snikt21

Considering to trade in my 530 to either X3 or X5. Any X5/X3 owner wants to chime in? outstanding issue whatsoever?

TIA...

rsyed

...dont get a x3 - that is due to be replaced in the next year or 2. the x5 just came out last year, so buying that should give you a modern jeep for a while. it is by far the best suv available today (compared to the ml, the q7 and the xc90)...

btw. if you take the x5, forget hte 3rd except if you have kids younger than 10 but then again, you would not want them to cushion the 2nd row if a car crashed you from the back...

flyingpuck

Have you driven either of them yet? I would strongly suggest it as it will more than likely make the decision for you. Neither car will carry ALOT of cargo, and they are similar in looks. I personally prefer the X5 (just purchased my second one in fact) as it is the newer design and has more room inside along with ample power even in the 3.0 liter variation. I think you might be happy with either car, it should come down to cost, number of passengers and amount of cargo you are likely to carry. They are both great cars, one based on the 3 chassis and the other on the 5 chassis. But most importantly, drive them and see for yourself!

flyingpuck

I agree about the third row of seats, but mainly because in the seats, my kids would have had to just stare at the seatback in front of them, and they complain when they CAN see around themselves! So it made no sense for us. Besides which, by the time they could see over the seatbacks, they would likely be too large to sit in the seats comfortably anyway. So anything I can do to lessen the complaining in my life, I DO IT!! Did I mention I'm the only male in my household too??? An island of Testosterone in a sea of Estrogen....pray for me! Sorry for the tangent!

snikt21

thanks for the input, gents. X3 will fit well due to wife's request to smaller SUV. I personally like X5, bigger room.
Haven't got a change to test drive both. I was only the passenger.

Richard in NC

I like my X3. It makes a fine daily driver and utility vehicle. I don't need anything super large or go off roading but the extra utility for errands is nice. I have the interior bike rack. Even though I have to take off its front wheel and seat, I prefer that to laying it down or hanging it off the back.
It's not as plush or well equiped as the X5 but it has all the common BMW features and nice-ities. I even have the basic iPod adapter.
One issue with the '06 X3 is the 5 speed auto. They've gone thru several SW fixes to make it shift more "smartly" in terms of downshifts and holding gears on hills, etc. I don't know about the '07 and newer 6 speed auto. If you have older kids they may complain about a hard back seat but I've had folks ride there for 2 hours on a business trip in it and they still talk to me .

BTW, I average 20mpg with it and have seen 24-25mpg highway. I assume the newer more powerful one with the 6 speed auto gets the same.

snikt21

thanks Richard. I've heard that X3 tends a little bit "bumpy". How's the ride on the freeway?

xexyus

I just got an X5 4.8 and love it. I think its the perfect balance in all aspects. As far as the X3, I think its also a great car. I drove a 3.0 X3 and it was very agile. That thing didnt act like a SUV one bit. Personally, my ego is too big to get an X3 but whatever

Richard in NC

The ride is fine. Its firm but actually was less harsh than a 650i but more firm than the 550i. I don't have the sport package so I don't know how it would be. Handling wise, it doesn't need the sport package unless you want the extra grip.

tjleeland

... Don't forget the X6...

4.4l twin turbo - 400hp
Starting at $52,500 and $63,000