BMW X3 (2011 - 2017) xDrive30d xLine 5d Step Auto Owner Review

I can see why these cars are popular. Plenty of space and commanding driving position in a sensibly sized package. The engine and gearbox combo is excellent, too. The 3.0 litre six-pot derv is quick, economical and refined and is mated seamlessly to the ZF 8-speed auto. The drivetrain is class leading - and the extra money commanded by the 3.0 litre is warranted over the efficient but dull and coarse 2.0. But it's far from perfect. I sought out the X-line to avoid the ridiculously firm M-Sport suspension, and this is a must if the car doesn't have adaptive dampers which very few seemingly were originally specified with. Even so, on 19" alloys and the usual run-flat tyres that BMW persist with, the ride is still firm. On sports suspension it would be unacceptable in a car of this ilk. When they're worn-out, I'll junk the run-flats in favour of a sidewall with some give in it. My biggest gripes, though, are the dreadful driver's seat and even worse standard hi-fi. I came from a Volvo, so was spoilt for seat comfort, but this non-electric, lumberless effort from Munich is awful. Flat, unsupportive, thinly padded and, quite frankly, just cheap The M-sports have much better seats but you need it to compensate for the ride! I can't let the hi-fi go without mention, either. My car, although equipped with pro-nav, doesn't have either of the sound upgrades that were available from new. And the result is grim. Thin, flat sounds with no depth or clarity. Least it is correctable with aftermarket upgrades (although not cheap) and shouldn't be necessary on a car that was north of £45k new. In summary: good SUV in terms of space and dynamics with a superb 6 cylinder engine. But it is really spec dependent. Search carefully, folks!