Well I have had my X3 for just 3 days and have to say I am absolutely overwhelmed with it. Comparing it to the HSE LUX I had as a courtesy car late last year clearly shows the FL2's failings, yes I know I wont be able to go out in snow before any says but here are just a few things that have really impressed me

1) Interior Quality - seat and dash quality is in another world compared to the FL2, no hard scratchy plastics anywhere, everything is a tight fit no rattles, doors have a satisfying clunk to them etc
2) Space - rear leg room is huge and the boot is massive plus it gets underfloor storage and numerous nets / holders etc
3) Infotainment - i'm still learning this as there is so much stuff on there, internet etc, sat nav is amazing - makes the LR system look like a early learning centre, graphics on main screen appear in instrument cluster not just an arrow, the satnav lady also says road names such as 'Birmingham New Road' rather than 'A4123' so makes it easier to follow guidance, she even says 'please' when giving instructions which I thought was a nice touch! lol. Setting the satnav via voice control is so much easier than the LR system as well, just say 'Navigation and the street name and town and within a second it comes up with it and asks it what it has come up with is correct, say yes and job done, no numerous menus like the LR version.
4) Performance - X3 has 3 settings (eco, comfort and sport), slip it into sport mode and put the auto box into sport mode and the acceleration is mind blowing, much more grunt when you need it for overtaking etc, eight speed box is much sweeter than the FL2, you dont even notice the gear changes
5) Economy - Currently averaging 45mpg!!! This will probably rise when the engine is run in

I was initially concerned about the lack of spare wheel as the X3 has runflats, you dont even get a jack with the car but after speaking with BMW they advise that you can drive for around 50 miles at 50mph with a flat but if not confident hit the SOS button located in the roof and the car immediately connects with BMW Live Assistance and they arrange for someone to come out and the wheel sorted (at a price obviously!)

I will post some pics when the sun comes out - sods law I have a new car and its rained everyday since!!  Now - 2017 BMW X3 M Sport Carbon Black
Gone - 2014 BMW X3 M Sport Space Grey, faultless!
Gone - 2011 Freelander 2 SD4 HSE Bali Blue with xenons
Gone - 2008 Freelander 2 TD4 HSE Rimini Red with bodykit

It sounds very nice Shilen, really glad you are enjoying her.

shame you dont have a camera to post pictures

Photos coming soon - I heard a rumour that the yellow thing in the sky is going to make an appearance this weekend..

Here's a couple i took on my iphone yesterday

This is the main screen


and here is the view from the instrument cluster


Admin note: this post has had its images recovered from a money grabbing photo hosting site and reinstated

Sat Nav as good as a MY13 FL2 except the instrument cluster sat nav graphic in the FL2 is bigger and more informative yours looks a little 'dinky' though, did you have to zoom in a lot with your camera?

Oh and MY13 FL2 says road names also and voice control for destination, a little more long winded perhaps but you don't have to work your way through the voice menu just string it into one sentence and go. I like talking to her and she likes talking to me, phone and radio as well, too much to mention really

Beats me on economy though.

Hope you enjoy your new car

Last edited by EYorkshire on 28th Mar 2014 1:41 pm. Edited 1 time in total

Glad that you are pleased with it shilen. I have updated my thread on the X5 elsewhere on this forum...feel free to give me some genuine BMW-owner feedback, and if there are any points that you don't agree with.

All the best... Foraging near Gaydon....
——————————————
MY13 HSE Lux SD4, Baltic Blue - current, 30,000> miles without fault
MY12 HSE 2.2 SD4, Sumatra Black - gone after 10 months/43,000 fault-free miles

Mmmm am I missing something or is this now

BMW X3 .com ...??????


 Wales
Were the mud is thicker, and the ruts are deeper.
(And we have the water to wash it off, and more on the way..! )
Sd4 and chrome Ar*e piece, Auto box for best fun
09 Xs Gone
12 xs Gone
HSE with Leather seats and 4 years warrenty.. staying for now !

No, but it pays to see what the competition if offering. Even if it's not off road car and more road biased

I'm interested to see more details of it, especially as the deal in it was very good compared to LR offerings

Sounds good, and I too am interested in hearing your views Shilen.
I read today in LRO magazine (May edition) they expect the used values of FL2's to nosedive later this year as the replacement gets closer, so knowing what else is about is always helpful for those of us considering changing.

I too came out of my Freelander as compared to a lot it felt 'dated' but I stayed with LR and now have Evoque- this I think shows me how good the New Freelander will be - then I hope to return
I 'valued' the service & support I have had from LR + Dealer which I have never experienced in numerous BMW & Merc cars which I why i stayed LR 2011 XS,Sumatra Black, GONE MARCH 2014- RR Evoque Prestige 5 door ,MY 2014,Loire Blue, Silver Roof, Panoramic roof.
MY 2016 Disco Sport HSE Auto Scotia Grey,REJECTED
Mercedes E220D AMG line with air suspension(Gone)
DS 200 SE Dynamic my 21 (Gone)
DS 200 SE Dynamic my 22 (Gone)
Audi Q5 40TDI S line (gone)
Discovery Sport D200 S 2024 MY

thanks for the comments guys - i was expecting a pasting for deflecting to BMW (admitably theres already one on here who has already accused me of buying the wrong car (a Freelander 2) for the past 6 years lol)

Like I said months and months ago I was happy with the FL2 (except for the problems I had over the last 12 months) and was all set to place and order for a Oyster Grey Dynamic with ivory leather until i got the lease figures through and discovered that it was considerably more than what i was paying for my HSE. It was only then that I looked at the Q5 and X3 and discovered the quality and tech that these cars have - and most importantly at a much cheaper price. It was a no brainer for me.

I will post some pics and further opinion soon (mod - do you want me to put it in 'off topic' so as not to offend others?) Lets hope, and im sure it will, that the freelander replacement will incorporate some of these features and who knows i may be back in three years time

There is nothing wrong with trying out different cars, and know one should slate you for it. Personally I dislike all the BMW X Range, I appreciate the technology and mpg is far more advanced but I just don't like the whole way the X3's drive, yes they will out handle a Freelander, but that's not the point, if I wanted a fast handling car, I wouldn't buy an SUV.

My opinions of course.  Freelander 2 HSE Lux 2013MY - Barolo Black with Ivory Leather. Alpine DVD - Privacy -Evoque 20" Dynamic Wheels and more to come.........