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Still can't decide: Overland or BMW X3

38K views 179 replies 41 participants last post by  Radknight 
#1 ·
Talk about 2 totally different vehicles- after years of BMW driving I am pondering either a loaded X3 with the 3 liter engine (as in the 335xi) or a JGC V6 Overland. Gas mileage too crappy with the Hemi.

The spouse likes the Jeep, but I'm still not sure I can drive an SUV every single day. Our other vehicle is a Toyota Sienna. I love the 535xi, but just can't justify the money.

The X3 is almost as fast as my 335xi, but more comfortable and practical. The Overland is nice and soft and can go places the BMW fears to even look at, but I still fear quality and long term reliability as well as the lack of sportiness & ability to effortlessly pass the doddering. Wouldn't have either without a warranty of sorts.

Sorry for the rambling. Looking to see if others faced a similar decision & if they're happy.
 
#2 · (Edited)
Keep in mind that you are on a Jeep forum, so everybody who responds is going to tell you to get the Jeep.

Long story short, if you want a flashy, sporty, less rugged, and more feminine looking (in my opinion) vehicle that MAY (I am only saying "may" because the WK2 reliability is yet to be proven, and some people on the forum have had issues with their WK2s) be more reliable but is more expensive to fix when stuff breaks, go for the X3. If you want a more understated, off-road/all-weather capable, and rugged (in looks and the vehicle itself), and patriotic vehicle which will be cheaper to maintain, go for the Jeep.

Oh and one more thing to keep in mind: the BMW X3 was nominated as one of the "Worst Cars in the History of the World" on TopGear (UK) last Monday.

So, if you couldn't tell, my vote is for the Jeep. :)
 
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#3 · (Edited)
Contemplated the X3 myself very nice and hammers with the 3.0 turbodiesel. I just couldn't get around the size and pokeyness of it for what i wanted it for (and the price in Oz) and a lot if it seemed liked they just designed it to only be a smaller version of the X5 not a separate car in itself. Just my assessment as I've research the hell out of SUV's for the last couple of month before deciding on the SRT. All avenues pointed to the Grand Cherokee as best value for dollar and a more masculine vehicle without also being too posh or prissy.
 
#6 ·
I'm not sure where German cars got this reliability reputation from especially when you have Japanese cars to compare them to. It must have come from the '70s and '80s when they were compared to American cars built then but have come a far long way since.
 
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#9 ·
X3... Really? Unless you wear a dress or you wear your pants 2 sizes too small because you're trying to be "hip" you should never be seen in an X3. I personally went from a 328xi coupe to my jeep now and I couldn't be happier. Love it and it makes a perfect daily driver. Something special about driving an American jeep. Btw.. No way is an x3 almost as fast as a 335. Nothing against BMW.. They make great cars, besides repairs I had no complaints about her drive. Weird decision.. But I feel it's a no brainer. Jeep hands down.

Other points to other comments.. My gf recently got into a Lexus rx.. We test drove the audi q5.. I was shocked because I went into this pushing the Q5 for her.. Think it's a better looking car and its the younger cooler choice. But getting into the RX after the q5 I had no argument. I see now why every other woman on this earth chooses the RX. Really is the superior car.. Better seats.. Better ride quality .. Better everything except for looks. So if anyone out there .. Women of course.. Us men will stick with our American jeeps. I recommend test driving the rx before you sign for anything else.
 
#10 · (Edited)
Have to agree with you there. I love the Lexus and would've kept with it if not for their center console and that outdated wavy design. Other than that - amazing SUV. The new spindle grill makes it look sooo much better than the previous design. Simple yet elegant without begin too posh. Also, Lexus service CRUSHES the competition so I'm a bit weary because I've heard 'things' about Jeep Service in Australia.
 
#13 ·
Interesting. RX is terminally ugly, in my opinion...even worse with the spindle grille. Fore and aft pitching motion made me seasick. It's basically a Toyota with a nice paint job and better leather. Nice car if you want a croissant while waiting for service. Incredible disappointment.
 
#11 ·
BMW quality has really dropped over the last decade.I wouldn't touch one,its all flashy with no substance. Then,when you have a warranty repair,they tell you that their shop is so busy that you must leave your vehicle with them for several days before a technician can have a look at it.Buyer beware!
 
#14 · (Edited)
I also have been looking at various vehicles including the JGC and X3 and detailed some of my search here http://www.jeepgarage.org/f73/thinking-about-2014-gc-help-needed-55720.html where I also checked out a Q5, RDX, and MDX. The X3, MDX and JGC Overland are my top choices.

The BMW X3 is a nice vehicle and I compared it to the loaded Jeep Limited and the standard Overland. The X3 is a very capable handling suv with spirited performance, you get a 4 year warranty and maintenance plan, lots of features and the sport mode really does change the handling/engine to a performance feel. The fit and finish and interior touches are very nice though some of the design is conservative appearance.

Now to why as of now I am thinking the Jeep over the X3:
Pricing even of the x328i with similar features of a loaded limited(42-44k or base overland (46-47k) stickers around 51k, add another 2-3k for the X35i. The Jeep runs fine on 87/88 octane whereas the BMW prefers 91/93 octane though the BMW is rated for better mileage it wasn't a huge jump. The BMW has run flat tires which some people like but no spare and are usually more expensive if they get a flat to replace (I don't think you can repair them at all), the BMW for me was a more expensive to insure. The Jeep is a larger vehicle but the front passenger area doesn't feel different in size but I could never find a comfortable position in the X3 while driving, rear seat in the X3 felt smaller and not as comfortable, and the cargo area is much smaller, also accessing the rear seats was easier on the Jeep because of larger openings.

As for quality/reliability I think the BMW is a well built vehicle with good fit and finish but if you go to BMW forums you will find posts about vehicles need towed, buybacks, and long waits for parts so though there are many happy owners it's not perfect. The BMW dealership experience for me was very good, no aggressiveness, answered me promptly and allowed me to take an extended test drive.

Good luck with your search!
 
#15 · (Edited)
Excellent comments all. Just what I was looking for.

I still really love the 535xi, but don't want to spend that much. Equipped as it should be we are talking 63-64k. No issues with my 335 or the 335 before it. Only considering an X3 as I find it harder to get in/out of a 3 series as I get older & not enough room for more than 2 people as we are a tall family. The X is actually wider than the 535 and does 0-60 in about 5.5.

Not concerned with my masculinity. Not defined by a car. The wife wants a Jeep so she can take it in a few years. Maybe I'll get a 535 then, but will probably still prefer to put the $ towards savings.

Overall, the V6 overland seems the best compromise. The 8 uses just too much gas & payback time frame for a diesel just too long.

Still a bit puzzled on the differences between a luxury group equipped limited and an overland. Went to jeep.com to build, but only see the off road equipment group as an option for the overland. Must be doing something wrong.
 
#16 · (Edited)
Excellent comments all. Just what I was looking for.

I still really love the 535xi, but don't want to spend that much. Equipped as it should be we are talking 63-64k. No issues with my 335 or the 335 before it. Only considering an X3 as I find it harder to get in/out of a 3 series as I get older & not enough room for more than 2 people as we are a tall family. The X is actually wider than the 535 and does 0-60 in about 5.5.

Not concerned with my masculinity. Not defined by a car. The wife wants a Jeep so she can take it in a few years. Maybe I'll get a 535 then, but will probably still prefer to put the $ towards savings.

Overall, the V6 overland seems the best compromise. The 8 uses just too much gas & payback time frame for a diesel just too long.

Still a bit puzzled on the differences between a luxury group equipped limited and an overland. Went to jeep.com to build, but only see the off road equipment group as an option for the overland. Must be doing something wrong.
Another suggestion is see if you can take out both vehicles for an extended test drive for at least a couple hours and just try them out as best you can. I did with both and as my mini review said the X3 was a pleasure to drive but the Jeep was a very nice to drive and offered more functionality/room IMO. Again good luck with your shopping.
 
#22 ·
Plus if you go with the light frost beige interior, the Overland's carpet is matching beige while the Limited's carpet is black. Even in the cargo area. Can make a huge difference depending on what you use it for. I borrowed a VW Touareg overnight with only 9,500 Kms/5,900 miles and the beige carpet looked pretty bad especially near the door edges. I just had a Jeep dealer call me stating they can change the carpet out in the Overland if it meant getting my business. If I hadn't ordered an SRT from another dealer I would've taken him up on his offer. To me light carpet in a off reader doesn't make sense.
 
#24 ·
I have a well optioned 13' 328i (more expensive than a 528i) and a 14' Grand Cherokee Limited. I looked at the X3 and X5 before buying the 3 series. No SUV will give the feeling of a sport sedan. So at the end I went with a real SUV and a real sport sedan:thumbsup:

Between X3 and GC, I will always choose GC as an SUV. Either forget sportiness and get a GC or forget functionality and get a 335.
 
#26 · (Edited)
I'm just coming from an '11 X3 35i to a '14 GC limited 3.6 with Lux2 and ORA1. I really like the GC and do miss a few things about the X3.
X3 PROs:
Handled much better on windy roads and high speeds, probably safer in emergency situations.
Better visibility especially around the front pillars and side-view mirrors.
Much more power but mostly usable after 20 mph
Could adjust the opening height of the electric hatch.
Nice dealers and free rental cars during service
X3 CONs:
No spare tire and only run flats
Run flats expensive and can be hard to find if you need to replace a tire
Gas mileage (although about the same as the GC)
Seating not as comfortable especially for left leg relaxing position
NAV sucked, I mounted a Garmin on the shelf in front of the built in NAV
Very rough take off from a stop and/or slow speeds (See X3 forums)
I had chronic issues with pulling and unbalanced steering
Software updates for the car took a better part of a day and if the update failed, they would need to keep the car another day

GC: PROs
Software updates for things like the 3.6 tranny only takes 30 mins at the dealer.
Can do updates for the 8.4 U radio system yourself
More comfortable to drive in stop and go traffic. Easy to accelerate smoothly from a stop or low speeds.
More comfortable seating position
I have a spare tire again (Full Size)
Low Range available for off-roading
Gas mileage a little higher than the X3 for all highway driving with 3.6

GC CONs:
Can't adjust the height of the electric hatch and you can't manually open it part way. I can not open it my garage as it hits the garage door and then closes automatically.
Doesn't handle nearly as well on windy roads and at higher speeds.
Blind spots with front pillars and side-view mirrors
Dealers generally not very pleasant to deal with.
Satellite radio reception not as good
Better offroad capability
 
#28 ·
GC CONs:
Can't adjust the height of the electric hatch and you can't manually open it part way. I can not open it my garage as it hits the garage door and then closes automatically.
According to the manual, "if the liftgate handle is pulled while the power liftgate is opening, the liftgate motor will disengage to allow manual operation." Try pulling the handle before the liftgate hits your garage door.
 
#27 ·
I test drove EVERYTHING before buying my JGC. The German crossovers handle well, are quick, but are really overgrown station wagons. Most other American SUVs are 7 seat monsters. The JGC was the best appointed, four wheel drive, 5 seat SUV that actually had some room in the back. I suggest test driving a lot of them, then deciding why you want an SUV, and pick the one that best matches the characteristics you want
 
#30 ·
If you like the X3, I echo what someone else said...you need to drive an Audi Q5. If I didn't need more size, I'd have a Q5 no question over the Jeep and certainly an X3.
 
#33 ·
It really drives great too, very nice interior...
 
#35 ·
Talk about 2 totally different vehicles- after years of BMW driving I am pondering either a loaded X3 with the 3 liter engine (as in the 335xi) or a JGC V6 Overland. Gas mileage too crappy with the Hemi.

The spouse likes the Jeep, but I'm still not sure I can drive an SUV every single day. Our other vehicle is a Toyota Sienna. I love the 535xi, but just can't justify the money.

The X3 is almost as fast as my 335xi, but more comfortable and practical. The Overland is nice and soft and can go places the BMW fears to even look at, but I still fear quality and long term reliability as well as the lack of sportiness & ability to effortlessly pass the doddering. Wouldn't have either without a warranty of sorts.

Sorry for the rambling. Looking to see if others faced a similar decision & if they're happy.
For me there is no comparison here
The Jeep all day every day
Unless you want the badge and an on road only vehicle
 
#46 ·
Doesn't seem snobbish to me at all, I'm a Lexus owner and yes the Jeep dealers suck. You just have to prepare yourself that it will not be an upscale experience at all...its really no worse than any other mainstream dealer, but it is absolutely not a luxury car dealer.

My advice? Get a 535 and keep your wife's Sienna. When you can, replace IT for the Jeep. You can do REALLY well on a 5 series lease, and you are accustomed to leasing. I don't see how an Overland would be any cheaper than a 535 lease, and you have the fuel cost differences and the maintenance on the Jeep vs the free maintenance on the BMW to factor in as well.

I just shopped a 535 before I got the GS in November. They have good leases.

You want the BMW, you're going to miss it. Get the 535.
 
#48 ·
A properly equipped 535 was just south of $700/month on a lease at $500 over invoice, while we could lease an Overland w/ Adv tech & offroad packages for around $540 based on 2-3% under invoice if memory serves. Thats a big difference--and the extra $ is going towards retirement. The BMW as equipped was around 63-64 MSRP & Overland $49K. Much as I love BMW, I fear the fun would wear off after a few payments. The 335xi runs about $580/month. Was looking to save some money & add to retirement. Those of us soon to reach a "certain age" can boost 401k investments beyond what is normally allowed. On a personal note I try to live 80/20- 80% responsible & 20% fun.

We need to keep the Sienna another 2-3 years as we're burning 15-18K miles/year on family activities. Might as well use the van up. BY the time we're ready the WK2 will likely be the former model and Jeep onto WK3. I toyed with your suggestion reverse, which my wife suggested. Get the JGC now & use it to replace the van in 2-3 years then get something I want assuming the budget so allows.

Either way, I have a LOT of figuring to do! Thanks so much for the time & input.
 
#47 ·
Again, apples and oranges. First let me say that I bought a '13 GC, but I was kind of torn too. The Jeep interior is second to none, and it can go where no Audi could even get near. Nut the Q5 3.0 has blazing acceleration, and the AWD helps it take hairpin turns that will change the shape of your face....It's nothing like driving an SUV. Ohhhh...If only we could get all the cars we wanted..... A 911, a 62 Vette, maybe one of those BMW M6s.... Or maybe a Jag......
 
#52 · (Edited)
I spend about $50 (for 7 quarts of full synthetic oil and a filter) for the 5.7L V8 in mine every 6 months and do my own oil/filter change. And a tire rotation for $19.95. That's the only cost mine has needed, along with new mopar parts based on the Altitude model so I could de-chrome it. I'm at 21,750 miles now.
 
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