Thinking Trade/Purchase X5 for X3 - your thoughts welcomed

[hopz]

We have an '01 X5 with Sport options. Love the car overall but hate two things about it.

The reliability scares me. Lost the Front Differential and something like $3k later back on the road (CPO expired). And a few other failures- just irritating. The second thing is the ride quality. Harsh is a kind and generous word.

Having said all that by way of background... this X5 is my 12th BMW in a continuous row. I think you can tell I like them.

The questions is... this is my wife's car and she does not like the harshness enough to sell the X5. I see comments about the X3 being harsh also.

Your Comments, confirmations qualifications and opinions all encouraged.

Thanks

EDIT... I see the title is unclear... thinking of trading the X5 for an X3...sorry

[X5rolls]

Since it's going to be her vehicle, I'd suggest the two of you going out and driving new ones and ones that are a few years old with CPO. I belive the right combo (no sports suspension or 20" wheels") will give a more compliant (less harsh or no harshness) over the X3. Good deals on X3's are probably out there since it was not a huge seller and a new edition is on the way. But driving the two side by side will give you the seat of the pants viewpoint. Good luck.

[motordavid]

Agree with X5rolls: if Mgmt is seeking new car, let Mgmt drive "some" and make the choice,
(albeit, guided by faithful hubby/car nut, imo!)

From fading memory, the '07 and newer X3s have softened up suspension, but that stat
is a guess, MY-wise. See posts by JCL and X3 Forum stuff; the softer suspension
versions are mentioned.
GL, mD

[JCL]

Your memory can't be fading that fast, MD.

We traded an '03 X5 3.0 steptronic for an X3 3.0si with the six speed manual, and are very happy with it.

The X5 was driven more by me, the X3 is driven more by my wife, so it was sort of replacement for her E46 325xi.

Prior to '07 the X3s rode a little harshly IMO. Ours is much better. There was a life cycle change (LCI, or mid-life) in '07 and that is when the suspension changed. I wouldn't have the sport package on an X3, they are sporty enough without it and the ride is better. The vehicle is somewhat old tech (based on the E46, one zone climate control, simpler controls, etc) but that makes it more reliable as well as cheaper. It handles better than an X5, in that it is more tossable. It doesn't have all the luxury features of a new X5, but then neither does your '01. It has more luggage capacity than an E53, and it is more usable, given the shape of the cargo area. You notice the difference in the shoulder room, but it works fine for us.

Do a search on my threads using advanced search, in the X3 forum. I wrote an essay comparing the two when we bought it.

Realize that this is the last year for the X3. That makes it the most reliable one they ever made, and it will look like last year's model in a couple of years. I think it is a pretty classic look, so that wasn't a factor. If you are trading them every year or two, then the resale would take a hit, but if you are keeping it it is less of an issue.

Given some reports of auto trans rough shifting, test drive it and decide for yourself. Also, as others have said, make sure your wife drives it and likes it, if it is going to be her car. My wife liked that it was easier to park (a little narrower, and also easier to see the corners), and that she could get a manual, compared to our X5. Of course, she also got to pick the colour.

Found some links for you. The last one is my post-purchase comment.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...impressed.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-opinions.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...tch-x5-x3.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ur-new-x3.html