I chose the X3 with all the toys: nav, sound, leather. Its smaller size compared to the X5 is perfect because parking is such a problem in Tahoe during ski season. It has incredible handling considering its boxiness and I do things in it I'd normally reserve for my SLK. The dealer has been easy to work with and I can't think of any issues that required a long stay other than basic services. The one thing I did learn quickly is that the low profile all-season tires DO NOT work well in the snow, but a quick change to dedicated snow tires took care of that. I also use the X3 for hauling clients around and the car's everyday usability works quite well in those situations. Of course, there are times that require me to roll the 7 Series out, but for daily driving I will stay with the X3.
Perception by others is potentially your reality by choice. People choose fine European models for multiple reasons. Two of the big ones are: 1) Style in appearance to mirror your personality and inner self, and 2) performance to match your driving skills in who you want to be. Combine the two and you have the Ultimate Baby SAV Driving Machine in the X3 (not to be confused with any of its American-born counterparts). Own one and you'll realize you've arrived at your destination... by choice.
We should note one problem we did experience during our X3 stewardship. Driving to work one morning, one of the staff members experienced a loud noise in the front end, which morphed into a horrible, repetitive clunking sound as she continued down the road. She suspected a blowout or flat tire of some sort, but on pulling over and exiting the vehicle it was evident that all four tires were still in good shape. The car was towed to a local dealership, where they explained that one of the front axles had actually broken and become disengaged from the left front wheel. This incident may or may not be related to Andrew's mysterious noise, but whatever the case, our dealer (which to our knowledge isn't the same one he uses) said they had never seen anything like it. Regardless, the problem was fixed shortly thereafter and represents the only significant setback we experienced.
All things considered, it was great having the X3 as part of our fleet (Bidrawn actually wept when BMW came to pick it up). We're sad to see it go.