Topic: CD Article: 2007 BMW X3

[Autos_Editor]

You may discuss our cover story of the day in this thread....
First Drive:

Improved handling and ride, a nicer interior, and improved off-road abilities are the major changes to the revised 2007 BMW X3 compact SUV, reports James Hunter. "It's one of the most entertaining entry-level premium sport-utes on the market to drive, thanks in part to its fun, manual transmission," he says.
       More...

[coldcase]

Nice alternative to the RDX for people that are leasing and want the smoothness of 6 Cyl.  The fact that lease rates are also lower than Acura puts the 2007 X3 on my shopping list.

[jww]

Are you kidding me? Improved ride aside, the available manual transmission makes this the SUV of my dreams. 

[tpl]

I would buy a 3 series wagon instead and get the same cargo space but not be sitting way up in the air.  I drove a x3 loaner for a day and I did not like it.

[chrischasescars]

I would buy a 3 series wagon instead and get the same cargo space but not be sitting way up in the air.  I drove a x3 loaner for a day and I did not like it.

3-series wagon is a wonderful car. Looks better, too, IMO.

[Bullet Blue]

Are you kidding me? Improved ride aside, the available manual transmission makes this the SUV of my dreams. 

I would normally agree, but as mentioned, the 3 series wagon would probably be more "fun to drive". I realize that's not necessarily what people are looking for in SUV's, but the alternative to the X3 (3 wagon) seems much more appealing for me. That said, itf it HAD to be an SUV, I'm sure the X3 would be high on the list. The new X3 should look much better, with cleaner lines.

[jww]

Are you kidding me? Improved ride aside, the available manual transmission makes this the SUV of my dreams. 

I would normally agree, but as mentioned, the 3 series wagon would probably be more "fun to drive". I realize that's not necessarily what people are looking for in SUV's, but the alternative to the X3 (3 wagon) seems much more appealing for me. That said, itf it HAD to be an SUV, I'm sure the X3 would be high on the list. The new X3 should look much better, with cleaner lines.

So - to be clear - I consider the X3 as the SUV of my dreams, and add that the 3 estate with AWD would be the wagon of my dreams.

There are times when I would prefer to have the additional road clearance and associated capabilities as opposed to the better all-round driving dynamics - ergo SUV vs wagon.

I'd be more than happy to own either one.

[safristi]

Farley-Wilbur still oUT there...how's yer X3 going.......

[The Mighty Duck]

Agreed.  While not replacement for a proper 3-series car, the X3 seems to be a solid SUV, if you're in the market for one.  I would take the X3 3.0si with M Sport Package over the RDX, Murano, et al.  Manual tranny, too. 

That said, I also agree that a BMW 3-series wagon with AWD will do most of what the X3 can, while looking and handling better.

[Bullet Blue]

Are you kidding me? Improved ride aside, the available manual transmission makes this the SUV of my dreams. 

I would normally agree, but as mentioned, the 3 series wagon would probably be more "fun to drive". I realize that's not necessarily what people are looking for in SUV's, but the alternative to the X3 (3 wagon) seems much more appealing for me. That said, itf it HAD to be an SUV, I'm sure the X3 would be high on the list. The new X3 should look much better, with cleaner lines.

So - to be clear - I consider the X3 as the SUV of my dreams, and add that the 3 estate with AWD would be the wagon of my dreams.

There are times when I would prefer to have the additional road clearance and associated capabilities as opposed to the better all-round driving dynamics - ergo SUV vs wagon.

I'd be more than happy to own either one.

Good stuff, same here 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

BMW has done a great job updating the X3. The main criticisms I had of somewhat cheapish interior (not up to what I had expected) and harsh ride apparently are resolved.

The no-charge option of manual or auto is great!

Plus, the base pricing is very sharp. Furthermore, the options are high-end, desirable, and don't cost and arm and a leg. It's surprisingly affordable to me.

And I even like its size. BMW was way ahead of the competition in offering a compact premium SUV, and has now honed it further. Offering both the 3 Touring and X3 with some variety, way to go BMW. 

[Bullet Blue]

Does 'Driver' still frequent these boards? If memory serves, he has an X3. We could get a lil' update on how his experience has been thus far.

[initial_D]

Did a quick "build" on bmw.ca ... base + sport package, $2000 down,the monthly comes within a few dollars of the CX-7. Of course, there is more value and standard equipment in the CX-7, and you can 'deal' at most Mazda dealers. The discount off the MSRP was almost the equivalent of a set of 18" wheel and snow tires for me.

I would take a serious look at the X3 if on the market again for a cross-over vehicle. However, fake leather seats bugs me. I know they are great, but for me, in a $40G+ car, the leather have to be real. 

[Ex-airbalancer]

Is that lease payment with 0 down?
I would have to get an X3, my wife does not like wagons
X5 is out much money, but nice

[Bullet Blue]

Is that lease payment with 0 down?
I would have to get an X3, my wife does not like wagons
X5 is out much money, but nice

Does your wife realize that most SUV's are jacked up wagons?

[Ex-airbalancer]

Is that lease payment with 0 down?
I would have to get an X3, my wife does not like wagons
X5 is out much money, but nice

Does your wife realize that most SUV's are jacked up wagons?

It all about the looks, and she knows what she likes

[jww]

Is that lease payment with 0 down?
I would have to get an X3, my wife does not like wagons
X5 is out much money, but nice

The BMW Price Your Own option typically throws between 6K and 7K in the dp column to make the payments look better than reality. If I were throwing 7K into a new vehicle dp, I would be buying and not leasing for sure - it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me to slap a dp on a lease vehicle - at least that's my opinion, ymmv.

[initial_D]

My build was $2000 down, have to add in the PDI, delivery, doc fee, ...  etc. Then have to find one like that at a dealer. An X3 with just one option package worth $1000 ... hard to find. 

[ovr50]

Both the new X3 and the new X5 would be on my shopping list if I were replacing the HL. Also the RDX, and likely the MDX as well. The new X5 with the V8 would be special !!! 

[mdxtasy]

Both the new X3 and the new X5 would be on my shopping list if I were replacing the HL. Also the RDX, and likely the MDX as well. The new X5 with the V8 would be special !!! 

All on my list IF I were to move our MDX.