About to order a new X3, have I missed anything vital off the spec?

[mogsyman]

Hi all

Looks like I'll be back in an, well rather my Mrs will be.

I've done my best to convince her an X5 is the way to go but she's not interested so a new X3 it will be.

It appears the current X3 is still on a 6 month wait with 0 discount, a few quid off at best. However I have a contact that is offering fleet discounts which will amount to around 10% off list which I'm happy with.

Chosen spec is as follows:

xDrive 20D M Sport 5dr Auto (2015 model albeit may well be a 2016 as it will be here around November)
20" alloy wheels style 310
Electric front seats + driver memory
Media pack, professional with HDD
HUD
Surround camera system
Enhanced bluetooth
BMW advanced loudspeaker system
Reversing camera
Sun protection glass
Auto dimming/folding mirrors
Through load
Metallic paint

Bearing in mind it's predominantly for the school run (I have an F10 M5 as my daily), before I confirm have I missed anything?

[AW8]

Get hail resistant paint.

No idea re option list but if parked outside I would want heated seats front and back plus heated steering wheel.

I tried to look for build x3 on the uk site but can't see one

[535dboy]

One with a proper engine ?

[mogsyman]

Oh how I laughed when I read those two replies - you twerps!

Actually, as it happens she's changed her mind and I'm now looking at a new RR Sport which I know f-all about.

Having driven a new X5 the other week it has made me think that I might got for an X5 50D next, what are they like?

[535dboy]

I'm a big fan of the RRS other than it looking too similar to an Evoque

They drive really well but they are in a different price bracket !

Friend just bought the V8 diesel one. Few big options and it cost her £100k !!! Bonkers. At that price I'd have a proper one!!!

So if you get a mini and get the Mrs the SVR RRS and job done

[AW8]

Long post - I do less of these now but got a bit carried away.......Glad you liked our earlier comments....

Down to business......For now let's assume you are delighted with your M5 and that you can actually get traction down on local damp roads without

I haven't driven any new vehicles in this sector recently so can't and won't advise you to buy one car over another if I haven't driven them. Driver experience and dare I say it aesthetics are favoured subjectively. Surely the best thing would be to get out to see some different brands and models !!!

I have read the comments re the new RRS but the smaller power output diesel should be ample I think it is called the SDV6 or something. It reviews well and price wise is nowhere near £100k mentioned by 535dboy.....even with some suitable options. There is also the new Disco Sport to consider. The Jaguar F-Pace maybe worth xonsiderind when it arrives. Macan has good reviews although pvr was far from impressed with drivability of the diesel S engine. Lexus NX looks different and there is always Infiniti (if of course these are inspiring enough B-road tests). 

With any totally new model designs owners are guinea pigs (if you buy & don't lease a model that has a long waiting list at launch you should be able to move it on within 6 months without taking a big hit).

Your wife's dislike of X5 size has been mentioned before.  I am assuming this I down to sheer physical dimensions. Well the latest shape X5 has a more slender look to it IMO....maybe worth revisiting.

Back to the X3 - if deeper pockets are being considered (you mentioned range rover ) then the latest Alpina X3 really is a good bit of kit and due to numbers these will  have proper rarity value as few RHD coming into the UK - that is assuming you can even find one.....So then maybe X3 Alpina and then all you need to so is buy a suitable latest shape 911 C4s to be car happy on both counts again    ..............

.............. So then & re a car primarily for you..... You adored your remapped E53 3.0d back in the day and if I am honest you sometimes indicate that other cars haven't hit the same spot even 4.8is and latest M5. Maybe it was the everyday usability and relatively low running costs. Maybe it was the fact it wasn't pretentious. Maybe it simply represents your car ownership at a significant time in your life. Either way I advise you think long and hard before you change from the M5 I you truly want to feel at one with your main car for YOU ! Not being rude but you ain't getting younger and you are fortunate enough to be able to make a considered choice

Sorry if the above is a bit heavy going but  you are potentially talking of spending over £100k or far north of that if you change both cars for new metal mentioned here.

I haven't even mentioned electric or hybrid options available now or in the future. Feel free to add these into the equation if you want further mind clouding on future selection(s).

Drop me a text or call if you genuinely want to use me as a sounding board albeit the above should help and only you truly know your full family needs and realistic buying options.

HTH

[AW8]

Oh and although I suggested thinking wide - if you ever buy the forthcoming  Bentley SUV I will ridicule you forever re this

[535dboy]

His wife isn't used to sheer physical dimensions is she, you know, being married to him  )

[AW8]

Hmm....harsh !

Please be nice to Mr Stringfellow.

[pvr]

Ah yes, I remember you dribbling all over my 40d a few months back  ) .

I would advice against anything quick for your wife, as by the time your gate has opened she will have used half a tank of fuel waiting for that momentous moment  >:D )  Although my gate opening system is just about to go in production now, so you might be in luck and have a solution for that …

I can't remember who wears the trousers in your household, but I am sure you can make some decent car suggestions that you can get buy in for 

[X5Sport]

A Ford Galaxy it is then....... )