I need some sense knocked into me (2015 X3 20d)

[MR_Y]

Hi,

So I saw a 2015 X3 2.0d with 39,000km at BMW dealer today. Just a chance encounter. Car has M Sport package, retractable tow bar, Harmon Kardon, PDC, sunroof, paddle shifters, 20 inch wheels, etc. Price is R430k. Trade in for my 2017 320d M Sport Sports Auto is R380k (which is in the right ball park as far as trade values go, I would guess). I would need to pay in R50k + 7k for registration/on the road fees/etc (yeah, I know its bull shit, but they wouldn't budge on that - the X3 has rash on its rims, so I assume that would go towards fixing that?).

The X3 plan expires May 2020. A 1 year extension on time is R25k. If I take the car, I would extend it next year.

So, I test drove the car and it feels less eager than my 320d - I assume it is due to weight. However, even with 20inch wheels, it rides much better than my car with 18 inches. It also feels more planted on the road, but the steering just felt a bit light and disconnected from the action - I assume this is an SUV thing. Another thing I noted is that it lacks a Sports+ mode, so I assume it does not have the Sports Auto box that my F30 has? However, it does pull nicely on the highway.

Anyway, I was not in the market for this type of vehicle and it was a chance encounter and a chance test drive. But, there is something about sitting high up in an SUV that has some grunt (granted, it is no 30d) and some handling prowess (steering feels bit dead, but car does not sway in bends), that is quite appealing.

I hope someone here can knock some sense into me.

---

Another point.
The car did have a minor rear fender bender.
It has this comment on the plan.
No other issues on service history.

 

[r0ckf1re]

I find that my X3 with 20s handles great in both wet and dry weather (Pirelli P zero). The weight can be felt on the performance in comparison to the 320D F30. The other downside of the extra weight is fuel economy is not amazing. Averages around 9 but mine rarely sees the highway. I get around 700kms on a tank. On long distance I get around 1000kms. Averages 6L/100kms. It’s superb on long distances and if driven properly has enough grunt to overtake, feels very stable at high speeds with good braking for a heavy vehicle. I love the height in terms of driving position, the space is fantastic. I’ve had no issues in the 2+ years of ownership. The spec you noted is nice, it’s a great daily even though it is big, personally I find it still feels nimble and planted. The xdrive is awsome. I can’t see myself getting back into a Sedan, I enjoy the suv life too much. Personally I think you should go for it if the numbers work out. Another downside is tyres cost around 15-20k depending on what you choose. Good luck!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[///Maniac]

Stick with your 320d. We can't have another BMW ruined with stripes please!!! :fencelook: On a serious note though, you have one SUV already, do you need another? Also, a real bmw is a rear wheel drive sedan IMO. Also, you got your car almost new, now you want to buy a 4 year old car with a comment on... to me it feels like going backwards. Plus, I don't really like SUVs so I'm biased. So ja, keep your 320d.

 

[Twinz]

As per @///maniac

Get the idea out of your head asap...it makes no sense what you want to do.

The 320d is the pick of the Bmw model line up for a reason. If you were buying a newer car with none of the little things that must still be fixed then i would understand the desire to "upgrade" but this scenario is not the case. Enjoy what you got.:thumbs:

 

[MR_Y]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

@r0ckf1re - your car looks super sexy and is just like the car that I saw, but it is white. The looks and spec is what got me interested, then the ride quality (relatively smooth compared to an F30 M-Sport) and the commanding drive position.

However, once you look past the above, you notice the shortcomings compared to my F30 and the added cost of R57k over my trade-in makes this deal not worthwhile. If there was no pay in, I may have reconsidered. However, if it was an X3 30d, this would be another discussion entirely...

For those interested, here is the car:
https://www.cars.co.za/for-sale/used/2015-BMW-X3-xDRIVE-20d-M-Sport-G01-Gauteng-Sandton/4855943/

 

[VinceM]

I must say I understand where you are coming from, and whilst the head will do its song and dance on figures, sanity, you might find yourself going with your heart and doing the unthinkable. its normal.

back to the head stuff: there is absolutely no upside on the financial side as you will be starting the loan term from month 0, thus extending your period to repay the debt, whilst on your 320D you might have already pushed through the loan term. 320D is frugal, reliable and has a strong resale vs. the X3. They sell much faster and quicker.

On the heart stuff: I have always looked down on the X3 and thought it was one of those BMW mistakes (since I had the X5), now that I own one, I must say it one of the loveliest cars I have owned, bearing in mind its a 3.0d. the motor makes driving effortless, its brisk, fast and frugal at the same time. The ride height is perfect (in my view) and its not as bulky as the X5 and the ride quality is awesome (comfortable) given that its an M-sport with run flat tyres.
Would I take a X3 over 3 series? Any time.
Would I take more time to find a 3.0d vs. a 2.0d? absolutely.

If you are keen on this upgrade, I would strongly recommend you skip this immediate car you found and buy time.

With time:
1. You will either cement this idea or toss it away.
2. You might even find a 3.0d in the process.

All the best and keep in mind these two phrases:
One life, Live it
Fortune favours the Brave

 

[MR_Y]

the head stuff: there is absolutely no upside on the financial side as you will be starting the loan term from month 0, thus extending your period to repay the debt, whilst on your 320D you might have already pushed through the loan term.

Thanks for the views.
I don't finance my cars anymore, so no debt considerations here.
However, the opportunity cost of shelling out R57k for a 2.0d X3 is not worth it.

 

[yush1]

Hi. Please stick with your 320d unless you need the extra space and do the occasional soft off roading. SUV's are difficult to park, heavier on fuel and not as dynamic as sedans. The improved stability is mainly due to the X drive.

 

[CK4LIFE]

This is why I look opposite direction when driving past dealership, get tempted too easy and end up signing up mgwaiting: but i think your 320d is perfect since you got SUV already.

 

[MR_Y]

This is why I look opposite direction when driving past dealership, get tempted too easy and end up signing up mgwaiting: but i think your 320d is perfect since you got SUV already.

Thanks.
The SUV is not my daily (the significant other drives it).
A daily SUV, with some power and ride height would be ideal. But, you are right - we get beer googles when we enter dealerships

 

[individj]

you dont finance your cars..fantastic...sell it..buy a plot and a corolla

 

[MR_Y]

you dont finance your cars..fantastic...sell it..buy a plot and a corolla

I have a Mazda and a plot, so I am halfway there...

 

[individj]

you can never have enough...especially at the coast :thumbs:

 

[VinceM]

https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-ba...=cpc&utm_source=Ananzi&utm_campaign=Q317_Cars


Seems like a bargain

 

[MR_Y]

https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-cars-ba...=cpc&utm_source=Ananzi&utm_campaign=Q317_Cars


Seems like a bargain

"no motorplan as vehicle had altercation and not repaired with BMW approved dealer."

:thumbdo:

 

[MR_Y]

How life changes....
Just 3 years ago I was considering an X3 for myself.
Now I am getting one for my wife.
Glad I didn't pull that trigger back in 2019.
My EcoSport is more than enough for my daily gravel road needs