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      07-03-2007, 01:08 PM   #1
pato610
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Better winter companion to your sports coupe - X3 or X5?

Hey Guys,

My Dad and I both drive coupes (BMW for me, Porsche for him), and we're looking to get an SUV just to have something bigger / better in the winter for when we go skiing or the snow is heavy.

My question is will the X3 be sufficient for driving in heavy snow / carrying 4 adults with ski gear, or should we look at the X5? The new X5 seems big, and is a lot more money..

Any input is appreciated, thanks!
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      07-03-2007, 01:28 PM   #2
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I have an x3 to go with my 335... I love the x3, its GREAT in the snow... the x5 seems a bit too heavy, it kinda plows to a stop, i have driven both in the snow, and prefer the x3

as for size, the x3 has plenty of room, but the rear is not as comfortable as the x5
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      07-03-2007, 01:50 PM   #3
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X5, a "real" SUV in snow...
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      07-03-2007, 02:03 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by achien View Post
X5, a "real" SUV in snow...
if I may be so bold

what makes the X5 "real" vs the X3?

they have the same AWD setup, I can only imagine they've got the same or similar tires

what makes the X5 more snow worthy in your opinion?
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      07-03-2007, 02:20 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ward View Post
if I may be so bold

what makes the X5 "real" vs the X3?

they have the same AWD setup, I can only imagine they've got the same or similar tires

what makes the X5 more snow worthy in your opinion?
OK, may be not the current model of X5 and X3 where they shared the same platform. But in previous models, the entire frame of the X5 and X3 is different.

The old model of X3 is only a "jack-up" version of a 3-series, using the same frame as a 3-series and added a higher suspension. It was re-using 3-series components as opposed to re-design like the old X5.
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      07-03-2007, 04:38 PM   #6
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How does the size of X3 compare to RX330?
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      07-03-2007, 04:43 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by achien View Post
OK, may be not the current model of X5 and X3 where they shared the same platform. But in previous models, the entire frame of the X5 and X3 is different.

The old model of X3 is only a "jack-up" version of a 3-series, using the same frame as a 3-series and added a higher suspension. It was re-using 3-series components as opposed to re-design like the old X5.
I guess I don't understand what you're getting at


the X5 is based on the 5 (a lifted 5 series), X3 based on the 3 (a lifted 3 series) right?

so the 5 is better in the snow over the 3?
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      07-04-2007, 12:31 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ward View Post
I guess I don't understand what you're getting at


the X5 is based on the 5 (a lifted 5 series), X3 based on the 3 (a lifted 3 series) right?

so the 5 is better in the snow over the 3?
No, the previous version of X5 is based on a total re-design of a SUV, not a lifted 5-series. That is the main reason why they were a few years late to the SUV game (back in 1999/2000).

When the 3-series came out back in 2003/2004, you can easily tell it is a lifted 3-series with make-shift parts installed camouflaged as an SUV. My friend has a 330xi and he wanted to change it to an X3 back then. Both of us went to the dealership and examine the car in detail and we agreed it is a lifted version of a 3-series.

Of course, this was back in 2003 when the X3 just came out, the current re-design is much more aligned to a "real" SUV.

Quote:
Originally Posted by GTownUDM View Post
How does the size of X3 compare to RX330?
BTW, the Lexus RX300/RX330 is also a lifted version of a wagon, where as the LX470 design, like the X5, starts with a SUV concept.
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      07-04-2007, 12:34 PM   #9
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x5 looks better.... lol
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      07-04-2007, 12:42 PM   #10
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the best companion is to have aa 335xi

But in your predicament I'd reccomend an x3 ski gear on a roof rack on top 4 adults are no problem. The x3 is more nimble and sits on a 3 series platform that is much more connected to the road...as long as you dont get SPORT package with summer tires you'll be fine in almost all weather.
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      07-04-2007, 01:53 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KEVIN88GT View Post
the best companion is to have aa 335xi

But in your predicament I'd reccomend an x3 ski gear on a roof rack on top 4 adults are no problem. The x3 is more nimble and sits on a 3 series platform that is much more connected to the road...as long as you dont get SPORT package with summer tires you'll be fine in almost all weather.
I agree. I have a 2007 X3 with sport package as well (it comes with all season performance tires not summer). My friends and I snowboard quite a bit during the winter. Add a Thule roof rack and the load the vehicle with passengers and you're good to go. We get tons of snow in upstate New York, and the X3 has never failed me once (even during heavy snow fall driving up to killington). FWIW... my coupe did relatively well in the snow with a good set of snow tires.:rocks:
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      07-04-2007, 01:55 PM   #12
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X5 > X3 obviously. I would love to have a X5. Go with what your budget allows you to comfortably. The new suspension on the X5 is amazing. The ride is SOOO much better.
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      07-04-2007, 11:00 PM   #13
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4Runner!!

I have an '05 4Runner in addition to my 335i coupe and it's the best wintertime vehicle around. I guarantee it will handle snow/ice wayyy better than the X3 and X5. On my way up to Whistler last winter I was dusting X5s and Cayennes left and right.
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      07-04-2007, 11:14 PM   #14
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X5. If you're talking about 4 adults with snowboards and gear, the X5 will hold it and the passengers comfortably. I like the looks of both actually, but the X5 is just a bit more aggressive to me and draws my attention more.
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      07-05-2007, 07:26 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GTownUDM View Post
How does the size of X3 compare to RX330?
The X3 is based on the E46 platform. As far as size, the two models are very comparable. The RX has more cargo room, just because it is a little bigger, and the rear seats can recline and move forwards and backwards; an option the X3 doesn't have. The X3 definitely is more fun to drive, but given the family budget and the options available on the RX, for the same amount of money we took the RX instead (wife really appreciates the power rear hatch).

Back to the original question, the previous generation X5 actually had LESS cargo room than the X3. However, if you are talking about the new X5, it is definitely bigger, but so is the price. You can get some really good lease prices on an X3, but the X5 will be a lot more ($400/month vs. $650/month, or $9000 over 36 months) And the new X3s also have the new engines with the upgraded hp.
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      07-05-2007, 08:20 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SoCal_PDX 335i View Post
I have an '05 4Runner in addition to my 335i coupe and it's the best wintertime vehicle around. I guarantee it will handle snow/ice wayyy better than the X3 and X5. On my way up to Whistler last winter I was dusting X5s and Cayennes left and right.
That's because they don't want to end up on the ditch with a vehicle twice as expensive as yours.

I was in Whistler back in '99 driving a "real" 4-wheel drive Ford Explorer. You will be surprised how many Audi's ended up on the ditch.

You can not defy the laws of physics even if you have 4-wheel drive.
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      07-05-2007, 08:50 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SoCal_PDX 335i View Post
I have an '05 4Runner in addition to my 335i coupe and it's the best wintertime vehicle around. I guarantee it will handle snow/ice wayyy better than the X3 and X5. On my way up to Whistler last winter I was dusting X5s and Cayennes left and right.

I have the 4runner sport v8, and will add the 335i coupe for my 3 seasons worth of fun.

Every BMW dealer wanted to take it in on a trade. NO WAY!

In the winter I will add all season performance tires to the 335i. not true winter tires, because of the 4 runner.
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      07-05-2007, 10:15 AM   #18
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+1 As far as off-road and snow goes, you can't beat the Toyota 4Runner or its luxury brother the Lexus GX470 IMO.
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      07-05-2007, 10:20 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by achien View Post
No, the previous version of X5 is based on a total re-design of a SUV, not a lifted 5-series. That is the main reason why they were a few years late to the SUV game (back in 1999/2000).

When the 3-series came out back in 2003/2004, you can easily tell it is a lifted 3-series with make-shift parts installed camouflaged as an SUV. My friend has a 330xi and he wanted to change it to an X3 back then. Both of us went to the dealership and examine the car in detail and we agreed it is a lifted version of a 3-series.

Of course, this was back in 2003 when the X3 just came out, the current re-design is much more aligned to a "real" SUV.
The "new" X3 is a facelifted old X3. Still E46 chassis...
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      07-05-2007, 03:01 PM   #20
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not a fan of the x3. had one as a loaner, and i couldnt complain, but i wouldnt buy one. It is a great car, I dont like "baby" SUVs.

4.8 X5s are just more baller.
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      07-05-2007, 05:00 PM   #21
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I have a X3 and it works well. I may buy it after the lease runs out. But I may replace my wife's MDX with a new X5. This is really due to size reasons. The X3 is a little small if you have kids. The new X5 is bigger, but still smaller than a MDX.

If it is a matter of driving in the snow, I have driven my X3 in everything, and it works great, even with all season tires.
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      07-05-2007, 05:03 PM   #22
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i personally like the looks of the x5 more than the x3........so if money is not an issue go for the x5
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