How can I tell if an X3 has the Premium Audio option?

[fueledbymetal]

I'm going to be looking at CPO '07 X3's in the next few days and would like to know if there's a way to visually tell the difference between the standard & premium audio.

[kjboyd]

the radio will have extra features like digital signal processing...

[Evlengr]

You can also look at the grill in the door and see if there are 2 speakers behind it. One a 1" tweeter and the other a 4" full range (sorry it's not really a woofer).

Don't overlook 06 CPO's.

[AzNMpower32]

Push the tone (music note) button multiple times. If it has premium audio, it will have DSP settings like Concert hall or whatnot. Most X3s are not configured with the premium audio system. No fear, doing a simple swap of speakers will alleviate any concerns, and the cost is not high at all (my front ones were done for $150 inclusive labour)

What CPO X3s are you looking for? I'd be happy to check out local inventory, but you should come up with a list of "must have" options and color preferences, since there's a flood of '07 X3s in the used market. Once again, presumably from unhappy owners frustrated with the AT. (Hint: buy pre-facelift)

[iamthewalrus]

...there's a flood of '07 X3s in the used market. Once again, presumably from unhappy owners frustrated with the AT. (Hint: buy pre-facelift)

Or buy a manual. Or do both! (I bought a CPO 2006 X3 3.0i manual)

[fueledbymetal]

Yeah, I'll definitely try to avoid one with a bum auto. I'm leaning towards the '07 for the quieter ride, revised suspension and new engine, but I'd consider an '06 if I coudln't find a good '07.

My "must have's" are:

CPO
Premium Audio
Heated seats (the rest of the cold weather package isn't important)
Auto (so wife can drive)
Xenon's
Metalic paint
OEM Trailer hitch (this can be installed at time of purchase)

I'd like to have rear privacy glass as well. Anything else is just icing on the cake.

I'm also planning on trading in my 328i.

[AzNMpower32]

I will take a look at the local dealer today. Out of curiosity, why are you trading the 3? It looks like a terrific options/colour combo.

[fueledbymetal]

The main reason is that my hips & knees bother me, so I want to get something that sits a little higher. I don't need a full size SUV & from what I've read, the X3 is the best handling "cute utes", so it shoud work out nice. The ability to use a hitch mounted bike rack is a plus as well (couldn't do that without the hassle of importing/fabricating parts for my 3). I would love to keep the 3 as a "fun" car, but I can't afford to own 2 Bimmers ;)

[AzNMpower32]

I stopped by the dealership today (VOB in Rockville), and made a note to check out their CPO X3s.

There's three that fit your requirements.

1. Titanium Silver/Gray http://www.vobbmw.com/BMW-Pre-Owned-Inventory.aspx?InventoryId=23550331

2. Platinum Bronze/Black
http://www.vobbmw.com/BMW-Pre-Owned-Inventory.aspx?InventoryId=23550330

3. An '05 Silver Gray/Terracotta
http://www.vobbmw.com/BMW-Pre-Owned-Inventory.aspx?InventoryId=24263347

I checked out the condition visually for each car (leather, paint, etc...). I like the '07 Titanium Silver and the '05 Silver Gray ones better than the Platinum Bronze. All have the more desirable Pirelli Scorpion STR tires.

[fueledbymetal]

Thanks! If Passport doesn't have anything I'm looking for, VOB was next on my list :)

[Evlengr]

Passport was where I got mine--excellent service there (even with all the goofy things that happened).

Talk to Yves at PP. Really nice guy.

Today they are filming the new Bachelorette show there. I understand that there are hundreds of gorgeous women running about ( shhhhh my Wife doesn't know).

Nice excuse to drop by. And their new facility is gorgeous. I am surprised Azn hasn't been there yet, yes they have the new x6 in the showroom.

[fueledbymetal]

Thanks for your help everybody. After test driving the X3, I decided it wasn't for me. It's by far the best handling SUV I've ever driven, but it was still too "truck like" for me. I was hoping it would more of a "tall wagon" feel.

On the bright side, I'm now buying a the object of my desire that I had always thought was out my reach - an 2005 545i! I test drove my neighbor's last year & loved it, but thought one in good condition with a few years of CPO left would be too expensive. I saw one at the dealership though that was optioned identical to my 328i and the numbers worked out perfect. So, I'll be picking it up on Monday. :)

[AzNMpower32]

I bet it was the suspension that made it ride like a truck. However, congrats on the 545i! That's a fine car with lots of newfangled tech that'll keep you entertained :)

How was the automatic gearbox?

[Evlengr]

Congratz FBM...if I had to get another BMW other than a SAV the 5 series was my favorite to drive.

Just curious, you mentioned a trailer hitch. How is that going to work with a 5'er?

[fueledbymetal]

Congratz FBM...if I had to get another BMW other than a SAV the 5 series was my favorite to drive.

Just curious, you mentioned a trailer hitch. How is that going to work with a 5'er?

The pleasure of driving the 5-seres has outweighed my want for a trailer hitch, so I'm just going to suck it up and use a trunk rack when I need to carry my bikes :D


How was the automatic gearbox?
On the X3 I believe it had the problem described here - unresponsive in auto mode but fine in manual mode. I had it floored for about 5 seconds while merging onto the highway and it would just not downshift in auto mode. Definitely a problem.

The 545i on the other hand was perfect! It will be the first auto I've ever owned but it operates so quickly that I don't think I'll miss the clutch pedal that much.

[Andrew*Debbie]

So, I'll be picking it up on Monday.


Congrats!


The pleasure of driving the 5-seres has outweighed my want for a trailer hitch, so I'm just going to suck it up and use a trunk rack when I need to carry my bikes :D




There are alternatives.

BMW has a roof rack for the 5 series.

BMW makes a rear bike carrier for some models. I saw a few of them in Germany. I don't know if you can get it here or if they even make one that fits the 545i. BMW does sell the rear bike mount for the 128i in the US. It doesn't fit the 135i.

You can get a trailer hitch for the 5er. I've seen them in Europe. It is a Euro hitch. A US style reciver bike carrier wouldn't fit. Thule makes a carrier that fits a Euro towball. No idea if you can get it in the US. No idea if it is compatible with the 545i.



Really these are questions for another forum.