FULL REVIEW: NEW X3 (2011) DRIVEN AND ORDERED (PIX)

[Mike1]

Hey Twinz

Have you seen the Countryman parked next to the X3? The difference is slight. I also feel that MINI have utilised the interior to the max. It is extremely spacious.

Unfortunately the stigma of "MINI" still remains and even though this car shares the exact same dimensions with the X1. All its features etc are shifted directly from the BMW Parts Bin and the resale will be superior because it is a MINI. Can I tempt you to drive one? Just take it for an hour as I would love to hear your thoughts on the MINI.

It isnt a car that one can understand without driving it. I feel that with your love and passion for BMW it is a "safe" option to go for a X3 because you know what to expect. You know it will be within the BMW dynamic that you love.

I find the Countryman is the complete opposite. Its unmistakeably MINI but also so different from any other MINI produced.

To steal the slogan from Volkswagen - For the love of the drive.

I think this sums the Countryman up.

And of course. I will gladly do a write up with some pics and info for you guys. (Thanks for the compliment) :thumbsup:

Mike

---

I feel I need to make something clear.

I work for MINI and I love MINI. We are all individuals and Twinz loves BMW. Hence him ordering the X3.

The intention of my posts are not to try and make a sale and rather tempt Charles to join the MINI fold. I am not trying to questions Charles's decision to order the X3.

With MINI suddenly competing against a whole new range of cars. The X1, X5, Nissan Qashqui, ML350 Merc etc it is extremely fascinating for me to learn more about my customer.

The Countryman has attracted a new generation and breed of drivers to the MINI Fold, much like the X Range has opened many many many doors for BMW.

Please do not misunderstand or misinterpret my posts. I love BMW and MINI and work for both companies.

See it as research. :thumb:

Mike

 

[Twinz]

Damn, Mike you are convincing:thumbsup:
The Mini dealership is fortunate to have you. And you know me as a customer quite well as per your last post. I value your comments on the Mini and what it has to offer.:wave:

I would not change my decision with regards to the X3 and as you acknowledged...my excitement and expectation is high at this stage.

But i would still like to test drive it out in the country and for you to introduce the countryman to 3 of my colleauges who maybe in the market this year and looking for a change of wheels.:thumb:

 

[Mike1]

:thumbsup:

I would never try and steal a sale or try and confuse a customer. I don't think it is fair on either the sales person or the client.

A car - Especially one worth R560 000 is a huge commitment and having ordered one shows you are committed. Why place unnecessary doubt in your head. I do personally feel the BMW ethos (Joy, speed, exceeding expectations) is what you love. MINI is a different dynamic.

The Nevada white sounds stunning and looks great. (I just looked your deal up on the system. Yummy car!).

Have you considered the new Liquid Metallic Brown colour with the gold sheen to it? We have an X1 in that colour and it such a rich, magnificent colour.

Mike

 

[Twinz]

I definitely checked out the metallic brown...which was the wife's first choice colour...but white was the neutral choice after all the debates :thumbsup:

 

[DonovanPorter]

awesome right up , that cabin looks like such a lovely place to be

 

[Twinz]

Thx DP. It does. One gets a look at the world from above type of feeling too.

 

[francois_vdv]

Hi Twinz

I ordered my F25 X3 xDrive20d SAV on the 28th of December 2010 and I must say that the waiting is killing me at this stage.

Im guessing that our vehicles would be part of the same batch of orders submitted by BMW SA.

Please keep me posted on here as to when you expect delivery of your vehicle as my dealership gave me a very conservative April as month of delivery.

Kind Regards

 

[Twinz]

Excellent news. :thumbsup:

I was given a tracking number/website to follow the production progress on my car. Ask your dealer for the reference then you can check online what build/shipping stage the X is. Of course we must have a party (trip) when the Xs arrive :thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[anile8-zn]

i am loving the x3 , trying to get my hands on my dealers demo unit.
i must say i preffer it to the x5.
the only sav i would consider is a new cayenne

 

[Twinz]

Also a good choice Anile:thumbsup:

 

[Razz]

Great write up Charles
I am also looking at this at the moment but am thinking of the X35
Have you had a chance of sampling his one yet?

Mike - now that you mention it , I have not considered the mini, can you hook me up with a test unit?

 

[Twinz]

Only read excellent reviews of the X35 but it was not on my consideration list. The X20d offers excellent value for money and its new diesel motor is a gem.

 

[Mike1]

If you want to test drive either the X3 or MINI drop me a call on 021 402 7807.

I can arrange for a BMW Agent to get an X3.

Mike

 

[Twinz]

UPDATE ON MY X3

"...production on your vehicle is almost complete. Your vehicle is currently on Final Line as of March 04, 2011. Once completed, it will be transported to the port-of-exit where it will await the arrival of the next available vessel."

 

[Rennzport]

Happy days

 

[Twinz]

UPDATE:

"....your vehicle is currently in harbour in the USA and should be loaded onto the next vessel bound for Bremerhaven."

My X will have an american accent...cool stuff...imp:

The only Bremerhaven, I know is:

"Bremerhaven is the seaport of the free city-state of Bremen, a federal state of Germany. Though a relatively new city, it has a long history as a trade port and today is one of the most important German ports, playing a crucial role in Germany's trade"

What a journey she has to undergo before reaching African shores :excited:

 

[francois_vdv]

Hi Twinz

I have just received horrible news that since me signing the offer to Purchase in NOV 2010 , BMW Worcester has not yet managed to do anything about it ??!!?

So basically there has not been any X3 ordered for me , even though they made me understand there was AND they are still not any closer to getting an allocation from BMW SA to place an order.

Could you please let me know when you placed your order for the X3 and which branch you used ??

I really want the car , but this has pushed me to the border of just going for another manufacturer all together.

Regards

 

[Twinz]

Eish Francois :wave:

Thats horrible. I deal with Donford in Stellenbosch.

There is an option. I have just assisted two of my friends with X3's as well and we were lucky to get full speced Demo X3s for them...okay there were some items not on but the main stuff came with the Demo. Of course with the Demo one does not always get the colour you want. My suggestion is to contact the following dealerships Donford Stellenbosch; Auto Atlantic and Paarlberg:

Enquire on the following:
1. X3 Demos; milage and specs
2. Ordered X3's that may have been cancelled in the mean time but that is on its way or have arrived
3. X3's on the show floor. I think there is one at Donford and AA.

 

[KING_RSA]

Nice Writeup

:thumbsup:

 

[skayfe]

Great review, my (step) mom just ordered one, great car and a MASSIVE improvement on previous-gen X3.