BMW X3 Engine Choice Question

[brihamlin]

Here is a review on the X3: http://www.automedia.com/autoReviews...20040901x3.asp

They mention their are two engine choices. Is it worth the $6k more for the bigger engine? Anyone driven the 2.5liter?

[ChadEbert]

I own the 2.5 and it's great. I drove them both and couldn't see the extra 6 grand for the 3.0. We live in Southern CA and the 2.5 has plenty of get up and go and merging power for this area. I also have a house in Lake Arrowhead, about 6,500 foot climb to get there, and it does fine pulling the mountain roads. Save yourself 6 bills and go for the 2.5, we have no complaints.

[brihamlin]

Thanks, that's good news. It's a great looking vehicle but kind of pricey if you get the bigger engine. How is it on gas?

[ChadEbert]

Not bad, but not great. Been averaging 18 or so, that's mixed city/highway and being that it's southern CA, tons of stop and go traffic.

We had some annoyances at first with some dealer and warranty issues, but now that those are cleared up, it's a fun car. Very versatile, great utility car and what's cool about it is you can also fling it around a corner like a sports car and you don't feel like you'll end up on the roof.

Let me know if you get one. Good luck!

CME

[walovej]

I just purchased my X3 2.5 in September and I absolutely love it. Same as the others, I just couldn't see paying that much extra for a bit bigger engine. If I wanted a bigger engine I would have gone with the 4Runner. There is nothing like the BMW pep and handling. I owned a couple of used BMW's in the 90's but bought a 4Runner in 2000. After a few years, I needed back into the BMW family. I wouldn't trade the X3 for anything! Have fun and let us know what you think.

[ChadEbert]

Glad to see that someone else likes their 2.5. Like I said in another post, I had a few ticky tacky issues when I first got it, but now it's fine. Altho I think my panorama roof is acting up again, it doesn't sound like its closed all the way anymore, lots of wind noise at highway speed. Other than that, have fun and enjoy it!

[BMW Phanatic]

Like I said in another post, I've got a 2.5 and have no probs with the power. Like many others have said, there isn't enough power in the 3.0 to justify the extra coin. If there was a bigger performance difference then maybe......