds best ride hight.
Drive it down a twisty road (on pavement) and have a ton of fun though.