Our new X3

[Palantirion]

Our new X3 has arrived, in an unprecedented 3w1d since ordering. Overall it's very nice. The RFTs ride poorly and tramline irritatingly on concrete freeways, and the steering is as "70's Lincoln" as I remember from the test drive. But the chassis and drivetrain are superb, and the newest version of iDrive is excellent. Our combination is Alpine White with Nevada Chestnut leather and Fineline Wave Wood trim. M Sport, premium, etc. etc. Pics to follow as soon as I can FTP again (Godaddy reset my password without telling me).

[LeMansX5]

Congrats! That's a nice combo of exterior and interior. Look forward to pics.

[Palantirion]

So after a few days of driving I have more feedback about the X3. First, the stock RFTs are a crap choice for this car. I've aired them down to 36psi (from the factory's 40psi), but they still ride roughly and tramline a lot. They do nothing positive for the car dynamically, and I can't wait to ditch them.

The trunk has a TON of small, large and thoughtful storage areas and methods. The center console will hold a lot, but the lack of a "small storage" area in the front makes it difficult to store small items like chapstick, eye drops, etc. They get lost in one large open area. Not to mention that the things you want within easy reach are often things you do NOT want in the same area as electronic! But that's where the Aux Input is located, so you have no choice. It would be better for us if the Aux was located under the dash center like it is on the E85/6 Z4. Then we could locate our iPod or phone (for mp3s) in a more ergonomic location.

The sport seats are very comfortable, for my 270lb frame and my much smaller wife. We haven't done a long distance drive in the car yet, but I believe the tunnel shape/location will not be irritating to my right knee/leg when driving.

The panoramic sunroof adds a lot of weight, but is awfully cool and works well.

Unlike my last new BMW (E86 MC), the X3's owners manual packet fits in several different places inside the vehicle.

The backup camera system works very well, but I still prefer to have more awareness by scanning around the vehicle manually. Sightlines are good. The backup camera is most useful when backing out of a friend's curving driveway.

The latest version of iDrive is complex due to the total of functions contained within, but is about as ergonomic as any system can get. The rest of the controls are well thought out too. I do wish there was an "on" light for the stereo, because it is occasionally confusing at-a-glance to figure out if it's on or simply set to an optional input channel.

I've had the chance to push the X3 hard in a variety of turns and while the "Normal" mode is OK the "Sport+" sharpens everything! The transmission holds gears longer and shifts more quickly. The throttle mapping is more aggressive but not too touchy. The dynamic torque vectoring is awesome! Twice I've had the opportunity to drive hard in 270 degree onramps - both with and without passengers. While understeer is easily reachable with excessive entry speed the X3 rotates beautifully off-throttle. It's a very easy car to throttle steer. The driving balance is clearly RWD with mild assistance from the front tires when appropriate.

And now pics...
Exterior








Engine






Interior








Trunk














And now let's discuss mod #1...
I have a set of perfectly good RG-Rs that I used on my Z4 M Coupe. Recently I found a set of Apex wheels that fit the M Coupe (and it's StopTech BBK) better than the RG-Rs. I was curious to see if the RG-Rs would fit the X3...and they DO. They are 18x8.5 and 18x10, which match the optional OEM summer wheel/tire width for the X3. Finding good tires that come in the right sizes to match the OD of the stock 19s was a trick, but the Continental ContiSportContact 3 seems suitable. My wife was on the fence about changing anything but two points convinced her very quickly:
1) We will keep the stock wheels and tires, so reverting to stock would be easy.
2) EACH stock wheel/tire combo weighs 73lbs! So swapping to RG-Rs and CSC3s would reduce rotational unsprung weight by 86lbs! If we went with Pirelli's PZero Rosso the X3 would shed an additional 10lbs.

Here is a very quick-and-dirty PShop of the X3 comparing RG-Rs and stock 19s:

[JCL]

Looks good!

Factory 40 psi doesn't sound right. That sounds like the tire pressure used when shipping vehicles. Looks like your dealer didn't set them properly during PDI. Check your owner's manual for the correct pressures, but unless you are carrying five passengers and luggage, or cruising in excess of 100 mph, it would ride a lot better at the recommended 32 psi.

[TQ2K]

Congrats and nice to see you here!

What's the total stock weight of your X3?

[LeMansX5]

Did you get a 35i?

I most probably saw your X3 being built as I was at the factory recently. Also did the off-roading trip in X3, similar to one shown in video below.

[Palantirion]

Originally Posted by TQ2K

Congrats and nice to see you here!

What's the total stock weight of your X3?

-4222lbs is the BMW quoted weight, but I don't know if that a stripped 3.5 or a loaded one.

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

Did you get a 35i?

I most probably saw your X3 being built as I was at the factory recently. Also did the off-roading trip in X3, similar to one shown in video below.

-Yeah, got a 3.5. Cool vid, saw the off road track years ago when I was in Spartanburg doing the 2-day M school.

[Palantirion]

Got the X3's windows tinted today by TW Tint in Santa Ana. It's all Ceramic, with "clear" on the windshield, "light" on the front windows and moonroof panels, and "medium" on the rear windows and tailgate. This went on top of the mild factory tint. The temperature difference is very noticeable! I left the X3 outside for the afternoon on a 90+F day, with the moonroof shade open, and the car was only slightly warm inside at 6pm. TW did a great job, were prompt with their appointment scheduling, and did the whole job while I took a lunch break with my 3-year-old.

Before/After pics:




Outdoor shots:

[motordavid]

Very fineazz X3!
I hope you enjoy it...
GL, mD

[JCL]

OP: Did you try reducing the tire pressures to see how the ride changed?