E53 X5 to F25 X3

[lentil]

My old car was an X5, and having gone to an M3 (I know, fancied a change), i'm missing the space and considering going back to a bigger car.

Has anyone had an E53 X5 who have gone to an X3?

I've looked at the stats and the X3 seems to tick all the boxes. A great all rounder it seems.

How does it compare to the old X5? In terms of drive mainly.

Thanks!

[AW8]

F25 is a great car......can be pushed through bends with ease - 8 speed auto is superb too.  i drove a 2.0d SE auto & would happily own one in place of my E53.

[mogsyman]

Very nice 

My wife has a 20d M Sport and I really enjoy driving it. Some say it's not got enough poke but I find it fine and it has more than enough for day-to-day use.

We travelled skiing earlier this year with two children and all the gear and it was lovely.

[MattX]

Get either of the 3.0s and you'll be happy.
If you had an X5 and an M3 a 2.0 will be as dull as ditch water.

[lentil]

Thanks for your replies.

I forgot to add, I would be looking for the 35d, as I do like a bit of punch 

[MattX]

Are you fussy about spec?

I recently got a 30D and it took ages to find one with the options i wanted.

[AW8]

I see the comments re the 2.0d being dull.....Not my experience on UK dual carrageways & pushing along on empty rural roads.

To put mine & mogsys comments into perspective  ....I drive a V8 E53, having owned & driven faster stuff. Mogsyman owns an M5, has owned & driven plenty of fast metal. We both have many progressively driven miles under our belts.

Don't get me wrong an F25 2.0d is not a rocket ship, however I don't regard it as dull or wanting. It is quite simply more than ample for most & feels right for what it is. A competent non guilt all rounder that returns good mpg.

Forums are no substitute for proper extended test drives. Best thing would be to go drive and make up own mind.

Personally if cost was not an issue & wanting a fast X3 - I would look at Alpina F25 facelift.....very capable & also rare in U.K.....seldom available but Sytners could probably put your name down as they would have sold these from new to existing customers....I wouldn't expect a bargain though.  If sourced sensibly at right age then percentile residuals over significant ownership may be favorable compared against a 30d.

[MattX]

So you have a V8 AND a 2.0D?

Bit different to only having a 2.0D

[mogsyman]

[quote="AW8"]
I see the comments re the 2.0d being dull.....Not my experience on UK dual carrageways & pushing along on empty rural roads.

To put mine & mogsys comments into perspective  ....I drive a V8 E53, having owned & driven faster stuff. Mogsyman owns an M5, has owned & driven plenty of fast metal. We both have many progressively driven miles under our belts.

Don't get me wrong an F25 2.0d is not a rocket ship, however I don't regard it as dull or wanting. It is quite simply more than ample for most & feels right for what it is. A competent non guilt all rounder that returns good mpg.

Forums are no substitute for proper extended test drives. Best thing would be to go drive and make up own mind.
[/quote]

Nothing more to say, AW8 is on the ball 

[lentil]

Thanks for your help.

Had a quick look around an X3 last night in my local. Impressed ! As I have read, size is not much smaller than the E53 X5, and much more updated. Love the interior as well. This was a 3.0 30d, and its literally a mile from my house. Unfortunately I am not quite in a position to pull the trigger !

[AW8]

Having a look around a car is one thing, however, I strongly advise that you drive a few.

So many folk avoid test drives as they aren't quite ready to purchase, however, the best way to be later able  to compare good from lesser is to drive a few. This will also allow you to better evaluate differences between engine specs as well as options that affect how individual cars drive such as wheel size, suspension etc. I can't remember if active steering is an option or not. If you do this now you will be able to identify & confidently move on the right overall package when good to go.

Not trying to push you into buying before ready but some additional things to consider if buying used...

1. 4x4 & soft roader prices and demand can increase a little into October & beyond.

2. It can be easier to find right car for right deal when not ready only to be later frustrated trying  to find a similar suitable overall package later.

3. The more you research the fussier you may become, whether spec, options , colour/trim, mileage, age etc.

4. Don't allow desire to get best spec for money compromise the integrity of the end purchase, (e.g. Don't buy a top spec car with patchy history from a questionable seller over an honest but lesser optioned well sourced car with meaningful warranty for similar money).

5. So often overlooked so no apologies for mentioning doing own HPI or equivalent & cheaper RAC data check

[MattX]

I'd look to buy from BMW if you can.

[Pinewood]

Just over 6 months of owning mine, and it's still brilliant. The 3.0d is plenty quick enough to keep up, or outpace most things, and she is supremely versatile. Just yesterday we had two bikes in the back for the free cycle around London.
Wife loves it, kids love it. Winning styling and performance. Would I swap for a 35d? Not really as the 30d is pretty rare.

[lentil]

Cheers guys.

I think i've decided. Once my current situation is sorted (hopefully returning my recently purchased M3), I will look for a 35d. I know that regardless of how the 30d will perform, I will not rest knowing there is a quicker model for similar money.

Thanks again !