X3 or wagon

Originally Posted by UncleJ

With a baby due next month -- the X3 now is the best bet. You will need the increased cabin room for all the baby stuff -- amazing how much impedimentia the little folks need -- or Mom "says they need"! Just be sure when you buy your infant seat it will fit in the back seat of the X3 -- most baby places will allow you to "fit the seat" before you buy. I hate to mention this -- but now your "911 days" are over, you will be looking at more practical transportation (dare I say it -- like MiniVans in the future) so hard riding sports suspensions (that make baby wake up) are verboten. In a few years you can get your "911" again while the wife drives the van.

^ THIS!

If you're leaning over to the Audi, I can't help you. But I own a 2011 3-series sportswagon. Great car (wish it had the 35 engine)... but the X3 will give you more height and a larger "box" area in the rear which will come in very handy with all the baby stuff you WILL be hauling around! It also has more room in the rear seat - easier to get your baby seat in and out. I know this from experience. Don't wait - get all those great incentives right now and land your best deal on the X3.

Doug

This is a BMW forum board so of course thre's some bias. I will say that the Q5 has this funky cargo cover that's removable. It's poorly engineered because when you remove it it doesn't fit properly in the vehicle to be stored.

I do like the Q5- just like the X3 better.

Went ahead and ordered the X3! Couldn't wait for the wagon and I figure I would need the extra space.

Ordered:
X3 28i
Space Grey
Premium Package
Technology Package
M-Sport Package
Dynamic Handling Package
Convenience Package

I may have a chance to mod the configuration -- can anyone give me some quick feedback on BMW Apps? That's the only other thing I was considering.

removed by poster

All those options and you are getting the 4 cylinder? Get the 6.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Bimmer App

The 35i is obviously the stronger performer out of the 2. But if you're not concerned with outright performance the 2.8i is a great choice. Regardless of whats stated these vehicles are at the head of their class, and present a great value against competitors, equally so against other BMW models..

This is my 12th BMW and I am not disappointed with the F25

Originally Posted by zerovector

Went ahead and ordered the X3! Couldn't wait for the wagon and I figure I would need the extra space.

Ordered:
X3 28i
Space Grey
Premium Package
Technology Package
M-Sport Package
Dynamic Handling Package
Convenience Package

I may have a chance to mod the configuration -- can anyone give me some quick feedback on BMW Apps? That's the only other thing I was considering.

Great choices! Space Gray is one of my favorite colors. The reason I recommend adding BMW Apps is that it's only $250 and it's a factory option. Even if you don't think you'll use it now you may wish you have it later.

Originally Posted by ErnestHouse

With all due respect, you are nuts considering a BMW. This vehicle is a flash in the pan. You wont remember it. Go get a reliable Honda or ACURA that just goes and goes. Spend your time with your family and invest it in your child, not running to a dealer for maintenance of a fussy car. Put any money you save toward college. Get the Bimmer when they go to college. Sorry.... Mr reality check here.

None of us know one another's financial situation. Zerovector may be very financially sound so we shouldn't be making judgements like this of one another in my opinion.

ErnestHouse, I do think you've added a great deal to this forum and appreciate your commentaries- except for this one.

Originally Posted by ErnestHouse

Go get a reliable Honda or ACURA that just goes and goes...

So you got a Nissan . Honda? Yeah, how about that recent recall for the roll-away problem? Have you never knew a person that had a horrible experience with Honda/Acura? I have. Every manufacturer has it's warts.

I think a clear reading of my post shows it's addressing time and is nothing about the financial standing of the OP.

Originally Posted by leewtech

All those options and you are getting the 4 cylinder? Get the 6.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Bimmer App

I did consider the 35i, but the N20 felt plenty strong for me. If there was a huge difference I definitely would have gone 35i. I guess an added bonus is some better gas mileage

Originally Posted by ErnestHouse

With all due respect, you are nuts considering a BMW. This vehicle is a flash in the pan. You wont remember it. Go get a reliable Honda or ACURA that just goes and goes. Spend your time with your family and invest it in your child, not running to a dealer for maintenance of a fussy car. Put any money you save toward college. Get the Bimmer when they go to college. Sorry.... Mr reality check here.

I evaluated some far cheaper alternatives (RDX, CRV, RAV4, CX5) but they all had features I didn't like.

In my opinion:
RAV-4 - didn't like the design.
CRV - was too vanilla, handling was average
RDX - Just ok (preferred the older turbo motor), interior was too cheap
CX-5 - SOOOO slow. Handling was ok but the thing needs another 50 hp.

I can assure you that I'm not going to the poorhouse for this vehicle My 3-series is currently @ 151k miles and is almost 10 years old. It is still running just as strong as the day I got it. I take great care of my vehicles and I'm not entirely convinced at this point that BMW's are just fussy cars. A lemon is a lemon and can happen to any car from any company.

Fair enough. You're right about those other vehicles. Apologies for being so blunt.

I did consider the 35i, but the N20 felt plenty strong for me. If there was a huge difference I definitely would have gone 35i. I guess an added bonus is some better gas mileage

Just to inject some facts....they 4 cylinder does NOT get better mileage in the X3 by any measurable amount over the 6. Remember it is has less power so it has to work harder to move all that mass and the X3 is NOT a lightweight.

I've been seeing reports of low 20's for MPG's on the 4 and I get a consistent 24-26 mpg on the 6 with a 40/60 split city/highway.

Sorry, there is a big difference in power between the two and for me the X3 is better suited to the larger engine. Sounds better, performance is up, and it is a proven long term runner for the company.

Originally Posted by leewtech

Just to inject some facts....they 4 cylinder does NOT get better mileage in the X3 by any measurable amount over the 6. Remember it is has less power so it has to work harder to move all that mass and the X3 is NOT a lightweight.

I've been seeing reports of low 20's for MPG's on the 4 and I get a consistent 24-26 mpg on the 6 with a 40/60 split city/highway.

Sorry, there is a big difference in power between the two and for me the X3 is better suited to the larger engine. Sounds better, performance is up, and it is a proven long term runner for the company.

I do agree the 6 cylinder is great on that vehicle. However, the 28i doesn't feel that sluggish in my opinion.

I've heard conflicting reports on the gas mileage as well, I guess YMMV depending on driving habits and situations.

Originally Posted by ErnestHouse

With all due respect, you are nuts considering a BMW. This vehicle is a flash in the pan. You wont remember it. Go get a reliable Honda or ACURA that just goes and goes. Spend your time with your family and invest it in your child, not running to a dealer for maintenance of a fussy car. Put any money you save toward college. Get the Bimmer when they go to college. Sorry.... Mr reality check here.

Wow, if BMW's were really that bad I don't think they would be selling any. My X3 is my first BMW and I have had it now for 13 months and I have been to the dealer 1 time, for an oil change.