help me decide X3 vs 335xi sedan
 

I know I might get some biases since this is an x3 forum (i posted same thread in a 3series forum to get the other sides view) but stay with me...

I need a car for me and my wife. The last car I got (Currently drive) is a 2006 A4 Quattro 2.0T Tiptronic (With a revo flash; 260hp, 290tq) I originally wanted the car in a manual but my wife said no because she said she'll eventually drive it. She was right...she got her license not too long ago and drives the car to work (I take the train to work...it's much easier for me) We split the car 50-50 as far as driving time goes and in retrospect I'm kind of glad I got an auto so she could drive it now.

Back to the present....my 24 month lease is up in August and we'll need a new car....as much as I want to I cant afford 2 cars (Actually it's just too expensive for a 2nd parking spot) and we have to get one car... I originally wanted to get myself a 335xi coupe in a manual and a car for my wife...but thats not happenin as I need to save for a house and future kid....

So my options ARE

2007 X3 3.0si 260hp Auto (montego with terra interior)
PROS:
- cheaper 500/mo lease (priced it out @ 43k)
- extra versatility with the extra cargo space
-probably slightly cheaper insurance (have to find out)
CONS:
- kind of slow (much slower that the 335xi and little slower than my A4)
- navi is horrible..I would have to get a portable unit like NUVI instead
- No cool features like comfort access which is a must with 2 drivers

2007 335xi sedan steptronic ( montego with terra interior)
PROS:
- faster....MUCH faster (5 second 0-60 even with auto I think?)
- I-Drive would integrate phone/navi
-Comfort access
-handlng better..stops better
CONS:
- much more $$$-> 650/mo. lease (with xi i'm estimating @ 50k)
- very small trunk...with a kid/trips to home depot this would stink
-small back seat area..with kid...it would suck with the baby seat
- with sport package the ride on brooklyn roads would be ROUGH! (Definetly will get the tire/wheel warranty)

I'm looking for some advice..if you cant point out pros and cons in both.
-AWD and auto trans a must [as much as I want a real manual trans])
-I dont like wagons

..you can tell what my budget is.... help a guy decide.... I could always get another A4... I've loved it for 2 years but the recent audi customer service is a turn off and I thought me and the wife would try bmw.....

335 :thumbup: :thumbup: i trade in my X3 for the 335 its a totally different car, i wash the car even when its clean :rofl:, i have my 335 dyno at 330 whp and 390 torque with just the procede engine managment. 0-60 4.5 sec and 1/4 mile 12.9 sec

How about a 328iT or 328xiT sport wagon? I know you said "I don't like wagons", but is it for real reasons like practicality, or is it just the wagon stereotype you're trying to avoid?

Also, I don't know if rumors are true, but the twin-turbo 3 liter may make its way onto the X3 chassis. Diesel BMWs are also around the corner, so think about that.

Anyway to answer your question, the 335xi sport package doesn't include sport suspension IIRC, just the seats and steering wheel, and different wheels. So the 3 will have a better ride on bad roads...........the X3 doesnt have a "comfortable" ride no matter how you cut it. It is newer and if the new-gen BMWs appeal to you, by all means go for it. Plus it'll likely get better fuel economy, and you'll appreciate the torque.

And btw, how is Comfort Access a "must" for two drivers? The traditional key also stores seat, mirror, and audio tone settings.

335xi IMO

Apples to Oranges IMHO. Figure WHAT you want the vehicle for and the choice should be clear.

335xi. Don't think twice about it.

:iagree: Go with the 335 and you'll never regret it.

While your kid is still a baby, the 335 won't be too small at all - even with a car seat. Home Depot trips will be another story, but when you need to bring something big home, borrow one of thier trucks for $20...

Got to say the 3-series is tiny in the back. I have a hell of a time getting my kids car seat out of a 3-series.

1st -IMO the Nav in the X3 isn't horrible, you just have to know how to work it!!!!! What is Horrible is the gas mileage like 11 mpg at times in the city.
2nd - If you can afford it its a no brainer, get the 335xi with fold down rear seats to help you with your Home Depot trips, but then again its not a Ford F 150 but neither is the X3.
Good luck in what ever you choose your going to need it living in NYC and not getting it all dinged up.
cheers
vern