Yep, that X3 was awful, I drove one as a loaner when my '02 X5 was in for service.

__________________
"He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have". Socrates -469-399 BC

I have the 2004 and here's basically the thing. I'm sure the Germans were happy with the initial setup because it probably drives well on the Nürburgring and other tracks. Here in VA, the roads are generally well-paved and some of the mountain passes are a driver's heaven. The highways are also well-paved and well-maintained. And in these instances, I love my X3's suspension. It corners so flat and holds the line long after your stomach has detached from its mountings. At 88k miles (142tkm) it still never ceases to amaze me in the rare instance I drive like I'm driving a supercar down a mountain.

And then once in awhile, I drive to the Northeast. And then the rear of the car is constantly heaving up and down on the interstate, the car crunches with every expansion joint and pothole. I literally cringe and prepare for "severe turbulence" at any construction zone. Teeth fillings are shaken out, backs are broken, and complaints are heard loudly from the backseat. Honestly our 2006 325i sport rides plusher.

And thus is a big failing that many car companies, not just BMW, are guilty of. The car drives well in the country it's designed in. An American car absorbs potholes and imperfections in the city without complaint, but go around a bend at more than 60km/h and you quickly back off. A German car will go around bends flat and composed but it's never heard of a manhole cover or a pothole.

I am spoiled by how superb the 3 series is relative to the early X3s. The 3 series handles superbly without a punishing ride.

__________________
"He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have". Socrates -469-399 BC