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mike
Guest
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 Posted:
Thu Nov 25, 2004 2:28 am Post subject:
X3 comments??? |
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Dan Drake
Guest
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| Posted:
Thu Nov 25, 2004 4:36 am Post subject:
Re: X3 comments??? |
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On Wed, 24 Nov 2004 16:28:19 -0500, "mike" <mm@optonlinenospam.net>
wrote: <nothing>
Give us a clue.
--
Dan Drake |
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Kevin Oberle
Guest
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Thu Nov 25, 2004 5:40 am Post subject:
Re: X3 comments??? |
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I'm a BMW enthusiast and liked how the X3 looked on paper, but this past
summer we ended up buying a Saturn Vue. Note that at the time we never
got to drive an X3 as my dealership didn't return our call (but that's a
different story).
Last Friday I took my 330Ci in to have the winter wheels installed, and was
given a shiny new X3 2.5i as a loaner, ended up having it for the entire
weekend. And I gotta say, we were...underwhelmed. Given the price
difference, maybe our expectations were too high--we had expected the X3 to
be blantantly superior to the Vue, but it probably was only subtly so.
In our opinion, the X3's looks are merely different from the Vue, not
necessarily better or worse. Pretty much ditto for the interior, and
feature-wise what one vehicle's interior has, the other lacks and vice
versa. The 2.5i is not much of a match against the Vue's 3.5 Honda engine,
but can't really fault our loaner X3 there.
I find the Vue's ride to wallow more than that of the X3, natch. Due to
Car&Driver's criticism of the X3's handling, I paid close attention to the
drive feel, but didn't notice anything as bad as they claimed. However,
the X3's ride also didn't blow me away as much as I was anticipating.
On the other hand, I love the X3's heated steering wheel. They should put
those in every car! And one very huge plus for the X3 is that it can be
had with a manual transmission at any trim level, something we both sorely
miss in the Vue.
I bought a 325Ci in 2001, and later test drove the 330 coupe; at that time
I was also underwhelmed, didn't see as much difference as I'd expected.
But now, with time spent in my 330Ci (with the M Sport package), I would
say it and the 325Ci are almost completely different cars. By the end of
last weekend, I was starting to warm more toward the X3, probably
experiencing the same lag in absorbing the vehicle as previously with the
330.
Then again, maybe the X3 3.0i would be a greater leap in perceived
difference. I hope I get the chance to try an extended drive in one of
those too.
Kevin
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RichieP
Guest
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| Posted:
Thu Nov 25, 2004 10:47 am Post subject:
Re: X3 comments??? |
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"mike" <mm@optonlinenospam.net> wrote in message
news:u47pd.19$7H2.14@fe08.lga...
I purchased an X3 2.5i just 4 weeks ago. It is also my first BMW.
Perhaps not a fair comparison but I had traded an '01 MB ML320 which seemed
to have a regular appointment with the mechanics every 4-6 months since the
day we brought the beast home.
Considering that the MB was in the shop twice in the first month, I am
pleased that my only problem with the X3 has been with the lack of setup for
the remotes prior to purchase. Which is really a dealer/prep issue.
While there is a bit of road noise, it isn't any worse than my chubby M
class and the sunroof is one of the largest I have seen covering quite a bit
of the roof. Also, the sight lines and amount of glass are very good as the
pillars in the M class could hide an 18 wheeler.
As a musician who enjoys critical listening, I have found the stock radio/cd
to be better than average compared to other vehicles I test drove prior to
purchase (In particular, the Cadillac CTS, Honda Pilot and Jeep Cherokee).
In fact, the $1200 that I spent on the MB Bose system was a total waste by
comparison as I can crank the stock radio up with much less distortion with
much stronger bass. I would like a CD changer but I'm not going to pay the
dealer $825 for one.
While there are some shortcomings to the car, there are definitely some
things that I enjoy. First and foremost is the sporty feel of driving and
steering. Also, having the car recognize the key that is being used and
remembering the setting assigned to it. That is to say, my key remembers
seat, locking and action preferences. I have my remote set to open all the
windows upon approach (I live in Texas) versus the wife who prefers to have
the doors lock upon driving.
My kids (9 and12) complain about the comfort of the rear seats compared to
the MB but they find the A/and 12 to be better than the MB.
Actually, there are another 50 lines of comments that I could write... but
I've bored everyone enough.
BTW - I don't know how good or average this is but they gave me a 7%
discount with 1.9%. Which is 100% more than MB gave me.
RichieP |
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Parev
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 26, 2004 5:20 am Post subject:
Re: X3 comments??? |
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On Wed, 24 Nov 2004 16:28:19 -0500, "mike" <mm@optonlinenospam.net>
wrote:
Yeah it's a POS. |
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GRL
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 26, 2004 5:42 am Post subject:
Re: X3 comments??? |
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Why not consider the 325ix wagon?
It will handle better, accelerate better, have pretty much the same cargo
room, get better mileage. It will not have as much ground clearance, but you
really need it?
The X3 is an answer to a question that did not need asking. BMW would have
served the public better by putting the 3-liter six in the 3-series ix
wagon.
GRL
"Kevin Oberle" <kloberle@nospam.ca> wrote in message
news:Xns95ABE5FE97D42kloberleuwaterlooca@216.196.97.142...
| Quote: | I'm a BMW enthusiast and liked how the X3 looked on paper, but this past
summer we ended up buying a Saturn Vue. Note that at the time we never
got to drive an X3 as my dealership didn't return our call (but that's a
different story).
Last Friday I took my 330Ci in to have the winter wheels installed, and
was
given a shiny new X3 2.5i as a loaner, ended up having it for the entire
weekend. And I gotta say, we were...underwhelmed. Given the price
difference, maybe our expectations were too high--we had expected the X3
to
be blantantly superior to the Vue, but it probably was only subtly so.
In our opinion, the X3's looks are merely different from the Vue, not
necessarily better or worse. Pretty much ditto for the interior, and
feature-wise what one vehicle's interior has, the other lacks and vice
versa. The 2.5i is not much of a match against the Vue's 3.5 Honda
engine,
but can't really fault our loaner X3 there.
I find the Vue's ride to wallow more than that of the X3, natch. Due to
Car&Driver's criticism of the X3's handling, I paid close attention to the
drive feel, but didn't notice anything as bad as they claimed. However,
the X3's ride also didn't blow me away as much as I was anticipating.
On the other hand, I love the X3's heated steering wheel. They should put
those in every car! And one very huge plus for the X3 is that it can be
had with a manual transmission at any trim level, something we both sorely
miss in the Vue.
I bought a 325Ci in 2001, and later test drove the 330 coupe; at that time
I was also underwhelmed, didn't see as much difference as I'd expected.
But now, with time spent in my 330Ci (with the M Sport package), I would
say it and the 325Ci are almost completely different cars. By the end of
last weekend, I was starting to warm more toward the X3, probably
experiencing the same lag in absorbing the vehicle as previously with the
330.
Then again, maybe the X3 3.0i would be a greater leap in perceived
difference. I hope I get the chance to try an extended drive in one of
those too.
Kevin |
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Darren Wilkes
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 26, 2004 5:42 am Post subject:
Re: X3 comments??? |
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I was offered a chance to test drive a 1-Series or an X3 for a day by my
local dealer - so I chose the 1-Series.
The wife liked it. |
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KoKaineBoy
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 26, 2004 5:41 pm Post subject:
Re: X3 comments??? |
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Well first off its Ugly. At least the X-5 is "good looking" for an SUV.
but like all SUVs - the majority are never off-roaded, nor carry more than 2
at most passengers... usually one.
Sadly the American market once again dictates the creation of flabby, ugly,
vehicle.
For X3 money I could buy a much better vehicle - probably 2 or 3 ...
Let the Lemmings jump! |
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GRL
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 26, 2004 5:41 pm Post subject:
Re: X3 comments??? |
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Not much difference.
George Litwinski
"Peter Bozz" <spam@rama.com> wrote in message
news:41a732c7$0$43451$e4fe514c@news.xs4all.nl...
| Quote: | Fred W wrote:
GRL wrote:
Why not consider the 325ix wagon?
It will handle better, accelerate better, have pretty much the same
cargo
room, get better mileage. It will not have as much ground clearance,
but you
really need it?
The X3 is an answer to a question that did not need asking. BMW would
have
served the public better by putting the 3-liter six in the 3-series ix
wagon.
I am inclined to agree with you on all counts, but what about towing?
The X3 has a 3500 lb tow rating, while for the the 325iX touring it is
conspicuously unspecified. That is the only possible reason I can see.
Check it out yourself here:
http://tinyurl.com/64xdv
-Fred W
The specs I found (in kilograms)
(figures in brakes are for trailers with no brakes):
325xi: 1700 (720)
330xi: 1800 (730)
X3 2.5i: 1800 (720)
X3 3.0i: 2000 (720)
(Sorry about the lack of sources, but the only links I have are in Dutch.)
Looks like you can haul a bit more with the X3 (about 10% to 15%) unless
you have a trailer without brakes. |
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Fred W
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 26, 2004 5:41 pm Post subject:
Re: X3 comments??? |
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GRL wrote:
| Quote: | Why not consider the 325ix wagon?
It will handle better, accelerate better, have pretty much the same cargo
room, get better mileage. It will not have as much ground clearance, but you
really need it?
The X3 is an answer to a question that did not need asking. BMW would have
served the public better by putting the 3-liter six in the 3-series ix
wagon.
|
I am inclined to agree with you on all counts, but what about towing?
The X3 has a 3500 lb tow rating, while for the the 325iX touring it is
conspicuously unspecified. That is the only possible reason I can see.
Check it out yourself here:
<http://tinyurl.com/64xdv>
-Fred W |
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Peter Bozz
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 26, 2004 5:41 pm Post subject:
Re: X3 comments??? |
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Fred W wrote:
| Quote: | GRL wrote:
Why not consider the 325ix wagon?
It will handle better, accelerate better, have pretty much the same cargo
room, get better mileage. It will not have as much ground clearance,
but you
really need it?
The X3 is an answer to a question that did not need asking. BMW would
have
served the public better by putting the 3-liter six in the 3-series ix
wagon.
I am inclined to agree with you on all counts, but what about towing?
The X3 has a 3500 lb tow rating, while for the the 325iX touring it is
conspicuously unspecified. That is the only possible reason I can see.
Check it out yourself here:
http://tinyurl.com/64xdv
-Fred W
|
The specs I found (in kilograms)
(figures in brakes are for trailers with no brakes):
325xi: 1700 (720)
330xi: 1800 (730)
X3 2.5i: 1800 (720)
X3 3.0i: 2000 (720)
(Sorry about the lack of sources, but the only links I have are in Dutch.)
Looks like you can haul a bit more with the X3 (about 10% to 15%) unless
you have a trailer without brakes. |
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GRL
Guest
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| Posted:
Fri Nov 26, 2004 5:41 pm Post subject:
Re: X3 comments??? |
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The X3 is built on the 330 "frame", but it may be reinforced. If you really
want to tow 3500 lb., then I can see this to be an issue. I'd ask a
competent dealer about this.
George Litwinski
"Fred W" <Fred.Wills@SPAMmyrealbox.com> wrote in message
news:TbKdnf9aU-sEtDrcRVn-3A@adelphia.com...
| Quote: | GRL wrote:
Why not consider the 325ix wagon?
It will handle better, accelerate better, have pretty much the same
cargo
room, get better mileage. It will not have as much ground clearance, but
you
really need it?
The X3 is an answer to a question that did not need asking. BMW would
have
served the public better by putting the 3-liter six in the 3-series ix
wagon.
I am inclined to agree with you on all counts, but what about towing?
The X3 has a 3500 lb tow rating, while for the the 325iX touring it is
conspicuously unspecified. That is the only possible reason I can see.
Check it out yourself here:
http://tinyurl.com/64xdv
-Fred W |
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GRL
Guest
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| Posted:
Sat Nov 27, 2004 3:22 am Post subject:
Re: X3 comments??? |
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Oh please. These things are hot in Europe and elsewhere, too. And it has
nothing to do with them being popular in the U.s. other than the fact that
people like them, in general.
Want to blame anybody, blame the buyers worldwide who buy them.
George
"KoKaineBoy" <kokaineboy@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20041126113211.05904.00000684@mb-m19.aol.com...
| Quote: | Well first off its Ugly. At least the X-5 is "good looking" for an SUV.
but like all SUVs - the majority are never off-roaded, nor carry more
than 2
at most passengers... usually one.
Sadly the American market once again dictates the creation of flabby,
ugly,
vehicle.
For X3 money I could buy a much better vehicle - probably 2 or 3 ...
Let the Lemmings jump!
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KoKaineBoy
Guest
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| Posted:
Sat Nov 27, 2004 5:23 am Post subject:
Re: X3 comments??? |
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Regardless of their popularity in Europe.. there is no denying the X-3 / X-5
were both designed primarily to please the American market.
| Quote: | Oh please. These things are hot in Europe and elsewhere, too. And it has
nothing to do with them being popular in the U.s. other than the fact that
people like them, in general.
Want to blame anybody, blame the buyers worldwide who buy them.
George
"KoKaineBoy" <kokaineboy@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20041126113211.05904.00000684@mb-m19.aol.com...
Well first off its Ugly. At least the X-5 is "good looking" for an SUV.
but like all SUVs - the majority are never off-roaded, nor carry more
than 2
at most passengers... usually one.
Sadly the American market once again dictates the creation of flabby,
ugly,
vehicle.
For X3 money I could buy a much better vehicle - probably 2 or 3 ...
Let the Lemmings jump!
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GRL
Guest
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| Posted:
Sun Nov 28, 2004 8:57 pm Post subject:
Re: X3 comments??? |
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They were designed to please buyers wherever BMW could sell them, with the
expectation that they would be particularly popular in the U.S. . I
personally dislike the things, but there are plenty of people, everywhere,
who like them.
GRL
"KoKaineBoy" <kokaineboy@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20041126192324.05986.00000771@mb-m19.aol.com...
| Quote: | Regardless of their popularity in Europe.. there is no denying the X-3 /
X-5
were both designed primarily to please the American market.
Oh please. These things are hot in Europe and elsewhere, too. And it has
nothing to do with them being popular in the U.s. other than the fact
that
people like them, in general.
Want to blame anybody, blame the buyers worldwide who buy them.
George
"KoKaineBoy" <kokaineboy@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20041126113211.05904.00000684@mb-m19.aol.com...
Well first off its Ugly. At least the X-5 is "good looking" for an
SUV.
but like all SUVs - the majority are never off-roaded, nor carry more
than 2
at most passengers... usually one.
Sadly the American market once again dictates the creation of flabby,
ugly,
vehicle.
For X3 money I could buy a much better vehicle - probably 2 or 3 ...
Let the Lemmings jump!
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