F25 X3 xDrive20d SE - Ownership Thread

Good result.

 

Interesting on two counts: firstly, I've just had a new screen fitted. I won't go into the breakages except to say that the second chap who came to fix the problem really excelled himself and promoted the capability of AutoGlass. I hope there won't be any leakages.

Secondly is seeing real world mpg figures - mine is stable at 33mpg, no matter what I do with it.

 

Just had my first longish run, not all that far but 160 miles each way. Cross-country, no motorways, a fair amount of traffic, keeping to the speed limits because the traffic gave no option, 43 mpg indicated, which has been calibrated, so not far out. I thought that pretty good for 3 litres and a big chunky body. I don't think I would have got that out of the original Mini.

 

I thought I would look in on this thread.

I sold my F25 X3 back in the spring, and actually sold it to my Dad. He borrowed it when I was advertising his ML350 for him, and he fell for it big time. So he had it off me.

I swapped for a Mercedes E350 3.5 V6 petrol Estate, I was missing having a petrol car.
If BMW had offered the 35/40i X3 I would have got one, but they didn't, and there was nothing else in the range I honestly fancied.
I tried a 30d and 35d but as nice as there are they still weren't what I wanted.
I had a C320cdi Sport Estate as our other car and really did like it, so when this E350 petrol came up I grabbed it. And I do love it.

However, I took the X3 out the other day again and thought how much I did like it when I had it, just the engine that I felt let it down.
So I decided to have a look at 6cyl E83s on Autotrader, started looking on Monday as I had a day off, found one, did a deal over the phone on Tuesday and collected it on Friday. Got to say I am loving it!
Also, nice to have a car that owes you sod all, no monthly payments, no depreciation etc. etc. I wish I wasn't such a car snob and could have all my cars at this age, but do like my newer cars with the tech they offer.


Surprisingly the E83 feels much more solid and the steering is spot on, I forgot just how nice the older hydraulic steering was/is.
And the seats are much nicer in the E83 too.
But the looks and tech in the F25 will be missed.
If I could have an F25 with the NA 3.0i or the 40i engine I would be in heaven, but alas BMW say "No".

Maybe the new one will offer it? I hope so, as I did love the F25.

 

The 4.0i is a stonking engine, I very nearly bought a 340i touring as it made such a good noise and was the ultimate car for me. But the missus said NO

 

So what engine in the E83 Guy? My son still runs the 3.0sd and it runs well. I rate it highly.

With the current change in views on diesel, perhaps BMW will offer a petrol option once again in the X3. The new B58 engine would be a dream motor.

I understand the desire to be driving a petrol. I'm still running my F11 535i and it satisfies and makes me smile each time I drive.

Peter

 

I have nothing against diesels as such, just that I like petrols so much more and I don't tend to get bored of them like I do with my diesels.

It is the M54 Peter, pretty much bullet proof so made sense in an older car.

 

Spuff, you really should consider a CRD-T+ tuning box, it absolutely transformed the 20d X3, the difference was amazing.

They crop up on eBay all the time, and as long as they are for a BMW diesel it will be fine, even if it says 18d or 30d etc.

But look out for the T+ model, that sits on the boost rail as well.

When you think it takes you within 1/2 a second of 30d performance, it shows how much difference it makes.

 

Really enjoyed wading through this thread , my thoughts on the X3 are as follows ...

This is my first 4 X 4 of any description. I have always been into quiet fast BMW's , but the typical fast saloon was getting boring and I fancied a change.
My brother bought a Range Rover sport 7 months previously, and whilst I admired it's road presence it didn't appeal to my driver senses.
So I looked at the Jaguar F pace and whilst it looks great on the outside I found the driving experience a little lacking.
The XC90, Audi Q7 and X5 were just too big to have fun in, much like my brothers RR Sport.
So it was between the X3 and Q5.
I drove a few in each guise but the only sure winner was the M sport derivative. Luckily for me , Mrs Pinewood agreed.
I had sold my much loved 530d but was determined to buy the right vehicle rather than rush into a quicky purchase.
My options lists was pretty simple - prof media and Bi Xenons. Everything else would be a bonus.
7 months later after work I was just about to shut down the laptop and looked one last time .... what was this? A 30d with 3550 miles on the clock- surely not- a quick ring and I was booked in for a viewing at 1pm Saturday afternoon. The rest as they say is history.
Many times I almost settled on the X20d but the Mrs said no wait. You have come from a 530d so the lower power unit will not keep you happy > how right she was.
This engine,mated to the 8 speed auto gearbox is sublime. I can drive like Miss Daisy if I choose, or act like a hooligan in sport+ mode and gearbox in sports setting. This vehicle is quicker than my 530d yet returns an average MPG of 36.5mpg!
The kids and wife love it's looks and exclusivity (we have many Merc and RR sport in the family stable), but none can compare with the X3.
A close friend has a X5 M50d and he reckons my X3 is almost as quick, which says so much about the poise of the 3.0d engine
So glad I waited for the right car, the plan is to keep her for many a year.


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It's reading threads like these that piqued my interest in the F25. That and the fact the Mrs likes the higher driving position (or conversely just doesn't like the low slung position of the E91) that will mean an X3 is a strong contender for being my next car - whenever that will be!

Also you know my car's proof that the N47 engine is very capable and will go a long way if looked after

 

You have inspired me to write up my experiences with the X3. I will start a separate thread


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Those premuims aren't bad I think. IIRC I was paying about £45 a month with a £250 excess when I had my insured warranty. 6 months later I heard the timing chain going funny. Paid the excess and got a bottom end engine rebuild with many new parts! It was a lifesaver. The dealer said the cost came out to around £5k which is the limit of the driveline warranty.

 

That does look reasonable with the £250 excess.


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Yes, that does look reasonable.

If I remember correctly @kleynie paid (or is paying) a lot more. Am I correct Ian?

 

I was paying £87 per month with £100 excess on my old 2012 530d GT with just under 50k miles. I believe it gets even higher at 50k?
I can't fathom how they get to these figures, is a GT really that much more to repair than an X3?