I would get the 328XI sport wagon or the new X5.

No question the BMW will drive better and the Lexis is already out of date.

I agree.. a 328 wagon.

If safety is an important factor to you, try this... During your test drive of both vehicles, drive down an isolated road at about 50mph (make sure it is safe to do this). VIOLENTLY throw the wheel left-right-left as if swerving to avoid an accident. Which one felt as if it was about to roll?

Now... Get back up to 50mph and try the same thing while braking at full ABS at the same time. Which vehicle was in control?

See...that soft cushy ride on the Lexus comes at a cost. That cost is control and safety. Soft ride=soft suspension. Soft suspension=bad control. Accident avoidance is far more important than accident survivability.

My experience with a Lexus RX300 was dismal...I dumped it after only 5 months because it spent so much time in the shop. On the other hand, both of my X3s have been awesome!

To me there is no good reason to buy a Lexus over a BMW.

BMW X3 hands down! For me I will never own another Japanese vehicle. In my opinion you can’t compare anything against a BMW other than another German made vehicle. Some people would disagree with that though. Honestly, drive both and pick the one you like the best. You will be the one making the payments on it so it needs to be something that you like not what others like.

Thank for all your replies...WOW...

I'm leaning toward the X3...the safety thing got me...since we have future family plans...

But how about the Volvo XC90? I recently saw it at an autoshow and was pretty impressed with it...A little subtle but the liftgate wasn't heavy as the X3 and I liked the seat configuration (front seat folding)...
However, Volvo=Ford kinda worries me? Is Volvo a reliable car?

And...I live in Austin where there is only one BMW dealer...(offering $500 off MSRP) Is December THE month for negotiation? If I go to Houston or Dallas, would I be treated poorly at the Austin BMW?

I want Navigation. but the one on the X3 seems kinda out dated? Does it have good resolution?

You guys know about your cars!!! Thanks for all your feedback.

Test drive the Volvo and BMW, that will make your decision for you. If you're concerned about what is serviced more than the other simply ask a service mechanic how often they see a particular vehicle. Usually they will be pretty honest with you as they don't see any monetary benefit to you buying one or the other.

I did a comparison drive where I got to spend some time in the Volvo. I was unimpressed. The power was awful, handling pathetic and the rear car seat LATCH anchors were the worst to use. Volvo reliability is abysmal and I would avoid that thing like the plague. I was especially concerned that during an accident avoidance maneuver as I described above I was able to beat the power steering pump - I was able to turn the wheel fast enough that the pump could not keep up and thus the steering got suddenly very stiff. That is NOT what you want in an emergency. You want predictable and stable.

I have the nav and love it. While there are better systems out there, this one works just fine.

I compared both cars as my two finalists for an SUV. The volvo is a dog--slow, cushy, and worst of all, made by Ford (take it from a Detroiter--avoid this company. They are at their lowest point in 100 years, and their dedication is reflected in their football team. How can you lay off thousands of high quality employees, but allow Matt Millen, Lions GM, to keep his job with a record of 23-70?).

I went with the X3.

I can tell you only that I have loved my X3 from the day I got it. I have not driven the new one and I am sure the upgrades are fantastic. I will tell you that I have driven many other suv's that try to be sports cars as well. I have found nothing that compares to the sound and feel of this car in the suv world.

Here is a simple way to make this decision....

You stated you wanted to drive this car for five years.

If you are not worried about long term maint cost and that is not a factor get the bimmer.

If you are going to be pissed off every time a code comes up or are not particularly handy and will have to go to the stealer cuz there is not a realiable German specialist in your area....you may either...

Do a lease for three years or buy the Lexus got down the line you have to pay for all the fun driving the Bimmer with blood money for the maint on the wear and tear stuff...these things are below average in thier peer group for long term maint. It is what it is.

Big smiles today while changing lanes and blasting through corners...in exchange for getting a ride to the stealer to pick up your rig 40 months from now cus they are out of loaners.