Anonymous wrote: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.

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.

Anonymous wrote: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.

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.

Anonymous wrote:DH bought the Audi g7. He didn’t like the Lexus or Acura MDX as much. Got a new 2022 for $65k.

If you are buying a family car and expect it to last 5+ years, get one with a third row.

If you are planning to have a third child, none of these cars will be good family cars, someone will need to drive a minivan. With 2 kids it will be fine, though.

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.

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.

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/

Anonymous wrote:I just went through this and looked at multiple options and ended up with Porsche Cayenne. The Macan GTS was a great drive if you don’t need that much space but I chose the Cayenne for the new redesign, size, and updated interior. I’ve owned a few BMWs and maintained them religiously. However the new BMWs just have a lot going on service wise and they aren’t even fun to drive anymore.

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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Anonymous wrote:BMW X3 M40i. Nothing else like it.

Ehhh except the X5 M50i. Byeeeee!

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.

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP. A M40 is 68k msrp once I add options. I’ll go test drive it and compare to a regular X5. Maybe if I find one that’s CPO, a few years old.

I think you will find the X3 too small especially if you want to grow into it. The motor is nice though. You can even look at a CPO X5M if you want all the powers or a X5 xDrive 45e if you value more efficiency.

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.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP. A M40 is 68k msrp once I add options. I’ll go test drive it and compare to a regular X5. Maybe if I find one that’s CPO, a few years old.

I think you will find the X3 too small especially if you want to grow into it. The motor is nice though. You can even look at a CPO X5M if you want all the powers or a X5 xDrive 45e if you value more efficiency.

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.