any BMW X3 experience?

[r0tor]

In my seemingly never ending search for a WRX hatchback, I've noticed several 2005-07 CPO BMW X3 models on the lots with 6 speed manuals in the mid $20k range.  Obviously an SUV has a bit more ground clearance and a bit more storage room inside then an imprezza which would make it a bit more "practical" - but how do they drive?  Is it worth a test drive?

Anything like a 3er sedan????  

[Raza]

I drove the shit out of one at BMW's driving school.  Kind of big, not that comfy, and it feels kind of tippy, especially when you're sliding the tail around. 

Overall decent, I guess.  Take a shot.  The one I drove was a 2.5 auto.

[ifcar]

In my seemingly never ending search for a WRX hatchback, I've noticed several 2005-07 CPO BMW X3 models on the lots with 6 speed manuals in the mid $20k range.  Obviously an SUV has a bit more ground clearance and a bit more storage room inside then an imprezza which would make it a bit more "practical" - but how do they drive?  Is it worth a test drive?

Anything like a 3er sedan???? 

Pretty much anything is worth a test drive.

[cawimmer430]

German reviews will usually praise the handling qualities of the X3 claiming it is the sportiest and best-handling car in its class. It's not a 3-Series by a long shot though.

Where the X3 always gets lambasted is comfort. The suspension is set up to provide a sporty driving experience, not a comfortable one. The seats are supposedly not very comfy either. I've never driven one not to mention for longer periods so I can't make any comments regarding that.


Is the new BMW X1 in the US yet? That thing is actually hot. 

[SVT666]

The biggest complaint I keep reading about the X3 is the very harsh ride.  I say test drive it, but you won't get the driving pleasure you will out of a WRX.

[Laconian]

It's built by Magna Steyr, not by BMW.

[nickdrinkwater]

It's not been rated well, has it.

[r0tor]

well all the negative reviews pre 07 seem to say "oh noes... its too stiff!!"... thats really not a problem for a person who has a sports car for a daily driver

[J86]

I drove a stick X3 once, years ago.  Girl who owned it loved the thing, and I gotta say it was really cool for an SUV.  I could definitely see it being a daily driver.  Pretty zippy-feeling (no idea what the raw numbers are, but it is probably one of those deals where it feels quicker than it is, probably from rowing your own.)  Take a drive!

[2o6]

Oh crap, Teuton is going to blast this car.

[Raza]

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/41381/bmw_x3.html


I'd post the highlights, but it doesn't seem worth it.  The only way to figure out if it's too harsh for you is to drive it. 

[CALL_911]

Oh crap, Teuton is going to blast this car.

Haven't we learned to ignore him when it comes to anything pertaining BMW?

[SVT666]

well all the negative reviews pre 07 seem to say "oh noes... its too stiff!!"... thats really not a problem for a person who has a sports car for a daily driver

From what I've read, it's stiffer then most sports cars to the point that it's uncomfortable.

[Tave]

One of my friends here at school has one. I've ridden in it quite a bit, and I don't think it's too stiff. Certainly not to the point that it's uncomfortable.

[MexicoCityM3]

The suspension was revised when the "si" models came out with the new engine. It is better now. I have test driven it quite a bit and like it. It handles very well for what it is.

If you are keeping the Rx-8, the X3 would be a better "complement" than the subie. For one car only I'd take the subie.

[the Teuton]

Haven't we learned to ignore him when it comes to anything pertaining BMW?

Drive one.

The interior is somewhat cheaply made, the footwell is oddly shaped, it doesn't have quite as good of handling as any other BMW, imo, and it rarely averages anything better than 17 mpg on premium without returning any kind of pleasure of that you'd think would come with a BMW -- except for the badge.

I've only ever driven one X3 that I liked -- a Leguna Seca Blue 6-speed 3.0si that would cost more than $50,000 to "build." It was absolutely loaded with the options and ///M this and that.

[Atomic]

i would worry more about the cost of parts and labor. my cousing has a loaded 3-series sedan. he bought it new, but it (the msp) was really over his price range. aside from the VERY HEFTY discout on the one he purchased... he would have opted for another base level volvo. due to the rather odd color that someone ordered and later opted not to buy, the dealer allegedly "took a loss" on this bimmer that no one else seemed interested in. no. it was not a bmw x3 that my cousin in pa bought, but his sedan is costing him far more than something that fits into his budget. he had more luck with his trouble free volvo wagon. apples to oranges perhaps, but he opted the the fickle orange this time. otherwise, the car is a joy to drive, even in green.

[CALL_911]

Drive one.

Admittedly, I have not.

I have, however, ridden in MANY and they aren't badly built.

[the Teuton]

Admittedly, I have not.

I have, however, ridden in MANY and they aren't badly built.

The materials in a Santa Fe feel more upscale.

[the Teuton]

I know I have a natural inclination to hate the X3, but I really do find it to be way overrated, especially since cheaper competition has gotten better since 2005, and it's largely stayed the same.

That, and it never really was great to begin with other than the BMW-ness of it all. An E91 3er Touring is so much better.

[2o6]

What about a Tiguan?

[CALL_911]

The materials in a Santa Fe feel more upscale.

Yeah, no.

[the Teuton]

Yeah, no.

You can feel the cut lines in the flimsy cupholder. Fact.

Oh geeze, I really do sound picky!

[Submariner]

You can feel the cut lines in the flimsy cupholder. Fact.

Oh geeze, I really do sound picky!

Yeah, sorry.  Your argument went from opinionated to trollish. 

[the Teuton]

Yeah, sorry.  Your argument went from opinionated to trollish. 

I can go back to normal opinion!

[r0tor]

How about an FX35 AWD?  Those buggers any good?

[Laconian]

How about an FX35 AWD?  Those buggers any good?

I remember C&D having pretty high praise for them. And the old ones still look good IMO.

[the Teuton]

If you get an X3, I will cackle at you. FX35 has ATTESA-ETS .

[2o6]

If you get an X3, I will cackle at you. FX35 has ATTESA-ETS .

Best ATTESA car ever

[the Teuton]

Best ATTESA car ever

I don't understand how Nissan could adapt the same basic AWD system in a longitudinally mounted I6 RWD-based sports car as it could with a transversely mounted SR20-powered FWD family sedan, but nevertheless...

Why did Nissan have to suck in the US?