If you go with the X3 and it doesn't exceed your budget, I would highly recommend the 3.0 engine. It's arguably the best engine BMW has produced. The in-line 6 cylinder arrangement is inherently extremely well balanced (not something one can say about the 4 cylinder engine) and BMW has spent many years refining it with better and better air/fuel delivery and valve systems. The result is very efficient, very smooth power delivery across the full rpm range. The feeling in the cockpit is one of effortless power. At 6000 – 7500 feet elevation with 10 to 20 mile trips, we normally see 23 – 25 mpg. On cross country trips we see 26 – 29 mpg.

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Dave @7500 feet on the plains in Colorado
2011 X3 35i - Blue Water Metallic