Phil & Art,

Just have to add a couple Lessons Learned from driving the German cars. First I will say when it's running properly the X3 is a blast to drive! The X3 with N55 motor hauls, and I'm not talking about cargo capacity... straight 6 with "twin" turbo. It isn't really a twin, I think it has a low side & high side to enable a quick spool.

But - and this is a Big But, I can't buy an after market service manual, BMW has managed to keep the data & prevent any publisher from writing manuals. And it is very complex. Already replace battery (programmed the car to it, $tealership), replaced the water p/p and t-stat. Fortunately not behind a timing belt, but still over $600 in parts and for me about 10 hours work (I'm thorough but not quick). Indy shop wanted $2300 P & L. And why do the German's put the thermostat in a Plastic housing way down low on the block! Both of my Audis and this X3 have that potential hazard... I chose this 2014 X3 over an Audi Q5 that lacked the performance. I may keep this till the spring then look for another Audi (I like their 4 cyl turbo motors), or even go for a Japanese suv. But the 240 will still be there in case the replacement Daily fails me. It's slow but comfy and I can't think of any car with the same visibility of a 244 (the 245 was even better).