BMW X3 (2011 - 2017) xDrive20d BluePerf SE (Business Media) 5d Step Auto (2013/62) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Apparently, according to the finance policeman who stopped us the other night, it says that we appear to not have quite enough money to warrant a complete financial going over....
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
They call it "Ernie". Wise. Geddit? My 10 year old son calls it "the comedy car". My wife calls it hers.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Probably not, no. Not because of the car, but because this is a phase that we have to go through.
What are you likely to buy next?
A Polo 1.2. The children will be driving by the time it needs to be changed. I might buy a second hand Z4 35i to compensate for other failings....
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchised
Did you buy this car new?
Yes
What price did you pay?
£0
When did you buy the car?
March 2013
Did you get a good deal and why?
Yes, I got a very good deal, they seem to be selling at a year old for more here in Italy. I bought a car which was in stock and unregistered in the last hours of the quarter.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
I got fed up with the amount of "snow days" my wife and children were spending at home rather than at the office/school. We owned both a 320d estate and a 330Cd Cabrio fun car, these needed to be turned into one car that could be fun, reliable and unstoppable.
What was the dealer like?
There was an awful lot of hugging and kissing when I said I would buy it. I think (hope) that it was the car they needed to hit their target! This is the 12th car I have bought from them.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
It's no sports car, but now it is run in, it can be thrown around like a car. Acceleration is better than in my (manual) 520 company car, though the 8 speed auto can hunt between gears at an 80/90mph cruise.
What's it like to park?
Fine, the corners are where they appear to be and the sensors (and graphics) are useful to those who prefer not to turn their heads (not recommended...).
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
No. It seems OK built. I worry a little about the start/stop. It can shut the engine off in the middle of a junction when pausing before turning.
What's most practical about your car?
It is a good family car (so far). It's large, easy to get in and out of, easy to drive and park, non aggressive to both other road users and the finance police, carries school bags and dogs, does not get lost and I hope it would be good in a crash.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
The sunroof. The extra my wife agreed to as a price for me chopping my beloved 330 Cabrio in as part exchange together with her car.
