X5 to X3

[gmc15]

Has anyone made the change from an X5 to an X3? I have had 2 E53 X5's and I was thinking about changing to an X3, not the 2011 one but a facelift 2008. I was thinking about the 286bhp diesel.
If you made the move, did you regret it or was it worth while?

Any comments welcome

[X5Sport]

Not a switch I would have made. The E53 is a much better car than the 1st Gen X3. The new X3 is much better than te original models. Having been in both, I thought the first gen X3 was cheap looking with some nasty plastics in it. BMW did acknowledge that eventually..

Personally I think you may regret it.

But then what do I know? We're getting rid of our E53 this week and replacing it with an R60 - Mini Cooper 2.0SD All4 Countryman - which we should get in December!

[pvr]

My dad has the 2009 X3 and he loves it. I have driven it (3.0 petrol though as the diesel is thousands more in NL and double the roadtax). The drive is very nice actually and the facelift is much nicer place to be in than the pre-facelift.

[Ranger 6]

Have had both 05 and 08 X3s, I think the plastics weren't the best but exaggerated by the press. With considerable experience of BMWs and other German marques it was the same as 3 series, A4 etc. Having said that the facelift is like a different model altogether - not only the plastics have been changed, but also the leather, door cards, steering wheel and many other trim. For me it was the chassis of the early cars which was just a bit too firm, again the facelift cars are so much better, the handling is still good and the ride is far better.

The ED 3.0d is a great engine and suits the car well, much more agile than the X5, easy to place on the road and less feeling of bulk. I haven't driven the X3 3.0sd but have driven the E70 with that engine - quick, but just too big for me.

My 'new' one is an 08 3.0d M-Sport and I would say if you're coming from an E53 it certainly wouldn't feel like a 'step down'.