BMW x3
Thinking about an x3 at the end of the year. Does anyone tow with one, either the 2ltr or 3 ltr. Currently tow a Lunar Clubman sb mget 1450 kg, with a BMW 520 gt. Must admit it tows the van like a dream. It's either an x3 or An Audi Q5. Would value your
opinions.
Comments
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New Q5 due out soon I think ... so bargains possibly to be had on the old one.
I looked at both when I bought my current car but 'showroom apathy' in several Audi and a couple of BMW showrooms saw me winging my way to a Volvo dealership who did want to sell me a car and didn't think I had two heads because I would be towing a caravan!
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Never driven one, but see many reports saying the ride quality on the X3 is not all that good, it is not very good off the road in even simple terrain, and there are better small SUV's on the market. Mind you, that could have been down to sporty tyres on
the press release ones.As ever, drive both and make your own mind up!
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I have a 2.0 litre x3 auto. Standard wheels and tyres and ride quality is fine IMO good stable towcar.
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It was the first gen X3 I read about. I read it a few times, in different mags, Top Gear, Autocar I think, probably the same car with Sport wheels & low profiles!
new ones are cheap to run though, aren't they?
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I tow a 1500kg caravan with a 2ltr X3 Automatic. Tows extremely well and rarely drops out of top gear (6 speed box) and does about 28mpg with the van on the back. Ride is very good. and have never had a problem on soggy sites. Very stable tug and comfortable
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The later ones (approx 2011 onwards ) are 8 speed autos.
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Had both the X3 and X5 as loan and demo cars in the last 6 months and we would not swap our 520GT for one. the ride was bouncy and wobbly in both and not a relaxing drive On A roads in rural areas. Why can't BMW sort out the dampers on their 4x4? Yes,
driving position a little higher and more preferable but not by much and not worth the swap.The 8 speed auto however is a must. We have never needed 4x 4 capability for towing or road so sticking with the GT for a better drive by far. If you want a more
relaxing and less bumpy 4x 4 try Volvo! All just a matter of personal preference as usual then....0 -
We currently tow our Coachman VIP 460/2 (1500kg ) with our 2012 2litre 8 speed auto X3 184hp. Have towed extensively and have found towing excellent ( 30 mpg towing ). Serviced at BMW dealer which is important. We have to remind ourselves sometimes that
we are towing. Excellent Tow Car0 -
I would imagine that there are lots of large saloon cars (including the BMW 5 series) that would tow just as well as an X3 but would also be a nice car to drive solo.
I have never quite seen the point of these little 'pretend 4x4's' like the X3, Audi Q5 etc.
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I would imagine that there are lots of large saloon cars (including the BMW 5 series) that would tow just as well as an X3 but would also be a nice car to drive solo.
I have never quite seen the point of these little 'pretend 4x4's' like the X3, Audi Q5 etc.
Write your comments here...There not 4x4 but AWD, a lot lighter smaller and economical compared to the larger SUV's
The high riding position and ease of getting in and out makes them popular with older people, my xtrail was brilliant when the inlaws were alive, nothing like the Audi quattro avant i had which was painful for them to get in and out.
They also give a decent kerbweight and often a high noseweight limit. Clear now?
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.... Serviced at BMW dealer which is important. ....
Why?
Write your comments here...Chap on a Mazda forum had his turbo go just 3 months out of warranty, not serviced at Mazda, so they don't want to know, otherwise i can confidently say they would contributed to the costs.
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.... Serviced at BMW dealer which is important. ....
Why?
Write your comments here...Chap on a Mazda forum had his turbo go just 3 months out of warranty, not serviced at Mazda, so they don't want to know, otherwise i can confidently say they would contributed to the costs.
BMW.dont buy in oem turbo units as Mazda do for the Cx5,s hence the well documented turbo failures on cx5,s. As there is no guarantee of oem parts being available after initial model build there is a very real risk that you take when you buy a car with a significant component made by some other manufacturers usually less well ...any engine is only as good as the weakest link...Sadly for some a bit late when you discover it just out of warranty
Tj
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.... Serviced at BMW dealer which is important. ....
Why?
Write your comments here...Chap on a Mazda forum had his turbo go just 3 months out of warranty, not serviced at Mazda, so they don't want to know, otherwise i can confidently say they would contributed to the costs.
BMW.dont buy in oem turbo units as Mazda do for the Cx5,s hence the well documented turbo failures on cx5,s. As there is no guarantee of oem parts being available after initial model build there is a very real risk that you take when you buy a car with a significant component made by some other manufacturers usually less well ...any engine is only as good as the weakest link...Sadly for some a bit late when you discover it just out of warranty
Tj
.I am on my second cx-5 with no turbo failure, so i'm not sure how you define common.
Nissan T30 was also said to have common turbo failure, but again i had two over (one a T31) 9 years with zero turbo failures, so again whats common?
Nissan did give a 5 year warranty on the turbos though as they do on the CVT.
Its said that BMW also has turbo failures, but again is that common.
What is common is that all manufacturers will not support cars out of warranty unless they are serviced by the main dealer. So it makes sense to use them for at least the first three services.
I have a 3 year 3 services plan foe £299, same as BMW offered some time ago, i don't think an independent can match that.
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The Germans have never mastered the art of suspension design so gave up fitting it years ago.
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I would generally agree with you XTM in regard to service whilst in warranty period. I very nearly bought a Cx5 early in 2012. Back then my only criticism was the poor quality interior and the fact the dealer was unable to supply my preferred 175 sport awd for 16 weeks !......so pleased I didn't. Mazda diesels continue to be plagued by oil dilution/ rise/dpf /crankshaft and crankcase problems undoubtedly associated with the dpf operation . With many owners suffering fairly extensive rebuilds to rectify them. They may make stylish cars but their diesel engines are bettered by pretty well everyone I'm afraid.
Tj
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The early cars do suffer from problems, but not the later ones as yet.
Oil changes every 7K miles is essential IMO. My latest one is due for service next week, oil rise is now less than my first cx-5 but i still get around 6 to 8mm over the 7K miles i do a year.
It really is a great engine which sounds a contradiction, which is why i bought another, its also expected to tow 1636 kg next year, which i expect it too with ease.
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