X3: 2.5L or 3,0L?

I know its a bit premature since the demos are only available for test drives after Thanksgiving, but I was wondering if some early bird has tried out both models. I'm wondering if the 2.5 will be sufficient in terms of horsepower for an SUV like the X3. For about $5k difference, is it worth upgrading to the 3.0. I'm just a casual driver, not planning to tow anything really. I just don't want it to be underpowered. Am getting a the steptronic option as well since my wife doesn't know how to drive a stick.

Any opinions?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by DvdGene

I know its a bit premature since the demos are only available for test drives after Thanksgiving, but I was wondering if some early bird has tried out both models. I'm wondering if the 2.5 will be sufficient in terms of horsepower for an SUV like the X3. For about $5k difference, is it worth upgrading to the 3.0. I'm just a casual driver, not planning to tow anything really. I just don't want it to be underpowered. Am getting a the steptronic option as well since my wife doesn't know how to drive a stick.

Any opinions?

Thanks!

Check the effective diff. ratios. I've heard the 2.5L will have a ratio of 3.91
If so, it should feel peppy.

It'll be *fine.*

But it's going to struggle up hills and onto highways. (You knew that, though.)

Originally Posted by Nick325xiT 5spd

It'll be *fine.*

But it's going to struggle up hills and onto highways. (You knew that, though.)

"Struggle" is a bit dramatic.

The 525iT gets along just fine with the little 2.5-liter. I'd imagine the X3 to be in the same weight.

Remember, the 733i 20 years ago? It made due with "only" 181 horses, and they were nearly all 4-speed automatics!

Originally Posted by Emission

"Struggle" is a bit dramatic.

The 525iT gets along just fine with the little 2.5-liter. I'd imagine the X3 to be in the same weight.

Remember, the 733i 20 years ago? It made due with "only" 181 horses, and they were nearly all 4-speed automatics!

I'd agree, it probably won't struggle (my uncle's '95 E34 518i manual (in the UK) doesn't even really struggle...although it is pretty slow (only 115hp...not many people bought this one surprise surprise)).

My car definitely feels adequate, though if it were saddled with a few hundred extra pounds of superstructure, xDrive AWD and Step I would probably be singing a different tune. My 325iT (manual) has 3.46 gearing compared to the 3.23 in the sedan. The official brochure states that my model will get to 100km/h (62mph) in 7.8 seconds (IIRC). On the flipside the shorter rear end means that at 130-140km/h (80-85mph) the thing is turning 4000rpm! Six speed box anyone? Anyway, I doubt the X3 2.5i will even come close to a 325iT, even with the manual and 3.91 rear end. It's got more weight, AWD, a much larger frontal area, a higher coefficient of drag...

I suppose if you never drive that hard, ever, the 2.5i with a 3.91 rear end would probably feel OK...me personally, i'd probably go with the 3.0i. If they offered a 330iT (or 330dT!!) up in Canada i'd be all over that in a shot. As a final comment, something tells me the X3 2.5i won't be able to keep pace with the X5 3.0i.

Originally Posted by Aaron325iT

As a final comment, something tells me the X3 2.5i won't be able to keep pace with the X5 3.0i.

I tested my X5 3.0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. Not bad, actually. I "raced" (funny, two SUV's racing at a light) an Acura MDX not too long ago - and I pulled on him.

I am looking forward to driving the X3 2.5-liter.

Originally Posted by Emission

I tested my X5 3.0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. Not bad, actually. I "raced" (funny, two SUV's racing at a light) an Acura MDX not too long ago - and I pulled on him.

I am looking forward to driving the X3 2.5-liter.

My mother has an X5 3.0i...the few times that I've needed to drive her car, I've been pleasantly surprised at how well the this truck accelerates. Converesly, one time i was given a 325i sedan Step loaner, and it felt shockingly slow...slower than the X5 (and my own car)!

Originally Posted by Emission

I tested my X5 3.0 to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. Not bad, actually. I "raced" (funny, two SUV's racing at a light) an Acura MDX not too long ago - and I pulled on him.

I am looking forward to driving the X3 2.5-liter.

After driving teh 3.0 X3 today, I would lean towards thinking the 2.5 may be a bit sluggish. 6 speed would be a must IMO. My impression was that the 3.0 in X3 did not seem to have the same "pop" as in the X5......any thoughts on why Or am I just a stupid

Originally Posted by Dr. Phil

After driving teh 3.0 X3 today, I would lean towards thinking the 2.5 may be a bit sluggish. 6 speed would be a must IMO. My impression was that the 3.0 in X3 did not seem to have the same "pop" as in the X5......any thoughts on why Or am I just a stupid

IIRC, the X5 has REALLY short gears.

I don't think the X3's are as short.

Anyhow, I'd wait for the E90's release... I suspect the X3 will get bigger engines then.

Originally Posted by Nick325xiT 5spd

IIRC, the X5 has REALLY short gears.

I don't think the X3's are as short.

Anyhow, I'd wait for the E90's release... I suspect the X3 will get bigger engines then.

I have a 325xiT with step. Where it feels especially sluggish (vs. the 3.0 in my manual sedan) is on the highway between 60 and 80. It lacks the umph you need to blow past nuisances and dangers on the road. The 3.0 in the sedan always has that extra power on demand, with the 2.5 you have to be patient as it lopes up to speed. Cruising is fine, exceleration is underwhelming.