Anyone switch from X5 to X3?
 

Just wondering if anyone has done the switch? If so, what has the experiance been like? Would you recommend the switch? what does the X5 have That the X3 doesn't aside from the obvious size difference. Any info would be great on weather the switch was a good move or not? also is there a difference in reliability?

Thanks

I have one of each. You can't really make a fair comparison. They sit in a different class of vehicle and in this case it's not just size that matters.

I happen to really like both but would always choose the 5 if I had to only choose one.

The looks of the X5 alone are enough to keep me with the X5. i don't think the X3's look that great..Thats just my opinion though..

I drove an E53, and when I traded it for a 535 we got my wife an X3. 3.0si, 6MT. I enjoy driving it. The X5 was more luxurious; the X3 is sportier (more nimble), faster, and more fun to drive with the 6MT. They aren't competing in the same class; in my case I chose the E53 the first time, but would choose the X3 over the E70, which has gotten too big IMO.

My ramblings are in this post:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x3-e83-forum/...ht=reflections

Thanks for your input guys! A dealer down the road has a 2004 X3 2.5 for sale for decent price. My wife is tired of me spending time in the garage fixing my X5! For me I dont mind doing the work its just frustrating when you talk to people about it and their like " Its a BMW what a hunk of junk!" They don't understand that its an addicting vehicle! I just think that X3 with 4 years newer technology learning from their mistakes on my X5 will be better off in the long run..

IMO you are a glutton for punishment and asking for trouble by going for first year BMW's with no warranty - 2000 X5 and 2004 X3.

I als have one of each. The X3 does not have the soft closing hatch, its smaller inside, but like JCL said, the X3 is more nimble.

anyone have young kids with the X3? I thinking about getting rid of the X5 before it nickle and dimes me to death!

The X3 does not have too many software or hardware problems because it is derived largely from the E46 3-series, which by 2004, had been out quite a number of years. I have an '04 that just crossed 58k miles yesterday. It runs strong, and that's despite the extremes it faces from time to time since I live at school.

The X3 will not be a big downsize from the E53 X5 at all. The cargo space is actually larger on the X3 (71 cu.ft), and there is ample room for all.

Common problems on the '04 include: creaking/rattling driver door seal and a rattling moonroof. The hardware and drivetrain are solid, moreso than the post-facelift 2007+ models which are prone to transmission, engine, and DSC problems. Don't let the plastics on the '04 scare you; they're easy to clean (a plus with kids), durable, and solid. The dash doesn't rattle even after extended periods on rough roads, and this was verified on our X3. Basically, our X3 has seen most extremes and still runs great. The sound dampening isn't up to par for luxury car standards, but you get a loud and great exhaust note in exchange.

As for the driving experience, you will find the X3 lighter and more nimble than the X5. As for the 2.5 litre engine, make sure you are satisfied with the power output. It works better with a manual transmission, as the 2.5iA really needs 100% throttle to pass on country roads or overtake vehicles on uphill freeway stretches. Fuel consumption for me averages approx 9.6 l/100km, with a minimum of 8.4 l/100km in highway driving @ 120 km/h average.

Comparing a X3 with a X5 is literally the same as comparing a 3-series with a 5-series - no comparison possible.

I've never drove a X5 (and personally I wouldn't even want to), but I tend to agree that the X5 is meant to be a luxurious SUV, huge, for the family etc etc and the X3, specially because it's a higher E46 3-series, is more down to earth, more fun to drive, proven to be working, etc. Even though Jeremy Clarkson (Top Gear) complains about the X3 not being a proper 4x4 (well, he does complain about everything), I'm sure it would behave better off-road than the X5. ;)

Even between a 3-series E91 (touring) and the X3, we had to go for the X3.

(ok, honestly, we went for the X3 just for the lack of microsoft iDrive ;) )

I had an 02 X5 3.0 Sport and last year bought my wife an 07 x3 3.0si. I really enjoyed the X5 but as others mention the x3 is more fun. Size wise.... when you compare the E53 x5 to the x3 they are fairly similiar. The x5 is a little widder but the storage space in the back is larger with the x3.

I would run from that 04 x3. The 05's received an improved suspension and they get more reliable the new they get. The early 07's (like) ours have some transmission programming issues but that has mostly been resolved.

I'd vote for getting and 05 or newer X3 or stay in what you have.

I had two X5's, a 2002, and a 2005. Loved them both, but when the lease was up on the '05, I just could not warm up to the new E70 X5... Bigger than I needed, not a big I-Drive fan, and hate the fact that the E70 comes with run flats.

So, I picked up an '08 X3 for my wife, and ordered an ML-320 CDI for myself.

I enjoy driving the X3, and as many have said, it is more fun to drive than the X5, and it really is quite nimble. A lot of '08's have transmission issues, and mine is not immune to this. The six speed auto hunts for the proper gear, and does not shift nearly as smoothly as it should. BMW says this is "normal", but I and many others don't buy it.

Would I buy another one? Probably not, due to the transmission issues.

I have had X3 05 and now have X5
X3 is more of an ofroad touring, while X5 is luxsury SUV
Sitting space is better on X5, while storage is better on X3
Overall quality impression is better on X5, howeever the reality is that X3 wil couse you less hours spent here or in the shop

What production date is your '08?

9/07 Production date

K. That's before the supposed "safe/fixed" date of 11/07. Early '08s apparently have similar issues as the '07. I had a 11/07 production '08 X3 as as loaner that shifted acceptably (better than our '06 325i, far worse than the old 5AT).

This issue has been and continues to raise a firestorm on Bimmerfest. Part of me is sick of hearing folks complain, and the other part is annoyed that BMW changed the gearbox on something that wasn't broke.