BMW X3 or X5?

[TheViking85]

Originally Posted by mathjak107

even going from the 328 to the 328xi was like driving a different car. the extra 300 lbs of the all wheel drive system really makes it feel like a different car.

the regular 328i was so much quicker and handled even better.

I can imagine.

Obviously, I think people should buy exactly what they want, but I'm not sure if the increased ride height of the X3 would be worth it for me (well I know it wouldn't).

There might be suspension differences between the EDM model I drove and the USDM model, but I just found it way too harsh.

The 3 series is relatively firm, but you're rewarded by excellent handling and at least in my experience driving them, they're never uncomfortable and deal with small humps and bumps in a pleasant manner.

In the X3 I drove you could almost feel it if you went over a pebble, and it translated the bumps horribly.

[M3 Mitch]

Originally Posted by wanneroo

I had some extensive driving experience for thousands of miles with both of these. Wouldn't recommend either one at all. Very disappointed in both of them.

Why:

1. Overpriced for what you get.

2. Extremely harsh wagon train ride.

3. Slow. Both are slugs.

4. The materials BMW uses in both I find very cheap and flimsy.

5. The I Drive system is a nightmare to use, not intuitive at all.

I'd recommend either an Audi or the Infiniti FX.

Being an (old) BMW guy, I hate to agree with this, but, it's 100% true so I have to agree. Although I think the IDrive is worse than roo says.

And I have to add that they are thirsty slugs, plus you can't get a stickshift in either one AFIK. BMW without a stickshift IMHO is about like pizza without beer - the experience is just incomplete.

[mathjak107]

Originally Posted by TheViking85

I can imagine.

Obviously, I think people should buy exactly what they want, but I'm not sure if the increased ride height of the X3 would be worth it for me (well I know it wouldn't).

There might be suspension differences between the EDM model I drove and the USDM model, but I just found it way too harsh.

The 3 series is relatively firm, but you're rewarded by excellent handling and at least in my experience driving them, they're never uncomfortable and deal with small humps and bumps in a pleasant manner.

In the X3 I drove you could almost feel it if you went over a pebble, and it translated the bumps horribly.

i got tired of having no room in the car for stuff so i traded the 2009 328xi for a 2012 jeep sahara. hitting even minor potholes was a horror in the bmw. i can still hear and feel those bangs in my head.

[bluewatergirl888]

Originally Posted by mathjak107

i got tired of having no room in the car for stuff so i traded the 2009 328xi for a 2012 jeep sahara. hitting even minor potholes was a horror in the bmw. i can still hear and feel those bangs in my head.

That's how I feel, and that's why we traded our 3 series. I feel like BMW is such a fun car to drive, but the 3 series is unpractical for most people. It's almost like a "fun, extra car" only to be used when one or two people want to go out and hit the road for the pure excitement of driving, not as great for everyday driving and running errands, especially if you have a family.

[JeanVK]

Of all the SUV's I've owned, my X3 was the favourite! Perfect size for my needs, solid, sporty, ride, and excellent on the highway. Mine was an 07. I prefer the newer interior design that changed in 2011, but I had no complaints with my 07. It ran great, no major repairs, just regular maintenance and a small oil leak that was a $300 fix. My only dislike was I find them a little thirsty for gas.

[JeanVK]

I agree with the comment about the X5 driving like a bathtub. I found the same thing! The X3 is nimble and surprisingly actually has quite a bit of interior space. I preferred just about everything in the X3 over the X5