New Member Intro

Hey guys,

I just picked up my 2013 xDrive 35i a couple of weeks ago and have put about 800KM on it so far. I'm coming from an E46 330xi, so I'm loving the added space and power. I am, however, missing the 6-speed manual :thumbdown

Here are some pictures of my old E46:







I really miss its driving dynamic and looks, but it was time for me to move on to something a little bigger as a daily driver.

Here's are a couple of pictures of the X3. It's nothing out of the ordinary - just another Alpine White X3 with the M-Sport package. No modifications have been made yet (aside from a few add-on accessories) but I'm waiting on the Dinan tune to come out.




I love the X3 so far, and I'm looking forward to learning more about the vehicle

Those are sick pics! Congratulations on your new car! I like White!

Your e46 looks immaculate!!

Congrats. Still waiting patiently for mine. Like you, this will be my first auto transmission in well over 15 years.

Welcome!

I just picked up my X3 35i last Thursday, after turning in my 2010 335i Coupe.

Welcome bsx... The 330 looks fantastic. I believe the ZHP in Canada was called the Clubsport?? Either way, beautiful car! And the X3 is gorgeous also. It seems that Alpine White M Sports are becoming VERY popular... I was hoping not many would buy the M Sport, keeping it a little more exclusive. But, beautiful vehicles... Welcome again.

Sweet ride! Personally I can't tell the difference between an "M-Sport" and a "regular" X3, I guess I am just not detail oriented. They all look good to me.

Originally Posted by lukeeesteve

Your e46 looks immaculate!!

Congrats. Still waiting patiently for mine. Like you, this will be my first auto transmission in well over 15 years.

How are you guys who are coming from a manual tranmssion liking your X3's? I have driven a stick since the late 80's and hate the fact that they are almost completely gone from new cars these days. I needed a bigger vehicle too or would have looked at the new 3 series wagon (currently have a 2002 325iT).

I'm primarily a city driver and know I will like the automatic in traffic. Otherwise, I'm not so sure.....

Looking forward to comments too. I pick mine up in 18 days .

I did a relatively extensive test drive over 3 different periods. Putting aside the attitude that real enthusiasts drive manuals, this is the first auto transmission that has convinced me that I probably won't be missing much.

1). Seamless shifts...so smooth
2). Quick shifts in sports mode
3). Great mpg and not a big difference in acceleration
4). The ability to skip gears. It can go from a high gear to a low gear very intuitively without seeming to down shift gear by gear.

My wife was shocked when I told her that we were getting an auto.

Questions i still have.

1). Durability and longevity of this transmission
2). Unknown quirks that I will discover over time
3). Will I suffer from left leg atrophy?

Originally Posted by PlzDuntBanMe

Those are sick pics! Congratulations on your new car! I like White!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by lukeeesteve

Your e46 looks immaculate!!

Congrats. Still waiting patiently for mine. Like you, this will be my first auto transmission in well over 15 years.

Kind of sucks driving an auto, but it's definitely better in stop-and-go traffic. Plus it gives me a reason to buy a weekend car with a manual transmission

Originally Posted by Wabbajack

Welcome!

I just picked up my X3 35i last Thursday, after turning in my 2010 335i Coupe.

Hope you're enjoying it as much as I am!

Originally Posted by JupiterX3

Welcome bsx... The 330 looks fantastic. I believe the ZHP in Canada was called the Clubsport?? Either way, beautiful car! And the X3 is gorgeous also. It seems that Alpine White M Sports are becoming VERY popular... I was hoping not many would buy the M Sport, keeping it a little more exclusive. But, beautiful vehicles... Welcome again.

Thanks! The ZHP was also called ZHP in Canada, but we also had an appearance package that mimicked the ZHP. AW on any BMW looks great, but you're right - it is a very common colour.

Originally Posted by UncleJ

Sweet ride! Personally I can't tell the difference between an "M-Sport" and a "regular" X3, I guess I am just not detail oriented. They all look good to me.

Thanks! It's mainly an appearance package that includes different front/rear fascias, side skirts, wheels, and steering wheel as far as I know They all look good to me too

Originally Posted by BMW4grrl

How are you guys who are coming from a manual tranmssion liking your X3's? I have driven a stick since the late 80's and hate the fact that they are almost completely gone from new cars these days. I needed a bigger vehicle too or would have looked at the new 3 series wagon (currently have a 2002 325iT).

I'm primarily a city driver and know I will like the automatic in traffic. Otherwise, I'm not so sure.....

I was given a brand new 2012 E93 328i Coupe (auto tranny - slow as hell) as a loaner for 2 weeks while my F25 was on order, so I had the chance to transition to auto before I started daily-driving the X3. So far the transmission has been great - no hesitation problems here. My commute is 90% stop-and-go traffic, so the auto is definitely a better fit for my drive. However, I bet I wouldn't be saying the same if a manual transmission was available

Originally Posted by lukeeesteve

Looking forward to comments too. I pick mine up in 18 days .

I did a relatively extensive test drive over 3 different periods. Putting aside the attitude that real enthusiasts drive manuals, this is the first auto transmission that has convinced me that I probably won't be missing much.

1). Seamless shifts...so smooth
2). Quick shifts in sports mode
3). Great mpg and not a big difference in acceleration
4). The ability to skip gears. It can go from a high gear to a low gear very intuitively without seeming to down shift gear by gear.

My wife was shocked when I told her that we were getting an auto.

Questions i still have.

1). Durability and longevity of this transmission
2). Unknown quirks that I will discover over time
3). Will I suffer from left leg atrophy?

Hahaha I'm in the same boat as you bud - I guess only time will tell