X3 vs X5 - quick impressions

[CondorX5]

The dealer booked out their X3 to me while my X5 was in for the transfer box yesterday - both they and I thought it would take a few days and I might have it back on Saturday if all went well. Got a call this evening to say the transfer box has been replaced and its all finished, so my trial run in an X3 is somewhat shortlived......anyway brief impressions as follows.

The X3 was a 66plate with less than 1500 miles on the clock. It felt small, like a small car to drive, compared to my e70, and definitely not as comfortable or well equipped.  I know the new X3 is apparently the same size as the E53, but it felt a lot smaller and a lot less powerful. The leather didn't seem to be the same quality and the seats were nowhere near as comfortable or adjustable as the comfort seats in the E70. I think it is somewhat poverty specced as the seats are manual (!) and the adjustment arm got in my way while driving -  it stuck out from under the seat, slight design issues I think.
No cameras,  no tow bar, no pano roof, plus old style iDrive with TMC satnav and smaller screen, like the E70. Maybe X3s didn't get the new idrive? 

I think my 2012 E70 is a zillion times nicer than this X3, the X3 was nippy but lacked the power I am used to and I wasn"t hugely impressed by the fuel consumption, which was reading around 35mpg. 
Price is more than the E70 cost as an AUC - I know what was better value for money !  Certainly wouldn't trade my X5 for an X3 - nice as it is, I found it bland and unexciting and bereft of the level of toys I like...........

[Colin]

sound's like you'r not impressed , and i'd be the same coming from you'r e70 40d  or the mighty  4.8 e53

[CondorX5]

LOl,  I guess I have had (still have) two lovely X5s, maybe not the X5M or the triple,turbo M50d, (yet) but I have loved them.  The X3 is nice-ish and less bland thanthe X1 but I would not want to pay the crazy price for a new X3 when an  X5 is available as an AUC for far less.  I was surprised by the lack of power,I must say, but its not a fair comparison really, the big 4.8is or the 40d MSport E70 vs an X3 of whatever flavour!  I am very glad to be able to collect my E70 tomorrow with its brand new transfer box, the X3 was fine for a day but I really missed the cameras and other gadgets!

[sid10]

I had one while the X1 was being serviced , again wasnt impressed with the spec or the drive , however tried a X4 30d when they came out and was taken aback by its impressive get up and go and handling even though the cabin felt dark  .
  I think a lot is to do with the engine as most of the X3 / x4 have the 2l engines , that they have as loan cars , if they gave you the full fat versions you might forget to take them back !
I am still toying with a new X5 F15 although my faithfull E53 keeps on going  (had it 11 years but it is 12 in 4 days ) the new ones dont seem to gel like the old even though everything is much better  . Must be getting old .
  What we all need is a  X5M on a Monday , M4 on a Tuesday , M2 on a Wednesday , M3 on a Thursday , M5 on a Friday , I8 on a Saturday and a chauffeur on a Sunday .
  What would every one else like to drive all week ?
            sid10

[Horizon]

[quote="sid10"]
I had one while the X1 was being serviced , again wasnt impressed with the spec or the drive , however tried a X4 30d when they came out and was taken aback by its impressive get up and go and handling even though the cabin felt dark  .
  I think a lot is to do with the engine as most of the X3 / x4 have the 2l engines , that they have as loan cars , if they gave you the full fat versions you might forget to take them back !
I am still toying with a new X5 F15 although my faithfull E53 keeps on going  (had it 11 years but it is 12 in 4 days ) the new ones dont seem to gel like the old even though everything is much better  . Must be getting old .
  What we all need is a  X5M on a Monday , M4 on a Tuesday , M2 on a Wednesday , M3 on a Thursday , M5 on a Friday , I8 on a Saturday and a chauffeur on a Sunday .
  What would every one else like to drive all week ?





            sid10
[/quote]
I agree with the car swap idea, I get bored with the same car after a few weeks, the wife used to say at least I'm not like that with wives !
As I said used too, I'm sure she's bored with me now

[DiscusbT]

Can't let this one go without putting the other side. I changed my 520d e61 about a year ago for an x3 f25 30d.
The best car I have ever owned, which includes 3  5 series, (still got an e39) Jags, Jensens, and 30 or so others.
It is quiet, comfortable, even with RFT which the 520d wasn't, economical for 3 litres, excellent roadholding and cornering for a high vehicle, well made, certainly doesn't look or feel cheap, all I've done for a year is put fuel in. Can hardly tell the glider trailer's on the back. The 258 bhp engine gives all the performance I want, and more.
Thought about an x5, or another 5 series, but decided the x5 was bigger than I needed or wanted, and I do prefer larger cars to smaller, but have never regretted the decisiion in favour of the x3, it is a wonderful means of transport.

[Turks]

Never driven or had the desire to drive an X3... never had the looks for me and too small... but I would have another E39 tomorrow! Fantastic cars...


Turks