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