[LSB M]

Just got back from the dealers today -- test drove the GLK350, Q5 and X3, all within 3-4 hrs.

I remember getting an X3 as a loaner 5-6 years ago when I took my M3 in for service. Today, when I got into the new X3, I was like "WOW!!! What an improvement from the old X3!!!" The new interior is a vast improvement from the tacky, plasticky feel that I remember.

What really impressed me most was the drive, it was smooth as butter!

We're in the market for a 4WD SUV cuz we're sick of spinning our wheels in the snow in Boston (all our cars are RWD). At this point, we've ruled out the GLK350, ALMOST ruled out the Q5, the question now comes down to this: Is the 35i worth the extra $3,400 or should we just get the 28i...

Hmmmmm.........

[Sp82]

go with the 2.8i! bigger powerful engine is nice..but trust me, I just got my 2.8i, and its more than sufficient powerwise!


and if you still have the M3, and you feel the need for power..go drive that!!

[LSB M]

Originally Posted by vikz

go with the 2.8i! bigger powerful engine is nice..but trust me, I just got my 2.8i, and its more than sufficient powerwise!


and if you still have the M3, and you feel the need for power..go drive that!!

Thanks Vikz, good advice.

BTW, if you don't mind me asking, did you pay MSRP or below?

[Sp82]

I paid 500 below invoice.

[LSB M]

Originally Posted by vikz

I paid 500 below invoice.

Wow, that's impressive, for a new car that is not very well stocked yet.
You must be a good negotiator.

[kdl]

Originally Posted by LSB M

Just got back from the dealers today -- test drove the GLK350, Q5 and X3, all within 3-4 hrs.

At this point, we've ruled out the GLK350, ALMOST ruled out the Q5,
Hmmmmm.........

Can you elaborate a bit more on why you ruled out GLK and Q5?

[LSB M]

Originally Posted by kdl

Can you elaborate a bit more on why you ruled out GLK and Q5?

The GLK steering was too light for my liking... Plus, the back exterior of the car reminded me of a Honda CRV!!!

The Q5 is nice (inside and out), I am still considering it. The ride was very smooth as well, but I test drove the smaller version so it was obviously not as fast as the 35i.

If I can't get a good deal on the x3, I will probably get the Q5... It looks really sweet in black.....

[kdl]

Originally Posted by LSB M

The GLK steering was too light for my liking... Plus, the back exterior of the car reminded me of a Honda CRV!!!

The Q5 is nice (inside and out), I am still considering it. The ride was very smooth as well, but I test drove the smaller version so it was obviously not as fast as the 35i.

If I can't get a good deal on the x3, I will probably get the Q5... It looks really sweet in black.....

I almost bought a fully loaded GLK in early November, well below invoice, below $43K for a $48K MSRP, but 2 concerns made me ordered X3 28i, one is the rear seating, 2nd is the MPG, too low. I briefly drove a GLK in the summer on highway, I think it's a bit tight inside, and seating is a bit lower as well. But it was a smooth ride.

Test drive X3 28i on Xmas eve, so brief, only a local street, I felt the gas paddle is a bit slow response, there is a bit lag. Maybe just need to get used to it.

[LSB M]

Originally Posted by kdl

I almost bought a fully loaded GLK in early November, well below invoice, below $43K for a $48K MSRP, but 2 concerns made me ordered X3 28i, one is the rear seating, 2nd is the MPG, too low. I briefly drove a GLK in the summer on highway, I think it's a bit tight inside, and seating is a bit lower as well. But it was a smooth ride.

Test drive X3 28i on Xmas eve, so brief, only a local street, I felt the gas paddle is a bit slow response, there is a bit lag. Maybe just need to get used to it.

Did you get a good deal on your x3 28i?

I am now finding that for special orders, dealers aren't willing to do much in terms of pricing....

[kdl]

Originally Posted by vikz

I paid 500 below invoice.

Any string attached? Below MSRP understandable, below invoice? Your CA must be very generous, so is his manager.

[Sabian]

Originally Posted by vikz

I paid 500 below invoice.

That is impressive... is this a typo? 500 below invoice or MSRP?! I read others in this forum or another saying they were offered only 500 to 700 off MSRP right now on orders. Some dealers won't even budge from full MSRP. If I could get even 500 above invoice, I'd probably be down there right now ordering a fairly loaded X3.

If that's not a typo, then truly congrats on both your new X3 and on getting a great deal!

[Jenaviv]

I think the MB is ugly. Did you check out the XC60. It's very nice, but the controls with the new nav still aren't very intuitive. I will be happy with the 28i and i hope it gets better mpg. I am really stumped on what color to order -- mineral silver with tan or sparkling bronze with oyster.

[Jenaviv]

....and the Q5 doesn't offer the free maintenance package.