[wartnig]

Originally Posted by AGONXF30

These comments crack me up. You do realize that unless it is real leather, its plastic right?

Does anyone actually know if the the new x3 has more plastic in it that the previous x3 LCI? Genuine question..

[mrdudley]

Originally Posted by Mavus

it could be that x1 is designed for Europe and has more traditional chiseled box design vs bloated dragon x3 for China. They probably figured not many in Europe will shell out 80-100K euros on x3 and also due to green terrorist regs in effect.

US not a primary target market for either one. We shall see what x5 turns into.

US not a primary market for the X3? Depending on the year it’s either the top selling BMW or #2 behind the X5. The US is probably the largest target market for the car.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by wartnig

Does anyone actually know if the the new x3 has more plastic in it that the previous x3 LCI? Genuine question..

May depend on the model and region.

The UK M40 had leather covered seat facings as standard, the UK M50 has plastic seat facings as standard. Carbon fibre, wood, or aluminium is also used in the G01 in place of surface finish plastic.

I think both will make extensive use of plastics in the interior, but the issues for me is the look and feel of the plastic, as some plastics have a relatively good look and feel, whist other plastics don’t.

[Neusser]

Originally Posted by PfizerP

The new BMWs look better in person. They don't photograph very well; photos can't capture the lines and dimensions properly. I think the new X3 looks great; very aggressive. The other day, I saw a new X3 M50i sitting next to a 2024 X3 M40i, when I was at the dealer getting a recall taken care of for my family's X5. It made the 2024 look really old, immediately.

Yes, I agree. I feel the same about the G30/31, which also sometimes looks odd in photos from some angles.

No interest in the BMW breadvans, but I have been surprised by how much better some of the new cars look in person.

[AGONXF30]

Originally Posted by wartnig

Does anyone actually know if the the new x3 has more plastic in it that the previous x3 LCI? Genuine question..

They most likely have the same amount of plastic. Now whether its hard or soft, that is another question.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by 330inner

It’s uglier than ever.

I saw one at the dealer today. It actually looks pretty good in person! I can’t speak for the interior though. I didn’t get the chance to look inside.

[AGONXF30]

Originally Posted by avi66

May depend on the model and region.

The UK M40 had leather covered seat facings as standard, the UK M50 has plastic seat facings as standard. Carbon fibre, wood, or aluminium is also used in the G01 in place of surface finish plastic.

I think both will make extensive use of plastics in the interior, but the issues for me is the look and feel of the plastic, as some plastics have a relatively good look and feel, whist other plastics don’t.

See in the US the base seats are always the non leather ones with the optional upgrades. At least now the upgrade has merino, which before it was some leather that was not the greatest.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by AGONXF30

See in the US the base seats are always the non leather ones with the optional upgrades. At least now the upgrade has merino, which before it was some leather that was not the greatest.

Different markets.

There was a Merino option here at some point on the G01 X3 & X 4, but plastic was never even an option on the M40. Other stuff was also included as standard like M Active Sport diff on the M40 LCI, and acoustic front side glass, plus optional M Sport seats etc. In fact even the base xLine included acoustic front glass, but there was never a two wheel drive version on any G01 here, unlike some other markets, but we did get additional drivetrain options.

Merino is nice, just less practical than Vanasca, because it’s not a sealed finish can absorb grease, oil, liquids, dye transfer, sunscreen etc. and is easier to damage the surface.

[AGONXF30]

Originally Posted by avi66

Merino is nice, just less practical than Vanasca, because it’s not a sealed finish can absorb grease, oil, liquids, dye transfer, sunscreen etc. and is easier to damage the surface.

I disagree. While it does take more to care (merino) it is a much nicer lather, more natural, and NOT embossed with plastic. Which is what makes that Vernasca/Dakota more practical as its a base leather with a heavy embossed polymer layer.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by AGONXF30

I disagree. While it does take more to care (merino) it is a much nicer lather, more natural, and NOT embossed with plastic. Which is what makes that Vernasca/Dakota more practical as its a base leather with a heavy embossed polymer layer.

I’m not sure what you are disagreeing about.

I said “ Merino is nice, just less practical than Vanasca, because it’s not a sealed finish can absorb grease, oil, liquids, dye transfer, sunscreen etc. and is easier to damage the surface.”

“Merino is nice”, which it is, but just not as practical as Vernasca, which it isn’t. If you regularly use a car with younger kids and pets, you will find out.

Merino is a more premium leather than Vernasca, but each has it pro’s and cons’s.

[AGONXF30]

Originally Posted by avi66

I’m not sure what you are disagreeing about

I said “ Merino is nice, just less practical than Vanasca, because it’s not a sealed finish can absorb grease, oil, liquids, dye transfer, sunscreen etc. and is easier to damage the surface.”

“Merino is nice”, which it is, but just not as practical as Vernasca, which it isn’t. If you regularly use a car with younger kids and pets, you will find out.

I disagree that is less practical. I want leather, not a plastic layer. If I wanted a plastic layer I get the vinyl seats.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by AGONXF30

I disagree that is less practical. I want leather, not a plastic layer. If I wanted a plastic layer I get the vinyl seats.

Originally Posted by AGONXF30

Which is what makes that Vernasca/Dakota more practical as its a base leather with a heavy embossed polymer layer.

lol enough said lol. ��

If both are an option people can choose what they prefer.

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by mrdudley

US not a primary market for the X3? Depending on the year it’s either the top selling BMW or #2 behind the X5. The US is probably the largest target market for the car.

not even close … feel free to review sales numbers

China is 40% of x3 sales and even has long wheelbase model

[mrdudley]

Originally Posted by Mavus

not even close … feel free to review sales numbers

China is 40% of x3 sales and even has long wheelbase model

You are right. The US is the second largest market for the X3 behind China. And there is a huge gap to #3.

But my point still stands. There is no way BMW doesn’t consider US a major market for the X3, and didn’t consider US consumers when making it.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by mrdudley

You are right. The US is the second largest market for the X3 behind China. And there is a huge gap to #3.

But my point still stands. There is no way BMW doesn’t consider US a major market for the X3, and didn’t consider US consumers when making it.

What models are assembled and Spartanburg and when was the plant built ?

Just wondering if things have changes over time, as I assume BMW build a US facility to service local market.

* Spartanburg started production 1994 and BMW plants I
In SHENYANG China around 2012.

[Ilyam5]

Originally Posted by wartnig

What X5 would you have if you couldn’t have an X3M?

There is no real replacement for x3m. Even macan gts is slower and less practical
But if you are coming from x3 m40 you have a tough choice x3 m50 or x5 40 for the same $1000 a month lease

[gnx]

Originally Posted by AGONXF30

I disagree that is less practical. I want leather, not a plastic layer. If I wanted a plastic layer I get the vinyl seats.

I sat in an X3M50 two weeks ago with the Veganza espresso brown interior and was very impressed. It looks and feels like leather. It just doesn't smell like leather, but doesn't smell plastic like Sensatec did 15-20 years ago.


It is much better than than Vernasca, it even feels better than Dakota which was real leather.

[AGONXF30]

Originally Posted by gnx

It is much better than than Vernasca, it even feels better than Dakota which was real leather.

The new stuff is pretty amazing. Materials have come a long way. Still not leather and it will not behave as such, and potentially not as long lasting.

Dakota was a heavily embossed leather, and while very lon lasting, it is NOT soft, but it does not require a lot of maintenance due to the heavy plastic layer atop. I have Dakota and while I do not mind it, compared to merino, the stuff is like a rock. Merino will require more treatment and why some may call it less practical, but I much rather have leather than plastic.

[Ajaz]

Hi all, I’ve got bmw 320i f30 2017 manual.
The “selector shaft seal” is leaking and “input shaft seal” is leaking, BMW main dealer quoted me £865 for repairs, £480 for input shaft seal and £ 370 for selector shaft seal. I’m wondering is it really that expensive to carry out these works???
And what’s more difficult to replace the selector shaft seal or the input shaft seal ?
Thank you

[ASAP]

I saw one on the street on Saturday... it looked decent but I couldn't get over how large it was... it truly is a builky suv now.

[EWL5]

Originally Posted by ASAP

I saw one on the street on Saturday... it looked decent but I couldn't get over how large it was... it truly is a builky suv now.

I've owned a minivan and it's giving quite a bit of minivan vibes. I'm sure the monolithic design has quite a bit to do with it. Over the years, we'll be staring at the same G45 and will eventually get used to it. I don't know if I would ever spend a dime on it though!

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by EWL5

I've owned a minivan and it's giving quite a bit of minivan vibes. I'm sure the monolithic design has quite a bit to do with it. Over the years, we'll be staring at the same G45 and will eventually get used to it. I don't know if I would ever spend a dime on it though!

I am 99% sure that as long as one can get over the interior... this will be a better SUV for most people that look for this type of car...especially the typical lease crowd... most people that buy these cars overlook all the details lol

however, the people that look for a more performance oriented option may be disappointed... granted I haven't driven it but if it's heavier, larger and looks like that... it just might not be as enticing for that crowd anymore... i know i wouldn't seek this car out anymore whereas the prior gen I did... it's probably a better SUV but the fact that they've made it softer doesn't work for the driver involvement crowd... savagegeese was very careful in this review to talk about the positives of how this SUV drives but didn't really compare to the prior gen or what's been improved from a drivers perspective... he just said it's a better suv