I have an 07 non-sport with the 18" wheels. In my opinion its a great setup. I think the 18" wheels will handle as much "off-roading" as the x3 should really be doing in the first place.

I am picking up my new X3 with non-sport 18's tomorrow--I will let you know how they ride!:thumbup:

BMW markets and meant the X3 and X5 to be all-road vehicles, not off-road vehicles. If you try too hard (like Jeremy Clarkson did in his non-sport 3.0i) off road, you'll get stuck no matter what xDrive does.

2007 X3 without Sport Package but with 18" Wheels!!!
 

I have an X3si without the Sport Package, but with the optional 18" wheels and the ride is quite good. Sport Suspenion Option will give a much stiffer ride due to differences in the suspension and the 45 aspect ratio tires. I did not want that. Test drive both, if possible. I like what I have.

I have the same setup on my '07 and I agree the ride is good and the handling is great. Just a slight whine from the pirelli's on some pavement surfaces.

Interesting!!!
 

I have not detected any whine at all. I have Pirelli STR's not STR-A's which are more prone to noise. Try tire pressure when cold at 32 front, 35 rear.

x3 sport
 

I drive an 05 3d M Sport with the much too firm suspension for the roads in the UK, so i decided to change the suspension, i now have an AC Schnitzer set-up and the ride is now great, no jiggley ride but still firm as a sport should be and rides the road imperfections much better, not cheap but was worth it as i love the car, £ 1500 fitted at my BMW specialist, also had a power upgrade, 40 plus bhp, nearly up with the 3 sd, and it shows, at 2000rpm it is off like a scalded cat, terrific.

Winter Weather Consideration!!!
 

That's probably the best way to do it, but also the most expensive. The optional factory 18" wheels with the regular suspension give a good ride without the stiffness of the sport package and handle very well. Also noteworthy is fact that the tires give exceptional wet and snow traction. I just had an opportunity to test both and I was amazed.

:iagree:

One Additional Thought!!!
 

The word exceptional is not exactly inappropriate. They did their homework on this one!