We have owned a 2013 X3 for just over 3 years and I wanted to share our lessons learned, regrets and other thoughts about the decision to by an X3 35i. All in all, it is very positive but if we had to do it again…
X3 OR 3 SERIES SPORT WAGON: We love our X3 but if I were shopping today we would probably choose the BMW 3 Series Sport Wagon over the X3. The X3 is probably the best handling SUV in the world (save possibly the Porsche Cayenne) but the X3 still handles like an SUV. With the taller stance and additional weight is simply does not have the same road dynamics the 3 Series Sport Wagon has. I would very strongly consider ordering a 3 Series Sport Wagon if you are thinking about buying an X3 or similar SUV. Most dealerships sell very few so you would likely have to order one.
19-INCH WHEELS AND RUN-FLATS: We ordered the “Sport Activity Package” which included 19 Inch wheels on run-flats. In retrospect, I would have probably stuck with the 35i’s base 18-Inch wheels. The 19 inchers don’t have much sidewall and made the ride less then optimal. Ditching the run flats after 25k miles helped to soften the ride but I suspect the ride would still be better with 18-inch tires and non-run flats. The performance in the snow of the 19-inch tires and their wide tread was also not the best. Had we lived in an area with more snowfall this could have been a major concern.
POWERPLANT: It was more expensive but I love the 300hp six-cylinder engine in the 35i. It is not very fuel-efficient but it launches the 4300 pound SUV very well when you need power. The exhaust note is pretty awesome too!
SOUND SYSTEM: I wish we had gotten the Harman Kardon option. The base stereo is “Ok” but having a 50k vehicle with an “ok” stereo (especially if you love music) is not something I recommend. Of course, this is BMW’s way of nickel & diming you but that is the price for driving an “Ultimate Driving Machine.”
BACKUP CAMERA: Did not get it but I wish we had. Soon it will be standard on all US vehicles; rear visibility is not the best on the X3 and if you live in a neighborhood with a lot of children this is a nice safety option.
NAVIGATION: We did not get navigation and are glad we did not. We used a 200 dollar garmin for a couple of years and now an Iphone with siri. Use this 2000 for other options or save it.
SPORT SEATS (DAKOTA LEATHER): The Sports seats are absolutely fantastic and were part of the Sport Activity Package. I love the smell and softness of the leather but I would not rule out Sensatec if you are ordering an X3; we recently got a 228i with black sensatec and we are very happy with it. No leather smell and not quite as soft but you don’t slip around as much in curves as you do with leather seats.
BMW TRAILER HITCH: It was expensive (1k) but the trailer hitch is very cool and essentially hidden when not using it. You will need an X5 to tow bigger boats but had no problems towing a 4000 lb boat.
EUROPEAN DELIVERY: You can’t do ED with an X3 or X5 as they are built in South Carolina. This is another reason to consider ordering a 3 Series Sport Wagon. We did European delivery with our 2 series and it was incredible. I hear they have reduced the discount for European Delivery (used to be 7 percent below invoice, now it is 5 percent) but it still a bucket list trip that I certainly would considering if you are getting a new BMW. If you are on a budget you can always delete a few options (Leather, navigation) and use that money and the savings for your Munich adventure!
X3 OR 3 SERIES SPORT WAGON: We love our X3 but if I were shopping today we would probably choose the BMW 3 Series Sport Wagon over the X3. The X3 is probably the best handling SUV in the world (save possibly the Porsche Cayenne) but the X3 still handles like an SUV. With the taller stance and additional weight is simply does not have the same road dynamics the 3 Series Sport Wagon has. I would very strongly consider ordering a 3 Series Sport Wagon if you are thinking about buying an X3 or similar SUV. Most dealerships sell very few so you would likely have to order one.
19-INCH WHEELS AND RUN-FLATS: We ordered the “Sport Activity Package” which included 19 Inch wheels on run-flats. In retrospect, I would have probably stuck with the 35i’s base 18-Inch wheels. The 19 inchers don’t have much sidewall and made the ride less then optimal. Ditching the run flats after 25k miles helped to soften the ride but I suspect the ride would still be better with 18-inch tires and non-run flats. The performance in the snow of the 19-inch tires and their wide tread was also not the best. Had we lived in an area with more snowfall this could have been a major concern.
POWERPLANT: It was more expensive but I love the 300hp six-cylinder engine in the 35i. It is not very fuel-efficient but it launches the 4300 pound SUV very well when you need power. The exhaust note is pretty awesome too!
SOUND SYSTEM: I wish we had gotten the Harman Kardon option. The base stereo is “Ok” but having a 50k vehicle with an “ok” stereo (especially if you love music) is not something I recommend. Of course, this is BMW’s way of nickel & diming you but that is the price for driving an “Ultimate Driving Machine.”
BACKUP CAMERA: Did not get it but I wish we had. Soon it will be standard on all US vehicles; rear visibility is not the best on the X3 and if you live in a neighborhood with a lot of children this is a nice safety option.
NAVIGATION: We did not get navigation and are glad we did not. We used a 200 dollar garmin for a couple of years and now an Iphone with siri. Use this 2000 for other options or save it.
SPORT SEATS (DAKOTA LEATHER): The Sports seats are absolutely fantastic and were part of the Sport Activity Package. I love the smell and softness of the leather but I would not rule out Sensatec if you are ordering an X3; we recently got a 228i with black sensatec and we are very happy with it. No leather smell and not quite as soft but you don’t slip around as much in curves as you do with leather seats.
BMW TRAILER HITCH: It was expensive (1k) but the trailer hitch is very cool and essentially hidden when not using it. You will need an X5 to tow bigger boats but had no problems towing a 4000 lb boat.
EUROPEAN DELIVERY: You can’t do ED with an X3 or X5 as they are built in South Carolina. This is another reason to consider ordering a 3 Series Sport Wagon. We did European delivery with our 2 series and it was incredible. I hear they have reduced the discount for European Delivery (used to be 7 percent below invoice, now it is 5 percent) but it still a bucket list trip that I certainly would considering if you are getting a new BMW. If you are on a budget you can always delete a few options (Leather, navigation) and use that money and the savings for your Munich adventure!
Should you buy an X3? A 2013 X3 35i Owner’s Review
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