| nismomurano |
| I gotta friend whos lookin at both an X3 or murano.......i tell her murano.....what kinda info can u guys give about the X3?? |
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| Eric L. |
The X3 has less horsepower and less interior space, although both vehicles will have a relatively rough ride.
I think the major selling point of the Murano is the CVT. Some people cannot stand it since its decidedly "non sporty" but other people love it because its the smoothest automatic you can buy. Have your friend test drive both and then make a decision. |
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| Seattle Murano |
| The X3 holds 4 people - period. I'd even say it only fits 3.5 people comfortably. We tried to put 5 in my friend's X3 and it was very uncomfortable. We're all less than 5'6" and 150lbs and less. The MO easily transports 5 and has more cargo space. If you get the X3 you HAVE TO get the 3.0 engine option or you've got a SLOOOOW vehicle. |
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| rugiles |
| A close friend was shopping for a new SUV a few months ago. He really liked my MO but didn't want to copy. He spent over $43k on an X3 with leather, sunroof and the sports package with color matched ground effects and chrome tipped exhaust. No NAV or any extras. It looks great. The car inside is significatly smaller. In my MO he (being 6'5") can sit in the passanger seat and have more leg room that then needed and the person being has more that needed (no Knees touching not feeling cramped). I am 6'1" and have good leg room in his front seat but not in the back. Anyone sitting in the back will have their knees touchoing the seat and feel cramped. I have to sit sideways when sitting behind the driver. My feet are wedged in under the driver seat which makes if difficult to get in or out. In this rear configuration you can't put down the rear arm/cupholder because it is too long and I am sitting sideways taking the room of the middle part of The seat. Definetly not a 5 passenger vehicle. The ride and handling is tight and sporty upfront but the back seat on freeways with expansion joints or potholes is a killer. Not a bad a a dodge pickup unloaded but bad. My wife was 8 mos. prego and we had to pull over and move her to the front seat because bumping and jumping was so bad we thought she might deliver on his new leather. Oh and he gets 17 mph in mixed driving compared to my 19-20 mph with his less powerful engine. |
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| Kris |
I saw a few X3 on my recent trip to NJ. They do look smallish.
IMHO you paying for the BMW name. X3 is definitely not worth the money. |
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| samwlee |
I actually compared an X3 with the MO before I bought my '04 SL AWD. Originally wanted an X5 but it was too much $$$. I drove an X3 at the BMW Autocross and was very impressed with it performance.. but when you compare to the MO:
The MO has more features and options, for much lower price. Larger engine (245 HP vs 225/184), standard 6 Disc Bose, HID, Leather, Heated and powered seats, much more interior space, etc.
The MO compared better to the X5, but not in price... |
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| mozman |
| Also consider reliability. I don't know what it is exactly for the X3, but BMW's reliability has been poor according to consumer reports. Whereas the Murano's reliability is far superior. |
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| Corin |
This is a very easy question to answer. Simply have her test drive both back to back. That's what I did, and I immediately crossed the X3 off the list. :)
In my opinion, the MO is more comfortable, especially in the rear seats. The instrument cluster and controls are more naturally laid out in the MO. The handling/performance aspects are VERY comparable, but I liked the CVT of the MO.
Lastly, just look at the rear cargo compartment. Even with the large back seats that the MO has, there is MUCH more room there than in the X3. I couldn't figure out where all the space went in the X3. It's about the same size, but everything is cramped in there while it is not in the MO. What's up with that?
Then the final thing, of course, is price. You're not going to get an X3 with the same toys as you will a MO.
The positives that the X3 has, though, are the name and a better AWD system. The BMW X-Drive (or whatever they call it) is actually a very good system. Similar to the MO's system, where it transfers power as needed, but if you lock it on it will be locked and won't disengage at higher speeds. Plus it's transfer case is solid enough to allow this. |
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| mgthe3 |
I played with an x5 on the freeway this afternoon, got to come home early before the creeping parking lot effect began. He would abruptly change lanes and it looked like he was gonna go up on 2 wheels. I breezed past him on a long down hill....goin about 100.
I laughed at his nasty dirty front wheels and his hideous green paint.
:2:
Kris, it was the downhill section of 85 after JC. (It's about 2 miles long) |
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| Kris |
quote:
Originally posted by mgthe3
I played with an x5 on the freeway this afternoon, got to come home early before the creeping parking lot effect began. He would abruptly change lanes and it looked like he was gonna go up on 2 wheels. I breezed past him on a long down hill....goin about 100.
I laughed at his nasty dirty front wheels and his hideous green paint.
:2:
Kris, it was the downhill section of 85 after JC. (It's about 2 miles long)
I did something similar a couple of weeks ago. Comming from Mobile, AL on I85. A 350Z a front of me and G35C at the left lane. They were doing 70mph, slightly uphill. Tipped to Ds and off I went........110 in no time at all.........they really were surprised..:D
Even more fun going through Tennessee mountains (I24). I did play with some fast sedans. It was sweet to see they faces....:22: |
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| Seattle Murano |
quote:
Originally posted by Kris
I did something similar a couple of weeks ago. Comming from Mobile, AL on I85. A 350Z a front of me and G35C at the left lane. They were doing 70mph, slightly uphill. Tipped to Ds and off I went........110 in no time at all.........they really were surprised..:D
Even more fun going through Tennessee mountains (I24). I did play with some fast sedans. It was sweet to see they faces....:22:
I hope you're not implying that our MO's can actually hang with 350Z/G35's... The MO is no slouch as far as SUV's go but lets have a reality check here plz... Not saying you didn't pass these cars but had they decided to give you chase it would have been no contest...simple power:weight ratio advantage goes to those cars. |
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| Kris |
I did not imply anything except stating a fact. And yes, if the other drivers wanted there would be no contest....:(
However, by the same token it is really nice to see how surprised people are with what MO can do. And, no it is not an SUV. For me it is more like a station wagon, elevated one. And I love it! Oh, and I do not have any false expectation of it being a sports car or performance car. This is not why I bought it. |
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| saito |
I wanted the X3 real bad, with the MO a close second. Three things changed my mind:
First, the transmission hump through the back seat means the johnny-in-the-middle has to ride with his knees in his chin. It makes the car feel much smaller than the MO. My kids hated the X3 for this reason.
Second, the local BMW dealer had a "mine don't stink" attitude. He quoted me full sticker on the car and refused to negotiate: "People who can afford our cars don't need to haggle the price." OK....
Third, I took the MO to the BMW dealer to compare them side-by-side and in a direct shoot-out, the MO, IMO, won hands down; not to mention being $11K cheaper. |
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| samwlee |
In terms of storage space, the MO is FLAT when the seats are down (with a quick tug of two cords).. the X3 rear seats don't sit flat, they angle up... and the wheel wells seem to intrude a lot more than the MO.
My acid test? I play rollerhockey, and my stick would fit horizontially in the back on the MO w/o putting the rear seats down. In the X3, not a chance.. The only way to fit it was to put down one seat and lay it the length of the vehicle... |
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| hfelknor |
I know one thing for sure.
I'ld like to have the X3 Sun roof instead of this lame half-a-sun-roof.
In many ways, BMW is a better car company than Nissan can even imagine.
Homer |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by hfelknor
I know one thing for sure.
I'ld like to have the X3 Sun roof instead of this lame half-a-sun-roof.
In many ways, BMW is a better car company than Nissan can even imagine.
Homer
While it is unfortunate that some Murano sunroofs only open about 2/3rd the way, not all are like that. Mine opens completely.
I wonder why. |
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| Corin |
| Yeah, but if you look at the X3, it has a HUGE sunroof! I forgot about that. Absolutely incredible. It's almost like a double-sunroof. The back seat even benefits from it! |
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| pcs15394 |
| That's great for the X3, but can you sit on the Sunroof. I like the looks but as far as daily utility, I would take the Murano. |
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| nismomurano |
quote:
Originally posted by hfelknor
I know one thing for sure.
I'ld like to have the X3 Sun roof instead of this lame half-a-sun-roof.
In many ways, BMW is a better car company than Nissan can even imagine.
Homer
yes there a good company.......but the x3 was one of their worst cars they ever made...... |
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| rugiles |
| And if you hold down the unlock button the X3 rolls down all 4 windows and opens the sunroof to vent the heat. Our MO's don't do that. We have a front porch for a dash and the X3 has tanning bed for a sunroof. |
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| MO Dale |
| Too bad we can't do a transplant. I'd love to have the X3's sunroof on the MO! |
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| Kris |
It is all great. But look at the price:
06 325 starts at $29,995
05 X3 2.5 starts at $30,300
To get to real BMW you need to move to 3.0, get some basic optioons and................you at $40k mark..:(
I do not think this car is worth these money. My German friends are telling me BMW has quality issues..... |
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| Eric L. |
| If you are going to spend $40k+ on a crossover, why not step it up and get a truly fun to drive FX45. |
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| Kris |
quote:
Originally posted by Eric L.
If you are going to spend $40k+ on a crossover, why not step it up and get a truly fun to drive FX45.
Good question. ;) |
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| dejongj |
I'm surprised you guys/girls are even comparing the two...I can't think of a single reason why people would put the two on the same shopping list....Moneywise X3 much more expensive, Size wise X3 much smaller, Looks wise X3 is so oldschool square....
I think BMW is making very family unfriendly cars...Before we decided on the MO we did check out the new 5 series...No chance that a third person can site in the back but at least we tried...The X5, to common you see them everywhere (aren't lease a stupid thing, everyone seems to be able to afford one these days *sarcasme about the debt society*), X3 just too small a push chair (Maclaren Techno XT) doesn't fit in the boot....7 series....Ah family unfriendly again, great boot, excellent drive, but only two seats in the back....
Nissan may not have the kudos, but we know better don't we....Let's keep it our secret... |
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| Kris |
| BMW is simply cashing in on SUV popularity. Can't blame them. |
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| lilbit_cmm |
quote:
Originally posted by Eric L.
While it is unfortunate that some Murano sunroofs only open about 2/3rd the way, not all are like that. Mine opens completely.
I wonder why.
Eric,
So what's your definition of completely? I think mine does too (at least it opens as far as I can push back the interior shade), but haven't looked at others...
So maybe it's an '03 Midnight Blue SE thing?
:2: |
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| Eric L. |
Yep looks like yours opens like mine. Basically opens as far as the shade can retract (any more would be kind of pointless).
Some Muranos with different sunroof motors only permit the sunroof to open about 2/3rd of what ours opens to.
Yep, Midnight Blue SE's rule. (But don't tell anyone, its our secret). |
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| Phil-KSA |
05 SE opens all the way,
Go for the Murano, much more car for less money. And certainly better looking! |
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| twelsh |
I'm getting the impression that most of you haven't actually driven an X3... I own a 2003 Murano SE and my wife has a 2005 X3 3.0 -- I really like my car but hers in phenomenal! Sure dollar for dollar you can get a lot more goodies in your Murano for much less than a comparably equipped X3, but nothing compares to that BMW steering, solidity, and great exhaust note. The smaller X3 is also alot more nimble than my big ass MO, it corners like its on rails and has a noticably tighter turning radius.
With regards to the horsepower difference, BMW's are famous for making cars that feel a lot more powerful than the horsepower numbers on their specs, and the X3 is no different. It definitely feels more powerful than my MO, especially when it in DS mode (which really is a sport automatic mode that you can actually leave the car in all the time) and the published 0-60 times are on average a second quicker as well.
As regards to mpg, my wife and I both work at the same hospital, and do the same commute on pretty much the same days, and both our cars average 20mpg.
Another nice thing about the BMW is service. When my wife accidentally broke a plastic cover off her rear windshield wiper, she brought it down to the dealership where they immediately replaced the entire wiper free of charge, and then proceeded to wash her car for free while we sipped complimentary mochachinos in the lobby. Now that's "ball dusting" for yah!
In comparison, the last time I went to the Nissan dealership to get my brakes checked, my steering wheel straighted out, the clock that's 2 minutes too fast fixed, and loose drivers seat tightened or replaced, they told me I needed to pay $350 to have the rotors resurfaced (which I later discovered to be in fine shape at the local midas dealership), $120 to have the car re-aligned, and that there was "nothing wrong" with the clock or seat. Certainly there's going to be variability from dealership to dealership, but come on...
Don't get me wrong though, for comfort/luxury features, my MO is great. My driver's seat is big and comfortable, the dual climate control keeps the arguments over the temp to a minimum, and sure, If I'm planning on loading up with some lumbar or taking the in-laws out to dinner, I'll be taking the MO. But if I'm just going out for a drive and I can wrestle the keys away from by beautiful wife, I'll be taking the X! In may ways I'm lucky in that I get to drive both cars on a regular basis, so it really depends on what you're going to use your car for, what features are important to you, and how much money you have to burn.
(And speaking of money, If you can't get your X3 for $500 over invoice, you're paying too much).
Oh, and BTW, we both looked at and drove the FX cars... they didn't drive any better than my MO, were oddly bigger on the outside and yet smaller on the inside than the MO, they got worse gas mileage, and you can get all the same features in the MO for a lot less money. |
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| pcs15394 |
| Good post! There is definitely some added value with a good dealer experience. I am definitely going to factor the dealer experience into my next vehicle purchase. |
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| dmako |
<twelsh> Nice write up, how does the size match up between MO and the X3?
I've been behind one (not for long, LOL) and noticed it's so narrow. I'm broad shouldered and tall and fit in the MO fine.
Think I just answered my own question, X3 leg room: 40.2 MO front leg room: 43.4! |
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| Phil-KSA |
I understand that 2005 Murano’s have had over 1300 improvements when compared to older vehicles. A lot of these improvements have been on the handling, for European taste.
Having driven both the X3 and an 05 Murano, there is no real difference in the handling or build quality (ours is a Japanese build). In fact the Murano is more responsive, certainly when using the sequential shift. |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by Phil-KSA
I understand that 2005 Murano’s have had over 1300 improvements when compared to older vehicles. A lot of these improvements have been on the handling, for European taste.
Having driven both the X3 and an 05 Murano, there is no real difference in the handling or build quality (ours is a Japanese build). In fact the Murano is more responsive, certainly when using the sequential shift.
Only for the European version (and probably the JDM version as well). The US 2005 did not get the same suspension changes, but may get them whenever Nissan does a midcycle refresh update here in the States. |
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| twelsh |
quote:
Originally posted by dmako
<twelsh> Nice write up, how does the size match up between MO and the X3?
I've been behind one (not for long, LOL) and noticed it's so narrow. I'm broad shouldered and tall and fit in the MO fine.
Think I just answered my own question, X3 leg room: 40.2 MO front leg room: 43.4!
The X3 is definitely smaller than the Murano, but I'm 6'1" tall and weigh 235 lbs and I fit very comfortably behind the wheel of the both. Not so with the other 3-series cars - while shopping for my wife's car, we also test drove a 330xi and although it was still a solid car, both my smaller wife and I felt a little cramped. With regards to the X3, however, I in fact prefer the seating postion in the BMW better than my MO - mostly because it has a telescopic steering wheel. I have long legs and whenever I get in a new car I put my seat back pretty far and in the MO I can't go as far back because I can't reach the wheel comfortably with my arms. When I first got the MO, I put the pedals all the way forward and they haven't moved since. When my 5'2" wife uses the car, she just moves the seat forward and leaves the pedals where they are. Adjustable pedals seem like a good idea, but there's a reason why most premium cars just use a telescoping steering wheel. With regards to the quoted leg room above, I assume thats the maxium achieveable, because, as we all know, the leg room is adjustable depending on where you put the seat. I guess if you're really huge, you would want to go with the MO, but hopefully you have long arms as well.
One other thing I forget to mention is the brakes. BMW brakes are phenomenal! One of the reasons I took the Murano to the dealership to have the brakes checked in the first place was because I was comparing them the the BMW. Unfortunately, at least according to the manager at Midas, theres not a whole lot I can do the MO to give it the grippy feel of the X3. We discussed slotted rotors, steel brake lines and the like, but apparantly Nissans brake like Nissans, and BMWs like BMWs. In fact since then I took a new G35 for a test drive (also a very nice car) and the brakes felt like my MO. Go figure. |
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| dmako |
Thanks, ... interesting. Yea I about 6' 2" 250 lbs, all legs (and arms) I have the seat all the way back and pedals all the way forward in the MO, perfect.
Perhaps some day I'll look at the X3 (or a used X5) as it does come with a manual as that's what I am looking for next.
But one thing that I heard on Motor Week was during the testing of the X3, they commented on window creaking. I have that now with the MO. It would kill me to have that issue in my next car.
quote:
Originally posted by twelsh
The X3 is definitely smaller than the Murano, but I'm 6'1" tall and weigh 235 lbs and I fit very comfortably behind the wheel of the both. Not so with the other 3-series cars - while shopping for my wife's car, we also test drove a 330xi and although it was still a solid car, both my smaller wife and I felt a little cramped. With regards to the X3, however, I in fact prefer the seating postion in the BMW better than my MO - mostly because it has a telescopic steering wheel. I have long legs and whenever I get in a new car I put my seat back pretty far and in the MO I can't go as far back because I can't reach the wheel comfortably with my arms. When I first got the MO, I put the pedals all the way forward and they haven't moved since. When my 5'2" wife uses the car, she just moves the seat forward and leaves the pedals where they are. Adjustable pedals seem like a good idea, but there's a reason why most premium cars just use a telescoping steering wheel. With regards to the quoted leg room above, I assume thats the maxium achieveable, because, as we all know, the leg room is adjustable depending on where you put the seat. I guess if you're really huge, you would want to go with the MO, but hopefully you have long arms as well.
One other thing I forget to mention is the brakes. BMW brakes are phenomenal! One of the reasons I took the Murano to the dealership to have the brakes checked in the first place was because I was comparing them the the BMW. Unfortunately, at least according to the manager at Midas, theres not a whole lot I can do the MO to give it the grippy feel of the X3. We discussed slotted rotors, steel brake lines and the like, but apparantly Nissans brake like Nissans, and BMWs like BMWs. In fact since then I took a new G35 for a test drive (also a very nice car) and the brakes felt like my MO. Go figure.
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| Kris |
quote:
Originally posted by twelsh
Oh, and BTW, we both looked at and drove the FX cars... they didn't drive any better than my MO, were oddly bigger on the outside and yet smaller on the inside than the MO, they got worse gas mileage, and you can get all the same features in the MO for a lot less money.
Interesting observation as I drive MO and my wife FX. I agree with you opinion regarding look and the space but not how do they drive. The FX is a completely different car and it feels. Is much stiffer, feels very solid, corners great etc. It has much better handling. While I can take Murano around the corners at 50 mph and it really feels, the FX can go around the same corner at 60+ without even noticing it. As you I prefer Murano for “hauling” and long drives. However, if it comes to fun FX is the way to go. Just my 2c…… |
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| hfelknor |
"............. the published 0-60 times are on average a second quicker as well. "
Never happen.
The Murano is consensus rated at 7.5 seconds.
I've never seen the X3 rated anywhere at 6.5.
As a matter of fact most rate it at about 7.5.
And that's with the stick shift.
The auto drains about .3 seconds off of that.
Yes, X3 is smaller and the price tag is bigger.
The one that Edmunds tested was $47,520.
It really should be better for that price.
I happen to like the X3.
But lets keep things in perspective.
Homer |
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| KSmurano |
Homer - I was going to lead off with the exact same stmt.
I haven't seen any times in the 6.5 range & was going to double check them tonight before saying anything. :eek:
Now if we were talking FX45 or X5.......
I also did a price compare on the X3 with similar options to my MO & found the following:
__________________X3_____MO_______Diff
MSRP_____________44,200___36,100___8,100
Invoice ___________40,500___32,500___8,000
TMV vs my price paid 42,700___32,000___10,700
I like the looks, but there appears to be a minimum price difference of $8K for a smaller SUV!
And after driving a FX35 for a week I must say it has a much sportier feel & ride than the MO but was a lot more cramped. IMO |
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| twelsh |
I will concede that after Googleling 0-60 times for the Murano and X3 most sites list both doing 0-60 in 7.5 sec range.
I got the times from MSN autos which I feel to be a generally reliable source:
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/S...imid=-1&src=GBT
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/S...VIP&tab=2&sub=0
I usually get my specs from Consumer reports (they do real world tests of acceleration, not like the tests they do in magazines like Car and Driver where they launch the cars by holding in the brake/clutch, reving the car to 5000 rpms and then dropping it into gear- hopefully nothing anyone would actually do to their car on a regular basis). They have the Murano clocked at 8 seconds even. Unfortunately they don't have specs for the 3.0 X3, just the 2.5 (which is a dog at 9.8secs, something I can attest to in my own experience).
Still the Butt-o-meter favors the X3.
With regards to the FX, I really didn't notice a big difference between the handling when I compared it to my Murano SE. However a test drive is no comparison to having the car to drive for multiple days at a time. Perhaps the difference you're experiencing is because you're comparing it to an SL. There's definitely a difference between the SL and SE when it comes to handling, but the trade off is a more punishing ride (which is true of the X3 as well, I like it of course, but I can't imagine how the sport suspension X3 rides - ouch!). I do like the looks of the FX, kinda like a panther ready to attack. When it first came out I thought it was a new SUV from Jaguar. |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by twelsh
I will concede that after Googleling 0-60 times for the Murano and X3 most sites list both doing 0-60 in 7.5 sec range.
I got the times from MSN autos which I feel to be a generally reliable source:
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/S...imid=-1&src=GBT
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/S...VIP&tab=2&sub=0
I usually get my specs from Consumer reports (they do real world tests of acceleration, not like the tests they do in magazines like Car and Driver where they launch the cars by holding in the brake/clutch, reving the car to 5000 rpms and then dropping it into gear- hopefully nothing anyone would actually do to their car on a regular basis). They have the Murano clocked at 8 seconds even. Unfortunately they don't have specs for the 3.0 X3, just the 2.5 (which is a dog at 9.8secs, something I can attest to in my own experience).
Still the Butt-o-meter favors the X3.
With regards to the FX, I really didn't notice a big difference between the handling when I compared it to my Murano SE. Perhaps the difference you're experiencing is because you're comparing it to an SL. There's definitely a difference between the SL and SE when it comes to handling, but the trade of is a more punishing ride (which is true of the X3 as well, I like it of course, but I can't imagine how the sport suspension X3 rides - ouch!)
I think the CVT's shiftless sensation contributes the Murano feeling kind of slow. I admit that not hearing the engine race up the RPM range like a normal transmission makes it sound kind decidedly non sporty. |
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| samwlee |
I cross shopped the MO with an X3 2.5. The X3 did ride better, had an awesome panoramic moonroof, and it was a BMW... but the MO had much more room, more standard features, more HP, and was much cheaper. So I ended up woth the MO :D
The other reason was that on the BMW boards, there were tons of complaints about the quality, rattles, failures that it kinda scared me away from BMW. Not that we don't have similar issues, but you pay a premium for BMW... |
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| twelsh |
| Fortunately we've had no rattle problems with either car (knock on wood). |
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