Bmw x3

SurreyBear

Hi all
Have been looking at a nice BMW X3 2.0 SE. It's about six years old with 68k.
Does anyone have an X3? I've read reviews that say the ride is firm but when I test drove it wasn't particularly so.
Would just be interested in views and opinion!
SB

Woody._2

Why not just go for a decent 3 series? The X3 is hardly an off roader.

SurreyBear

I used to have a 3 series and loved it. I like the higher up driving position but yes, the 3 series is very much on the list!

Strider590

http://www.topgear.com/uk/bmw/x3

Wouldn't touch one with a barge pole..... If your gonna drive a BMW and have people inevitably thinking your a to55er, you could at least get a decent one.


Oh and....

missile

I tried an X3 and found the ride quality poor in comparison to other marks. Make sure you include a bumpy road in your test drive.

SurreyBear

Thanks all. Yes, I think it's looking for 3 series than X3. Not a fan of Clarkson or Top Gear anymore but what they say in that review about the ride is what all reviews say. Appreciate the feedback, thanks.

AdrianHi

A 3 series on a smooth road is a joy. The problem is many roads are not that smooth.
3 series about 5-6 years old and your lookng at the current shape E90 (3 series sallon). They use run flat tyres which have stiff sidewalls which keep you moving at a maximum speed of 50mph to get you somewhere for a replacement tyre. Problems with these are if a front tyre goes the car is nigh on impossible to steer so you need the breakdown service.
Stiff sidewalls means, despite BMW claims of tuning suspension accordingly, a bumpy ride on anything but the best road surfaces especially in the colder months of the year. Tram-lining is also evident.
You can fit standard tyres (I have) and then you get a better ride with very little tramling but it's still a firm ride. Fun on a twisty road.
We have an S-Max in the family now, based on a Ford Mondeo. For road use it is a much better blend of ride comfort and great handling so long as you keep the tyre pressures up a bit higher than the door car says. Ford have also manage to eliminate the worst FWD trait of torque steer with what they call a "torque vectoring" mechanism.