jbeene

I just returned from a 2000km week long trip in an X3 (an 07 3.0si facelifted version but no sport suspension). In comparison to my 5 I would say:

Rides like a pogostick - short wheel base, higher center of gravity and added weight tend to make it hop on expansion joints and gives you a jolt over rough roads. I think the phrase is "buckboard".

Small inside - taller but much narrower. It was all we could do to get a weeks worth of ski mountaineering gear for 2 in it (and we used a roof box for the skis).

Some of the features I've come to appreciate in the 5 aren't available on the x3. Like dual zone climate control, i-drive (which personally I like and think is very useful) though I guess i-drive is available he just didn't order it. A power liftgate would do wonders for the X3.

Is spite of being heavier than the 5 it felt somewhat cheap in comparison when closing the doors and the hatch.

On the plus side it is definitely a BMW, great seats, outstanding handling, awesome engine.

You really can't go wrong with either, but I prefer the 5 touring over the X3. Even considering the massive price difference to get into the 5 (in Canada $23,000) I'd still take the 5 over the X3.

anit999

The X3 has recently been facelifted. And in one of my Autocar magazines a few months ago it was reviewed and they said is has improved vastly.

I would probably recommend the 5 series touring but test drive them both and see what you think.