What do you think of the new BMW X3?

BW · 11-26-03, 10:00

In pictures, a stock X3 looks pretty bad with the non-integrated Hofmeister kink, overdone front bumper, and strange proportions. But I saw one up close today, and I think it looks pretty good. The strange details don't stand out in person. What do you think?

Here's a Mystic Blue one with some body add-ons (they really help):

BW · 11-26-03, 10:08

Hmm, does anyone else dislike how low the door handles are on the new 5 and X3? It's an attempt to make the hood line seem lower, but IMO, all it does is ruin that tightly-wrapped look of a 3-series.

bet993 · 11-27-03, 07:42

I think it is a better design than the newer 7's or z4. Bangle seems to be destroying the classic lines of BMW.

C-MDX · 11-27-03, 05:20

The design does look better than the new 5 and 7 but the body kit makes it even more attractive

adrianko43 · 11-27-03, 06:18

what is wrong with BMW now? They think just because BMW has a good name, and much prestige they can make a car ugly and still expect people to buy it. (i.e. the Z4, Z8, and the new concept Z9)

C-MDX · 11-27-03, 07:33

Quote:

Originally posted by adrianko43
what is wrong with BMW now? They think just because BMW has a good name, and much prestige they can make a car ugly and still expect people to buy it. (i.e. the Z4, Z8, and the new concept Z9)

That's why people buy it only because of the name

. Just like last generations MB E-class (yuck

), who likes a car like that anyway.

Quickstrike · 11-27-03, 07:52

Quote:

Originally posted by C-MDX
That's why people buy it only because of the name . Just like last generations MB E-class (yuck ), who likes a car like that anyway.

I still think BMW makes the best naturally-aspirated engines in the world.. M-Benz and Audi match or beat BMW's performance by turbo or super-charging their vehicles.

The steering/*feel* of the car when you drive it is unsurpassed also IMHO.

bet993 · 11-29-03, 02:13

The biggest problem I have with BMW right now is some of their styling and their seemingly blind devotion to the i-drive system. Styling comes and goes. I have always admired BMW (and Mercedes) for sticking to a formula that works. Mercedes went through a time (first version of CLK class cars) where I really did not like their styling. They have since “messaged” the look to a much more pleasing look.

BMW seems to be going through this problem right now. The 7 series has grown on me (except for that hideously huge rear end). However, I am very disappointed in the 5 series. I have always regarded the 5 series as the best looking BMW (the 7 was always so big it was difficult to deal with). However the 5 seem to sterile and too 7ish.

Styling is subjective and new designs grow on me so only time will tell. HOWEVER, i-drive is complete crap!!!!! I don’t want to have to access the computer to change the channel of the radio or to change the temperature of the climate control system. It takes way to much attention to do anything in the car. For being the “Ultimate Driving Machine” the i-drive takes away from the driving experience. I can’t believe they carried over this cumbersome overly teched piece of equipment into the 5 series. The driving gods are going to strike BMW down if this appears in the M5. I am also not a huge fan of the assisted steering system that seems to be making its way into all the cars. The feel is strange.

Don’t get me wrong BMW seems to be able to still get the performance you would expect. However, they seem to be losing the “soul” of the car. They are becoming more and more like appliances for speeds instead of the “Ultimate Driving Machine”. It seems the Germans are forgetting what made them the car manufacturers they are. Mercedes quality is way down, as is some of BMW’s. BMW is losing the “sport” feel to its cars. Porsche has watercooled and GTized (as in Grand Touring) the 911

and built a truck

For now they are all making good profits (well accept for MB) but can the maintain it as the core buyers for their products become disenchanted with these changes?

MBZ 500E · 12-01-03, 09:35

What Brian said!

Why can't we choose the options we want rather than having them shoved down our throats.

New cars inspire me to buy an older car and rebuild it, maybe it's time to start investing in restoration company stocks.

Regarding the X3, it looks pretty good. Not exactly my taste but not bad.

C-MDX · 12-01-03, 09:45

I just saw the car yesterday and it's as tiny as a CR-V

tkr128 · 12-01-03, 10:05

As much as I like the thought of an affordable BMW SUV, the X3 is not appealing to me. The styling is a little odd. I actually like some of the new BMW designs, but the X3 isn't pretty. They should've put in the same headlights from the 3 series, it would've made the front end much more pleasant. The cheap plastic bumpers also don't belong on a car in this price range. The interior on the other hand is nice looking and clean.

Just my opinion.

thinksnow · 12-05-03, 09:02

Some second-hand info--pick up the new C&D. These guys eat and sleep the spinning propeller but ripped both the 530i and the X3 apart. Bet993--styling is subjective, but boy-HOWDY did they ruin the understated muscularity of the 5!

I have yet to see or hear anyone who likes the i-Drive system; perhaps BMW is going the Pete-Repeat route by including it in the new 5.

Jacko is the King of Pop.
Jacko is the King of Pop.
Jacko is the King of Pop.
--eventually, you accept that Jacko is the King of Pop.

As many cars as BMW puts this in, I refuse to think of it as anything but dookie.

2 pennies.