green_beemer
Member
Re: My review of the new X3 35i
Awesome. Make me feel like ditching my X3 E83 of 2 years old ...
Awesome. Make me feel like ditching my X3 E83 of 2 years old ...
My review of the new X3 35i
- Thread starter T6
- Start date
Minimalism
New Member
Re: My review of the new X3 35i
Sweet!! Thks for sharing.
Sweet!! Thks for sharing.
ben123
Member
Re: My review of the new X3 35i
Hi. I'm replacing my ageing SUV and tryng to decide between this car and the Mercedes ML300. Before buying the X3, did you also try other SUVs like Audi Q5 and the M-Class?
I just test drive the new X3 today. I also own a BMW 5series (2009 model). Compare to my 5 series, the ride quality feels distinctly less firm, a bit too responsive, if this is the right phrase for it. I find the new iDrive menu difficult to navigate and the control wheel/knob at the wrong position on the far left, not so convenient for right hand driving cars. The X3 also let in quite of bit of road noise.
I am also not too impressed with the sound system. It doesn't seems to convey finer sonic details like the Harmon Kardon Logic 7 in the M-Class. Navigating between tracks is really cumbersome. Instead of up/down keys, there is now a scrolling wheel that you have to "feel and press". to switch tracks. To improve accuracy, Track names are displayed on the dashboard but this can actually be a distraction when driving. Why can't they just keep the Up/Down buttons for quickly changing tracks? Other than these complaints, ride quality, suspension and acceleration are superb. The salesguy told me the new X3 also comes with auto engine start/stop that supposedly converse fuel.
I will be test driving the M-Class next weekend.
Hi. I'm replacing my ageing SUV and tryng to decide between this car and the Mercedes ML300. Before buying the X3, did you also try other SUVs like Audi Q5 and the M-Class?
I just test drive the new X3 today. I also own a BMW 5series (2009 model). Compare to my 5 series, the ride quality feels distinctly less firm, a bit too responsive, if this is the right phrase for it. I find the new iDrive menu difficult to navigate and the control wheel/knob at the wrong position on the far left, not so convenient for right hand driving cars. The X3 also let in quite of bit of road noise.
I am also not too impressed with the sound system. It doesn't seems to convey finer sonic details like the Harmon Kardon Logic 7 in the M-Class. Navigating between tracks is really cumbersome. Instead of up/down keys, there is now a scrolling wheel that you have to "feel and press". to switch tracks. To improve accuracy, Track names are displayed on the dashboard but this can actually be a distraction when driving. Why can't they just keep the Up/Down buttons for quickly changing tracks? Other than these complaints, ride quality, suspension and acceleration are superb. The salesguy told me the new X3 also comes with auto engine start/stop that supposedly converse fuel.
I will be test driving the M-Class next weekend.
T6
Well-Known Member
Re: My review of the new X3 35i
Didn't test drive Merc as I didn't feel they make driver's car plus I was looking for a sub 6sec SUV. The ML is better benchmarked against the X5 3.0. The X3 is better benchmarked against the Merc R class. Never considered the Q5 as I wanted at least 3litre and want it below 6sec. The Q5 is very good looking SUV though, with very proportionate design and all the right curves. Not sure if you test drove the x3 28 or x3 35. I had no interest in x3 28 as I reckon high cc or turbo is needed to move a 1.8 tonne car. I was not disappointed. Acceleration is fast, smooth yet brutal. 5.7sec no mean feat but achieved quite easily.
As for the iDrive, I like it alot better than that in my ex e90 335. All the short cut buttons around the iDrive helps with greater access. It is just a matter of getting used.
Unlike you, I am actually impressed with the stock sound system. Couldn't benchmark against Harmon Kardon as my previous 335 was using stock system.
As for damping, it is way better than the 535i I tested.
But agree with you that there is a fair bit of road noise which could be attributable to the ride height.
ben123;642845 said:
Didn't test drive Merc as I didn't feel they make driver's car plus I was looking for a sub 6sec SUV. The ML is better benchmarked against the X5 3.0. The X3 is better benchmarked against the Merc R class. Never considered the Q5 as I wanted at least 3litre and want it below 6sec. The Q5 is very good looking SUV though, with very proportionate design and all the right curves. Not sure if you test drove the x3 28 or x3 35. I had no interest in x3 28 as I reckon high cc or turbo is needed to move a 1.8 tonne car. I was not disappointed. Acceleration is fast, smooth yet brutal. 5.7sec no mean feat but achieved quite easily.
As for the iDrive, I like it alot better than that in my ex e90 335. All the short cut buttons around the iDrive helps with greater access. It is just a matter of getting used.
Unlike you, I am actually impressed with the stock sound system. Couldn't benchmark against Harmon Kardon as my previous 335 was using stock system.
As for damping, it is way better than the 535i I tested.
But agree with you that there is a fair bit of road noise which could be attributable to the ride height.
Last edited by a moderator:
ben123
Member
Re: My review of the new X3 35i
Hi T6,
I just test drive both the X3 and the Mercedes ML300 and decided to choose the X3 because of the far superior ride quality and more interior features. Turns out the audio wasnt that bad after all after I checked on a brand new unit. Must be the test-drive model was not properly set.
I need to check with you. Does your X3 comes with a 6.5" LCD screen or the larger 8.8" LCD screen?
Hi T6,
I just test drive both the X3 and the Mercedes ML300 and decided to choose the X3 because of the far superior ride quality and more interior features. Turns out the audio wasnt that bad after all after I checked on a brand new unit. Must be the test-drive model was not properly set.
I need to check with you. Does your X3 comes with a 6.5" LCD screen or the larger 8.8" LCD screen?
T6
Well-Known Member
Re: My review of the new X3 35i
Agreed Mock. Am waiting for either BMW or tuner to come out with a wider replacement rear wheel arch like they have for the X5. Am also hoping H&R will come out with some lowering springs compatible with the factory EDC.
Mockngbrd;648206 said:
nice stance! lowering springs wld be cool. needz more cambers
Agreed Mock. Am waiting for either BMW or tuner to come out with a wider replacement rear wheel arch like they have for the X5. Am also hoping H&R will come out with some lowering springs compatible with the factory EDC.
ben123
Member
Re: My review of the new X3 35i
Thanks! Does yours comes standard with your 35i or was it an op-up? Because in the brochure it was mentioned as an option. The test drive unit I tried comes with a 6.5" LCD.
I am still agonizing over which exterior color to choose. Can't decide between Space Grey, Deep Blue or Silver... They all look good.
:thinking:
T6;648243 said:
Thanks! Does yours comes standard with your 35i or was it an op-up? Because in the brochure it was mentioned as an option. The test drive unit I tried comes with a 6.5" LCD.
I am still agonizing over which exterior color to choose. Can't decide between Space Grey, Deep Blue or Silver... They all look good.
:thinking:
T6
Well-Known Member
Re: My review of the new X3 35i
My 8.8" came with the car. PML pre- ordered before I ordered from them. How about the signature mineral silver?
ben123;648426 said:Thanks! Does yours comes standard with your 35i or was it an op-up? Because in the brochure it was mentioned as an option. The test drive unit I tried comes with a 6.5" LCD.
I am still agonizing over which exterior color to choose. Can't decide between Space Grey, Deep Blue or Silver... They all look good.
My 8.8" came with the car. PML pre- ordered before I ordered from them. How about the signature mineral silver?
T6
Well-Known Member
Re: My review of the new X3 35i
Past 7 months have been sheer driving pleasure with this SUV.
Very spacious, comfortable and highly capable. Soaks in 20" amazingly well. All good things must come to an end, after 7 months and 8000km, sadly this baby has to give way to my other car craving.
Just want forummers reading this thread to know in my view this is still the best bang for buck SUV at the moment and 5.7sec to 100km/h is just wow....
I do not consider Q5 or Evoque as direct competion. Yes I think they both look better than the X3 but there is no replacement for displacement.
Pls do not think less of this ride coz of my short ownership. Yes I owned the TTS roadseter for 7 months too but that is coz I really dislike the TTS.
But I am giving up the X3 only coz I am getting something better.
Sayonara X3 35i
Btw, have posted my 20" rims and tyres for sale in another thread. Pls contact me if interested. Tks.
Past 7 months have been sheer driving pleasure with this SUV.
Very spacious, comfortable and highly capable. Soaks in 20" amazingly well. All good things must come to an end, after 7 months and 8000km, sadly this baby has to give way to my other car craving.
Just want forummers reading this thread to know in my view this is still the best bang for buck SUV at the moment and 5.7sec to 100km/h is just wow....
I do not consider Q5 or Evoque as direct competion. Yes I think they both look better than the X3 but there is no replacement for displacement.
Pls do not think less of this ride coz of my short ownership. Yes I owned the TTS roadseter for 7 months too but that is coz I really dislike the TTS.
But I am giving up the X3 only coz I am getting something better.
Sayonara X3 35i
Btw, have posted my 20" rims and tyres for sale in another thread. Pls contact me if interested. Tks.
