Reflections on our new X3

[JCL]

Picked up our new X3 this weekend. This replaces the 325xi for my wife, but I get to drive it sometimes.

2007, X3 3.0si, Alpine White. Black leather, dark ash. Premium package, Activity Package, PDC, and Servotronic steering. We special-ordered it to get the 6 speed manual transmission. Traded the Z4 (got a great price), and sold the 325xi privately to the first person that responded from Craigslist.

We still have the X5 3.0 for a couple of months, until the 535 arrives in October, so comparisons between the two X models are easily made right now. As this is a Canadian model, it is not identical to the US build. In the above build, we get Xenon, heated front seats, cargo divider, no garage door opener, cold weather package (except for the heated rear seats), privacy glass, heated steering wheel, and premium sound, as far as I can tell from looking at the US web site. Pretty much a loaded X3, except no nav, and no M Sport.

First impressions:

• I was surprised at how tight the new engine is. We had three well-broken-in BMW inline 6 engines in the garage up until a few weeks ago, and this one by comparison is amazingly tight. Throttle response is off, and it doesn't really want to rev. It feels like it has similar power to my 225 hp X5, and it should have 40 more. Now, it only has 60 km on it, so I will watch and see. We will take it on a trip next weekend to get some mileage on it, and speed up the process.
• The shifter is similarly tight. Needs some use to become more like the E46 5MT that we just sold.
• Clutch feel is pretty good, better than the E46 for smoothness. Can't really notice the CDV much, but I am likely to replace it anyway.
• Roofrack is longer than the X5, surprisingly. I was wondering how the Thule/ATOC rack would fit, especially with the tandem bike , but it shouldn't be a problem.
• The panoramic sunroof is nice, but I am a little nervous about leaks and rattles.
• I miss the dual climate controls (L-R) from the X5, but my wife doesn't notice, coming from the E46.
• This new model is much smoother, and quieter, than earlier X3 models. I hadn't driven an X3 since we bought the X5 in 2003, except for a short testdrive in a 2007 M Sport model, which was a little harsh for us. This car has grown up, and is much closer to the X5 than earlier models in both refinement and comfort.
• I like the servotronic. It is primarily a parking aid. I didn't notice any loss of steering feel at normal driving speeds, but then I don't think of this as a sports car, so some may differ with me. The low effort for parking will help my wife, who is recovering from an accident and doesn't have full strength in her shoulder.
• Storage space is much more usable than the X5, and the cargo cover alone is noteworthy, coming from the silly accordian style one that I have on the X5. I like the cargo divider that comes up as well. I have to find the storage net, I presume it is in the box with the ski bag.
• Asked at the dealer about the OEM hitch. The car has a removable cover in the centre, but it looks too wide for the hitch and electrical connections. Is there a filler piece available that clips in? I will do the hitch myself in the next month or so.
• Brake dust already. Zeckhausen has pads for it, and they are on the list to do. You get spoiled using the Axxis Deluxe pads, and it is hard to go back to factory dust.
• I wish it had a dipstick. It just doesn't feel right. I don't want to know the oil is OK, I want to know exactly how OK it is. I was going to sample it to watch the wear metals and oil condition, but it looks like too much trouble so I may not do so.

All in all, we like it a lot. Any day with a new car is a great day, so it was a fun weekend. I know, pictures. I will take them and get them up soon, right after it stops raining.

Jeff

[AzNMpower32]

Glad to hear you're enjoying the new X3 so far. The engine should break-in better after a few thousand miles. Fuel consumption should decrease over the next 16,000km and soon the engine will rev more willingly.

[peakpro]

JCL,

PM sent.

thanks

[xnsf]

congrats on the new purchase!

i thought there was a dipstick...just very hidden at the very back of the engine bay. (not sure)

[cmyX6go]

Like you said, any day with a new car is a good day. Enjoy!

[White05X3]

Congratulations and enjoy your new car!

[mwbbmw]

Congrats on your new X3! I'm on my second and for whatever it's worth:
- I agree that the 07's are nice. My '06 is light years ahead of my original '04 (unfortunately got the 2.5i for my '04 and it was way underpowered). My 225hp 3.0 liter feels okay - though I still wish they'd drop the twin turbo in that bad boy and let us all enjoy the fun.
- I think the handling actually improved in '06 and continued into '07. My '04 non-sport often times left my kidneys feeling punished but my '06 non-sport is much smoother but still handles as well. I haven't driven an '07 yet but would imagine it to be similar.
- I like most of the changes to the '07 but like my '06 just fine. If possible, I would look to combine some of both.
- I haven't had any leaks or rattles with either sunroof to date and I love the extra air provided by the giant opening.
- The engine (IMO) should loosen up a bit with usage as the tranny and engine adapt to your driving style - or your driving style adapts to the engine. Still, the X3 never feels "small" so much as not "huge" like an X5 feels to me.
- The opening for the hitch was original in '04 and '05 and went away in '06. They brought it back for '07 and it's nice because you no longer have to CUT the plastic in the back!
- I too worry about some of the modern conveniences (no dip stick, computer controlled, etc.) and the giant "DO NOT TOUCH" sign on, around and concerning the engine. Sometimes, I'm a bit surprised we owners even are allowed to pop the hood!

Again, congrats on the new ride and definitely post after you've given it some miles. It's nice to contrast and compare initial thoughts to long-term results.

[DWill]

I don't see any do not touch signs under the hood of my 07.

But, it's interesting that the oil filter housing has a sealed what looks to be a "paint line" on it. Sort of like sealing a letter with wax so you know if it was opened or something along those lines.
I suppose to tell if it has been opened, but who knows.

Have I mentioned the Navigation system really sucks...
How I wish I would have listened to the sales guy who told me not to get it....

[motordavid]

JCL,
Congrats on your new ride and excellent write-up per your
usual...I look at X3s a lot as I daydream about what to get
when we finally toss our '01 X5, though there is no time
pressure.

It is on my list, but it needs a few visual things, imo. All the
X3s at the local hillbilly stlr are loaded with soccer mom stuff,
and/or weird colors, all autos and, all non-sport.
And, while they sit there collecting dust, the sales punques talk
about $500 off as if they are treating me like a charity case, lol!

Good to read you are nearly mended and your CEO is on the mend!
BR,mD

[Doomdriver]

We have owned our X3 for about two weeks now. My wife has now gone through a tank of gas!! Going to the mountains tomorrow so we will have more thoughts the middle of next week.

So far absolutely no problems (except for the leasing process!!) and I love the way it handles and accelerates. The automatic is smooth, responsive and a joy. Lets hope that notion stays!!

The X3 is Montego Blue and looks great in the prairie sun.

More to follow

DD