|
|
|
|
|
|
BMW Garage | BMW Meets | Register | Search | Today's Posts | Mark Forums Read |
|
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum
>
Better winter companion to your sports coupe - X3 or X5?
|
|
07-03-2007, 01:08 PM | #1 |
TiAg E92 328xi
10
Rep 67
Posts |
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! |
07-03-2007, 01:28 PM | #2 |
271
Rep 6,510
Posts |
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 |
Appreciate
0
|
07-03-2007, 02:03 PM | #4 |
Major General
151
Rep 6,158
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-03-2007, 02:20 PM | #5 | |
AC
95
Rep 2,387
Posts |
Quote:
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.
__________________
Your Supreme Leader
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-03-2007, 04:43 PM | #7 | |
Major General
151
Rep 6,158
Posts |
Quote:
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? |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-04-2007, 12:31 PM | #8 | |
AC
95
Rep 2,387
Posts |
Quote:
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. 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.
__________________
Your Supreme Leader
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-04-2007, 12:34 PM | #9 |
Da Kid
121
Rep 4,576
Posts |
x5 looks better.... lol
__________________
MODS: OEM Front Splitter | ACS Roof Spoiler | OEM Trunk Spoiler | Matt Black Front Grill | Black Shadowline Window Trim | Painted Front Lower Rod | Blacklines | JDM Yellow Fogs | Custom Silver CF Headlights with LUX 4.0 | Eisenhaus Sports Exhaust |
Appreciate
0
|
07-04-2007, 12:42 PM | #10 |
Captain
83
Rep 793
Posts |
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.
__________________
Now: '11 BMW X5 xDrive35i
Then: '07 X3 3.0si '07 335xi '06 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro |
Appreciate
0
|
07-04-2007, 01:53 PM | #11 | |
Private First Class
23
Rep 134
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-04-2007, 01:55 PM | #12 |
General
530
Rep 18,123
Posts |
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.
__________________
Current: 2010 Alpine White 335D LCI l 19" BBS LMs l KW V2 Coilovers l BMW Performance Grilles l MSport Front/Rear l Karbonwerke Trunk l F1 Pinnacle Tint 35% Former: E92 Space Grey 335i Latest pics |
Appreciate
0
|
07-04-2007, 11:00 PM | #13 |
Enlisted Member
0
Rep 42
Posts
Drives: 2008 Space Gray E92 Coupe
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Manhattan Bch, CA/Portland, OR
|
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.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-04-2007, 11:14 PM | #14 |
Lieutenant General
1500
Rep 17,360
Posts |
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.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2007, 07:26 AM | #15 |
Private First Class
16
Rep 193
Posts |
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.
__________________
2007 E93 335i Alpine White Auto/CPP/ZPP/ZSP 2012 CT200H 2009 X5 Workhorse/Kidmobile |
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2007, 08:20 AM | #16 | |
AC
95
Rep 2,387
Posts |
Quote:
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.
__________________
Your Supreme Leader
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2007, 08:50 AM | #17 | |
Captain
93
Rep 755
Posts |
Quote:
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. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2007, 10:15 AM | #18 |
Lieutenant Colonel
629
Rep 1,755
Posts |
+1 As far as off-road and snow goes, you can't beat the Toyota 4Runner or its luxury brother the Lexus GX470 IMO.
__________________
18? Camaro 2SS 1LE
16' M3 MG Ext. /SO Int. (DCT, Ohlin R/T, 19" wheels) 15' Audi S4 13' Audi TTRS (APR stage 1, MSS springs) 09' C6 Z06 08' M3 Interlagos Blue: 6sp, Tech. |
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2007, 10:20 AM | #19 | |
Colonel
428
Rep 2,522
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-05-2007, 05:00 PM | #21 |
Private First Class
2
Rep 125
Posts |
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.
__________________
11 E70 x35D
07 E92 335i* 05 E83 X3 3.0* 02 E39 540i* * Retired/Sold |
Appreciate
0
|
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|