Bmw X3?

[sfhondapilot]

OK,

I know this is not directly competitive with the Pilot, but I received a post card from BMW North America. Test drive an X3, receive dealer validation of test drive and receive a free pair of collapsable sunglasses.

So, Mrs and I went in this morning to take the X3 3.0 for a test drive. Seems like the 3.0 with automatic has not been selling well (too close to X5 in price) so dealers have an incentive thru end of month that rebates the cost of the AT ($1200 savings).

Car would be for Mrs so, would dispose of either her car or Ms' car.

Very nice drive.

Anyone out there test drive the X3 3.0?

[Scoobs]

Took this at the car show. I like it better than the X5

[osteome]

One the interns I work with (silver spoon in his mouth) has an X3. I did not drive it, but we went out to lunch in it with a total of four people in the vehicle. It was a nice ride, had a MASSIVE sunroof, and to me, fit the level of luxury for a BMW. I personally would not go for it, because it is just too darn small. I can think of much better vehicles in the price range to purchase. Come to think of it, his is the only X3 that I have seen aside from dealer stock. This one may be destined to become another Range Rover Freelander. Nice panache, but perhaps a bit too pricey for what it actually delivers (of course this begs the question about all the Cayenne S models I see running around my neck of the woods). Just my 2 cents!

[sfhondapilot]

Originally posted by Scoobs
Took this at the car show. I like it better than the X5

Interesting pic. Thanks

Seems like the production models have a color contrast strip from the bumpers, thru the wheel well arches and to the body section below the doors.

Not sure if I like the contrast better than your unicolor pic.

Interesting design, I believe, as the X3 has more rear seat leg room and storage space than the X5.

[sfhondapilot]

Originally posted by osteome
One the interns I work with (silver spoon in his mouth) has an X3. I did not drive it, but we went out to lunch in it with a total of four people in the vehicle. It was a nice ride, had a MASSIVE sunroof, and to me, fit the level of luxury for a BMW. I personally would not go for it, because it is just too darn small. I can think of much better vehicles in the price range to purchase. Come to think of it, his is the only X3 that I have seen aside from dealer stock. This one may be destined to become another Range Rover Freelander. Nice panache, but perhaps a bit too pricey for what it actually delivers (of course this begs the question about all the Cayenne S models I see running around my neck of the woods). Just my 2 cents!

Good points, some of which we are struggling with right now.

If Mrs green lights the X3, then I would probably want to sell the Trix and use the proceeds to pay off the Pilot loan. Then, put enuf down on the X3 to get the payments equal to what I was paying on the Pilot.

Ms, I think, would like to inherit the 325i, but is concerned about the "silver spoon" image .... so, we're struggling with that.

The dealer competition is fierce. First off, the AT is free. Right now, the dealers are bidding against one another via internet quotes. Lowest quote is $1200 over COST (3% profit) with my last email requesting a forwarded copy of other dealer's quote with a promise to "beat the lowest quote". Looks like a buyer's market right now.

I just LOVE the panoramic moonroof. If there are sunroof/moonroof lovers out there, you have got to see this roof - just incredible - probably the feature I love the best.

We test drove a model with the Sports package. Great handling. Amazing driver seats. VERY stiff suspension.

All in all, a very nice vehicle. We'll see what the Mrs thinks.

[robrecht]

Originally posted by sfhondapilot
Very nice drive... Great handling. Amazing driver seats. VERY stiff suspension.

Glad you liked the drive. Saw the review on C&D TV. They loved the car on paper but ended up being very critical of the drive--too stiff.

[sfhondapilot]

Originally posted by robrecht
Glad you liked the drive. Saw the review on C&D TV. They loved the car on paper but ended up being very critical of the drive--too stiff.

I think, with the sports package, the ride is definitely too harsh. The benefit of the sports package is a adjustable front seats. We would probably go with the standard suspension package, which rides much more comfortably.

[Scoobs]

Originally posted by sfhondapilot


Interesting pic. Thanks

Seems like the production models have a color contrast strip from the bumpers, thru the wheel well arches and to the body section below the doors.

Not sure if I like the contrast better than your unicolor pic.

Interesting design, I believe, as the X3 has more rear seat leg room and storage space than the X5.

The X3 2.5i has the contrast strip. Any of the X3 3.0i that I have seen are monochromatic.

[sfhondapilot]

Originally posted by Scoobs


The X3 2.5i has the contrast strip. Any of the X3 3.0i that I have seen are monochromatic.

Ok, I tracked down the answer. The body colored bumpers are part of the "aero accessory kit". Availability is questionable. Cost is upwards from $2,500 (conflicting comments on the bimmerfest thread cited costs from $2,500 to $4,000).

[sfhondapilot]

Here's a pic in "Blue Water metallic", our color choice. Shows up at dealership on Monday from SoCal Vehicle Prep Center.

[sfhondapilot]

Picked up on Tuesday, April 26th.
Clay bar and first coat of NXT on Friday, April 30th.
Second NXT coat on Sunday, May 2nd.

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