I'm going to test drive the X3 this weekend and will check that out. I'd love a X5M or even a M50, but even CPO will be way outside my budget. |
We had a three series wagon when our kids were that age and it worked well. |
Good luck with the maintenance on that twin turbo V8. Excessive oil consumption. Water pump failure. Timing chains. Fuel injectors. Valve stem seals. The B58TU pulls all day long and is a perfect match for a smaller package. The X5 is beastly heavy and lack steering input. . I moved from an F80 M3 to a M40i due to family needs. Zero regrets. |
The Macan S is cramped and fairly disappointing to drive unless at high revs. Not the best for a urban environment with a smaller wheelbase. Pricewise it’s bonkers with basic options for something that will be delivered in 2 years. No complaints with reliability for 2 current BMWs (2018 and 2021) but they don’t handle or require repair like an old school NA e36, e46 or e90. Different power bands and hydraulic steering setups. |
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If you the BMW rite, join the BMW Car Club of America. You’ll get a rebate ($500 or 1000?). Also look into taking delivery at the factory in SC. You’ll get an overnight lodging, a museum and factory tour and access to the performance center driving course. Top notch wash snd hand wax. Plus, the way your car is presented for delivery is pretty cool. All for no additional cost. Then drive it home. Not as great as the old European Delivery program with its discounted pricing but times change.
https://bmwperformancecenter.com/deliveryfaq/ |
| We have a X3M and a X5 and previously has a Lexus RX-350. The X5 is larger, but is also more challenging to park in some garages and is a tighter fit in some parking lot spaces. The X3M is a more comfortable size for daily driving, has amazing driving dynamics and engine performance, but may be beyond your price point. The ride may also be more firm than what you have in mind. Still, you may be able to find a preowned unit to check out. We liked the RX-350 as a comfortable vehicle in a practical size, but it is not sporty at all. |
Audi's do not last 5 years without major cost. We love the ride in the ones we have owned but they are all junk in terms of service and fixing things. |
| If you're a car guy, definitely the X5. Had an X3 previously and they are great for city driving/parking due to the smaller size but cargo room will be tight for 2 adults + 1 kid. Finishes in the X5 are higher end too. SIL has a Lexus RX350 and while it's a really smooth ride, it's like driving a boat the steering is so loose. Definitely go the CPO route - there are lots of BMW dealers in this area shouldn't take too long to find a nice one off-lease. |
No issues with 2020 X3 on long distance family vacations: 2 adults and 2 teens, plus 25 pound doggo. Occasionally use roof box for skis, camping or beach stuff, which also helps keep interior clean. Rear cargo with seats is 28 cf for X3 and 33 cf for X5. A Passport has 41 cf. Don’t confuse either BMW with a Yukon. |
BMW CPO gives the purchaser one year of additional warranty coverage beyond the 4/50,000 factory limited warranty. It’s up to you to decide whether the upcharge is worth it, particularly if the vehicleis equipped with an air suspension. Ask for a printout of the vehicle service history in addition to CarFax for any potential red flags. |