talizman

iTrader: (1)

The wife collected her new car yesterday, a 3.0d X3.

She initially wanted an X5 but when you compare the two, the X3 seems like the smarter option.

An obvious benefit of the X3 is that its cheaper, but it also wins in other areas.

The 3.0d lump is identical in both cars yet the X3 is 300kg lighter than the X5. Makes the 0-60 dash around 7 seconds as opposed to 8 for the X5 and fuel consumption should be slightly better due to weight.

The X3's boot is 480 litres versus 465 litres in the X5. I couldn't believe this!

The X3's track is 115mm wider than the X5 and it's also 66mm shorter (height), so wider track and lower centre of gravity should make it handle better.

I'd have preferred a 535d touring but she didn't go for it.

Overall it seems like a smart "baby" jeep, nicely specced and pulls along nicely.

My only concern is, that after owning a 330d (E46) and driving 530d (E60) at work, the power delivery in the X3 is definitely different. I appreciate that its heavier than both saloons but does anyone know if its mapped differently, as the power if definitely delivered in a different manner. Both saloons feel really strong when floored in 3rd gear, I wonder if a remap is the order of the day.....

Any thoughts?

Stryder

I think it's a standard map for all the 3.0d badged 30d. Would ensure that the MAF is working correctly as these are known to let go on these engines. Had a 530d sport myself and I needed to replace 2!!

drb5

iTrader: (4)

New X3 is out in January, so i expect the value to drop a bit on the X3's

We're currently on the market for an X5, but i doubt i could afford the 3.0D X3 and they are so thin on the ground.....totally see your point in getting one, for those reasons and i'm sure i'd probably have done the same.

Get some pics up!

talizman

iTrader: (1)

Just for you mate!

moneys

iTrader: (5)

we were seriously looking at one of these as the wife loved it, to be honest i wasnt a fan of the styling but i wa pursuaded by the 3ltr diesel, in the end though we went for the Lexus Rx and im so happy we did as its bloody amazing car and the standard kit is much better than any other crossover suv we looked at

drb5

iTrader: (4)

Nice one John! Trade the Megane in, or still got that?

Ah Machargs! Was the car a "managers special"?

talizman

iTrader: (1)

Yeah traded the Megane Dave, with a 4 year old and another one due in 5 weeks, the R26 didn't really tick the boxes!

Christ, do Machargs do specials? lol

I'm really liking it though, not as cumbersome as the X5, nor does it have the same stereotype image issue (spoiled housewives and drug dealers ), although I think a remap is on the cards, 45bhp and 100Nm for £359, yes please!

drb5

iTrader: (4)

Congrats.....and good luck!

Their stickers say they they do lol, but it is rather questionable.

Yer a remap is the way to go! Seems strange for a big diesel 4x4 to be as quick as they are. lol Where will you get it done?

scooby L

Good luck,

Great engine but also known issues with mafs and failing oil pumps

talizman

iTrader: (1)

Not sure yet mate, maybe Alien Performance in Dumbarton, they do Evolution Chips.

Also looked at e-maps, they seem to get a good rep.

Any suggestions?

Pity Andy F doesn't do them! lol

drb5

iTrader: (4)

Never heard of Alien Performance mate.

Heard Emaps are good yer, but not sure of price? If i were you, i might have considered Bluefin.

talizman

iTrader: (1)

Well a weird thing has happened....

I've been away during the week with work and the cars been with the wife. I came home on Friday and its driving like a different machine!

It revs freely and pulls like a train compared to when I left last Sunday.

It now feels very much like my old E46 330d, very strong through the midrange and keeps on pulling.

I searched online and I've read a lot about the BMW maps being "smart" and adapting to the style of driving. This car is a one elderly owner, so perhaps it was driven softly its entire life till we woke it up?

Either way, I'm not so concerned with a remap quite yet, not until it starts to get a bit boring anyway.

sti-04!!

John, did you get it from machargs ? Nice car. I gather your in traffic now due to the E60 comment?

talizman

iTrader: (1)

Yeah Stephen got it from Machargs, hardly any 3.0d sports around.

Not in traffic, just did a course that used E60's

sti-04!!

Nice car John, i'm now on my 3rd 535d Its another tourer so perfect dog chariot.
Enjoy

grovesy

"She initially wanted an X5 but when you compare the two, the X3 seems like the smarter option."

The X3 is the smarter option if you have your mind set on a 4x4 and it has to be a BMW and you wont pay money for a decent one. also you dont mind having a sick feeling in your stomach every time you see a Range Rover drive past.

Matteeboy

STi-04 - just ordered a Hatchbag for my 335d Tourer - my current boot liner is a bit basic and a bit cr4p.

Might be useful for your 535d (and/or an X3)? Very nicely made and a perfect fit.

http://www.hatchbag.co.uk/product.php?xProd=169

Grovesy - not really any need is there? Oh hang on, you're a shaven headed gym monkey with an FTO - that explains it...

talizman

iTrader: (1)

@ matteeboy

grovesy

I havent got an FTO ????

rotofanatic

Nice. I'm personally waiting to test drive the X1 when it comes to the states. Might pick that up for the wife.

alien performance

hello there yeah i can remap your bmw i am a dealer for msd ie evolution chips nice to be here any ? please ask or go to our site www.alienperformance.co.uk hope i can post the website and not get into trouble with admin

Trout

iTrader: (1)

Let's see how long this post lasts

G00ner

If he can't find the shift key then I really don't think I'd be letting him look at a paper map.