Potential new X3 owner needs suggestions...

[Palantirion]

So my wife and I have narrowed down our 540iT replacement as being the new X3 35i. We have a good idea of the options we want, and would be ordering it. But there are some questions I have before fully committing...

1) As the X3 may also end up replacing my '97 F-150 as well, what is the X3 35's tow rating?

2) How well does xDrive work in real world snow and mud situations?

3) Because we are getting close to the new model year, what will be the differences between '11 and '12 X3s? Should I wait to order a '12?

4) I need to go test drive an X3 with non-active steering, but until then can anyone tell me if there is better feel (particularly at low speeds) with the regular steering?

5) Our 540iT has a set of 18" RG-Rs that I want to keep when we sell the car. The size is the same as the X3's, but I would expect the hub diameter might be different. If anyone is more of an expert than I on wheel fitment, could you tell me if it would be possible to fit these wheels to our new X3?

6) Is there an aftermarket NavTV system sold for the new X3, so pipe video through iDrive?

7) There is an outside chance that we might consider taking delivery at the Performance Center and road tripping back to CA. Has anyone done this? Is it worth doing?

[JCL]

The new X3 is just out, so not a lot of real world experience on the board. I can try with some of the questions:

1) Ask BMW. Last generation was 3500 lbs, over 1600 lbs required trailer brakes. X5 is 6000 lbs. New X3 is likely between those two figures.

2) For snow, excellent. But as always, it depends on your tires. With proper winter tires, my x drive vehicles have been unstoppable. With all seasons on the X3 or X5, I did better with RWD and good winter tires. No real experience with mud, but the same cautions.

3) Likely little difference, it is a new model.

4) You need to drive it. It is subjective.

5) Check offset as well as hub bore.

6) I hope not, but probably. Video in line of sight of the driver is illegal in a lot of jurisdictions. Check your local laws.

7) Lots of threads of those who have done it with other BMW models. Do a search on performance center delivery.

Good luck.