[dtwyim]

Originally Posted by mar87

it was either this or Odyssey but more so this SUV better for harsh winters, funner to drive etc

B) How "MUCH" estimated maintenance on such models?

Thanks

I have snow tires on my odyssey and it drives fine all winter. Just make sure you have TPMS (2011+) so that you can disable the traction control in case you need to 'spin' yourself out in case you are stuck. Of course, no fun in that van but it probably handles best out of all minivans IMO.

I would post in X5 forum and get a sense of maintenance items and costs.

GL.

[mar87]

Oh, did I post in a different forum ??? lol

[BMWinAZ]

Dear mar87, my apologies, I do not want to tell you what car to buy, nor do I want to turn you away from BMWs. Quite to the contrary, please buy a BMW, we have two and absolutely love them! I was just honestly confused as to why you were debating between two vehicles that have nothing but four wheels in common. Trying to decide between a X3 and a MB GLK or an X5 and a MB ML (don't get that one it's a big POS ) makes sense to me. I guess, once I got behind the wheel of a BMW I really don't want to drive anything else (well maybe a Porsche or the new Audi Spider ) As far as the X5 goes, I have heard that it can be more finicky and more expensive to maintain than the X3. This is one of the reasons why I picked the X3. But this also applies to many 5series sedans. That's why we have a 328. So, get the X5 with a warranty for peace of mind (especially if your father in law will gloat anytime the BMW needs something) and enjoy driving one of the best car brands on the planet!

[uberschnell]

Had an X3, great car but laughable if you think you will fit 3 growing kids in one. Have an x5 with 3rd row seat, not bad and should suffice with 3 kids. Honestly, the odyssey is the most practical choice of them all. I had one also, but with 2 kids always found myself driving the x5 instead, so sold it.

And,, the Odyssey will hold it's value better than any of the BMW's, easy.

[StealYourFace]

Find an X3 with a stick to avoid the costly auto woes, or as someome stated above, but a 5er wagon with a stick. A decent 535i wagon can be had for less money than a 328i wagon!

[BMWinAZ]

Originally Posted by StealYourFace

Find an X3 with a stick to avoid the costly auto woes, or as someome stated above, but a 5er wagon with a stick. A decent 535i wagon can be had for less money than a 328i wagon!

I don't think a wagon is of interest to mar87, but there is a reason for the 535i being cheaper than the 328i: it's much more exspensive on the maintenance.

[mar87]

Originally Posted by uberschnell

Had an X3, great car but laughable if you think you will fit 3 growing kids in one. Have an x5 with 3rd row seat, not bad and should suffice with 3 kids. Honestly, the odyssey is the most practical choice of them all. I had one also, but with 2 kids always found myself driving the x5 instead, so sold it.

And,, the Odyssey will hold it's value better than any of the BMW's, easy.

Why not? I fit them in a tiny civic. It's called "Radian" designed for small sedans...apparently not many people are aware of these car seats. Kids were comfy and fine. The safest and the most well built car seats on the market. The only reason we are looking to get an SUV is because we may use the cargo space sometimes and my wife needs a car now.

[mar87]

Originally Posted by BMWinAZ

Dear mar87, my apologies, I do not want to tell you what car to buy, nor do I want to turn you away from BMWs. Quite to the contrary, please buy a BMW, we have two and absolutely love them! I was just honestly confused as to why you were debating between two vehicles that have nothing but four wheels in common. Trying to decide between a X3 and a MB GLK or an X5 and a MB ML (don't get that one it's a big POS ) makes sense to me. I guess, once I got behind the wheel of a BMW I really don't want to drive anything else (well maybe a Porsche or the new Audi Spider ) As far as the X5 goes, I have heard that it can be more finicky and more expensive to maintain than the X3. This is one of the reasons why I picked the X3. But this also applies to many 5series sedans. That's why we have a 328. So, get the X5 with a warranty for peace of mind (especially if your father in law will gloat anytime the BMW needs something) and enjoy driving one of the best car brands on the planet!

lol that's OK..

My wife suggested an x3 (i told her x5 7 pass) because it's cheaper and she said said she is hearing that maintenance for an x5 could cost $5000+ a year so she said "let's try out an x3 and see how a bmw treats us" then upgrade to an x5 7 pass.

after days of search still can't get an answer on average maintenance costs and if 2007 has major repair issues. however, i think repairs are expensive if you go through a specialist or the dealership..am i wrong?

[BMWinAZ]

Here a my approximate costs for the X3 between 77k and 85k miles. The radiator was replaced for around $720, $600 of which were covered by warranty. Transfer case motor, some gasket and thermostat needed to be replaced for a total of around $1200. All work was done by my Indy BMW shop which also threw in the scheduled oil change for free. All this is to be expected at this mileage IMO. The original transfer case motor for this vintage is a crappy part and the OEM replacement is much improved and should last much longer. Hope this helps you.

[danox3]

To answer part of your questions.
The KM isn't bad for the years.
A brake job every 40k miles is 1K.
Flushing brake system every two years is 2-3 hundred.
Window motors are 300 installed.
A synthetic oil change every year or 15k miles is 100.
YMMV since I live on flat Florida.

[P1]

My friend is getting rid of his 2008 X5 3.0 because he was having a lot of issues with it. It was no longer under warranty. I would recommend the X5 over the X3 but I hope you will get something with a CPO warranty.

[uberschnell]

Originally Posted by mar87

Why not? I fit them in a tiny civic. It's called "Radian" designed for small sedans...apparently not many people are aware of these car seats. Kids were comfy and fine. The safest and the most well built car seats on the market. The only reason we are looking to get an SUV is because we may use the cargo space sometimes and my wife needs a car now.

growing kids, or do you plan on having really small kids?