DaveR

I have a 545i, which is coming up on the lease. I was looking to replace it with an X3 (my wife will be driving it, I'll be getting myself a 335i via ED next year), but now I'm thinking about 530xiT. Both would be automatics. I like the updated '07 X3, but concerned that X3 is a bit smallish after spending a lot of time in a 5 series. According to published measures, the X3 has more cargo area, but I just don't believe it looking at it -- X3 is at 71 cu. ft, 530xiT is at 58 cu. ft. I know the X3 is a bit taller, but in terms of usable cargo area, 5 wagon seems to be the winner. My wife sort of prefers the X3, but she's used to driving the 5 too

Any thoughts would be highly appreciated. I guess I'm also trying to justify the extra cost of the 5 series.

Thanks,
Dave

KAF

You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned the height.

The extra cargo space is the difference in height, unless you pile things up to the roof, the E61 is better.

The load space floor area is greater on the 530, IMHO it is also a far superior drive.

530 every time unless you go off road.

530i_msport

Yes.If you are not planning to go offroad and do extreme things then stay with the comfort and handling of the e60 that you allready are familiar with

aybeesea

Farming or driving?

ABC

pennetta

I think that cars have to pass stricter collision and rollover safety standards than do SUV/SAV's. I would go with the 530. The new X5 should be out in a few weeks which promises to be bigger still.

CVTBenhogan

I tend to dislike SUVs or SAVs overall. A notable big disaster for automotive progress and the environment. The cargo capacity is limited and this will forever suprise people. The X3 is small. Its essentially a small station wagon with more headroom and vertical room in the boot, albeit it has greater rear fold down utility. Need a really big SUV to reap the space benefits. Minivans are the logical choice here and there are plenty choices such as top dog Honda. The wifey probably would hate that option but its cheaper. You'll miss that 545i.

In terms of driving, nothing compares to a car chasis (particulary a BMW) and the inherent performance and safety benefits of the lower center of gravity. Ladies prefer the elevated view over road and this is the strong appeal. That said, you can point to safety issues with SUVs as a convincer. Back to the 530xiT, its moderately more functional than a sedan and IMHO the better choice. I'm not a big fan of AWDs as modern two wheel drive systems handle most everything.

Just my two cents.

CVT Benhogan

Ricracing

If your wife prefers the facelifted X3 - do not ask us

But if you insist on the E60 xT, wait for the facelift.

TAJARO

We went thru a similar consideration- the X3 or X5 or 530xit. I wanted the 530 for better engine, and road handling- she liked the bigger box of the SAVs. She thought the X3 was too small and I agreed, she thought the 530xit was too low and I didn't agree. In the end she prefered the X5 with sport package and after exhausting US inventory she gave up on the manual and accepted steptronic (which really isn't that bad...).

The new X5 looks that much better if you really want the higher capacity, but I'd still take the wagon. Of course the money factors were so cheap my lease is up next December so I'll have another shot at her.

Any one of these vehicles is simply fantastic- so you can't go wrong. Have fun.

PS: Of course the other advice to let her pick whatever she wants is (of course) the answer...

silver530sportwagon

XiT is way better looking than the X3. My opinion.

LowOrbit

Go for the 530XiT - no downsides and much sportier.