Nebie here, thinking getting an X3?

[pdxxx3]

any advice? I'm thinking 05 and up! suspension I know, I'm interested more on changes 05 to 08? interior? bluetooth what year? the steering wheel looks like their is changes? and what to avoid! thanks in advice!

[pdxgrease]

i live in portland - the x3 is a great stumptown romper. Personally - i wouldnt want the x3 prior to the new engine and facelift. Which puts you looking for an 2007+. Late 2006's got the update I believe in appearance and gingerbread, but the new engine did not appear until 2007 model year. Also, kuni is a great dealership in terms of customer experience. I leased there and would highly recommend them if buying new. However I think all the local bmw dealers are seriously retailing their pre-owned inventory. I would strongly recommend using autotrader dot com for price research. (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=100&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=used&distance=0&address=97222&marketZipError=false&style_flag=1&make=BMW&model=X3&make2=&start_year=2007&end_year=2008&min_price=&max_price=32000&seller_type=b&transmission=&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=30000&color=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceASC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=y&highlightFirstMakeModel=&showZipError=n&default_sort=priceASC&awsp=false&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&systime=)

There are many nicely equiped pre-owned 2007's under 30k miles and under $30k. I have seen CPO 2007, 18k miles, $26,525... for example.

Anyway things to consider... Cold weather package (seems like a must - i have it and its great), premium package or at least comfort package (the upgraded seats are nice), servotronic steering (makes the wheel easier to move at low speeds - if you care- i dont), sport suspension is a double edged sword and will only reward you at the edge of grip. I have 17" wheels and standard suspension and it handles better than my lighter sport tuned jetta tdi did. There are some cool interior colors like tobacco that some people really dig. The upgraded stereo is alright but not amazing, in general the germans never do electronics that great, like the nav is way dated and not worth focusing on. Ok sorry if I'm rambling - good luck. PM me if you need any other advice. cheers.

[kjboyd]

the updates didn't occur until the 07 model year, not late 06 as stated above.

there was no comfort package for the X3, only comfort seats. and only in combo with leather seats, and NOT with sport package.

Tobacco only came for 07-08. Terra Cotta was pre 07.

[pdxgrease]

I think I made it clear that 2007 was the year to look for.

[WHITEX]

I have an 06. 20,000m. Love it. No problems. No complaints. Minor issues. I'd buy it again.
Heated seats/steering wheel are a must have. Get an X3 with a warranty that's still in effect. These are expensive to repair.

[Hofbrau]

With the sport package and 6 speed. It is amazing to drive but get the bluetooth for your cell. In the 1 1/2 years I've had the car I have really grown to become "one" with the controls. Really no negatives from me.:thumbup:

[pdxgrease]

i love the BT - but with a family always with me - I dont end up using it. Its just too much to have the whole family listening to my calls and having to be quiet. I would love it - if i drove solo more often. It is well integrated. I'm quite fond of the auto adaptive xenons. I would want to be without the xenons, the premium or sport seats, the seater warmers, or aux port. I really wouldnt focus on the nav - its rubbish in my opinion - having a small cubby to store things is worth more than the POS nav taking up room.

When my lease is up - if bmw financial doesnt offer me a sweet deal below residual (because it aint gonna be worth the residual in this market) I will be looking for a manual with sport package, xenons, cold weather, and 6sp MT without a nav.