x3 28i or x5 35i

[pschnei3]

im in the market for an suv.

i have an idea on what i want to do but just looking for other opinions.

would you get a nicely optioned x3 or a base x5 with navigation and heated seats?

[autoque]

That's a question best answered by yourself, rather than others.

Test drive both versions and see what kind of compromise you're willing to make. That way you don't regret your purchase. Others here can only second guess your preference.

[JCL]

Agree that you need to do what is right for you, not what others would do themselves.


That said, my thought process would include the following factors:

• The new X3 has grown, and is the same size as the original E53 X5. My X5 was big enough for me back when I owned it. I didn't want anything larger (like the E70), and a mini 3rd row wasn't important to me.
• Very few here have driven the new X3, so it is somewhat of an unknown quantity. Have to drive it to decide.
• The new X3 will be fighting to overcome opinions about the previous generation X3 (smaller, cheaper, less luxurious) when compared to the X5. I don't think those factors will necessarily be true of the new model.
• Why wouldn't a comparison have the same engines, 35i in each? An X3 with the 35i would move very nicely. If they have kept enough weight off the new model, it will handle better as well.
• The E70 is a pretty heavy vehicle. Depends on whether you mind that weight or not. This does depend on what you comparing it to. It is not heavy compared to a large domestic SUV.
• Pretty sure I wouldn't buy any BMW with a navigation system. It has generally been years behind what a decent aftermarket system can do, given the several year design cycle and then seven year life of each new model.
• I am nervous about the reliability of any new model BMW in the first year of its life. Some owners have felt like beta testers with previous models. Ask the 2001 E53 owners, the 2007 E70 owners, and the first X5 diesel owners.

[Fraser]

As JCL says, the new X3 is still somewhat of an unknown quanity and new generation models often have teething problems. The X5 E70 is a much more proven design and should be even better sorted with its recent mid-life upgrade. The 35i engine is excellent, even more so with the new eight-speed auto. Once you have experienced the likes of the 35i and the 50i, the atmo petrol engines feel decidedly limp-wristed. I'm not sure what engine options the new X3 has in the US. The matter of overall vehicle size is also important and only you can decide if you need the E70's extra size and bulk. It's a pity the US doesn't get the 40d as it's far more muscular than the 35i, and more frugal too.

[Eurosport]

first thing i'd think about is the HPFP issues with the 335's
i could careless if car has 1 million mile warranty, if you're going to replace the same faulty part with the same part it's ridiculous on BMWs part.
there's people that replaced the same pump 4-5 times...
a new car imo should be on the road not in the shop.
the "28" i6 N/A imo is bulletproof and plenty power (specially since x3 is lighter now too).

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Eurosport

First thing I'd think about is the HPFP issues with the 335's

Fair comment. I had one HPFP replacement on my 535. I would buy another 35i model if it was available in a BMW model that I wanted. However, I wouldn't load up the vehicle with all of the technology options, for the exact same reason you mention, that they aren't worth the service issues.

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by Eurosport

first thing i'd think about is the HPFP issues with the 335's.

Is this still an issue with the new single (twin-scroll) turbo 35i engine?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by Fraser

Is this still an issue with the new single (twin-scroll) turbo 35i engine?

Only time will tell.

[Fraser]

Originally Posted by Eurosport

the "28" i6 N/A imo is bulletproof and plenty power (specially since x3 is lighter now too).

It depends on what you mean by 'plenty power' but, regardless, the 35i has flexibility that the 2.8 atmo can only dream about. I don't disagree that the 2.8 is 'bulletproof' or, at least, as close as you can get.

Here in Australia, the new X3 only comes with the 35i and the 20d engines initially but I guess BMW will add to that depending on demand. The X1 already has both the 25i and 23d engines so they would be the logical range extenders.