Currently have an E70 4.8i. Considering an X3

[PUZZ]

to replace my wife's allroad. Does anyone have both the X5 and X3? Is it ridiculous to have both?

[deutsch100]

Why would it be ridiculous to have both? At any given time, we have either 3 Benzes or 3 BMWs. Currently we have 2 MBZ SUVs (2008 ML63 AMG and a 2008 G55 AMG). The X3 is rated as safe as the X5, although it does (IMO) feel more "tin canny". An all new X3 is coming out very soon. 2009 X3 is the last year for the current model, so if that does not bother you...have both. The X3 is very reliable, and honestly much more problem and glitch free than the X5. Almost every consumer based report, places the X3 above the X5 in terms of reliability!

[Naish]

We had both for about 6 months...

It was my ride that my wife used after I received my new X5 E70... Now it is gone and is replaced by a new MB C-class in white with amg-trim

Personally I wouldn't buy the X3 again and actually I bought it very fast second hand when I needed a new ride immediatly... It is in now way comparisable with an X5 and if your wife likes that one I wouldn't give her a X3.
Maybe, if possible, wait for the new model, which will look a lot nicer.

[Fastbuck]

I have one of each currently. They are very different, but as per another recent thread here, the X3 is a lot more nimble (and frugal) compared to the X5. I would buy another either of the E83 model or whatever is coming next as a 2010 model year.

[Coffeeman]

Assuming that BMW has fixed the transmission issues that plagued the '08, you should be happy with the X3. Having said that, the X3 electronics are stone-age, most specifically, the NAV.