Any BMW X3 experts/owners out there?

LexDiamond

Bought it home and was an interesting drive. I have never owned a diesel before so this is going to take some getting used to. It really didn't appreciate being revved and would let it be known that too much torque is on tap as I made it wobble a couple of times. As I got a bit more used to driving it, the progressive power was amazing. Gentle nudging on the pedal and it would accelerate like a beast and, again not being used to a diesel, the sound would go from a well insulated cabin keep out most of the tapping noise of a diesel to roaring.

I've only driven it 25 miles so not really experienced enough but for me the positives are crazy power from an established engine wrapped up in a family sized vehicle that is mostly understated in looks. The early downside is, and I am not sure if this is the 20" wheels, Pirelli or run flats, but potholes are definitely felt.

Would appreciate some more help please:

I'm yet to go through the whole manual provided, but in googling before buying, I could not find an answer. Does the 3.0d use regular diesel or the premium diesel at the pump?

I googled regarding the folding of wing mirrors and that was a pandoras box. I cannot see any buttons or on the dash. Is folding the wing mirrors possible straight out of the box or do they need to be programmed?

mjn

Folding mirrors are an option. Can be retrofitted.
Change the tyres for non-runflats.
You can use regular or v-power diesel. I use regular mostly and chuck a can of Bg245 in every 10k miles.

un1eash

If it has folding mirrors they'll be a switch next to the left/right toggle for adjusting the mirrors on the armrest.

Simba

Just stumbled upon this thread having been researching BMW's for myself....post some pics of your new beast! It sounds great!

Is it ok switching to non RFT's from the insurance perspective? Iv been reading on some threads/ forums that it can void the insurance but I am of the opinion that provided its the correct speed and load rating its ok, whether i'm correct in this case i dont know.

mjn

I didn’t notify the insurance, as the tyres are the correct size and speed rating.

I did notify them of the non factory alloys though.

AMc

Both Black Circles and the tyre fitters they used queried our decision to fit non-runflats to our Mini Cooper S.  Both mentioned "insurance issues" as a reason not to do it but couldn't explain what that meant or any safety issues.
I rang Aviva and they confirmed that as the tyres were the correct speed/load rating and were compatible with the car there was no problem, they offered to add a note to the account in case there was any problem in future.

I'm sure it's all nonsense but before you fit them I would call your insurance to confirm they don't object or consider it a modification.

FWIW fitting Michelin Cross Climates dramatically improved the ride and made the car useable in the snow so I was happy.

Simba

Thanks for the info, useuful to me for future reference.

Cross Climates are excellent - been using them on my Focus.

marksovereign

I would like some Cross Climates on my X3 but unfortunately you cant get the sizes for BMW 20 inch staggered wheels!

LexDiamond

Which BMW are you thinking of getting?

I haven't had a chance to take some proper pics as I'm working longer than usual office hours so always dark when I get home. These are the only ones that are semi decent:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

outoftheknow

I’m sure it is nonsense too. I am sure you can’t fit runflats to a car without tyre pressure monitoring and the gunk kit in the boot (and probably other things as well) and I am fairly sure that wouldn’t go well with insurance.

As long as the size and speed rating is what the maker says is right there is no sensible or legal reason why insurance should take over what you must fit, must tell them about or else etc...... (Edit - when runflats  are fitted by the manufacturer with the extra required stuff, and you change to  non runflats otherwise to specification).