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  #1  
Old 12-23-2005, 10:06 AM
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Racing The X3

Hi All!

I am new to this forum. Has anybody ever autocrossed or participated in a HPDE with their X3?

While I doubt I would be the fastest person on the track, do you think it would be reasonably safe? I know BMW worked pretty hard to keep the CG low but the perception while driving is that it is still very high. I am keenly aware of weight transfers despite having the sport package.

Does anybody know exactly how much higher the X3 CG is then a 3-series sedan?

Thanks!
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  #2  
Old 12-23-2005, 10:38 AM
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I can't answer your question, White, though I am sure someone will. I just wanted to welcome you to the board and congratulate you on your purchase.

Post some pics!

Juan
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  #3  
Old 12-23-2005, 01:49 PM
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Thanks.

I have actually had the X3 for a while. Until recently it was my wife's car, so I lurked primarily in the bimmer.org forum. However, I find that place to be thin on technical information.

We are about to become a 2 X3 family (not entirely by choice). An X3 will replace my 05 Mini Cooper S (which suffered a fatal blow from a 4Runner) and I am not totally ready to give-up my track events. The real issue is whether or not that is really unsafe.

Thanks again for the welcome!
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  #4  
Old 12-23-2005, 08:41 PM
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I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I think the X3 is at the top of the pack when it comes to SUV handling, and, although I haven't raced ours, I've made some moves that would have made my hair stand on end in just about any other vehicle but which the X3 handled with aplomb. The only thing it lacks is the straight line power, but fortunately that aspect is balanced out to a large extent in an autocross by the handling.

Good luck with it, and keep us posted on your experiences.
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  #5  
Old 12-23-2005, 11:15 PM
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I took european delivery of my car back in March 05. What I found is that it does pretty good for a SUV but you are definitely aware of weight transfer. It was pretty stable up to about 115 but after that things get dicey. It took a huge leap of faith in BMW to keep my foot into it up to the top speed limiter. One thing is for sure... at that speed the X3 uses gas at a prodigious rate!

Anyhow, I think tracking or auto-x'ing an X3 is going to prove to be a challenge. While there are lowering springs and sway bars out there, I can't find any type of adjustable shock. Also, there are not many choices in brake pads and rotors. I can't find ANY big brake kit anywhere. I think brakes will be the main weak link here since the X3 is so heavy.

Also...being practical a second...how about the risk of rollover versus a sedan? I mean I have read all the literature out there about how they kept the CG low by running the driveshaft through the sump. But seriously...
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Old 03-06-2006, 11:47 AM
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I'll bring this back up...

Anyone every autox the X3? We just got one and interested in hearing about that..
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  #7  
Old 03-06-2006, 01:11 PM
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I did two weeks ago. Here is a video of the outcome. In a class of all stock 6, 8 and 12 cylinder BMW's, I took 3rd. By far the most limiting factor is the all season tires. Take a look at my post and discussion in a topic earlier regardin the February 26, 2006 BMW CCA LA auto-x.

http://randall-harris.com/X3_Auto_x.html
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  #8  
Old 03-07-2006, 04:24 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by White05X3
I did two weeks ago. Here is a video of the outcome. In a class of all stock 6, 8 and 12 cylinder BMW's, I took 3rd. By far the most limiting factor is the all season tires. Take a look at my post and discussion in a topic earlier regardin the February 26, 2006 BMW CCA LA auto-x.

http://randall-harris.com/X3_Auto_x.html
That was great!!
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  #9  
Old 03-07-2006, 05:39 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by moymch
That was great!!
Thanks!
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