Shopping for X3....any concerns, look for..etc

[gitchies]

I'm coming from an x5 4.4
Considering of getting x3 due to the amount of driving i do...gas is getting is getting steep....at $5 a gallon.....and 75+ miles a day....no highway either, a short ride on the highway but not enough...
So my options are downsizing to an x3
What are your thoughts, good and bad....what to look for etc...
looking at 2005-2007....

[JCL]

We went from a 2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic to a 2007 X3 3.0si. Not a direct move, since I was the primary driver of the X5 and my wife became the primary driver of the X3, but it functionally replaced the X5. Several years later, we now share it as I sold my car.

From memory:

Earlier X3 models rode too roughly IMO. Our 2007 (LCI) is much better.
Not positive if the LCI was 2006 or 2007, but it is worth getting that version. Several upgrades.
I have had Z4 with sport package, 535 with MSport package, etc, but I wouldn't have a sport package on an X3. I did test two different sport models. I think the standard is pretty similar to a sport package on other models.
X3 is much more agile, tossable, and for me, fun to drive. I consider it sportier than the X5.
We have the 3.0si (265 hp?) with six speed manual. Lots of power, faster than many X5 models. And you can get a manual transmission with the biggest engine.
All X3 models have x drive.
X3 has more luggage capacity than the X5 (more usable shape due to rear window angle). Roof rack is longer, which helps me with bike racks.
X3 doesn't tow as much. 3500 lbs, from memory.
X3 is narrower. Less shoulder room. I am fine with it, at 6'4" and 220 lbs, but if you want similar room to an X5 you may not like it.
X3 is overall less sophisticated. I think it probably has less sound insulation. Buying Nav is not a good idea. No dual zone climate. No rear climate. It is on an E46 platform, so that limits options. On the other hand, I consider it more reliable than the X5, due to the E46 platform.

In summary, I enjoyed my X5, it was a great vehicle. But I enjoy driving the X3 more, despite it not having some of the luxury options my X5 had.

Some threads with similar questions that will have some more details:

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

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

Jeff

[gitchies]

That sounds about right!!! It just seem like something i should really consider....i love the x5, but hate my monthly gas bills.....trade off i guess....i don't need to tow anything...and gas mileage was the kick in the teeth.....i have always like the e46 platform for the reliability factor...heck i considered on...but maybe a tad too small....
it would be a shame to get rid of my x5, i've literally dumped some $$ into in the last little while...new brakes, valve cover gaskets, oil separator...plugs, bushings.....

[Spanky Deluxe]

Why not consider a diesel X5? We're strongly considering changing up from a 3.0 2004/5 X3 petrol to a 2007/8 X5 3.0 diesel. Should be a jump of about a third more miles per gallon than we get now.

[JDM-20L]

True ^

I get 20Mpg urban in my 3.0D, usually driving pretty heavy footed too.

It's a lot better on open roads/freeway

[JCL]

Originally Posted by JDM-20L

True ^

I get 20Mpg urban in my 3.0D, usually driving pretty heavy footed too.

It's a lot better on open roads/freeway

If that is all you are getting, then I would say it is false.

We are currently getting 27 mpg in mixed use, 32 on the highway, and 36 really working to get the best mileage on the highway. All imperial gallons.

I don't think that a diesel X5 is going to be 30% better than a recent model X3.

[Spanky Deluxe]

Originally Posted by JCL

If that is all you are getting, then I would say it is false.

We are currently getting 27 mpg in mixed use, 32 on the highway, and 36 really working to get the best mileage on the highway. All imperial gallons.

I don't think that a diesel X5 is going to be 30% better than a recent model X3.

I'm sure he was stating US mpg. 20 US mpg = 24 Imperial mpg.

My 2004/5 X3 3.0 petrol does about 20mpg (Imperial so about 16.65 US) in real world conditions where I drive, BMW claim a combined rate of 23.3 Imperial mpg. A 2007/8 X5 3.0 diesel can do 34.4 Imperial mpg according to BMW but from what I've heard, 28mpg is more realistic. Still 28mpg is 40% better than 20mpg and the difference for motorway driving should be even more pronounced. Comparing a newer '08 X3 3.0 petrol instead and the stated difference is just shy of of 20% compared to an '08 X5 3.0 diesel.

[JDM-20L]

Well perhaps there is an error in my conversion? (probably)

But to put it simply in my language. (metric)

Use 90 Litres, Drive 800 ~ km's

That is around town and rather heavy footed, I am a maniac.

[Spanky Deluxe]

Originally Posted by JDM-20L

Well perhaps there is an error in my conversion? (probably)

But to put it simply in my language. (metric)

Use 90 Litres, Drive 800 ~ km's

That is around town and rather heavy footed, I am a maniac.

That works out at ~21mpg US or ~25mpg Imperial. :-)

[JCL]

My X5 3.0 averaged 14.3 litre/100 km (20 mpg Imperial) in real world mixed use.
Our X3 3.0si is averaging 10.3 litre/100 km (27.5 mpg Imperial) in similar mixed use. So I saw a 35%+ improvement without having to buy more expensive diesel fuel, and I can get a manual transmission. I realize that diesel isn't more expensive everywhere.

The OP could see similar gains, and more, because he is coming from a 4.4 V8. He can't get a newer diesel E70 for similar prices to a 2005-2007 X3.

Personally I wouldn't buy an E70 because it is so large and heavy, and that is the only diesel BMW SUV we have here so far. When (and if) the new X3 20D arrives in North America, I will consider it.