Anyone have experience with the BMW x3?

Triathlon Forum
1

I am considering the BMW x3, but was curious if anyone had any experience with it from a triathlon standpoint. Just the basic stuff - fitting a bike in the back? Ease of cleaning the interior, etc.

Thanks!

I realize all cars are equal in the sense of getting you from point A to Point B, and that almost any car will fit a bike with enough creativity and racks, but if I am getting a new car anyway, why not choose one that doesn’t require me to play Tetris to get my bike inside.

On that note - anyone have any experience with the BMW interior bike rack? Looks like you take off the front wheel and it keeps it upright.

2

I test drove one about a month ago. Took my bike with me to test fit it. Couldn’t get it in without altering my aerobars (large Speed Concept, front wheel off, upright on passenger side). It drove very nice (2liter turbo 4), felt like a mid-sized sports car to be honest.

3

i drove the 3.5i. drove well, quite fast actually. i liked it.

however not an suv guy so i went with the 335i. i simply take the front wheel off and put the car in the back. no issues.

i would look at the x4 3.5i if i were you, similar price and looks quite nice.

4

no way I could get a bike to stay inside mine with the interior bike rack. Well, sure you could if you dont mind removing the seatpost.

That being said, I actually usually take my car (wife’s car is the X) to races. But the X is the BEST car I have ever had in the snow, hands down.

5

I have a 2008 X3. The seats don’t fold completely flat but I can lay the bike down no problem. Easily fits 2 bikes. It drives like a car and handles snow great. The back seat fits two adults or three kids. I’m happy with mine.

6

I would spring for an X5 … especially if you’re going used. But that’s just me. I do love BMWs I will be buying another one if I can manage to kill my E36 which is unlikely any time soon. I may trade up for an X5 though… now you have me wanting to look again…

7

Yes, Great car. Have had it a couple of years and have travelled to races in it. Fits me, my gear, my wife, my kid and my bike (without the front wheel and seat post). It was down to the X3 and the similar size Audi and the bike fits in the X3 much better. Best to get it with the back seat that comes in three fold down sections for options on where you put your bike. I haven’t used the interior rack.

8

Thanks for all of the advice. I can get an X3 for a fairly decent price, but will look into the X5 as well. I live in Austin and parking is becoming more and more difficult - so I liked the idea of having something that handled and fit more like a car, but sat higher and offered more storage/carrying than a sedan.

I would spring for an X5 … especially if you’re going used. But that’s just me. I do love BMWs I will be buying another one if I can manage to kill my E36 which is unlikely any time soon. I may trade up for an X5 though… now you have me wanting to look again…