discussion Advice needed - 2024 X3 30d vs 2025 X3 30e

DeadbeatFM

Active member
Hi Gents,

Hoping I can get some enlightenment to help my old man with a vehicle purchase. He currently has a 2017 GLS350d which he purchased as a demo, which has been an incredible, reliable car.

However he's recently moved house and now has to contend with a tiny garage at a tricky angle, which is not ideal for a car of this size. He would have been happy to drive his GLS for many more years to come, ( it's honestly never given a days hassle, still looks and drives like a new car) - yet the daily parking chore is warranting a smaller car.

So we are starting to shortlist some cars, two of which would be a low mileage 2024 X3 30d, or a new/demo X3 30e. I realise they are different generations, with the G45 having newer tech and styling, while the G01 would have slightly older tech, but with that legendary 6 cylinder diesel.

Being in his mid seventies, I worry that the tech in the G45 may perhaps be a bit overwhelming for an older gent? I personally have an F25 X3 20d which has been such a great car, I can only imagine a G01 30d would be an absolute peach to own. Another option is a GLC300d although I think the X3 is a better option.

Would appreciate any insights or opinions from the fanatics!
 

msm

Well-known member
Biggest unknown on the 30e is what happens when stuff eventually breaks out of MP, whereas the 30d is a bit more conventional...

I'd do a "theoretical" exercise and get the costs of replacement hybrid parts/batteries from BMW to get some indication. IIRC, someone was quoted R250k for a replacement i3 battery.
 

Nishcat_M140i

///Member
I would personally suggest going for the 30d all the way.

1.) Reliable and Powerful 6 Cylinder Diesel Engine
2.) G01 Looks better than the G45
3.) Less money to lose on the G01 compared to the G45 since its had most of its depreciation

I can't deny, the G45 has grown on me, especially the top of the range M50 model. My mom was actually considering trading in her 2021 X3M Comp for it but we talked her out of it.
 

MR_Y

Well-known member
G01 30d are hard to find (less than 10 I can see online that have low mileage), or rather keeping strong values and difficult to haggle down the price.

Given the driver's age and likely use case, I wonder if a well specced and low mileage G01 20d LCI, with all the bells and whistles, may be the better option. Many around, so haggling may be possible.

I would avoid the 30e - tech is too new and reliability not yet proven.
 

DeadbeatFM

Active member
G01 30d are hard to find (less than 10 I can see online that have low mileage), or rather keeping strong values and difficult to haggle down the price.

Given the driver's age and likely use case, I wonder if a well specced and low mileage G01 20d LCI, with all the bells and whistles, may be the better option. Many around, so haggling may be possible.

I would avoid the 30e - tech is too new and reliability not yet proven.
I 100% agree, although he refuses to consider a 20d, claiming it will be underpowered. He has always had 6 cyl diesels and or V8's in his previous cars. I'm not gonna win this argument..
 

PsyCLown

Well-known member
If a 20d won't work I agree that going with the 30d is the way to go. You know what you're in for if something should go wrong.
Unlikely to end up with any nasty surprises as well.
 

shabsta

Member
My vote is on the G01 30D and I would find one prior to the curved screen and more buttons.

They are incredible cars, my wife owns one and loves it
 
Top