Discussion
the x3 is currently the best built new bmw in terms of the number of faults owners find. it is built by steyr puch in the usa, so the outsourcing agreement has improved quality.
avoid the petrols. they drink ALOT, 2.0l diesel is ok, 36 mpg, not particularly rapid, 3.0l diesel is very good. 34 mpg with the auto, and quite rapid 7.7s to 60. avoid the sports suspension and big wheels, the ride is awful, however a nice se version, in 3.0 d trim is very nice thank you very much.
x5 is being replaced this year so depreciation will be similar.
so long as you spec the soft suspension, you'll like it.
hth
avoid the petrols. they drink ALOT, 2.0l diesel is ok, 36 mpg, not particularly rapid, 3.0l diesel is very good. 34 mpg with the auto, and quite rapid 7.7s to 60. avoid the sports suspension and big wheels, the ride is awful, however a nice se version, in 3.0 d trim is very nice thank you very much.
x5 is being replaced this year so depreciation will be similar.
so long as you spec the soft suspension, you'll like it.
hth
I wouldn't buy an X3, but I would certainly lease one! Due to poor sales, BMW subsidise fleet sales which make them cracking VFM! I got a 2.0d sport with leather, 2 year lease with 20k miles per year for £300+VAT which is crazy money for a £30k car.
I actually really like it - would prefer an X5 and if I was buying it, I would buy an X5, but a similar spec car was 50% more to lease yet only 30% more to buy, so it makes a lot of sense.
www.contracthireandleasing.com is the best place to find a good deal.
I would deffo avoid the sports suspension (it is a no cost delete option even on sport models now) and if you can stretch to the 3.0d then that is the one to go for.
I actually really like it - would prefer an X5 and if I was buying it, I would buy an X5, but a similar spec car was 50% more to lease yet only 30% more to buy, so it makes a lot of sense.
www.contracthireandleasing.com is the best place to find a good deal.
I would deffo avoid the sports suspension (it is a no cost delete option even on sport models now) and if you can stretch to the 3.0d then that is the one to go for.
I've got one as a courtesy car whilst the Z4 is at the dealers.
My initial impression is that there is a very poor car - £28k for a 4 cylinder petrol car, goodie count is low (no leather!). Build quality is top notch, but some of the materials are very low rent - and would disgrace a £10k car.
Rear seat is very low (opposite to Land Rover "stadium" seating - almost as if they have set it low to obtain a flat rear loading deck when the back rest is folded (why not fit "tumble seats"?)
No "surprise & delight" design features - the interior is very bland IMO
It is great on the motorway - 85mph cruise in 6th is quiet.
It really isn't £10k better (not worth a premium at all) than my father's Freelander, which itself isn't a great motor - but at least the LR does what it says on the tin.
If it were my money and I HAD to have a mid-range SUV, I'd pick up a high spec run-out Freelander cheap as chips, or wait 6 weeks and check out the Freelander 2 (which should address most of the outgoing car's weaknesses). Touareg could be worth a look too.
BMW should stick to what they do best - sports saloons/coupes and roadsters (I miss my Z4) - and leave SUV's to other manufacturers.
My initial impression is that there is a very poor car - £28k for a 4 cylinder petrol car, goodie count is low (no leather!). Build quality is top notch, but some of the materials are very low rent - and would disgrace a £10k car.
Rear seat is very low (opposite to Land Rover "stadium" seating - almost as if they have set it low to obtain a flat rear loading deck when the back rest is folded (why not fit "tumble seats"?)
No "surprise & delight" design features - the interior is very bland IMO
It is great on the motorway - 85mph cruise in 6th is quiet.
It really isn't £10k better (not worth a premium at all) than my father's Freelander, which itself isn't a great motor - but at least the LR does what it says on the tin.
If it were my money and I HAD to have a mid-range SUV, I'd pick up a high spec run-out Freelander cheap as chips, or wait 6 weeks and check out the Freelander 2 (which should address most of the outgoing car's weaknesses). Touareg could be worth a look too.
BMW should stick to what they do best - sports saloons/coupes and roadsters (I miss my Z4) - and leave SUV's to other manufacturers.
Sortie 10 said:
BMW should stick to what they do best - sports saloons/coupes and roadsters (I miss my Z4) - and leave SUV's to other manufacturers.
But they make one of the best (and most dynamic) SUVs ever to grace the market - The X5 4.8is is 'pure' BMW and has been the best 'drivers' SUV up until now.
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