I'm honing in on a used X3 with the 3.0 twin turbo, 286 BHP engine. Anyone own/driven one? I guess it's essentially the same engine as the well-received lump in the 330D? Impressive performance figures!
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Okay then PU you're not allowed to click here:
www.autoquake.com/vehicle/inspid=6892
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I need a nice car again.....
Edited by Pugugly on 06/12/2008 at 21:29
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Seems I sold mine at a very good time though - if nothing else.
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Just done a dealer search - still asking really silly prices Ho Ho
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tinyurl.com/auc535d seems to be a reasonable price given the Sport spec and sensible mileage (even though it is slightly older). Add in the fact that there's probably some scope for haggling and the full force of the AUC warranty behind it and it might be a bit of a bargain.
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A bargain that - reckon you could chip a couple of grand off for cash - funny how money, real money has become a bargaining chip again - pay a lot of wages that !
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I suspect it is cheap since it lacks the 'desirable' extras that buyers place a significant premium on. Nevertheless, I think it is a good deal considering it is from a main dealer. Meaning that elsewhere these should be within 13K or thereabout?
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Clever Mrs PU then ;-)
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Well, I went ahead and bought it from a private seller. 2 years old and 25000km. Will need new tyres at 30,000km and an oil service at the same time. I'd better budget on 900 quid's expense?
Bit late to ask really, but is this a hugely complex engine that's going to cost me a fortune in annual servicing, over and above normal BMW costs?!
Barely driven it 250km yet, but happy so far. Hope to keep it 5 years or so.
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No, these engines do not cost "over and above normal BMW costs?". I suspect that this engine in particular will be more reliable than the single turbo 3.0D. Yet to hear about any turbo failures on the twin turbo.
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May I ask why you want an X3? Do you need genuine off-road ability or is it just because it's got a BMW badge on the front?
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A BMW X6 trundles past my office regularly - funny looking thing.
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A work colleage has an 08 reg X5 with this twin turbo diesel engine, and it absolutely flies. He reckons even in this big tank of a car, it won't do less than 30 mpg however it's driven, and will even nudge 40 on a run. In the lighter X3 it should be even quicker, and probably slightly better on fuel.
This engine is a remarkable achievement. At 286 bhp it has identical power to the 3.5 litre petrol unit used in the original M5 and M635CSi, but nearly twice the torque. It's also only 20 bhp shy of the similar capacity twin turbo petrol engine that BMW offer.
You just have to respect any engine that will propel a 2.1 tonne car with an autobox, and barn door aerodynamics to 60 in 7 seconds, on to 146 mph, yet be capable of 40 mpg when driven sensibly.
It even sounds good!
Edited by DP on 12/12/2008 at 08:57
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"or is it just because it's got a BMW badge"
Doubt it since Nick's a Volvo fan who also has a Fiat Panda.
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You won't find a better diesel engine anywhere. But people who can't see beyond the badge or there own prejudices wouldn't appreciate that.
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I am indeed a Volvo fan, but can't find an XC90 in my budget, and the XC60 is too new/overpriced.
No more Panda - it went with the ex-SWMBO!
In my price-range I found ex-demo VW Tiguans, a 3-yr old Tourage R5, or a plethora of new Hyundai/Kia options. Nothing at all like the quality of a BMW. This is my first BMW, and I'll grudgingly recognise the quality of build, fit and finish over anything I've driven before. Bit sombre with an all-black interior though.
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Andy P - regrettably Yes, some 4WD capability is essential for the extensive gravel/mud tracks where it's going to be used. I'm not a BMW-addict, but do want something a bit more refined than a heavy "truck" and don't need the enormity of a full-size 4WD. Add in diesel and automatic, and there isn't much out there to choose from! I guess that's why Audi have the Q5 and Volvo the XC60 coming...
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