My 2008 X3 is still failry new but I have 700+ miles on it already and I have some thoughts on my decision to upgrade from a 2005 X3 to a 2008 X3. My 05 was truly the best vehicle I had ever owned and that's despite the fact that it had all of the quirks that came with is (squeeky seats, rattling sunroof, noisy door seals, etc. The 2008, however, is a whole different experience. WOW! Every aspect that I can think of has been improved. From the engine *AND* transmission (yes I do mean the 6AT) to the sound the doors make when you close them. The cabin is more quiet, the sensatec actually looks like leather now and there's more of it used on the doors, the seats don't squeek anymore and the materials throughout the entire cabin in general are much improved. I also did notice a big improvement in the wind noise when the moon roof is open. It's mucn more pleasant to have it open at higher speeds.
Then there's the engine. Wow! I had some concerns about the break-in period thinking that I would be missing out on some fun but there is so much power in the lower RPM's that I don't ever have to go over 4k to get it moving. It's just always ready to go and I haven't even put it in Sport Mode yet. I have gone over 4 and even 5k RPM's a few times simply when trying to get into moving traffic but I'm doing a pretty good job of following the break-in rules. This brings me to the MPG. Perhaps it's the light foot or the increased awareness of the gas prices but my MPG is currently reading 21mpg in the city. That's about a 4-5mpg improvement over the 2005!!! and I know that will only get better after the break-in. I'm also pretty confident that I can maintain this gas performance because, as I stated earlier, there's so much quickness and power in the lower RPM's that there's no need to push it. Also, I'm making some driving habit changes because of the gas prices. Much ligher foot starting from a red light, coasting when I have the chance, etc. It's all made a really big difference. If you want to save yourself a few bucks I recommend changing a habit or two.
The exterior has tons of slight improvements that really make the vehicle look more "complete" than the 2005 did. The front and rear bumber designs really give a much more sporty appearance. But what I think is the best deal of all was the Sports Activity Package. What a difference those 18" wheels, running boards and sport steering wheel make!!! For the price paid it really is a bargain! I wasn't sold on the shadowline trim or running boards when I placed my order but I'm glad I ordered them now. Oh, I can't forget those corona rings. MAN I love those rings. What a nice freak'n nice touch!
So those are my thoughts. If you have any questions please dont' hesitate to ask.
Then there's the engine. Wow! I had some concerns about the break-in period thinking that I would be missing out on some fun but there is so much power in the lower RPM's that I don't ever have to go over 4k to get it moving. It's just always ready to go and I haven't even put it in Sport Mode yet. I have gone over 4 and even 5k RPM's a few times simply when trying to get into moving traffic but I'm doing a pretty good job of following the break-in rules. This brings me to the MPG. Perhaps it's the light foot or the increased awareness of the gas prices but my MPG is currently reading 21mpg in the city. That's about a 4-5mpg improvement over the 2005!!! and I know that will only get better after the break-in. I'm also pretty confident that I can maintain this gas performance because, as I stated earlier, there's so much quickness and power in the lower RPM's that there's no need to push it. Also, I'm making some driving habit changes because of the gas prices. Much ligher foot starting from a red light, coasting when I have the chance, etc. It's all made a really big difference. If you want to save yourself a few bucks I recommend changing a habit or two.
The exterior has tons of slight improvements that really make the vehicle look more "complete" than the 2005 did. The front and rear bumber designs really give a much more sporty appearance. But what I think is the best deal of all was the Sports Activity Package. What a difference those 18" wheels, running boards and sport steering wheel make!!! For the price paid it really is a bargain! I wasn't sold on the shadowline trim or running boards when I placed my order but I'm glad I ordered them now. Oh, I can't forget those corona rings. MAN I love those rings. What a nice freak'n nice touch!
So those are my thoughts. If you have any questions please dont' hesitate to ask.