Should we buy an X3?

[DRWWE]

My wife has a 2002 325i and wants a bigger car since we have a new baby. We are considering an X3 3.0. We like the size and my wife liked the way it drove although she thought is was a little stiff.

Anybody have any opinions about these cars (afraid I can't bring myself to call it an SUV. I reserve that term for Jeeps, Explorers, Suburbans, etc.)?

Any comments, good or bad, will be appreciated.

 

[cea]

No, it's not even assembled by BMW.

 

[SFCA-325i]

My wife had a 2003 325i and we traded it in for an X3 3.0. Primary reason was to get more rear seat legroom for the kids (19 and 12). I could also see the X3 being easier to get an infant into a car seat.

Positives:

* Trunk is much larger
* Rear seat leg room is much better.
* The 3.0 engine is much better an the SULEV 325i that we had.
* Love that panoramic roof.

Negatives

* Slightly larger feel to the car. Will probably buy another 3 series for her (in about six year) when we jetison the rear passengers. She's partial to smaller cars having had a VW Rabbit and Mazda RX-7, previously.
* The ride is not as comfortable as the 3 series. We did not get the sport package because the city streets here are horrible. The non-sport package still provides good handling.
* The angle of the rear seat is not as comfortable as the 325i.

If ride quality is a concern, she should test drive a Lexus RX330 and an Acura MDX. If not for the fact that my car is a Honda Pilot, I would have considered these two vehicles as a slightly larger car versus the 325i.

 

[x5ed]

Whether or not you call it an SUV, with the X3 the emphasis is definitely on sport and as such it will be a busy ride your newborn may not appreciate and will remind you of it by spitting up all over the leather. No question the X3 is an excellent vehicle, but with a new baby ride quality (read "cushy") should be high on the list. It was for me (as was safety) when my first child was born and I bought something appropriate at the time. I've been hearing not-so-good things about the MDX lately, but IMO the RX330 would be a very good choice in this situation.

 

[mikemou]

My wife has a 2002 325i and wants a bigger car since we have a new baby.

We leased an X3 3.0 because of the exact reasons above. It's bigger yet drives like a car. We use it as a family/weekend car. Getting the infant seat in/out is SO MUCH EASIER because of the 'load-level' (no leaning forward or bending over), but when the front psgr seat is occupied you'll need to move the seat forward to get the infant seat in/out as the space is tight.(we put it in the rear right seat). The Graco stroller fits either straight or sideways in the cargo area, another big plus.

although she thought is was a little stiff.

Be prepared, ride is definately stiff. If it's a bit stiff during a short test drive, then it might be TOO stiff and tiring for longer drives. Since we use it as a family car I can't lower the tire pressures too much to 'soften' the ride. Yet my 5-month old baby naps in it just fine and hopefully he won't be spitting up on the leather as the other poster has suggested. Try to work with a dealer and get an overnight test drive with preoperly adjusted tire pressures and see if you like it.

Another reason we went for the X3's because it is FUN to drive, so if we get another family car in a couple of years this car will still provide great pleasure.

 

[ref]

I have had the X3 for about a month. After reading about the non-plush interior and ride, I was worried I had bought the wrong car (SUV). There was no need for second thoughts.

I love the interior. I have black and it doesn't get dirty. You can never see any dust on the pebble grained dash. The seats are firm and the leather feels very thick, also easy to keep clean.

I have only had it off road in a flat field and it was fine. Considering most people will never take the X3 off road it shouldn't be an issue. It drives great, I think it is tight not stiff. No rattles. Most cars loosen up after a while anyway, hopefully this won't.

I have the 2.5 motor and it has plenty of power. I did not drive the 3.0 so I don't know how much better that is (I don't want to know).

If you are worrying about kids spitting up or spilling drinks on the leather it should be easy to clean up and not stain. The RX330 has smooth seats that could stain easier.

So far the X3 has been great, if they could only get the Sirius readio in I'd be happy.

I have had 2 Jeeps, 1 Explorer and a Silverado 4x4, so I'm familiar with off road vehicles.