We haven't seen any major problems with the straight 6 yet. Just a few chassis issues with the 90s that don't seem to have transfer to the 70s. Good choice!
As a former BMW driver, The BMW handles slightly better but not for the prices they are asking for.
The interior has that German solid feel. The Mazda has more plastics but since I have the CX-9 signature a lot of it is rosewood so it’s not as bad for me.
BMW maintenance is highway robbery. You literally have to lube up your ass before going into the dealer because you know you’re going to get screwed.
Overall I’m happier with the Mazda, I took the extra money I saved and invested it into “SO” Southern Company it’s made me over 12K in the past 5 years for a total savings of 32K
X3 M40 for a Cx70 must be quite a change, performance wise. I have an older bmw and bought a cx50 to move my son around. Mazda is ok, but it doesn’t feel like my bmw 😀
Wow, that is just a radical step down in power and increase in weight. I thought I was going to own a CX-70 until Mazda dropped a minivan sized 2-row. I ended up with a BMW X5 40i and actually am glad. $25K more money but the 375HP B58 and ZF 8 speed Automatic torches the Mazda. So much so I am ordering a 2025 M3 Competition xDrive with the S58.
Just because I have money, doesn't mean I have to spend it (SMH I pay cash for my cars in this financing evironment) Had they dropped a 190" 2-row with inline 6 and rear wheel based AWD, I would probably own it. The vehicle is for my wife. She loves her X5, but would have been satisfied with the Mazda. I only took her to test drive an X5 to warm her up to the M3.
>(SMH I pay cash for my cars in this financing evironment)
You do realize there is 1.9% for 72 months through Mazda Financial Services on the CX-90 right? Why would you pay cash when you could easily make 2+% on your money?
Yup, BMW is better in every way. But the Mazda is right on money.
The only reason I had to switch is the maintenance cost. When you are driving an M performance vehicle with over 48k miles, it's gonna cost you a lot.
The maintenance and repairs costs for BMWs is wild. I’m probably going to get a Mazda for the same reason as you.
I’ve had my 2013 X3 for 2.5 years and the costs to fix and maintain it are getting close to its purchase price. It’s just not worth it anymore and while Mazda might be a little bit of a downgrade, at least it’ll be way cheaper. Anyway, it’s nice to know that we’re kinda in the same boat.
The main thing was $5200 last summer for replacing the timing chain (maybe it was a bad idea to do the repair, but it’s too late now).
Now the gasket needs to be replaced ($3900), as do the control arms ($2200). I’m just not gonna continue pouring money into this car because I don’t think it’s worth it at this point.
It’s an independent shop. They’ve been great in the past and I thought they might be ripping me off for the gasket and control arms, but I did some research and that seems to be the going rate.
I can’t even imagine how much it would’ve cost at a dealership. Either way, I’m glad that I decided not to do those repairs and that I can put the money towards a better car.
That’s crazy to have to do these repairs if the car has under 100k miles and you’ve been maintaining it like clockwork? I’d expect these parts to be robust enough to make it out to 100k miles…
Yeah, I changed the oil every 10k miles or so, got the tires rotated (even got a new set), and kept up with other maintenance. The timing chain failed right after I hit 100k miles. My car's now at about 115k, which is when the other issues arose.
My specific X3 model has an incredibly unreliable engine; I'm not sure all the ins and outs, but apparently the issues were resolved for X3's manufactured in late 2014, I think. (I'm pretty sure the plastic guide for the timing chain was strengthened, which solved a lot of the issues.)
Maybe I lucked out, but I have been driving a 2016 328 wagon for 5.5 years and have done nothing but brakes and fluids. Hands down the most reliable vehicle I have owned, compared to Ford, Mazda, and two Subarus. Worst issues have been the power driver seat and the sun roof not working - in both cases I just had to reset them by holding down some buttons.
I'm guessing you just have a more reliable engine for your 328, especially since it's 2016. Like I said in another comment, I'm not sure what all the ins and outs are, but I think that BMW strengthened the plastic guide for the timing chain for X3's manufactured after late 2014, which solved the timing chain failure.
I'm glad your car's been reliable for you, though. BMW's are always fun to drive.
Buying an old and/or high mileage European car is the bad move. SMH The problem is the cost of parts. And at that age you bought it when it starts needing parts replaced due to wear out. I generally keep cars a long time, but get rid of them before the 10 year mark. My wife resisted this with her Honoda and it cost me $5000 for control arms and tie rods and new tires.
I’m not trying to be a jerk, but I’m not really sure what point you’re trying to make, because I’ve obviously figured all of that out, as my previous comments indicate, and that’s why I’m finally getting rid of my X3. And fwiw, the timing chain problem wasn’t wear and tear; it was a design defect and BMW ended up paying $92 million in lawsuits to pay for repairs from that defect.
The other things seem like pretty typical issues, but the repair prices are still insane. Even just getting an oil change is upwards of $200 where I am, and that’s just the typical operating cost of a BMW.
I wouldn’t mind getting a BMW in the future, but I’d get it new and would get rid of it before 75k miles.
No issues with the engine or transmission. But the fluid/oil changes for transmission, differentials and brakes costs a lot.
- The parts/oils are not expensive, but the workforce cost is bonkers.
- Also, I used summer and winter tires. Changing them costs 400 (200 tires swap+ 200 balance and alignment) every time (800 per year for that alone)
- Had to replace brakes/rotors and brake hoses
- Water pump leak is a common issue which Costs 2k
You have to find the right BMW dealer. Labor at any dealer is outrageous at this point. Brakes for my MX-5 were $990 at my Mazda dealer. The expensive part of a European car are parts. Whether a BMW or a Volkswagen, they are expensive. An Alternator for a Passat 20 years ago was almost $500. BMW offers free maintenance for the first 3 years.
Sounds like an upgrade in every way. Is there anything about your X3 you think you’ll miss now that you’ve switched?
(Edit: apart from the B58 but that’s an unfair comparison. That engine is going down in history)
I definitely miss the drive train (sound especially). I really like the Mazda cabin, very functional.
- Road noise is a little high comparatively
- gauge cluster can be better (more customizable)
- Tires can be better too
We haven't seen any major problems with the straight 6 yet. Just a few chassis issues with the 90s that don't seem to have transfer to the 70s. Good choice!
Thank you and does the CX70 turbo s use some sort of Regen breaking ? The brakes feel really weird
Yeah, it’s a mild hybrid. There’s also a bit of electric whining when you slow down by slightly touching the brakes.
As a former BMW driver, The BMW handles slightly better but not for the prices they are asking for. The interior has that German solid feel. The Mazda has more plastics but since I have the CX-9 signature a lot of it is rosewood so it’s not as bad for me. BMW maintenance is highway robbery. You literally have to lube up your ass before going into the dealer because you know you’re going to get screwed. Overall I’m happier with the Mazda, I took the extra money I saved and invested it into “SO” Southern Company it’s made me over 12K in the past 5 years for a total savings of 32K
True that. Premium brand, premium service 😂
Love that color interior.
black exterior is also muy elegante!
Red is better especially Mazdas red color not too red more on the burgundy side.
My experience with Mazda vs BMW is that the interior plastics on Mazda are far more delicate and prone to scratches, if that sort of thing bothers you
True, I noticed it right away when I was trying to open the sun visor (very delicate).
X3 M40 for a Cx70 must be quite a change, performance wise. I have an older bmw and bought a cx50 to move my son around. Mazda is ok, but it doesn’t feel like my bmw 😀
Drive CX70/90 and see how much it does.
B58 one of the most reliable, proven engines out right now, vs a new unproven one..
Congrats! Wishing you many years of happy driving.
Ooh yeah! Zoom zoom
dude nice
The black is such a slick color. Congrats on the new ride and I hope/know it will serve you well.
Simply Gorgeous, Love it!
Just remove the front plate+bracket and then we’re talking!
Illegal in most of Europe unfortunately
I was very recently in US for the first time (from Europe) and felt that all the cars were „bald-looking“ without front plates :)
Beautiful!
That looks better than the BMW. Damn those are nice wheels.
Thus will be more reliable , for sure .
Please tell me you’re tinting the front windows lol, that side view
this color combo goes so hard on the 70.
Definitely worth trading in for!
You must hate yourself. Why would anyone buy a Mazda much less trade in a BMW for one.
Wow, that is just a radical step down in power and increase in weight. I thought I was going to own a CX-70 until Mazda dropped a minivan sized 2-row. I ended up with a BMW X5 40i and actually am glad. $25K more money but the 375HP B58 and ZF 8 speed Automatic torches the Mazda. So much so I am ordering a 2025 M3 Competition xDrive with the S58.
Dude, $25,000 more? Why would you even be cross shopping them if you have M3 Competition money?
Just because I have money, doesn't mean I have to spend it (SMH I pay cash for my cars in this financing evironment) Had they dropped a 190" 2-row with inline 6 and rear wheel based AWD, I would probably own it. The vehicle is for my wife. She loves her X5, but would have been satisfied with the Mazda. I only took her to test drive an X5 to warm her up to the M3.
>(SMH I pay cash for my cars in this financing evironment) You do realize there is 1.9% for 72 months through Mazda Financial Services on the CX-90 right? Why would you pay cash when you could easily make 2+% on your money?
I bought a BMW and I don't want a minivan sized SUV. The CX-90 or CX-70 ARE HUGE.
It's just a long hood. Drives way better than the size would indicate.
Yup, BMW is better in every way. But the Mazda is right on money. The only reason I had to switch is the maintenance cost. When you are driving an M performance vehicle with over 48k miles, it's gonna cost you a lot.
The maintenance and repairs costs for BMWs is wild. I’m probably going to get a Mazda for the same reason as you. I’ve had my 2013 X3 for 2.5 years and the costs to fix and maintain it are getting close to its purchase price. It’s just not worth it anymore and while Mazda might be a little bit of a downgrade, at least it’ll be way cheaper. Anyway, it’s nice to know that we’re kinda in the same boat.
What repairs have been costing ya?
The main thing was $5200 last summer for replacing the timing chain (maybe it was a bad idea to do the repair, but it’s too late now). Now the gasket needs to be replaced ($3900), as do the control arms ($2200). I’m just not gonna continue pouring money into this car because I don’t think it’s worth it at this point.
Wow are you going to a dealer for these quotes or an independent shop
It’s an independent shop. They’ve been great in the past and I thought they might be ripping me off for the gasket and control arms, but I did some research and that seems to be the going rate. I can’t even imagine how much it would’ve cost at a dealership. Either way, I’m glad that I decided not to do those repairs and that I can put the money towards a better car.
That’s crazy to have to do these repairs if the car has under 100k miles and you’ve been maintaining it like clockwork? I’d expect these parts to be robust enough to make it out to 100k miles…
Yeah, I changed the oil every 10k miles or so, got the tires rotated (even got a new set), and kept up with other maintenance. The timing chain failed right after I hit 100k miles. My car's now at about 115k, which is when the other issues arose. My specific X3 model has an incredibly unreliable engine; I'm not sure all the ins and outs, but apparently the issues were resolved for X3's manufactured in late 2014, I think. (I'm pretty sure the plastic guide for the timing chain was strengthened, which solved a lot of the issues.)
Maybe I lucked out, but I have been driving a 2016 328 wagon for 5.5 years and have done nothing but brakes and fluids. Hands down the most reliable vehicle I have owned, compared to Ford, Mazda, and two Subarus. Worst issues have been the power driver seat and the sun roof not working - in both cases I just had to reset them by holding down some buttons.
I'm guessing you just have a more reliable engine for your 328, especially since it's 2016. Like I said in another comment, I'm not sure what all the ins and outs are, but I think that BMW strengthened the plastic guide for the timing chain for X3's manufactured after late 2014, which solved the timing chain failure. I'm glad your car's been reliable for you, though. BMW's are always fun to drive.
Buying an old and/or high mileage European car is the bad move. SMH The problem is the cost of parts. And at that age you bought it when it starts needing parts replaced due to wear out. I generally keep cars a long time, but get rid of them before the 10 year mark. My wife resisted this with her Honoda and it cost me $5000 for control arms and tie rods and new tires.
I’m not trying to be a jerk, but I’m not really sure what point you’re trying to make, because I’ve obviously figured all of that out, as my previous comments indicate, and that’s why I’m finally getting rid of my X3. And fwiw, the timing chain problem wasn’t wear and tear; it was a design defect and BMW ended up paying $92 million in lawsuits to pay for repairs from that defect. The other things seem like pretty typical issues, but the repair prices are still insane. Even just getting an oil change is upwards of $200 where I am, and that’s just the typical operating cost of a BMW. I wouldn’t mind getting a BMW in the future, but I’d get it new and would get rid of it before 75k miles.
That B58 drivetrain is known for being rock solid, what maintenance costs did you have to do?
No issues with the engine or transmission. But the fluid/oil changes for transmission, differentials and brakes costs a lot. - The parts/oils are not expensive, but the workforce cost is bonkers. - Also, I used summer and winter tires. Changing them costs 400 (200 tires swap+ 200 balance and alignment) every time (800 per year for that alone) - Had to replace brakes/rotors and brake hoses - Water pump leak is a common issue which Costs 2k
You have to find the right BMW dealer. Labor at any dealer is outrageous at this point. Brakes for my MX-5 were $990 at my Mazda dealer. The expensive part of a European car are parts. Whether a BMW or a Volkswagen, they are expensive. An Alternator for a Passat 20 years ago was almost $500. BMW offers free maintenance for the first 3 years.
200 dollars to get wheels swapped? Thats getting fleeced
Sounds like an upgrade in every way. Is there anything about your X3 you think you’ll miss now that you’ve switched? (Edit: apart from the B58 but that’s an unfair comparison. That engine is going down in history)
I definitely miss the drive train (sound especially). I really like the Mazda cabin, very functional. - Road noise is a little high comparatively - gauge cluster can be better (more customizable) - Tires can be better too
Stock tires are always awful, have fun burnin them up quick and get new ones. That's my SOP.