BMW X3 on Fraser Island

I've seen a Subaru Forester keep up with the Landcruisers, so your X3 should be able to cope quite well.
Just keep an eye open for the dingos!

Someone I know tried an X5 on sand and found it to be not very good ( I think on Fraser ). He has susequently sold it after a short time and bought another Prado

Someone I know tried an X5 on sand and found it to be not very good ( I think on Fraser ). He has subsequently sold it after a short time and bought another Prado. I think you would have clearance issues on some of the inland tracks

I'd guess you'll be ok but do the X3's have ridiculously low-profile tyres?
You won't get much extra traction from dropping your tyre pressures. Probably still ok provided you take care and don't get carried away on some of the more difficult inland tracks. Hundreds of softroaders like Foresters and X-trails use the island every week.

The beaches at low tide are so easy you could drive any car! Some of the approaches to the tracks can be very soft and deep. Some of the inland tracks can also be a bit difficult, but you can pick and choose where you want to visit. The tracks also change a lot and can be great after rain, be it for a few deep holes. We were there in January and the track close to Lake Mackenzie was pretty cut up. Look out for the bl***y tour busses. Some of them will not move off the track for you and will not slow down. I have had them refuse to back up just a little to let me around, instead trying to make me back up a long, long way. One local had the same happen to them. They even got out of their car and started to go for a walk. The bus driver got a bit upset, but then got the hint and backed up to let them pass. Trust me, they can go off road better than most 4wd’s. If you encounter any problems with them, please take down their rego and complain to the parks people on Fraser. That is what the locals do and apparently it makes a difference. But Fraser is a fantastic island. So much to see and enjoy.

as has been said above, depends on the conditions of the track at the time you visit.
the Eastern Beach at lowtide is a piece of cake, but some of the inland tracks can be trouble if the conditions aren't favourable for you. at Easter time i would have loved to see a vehicle like yours attempt to make the drive from Eurong to Lake McKenzie and back, interesting would have been one word for your trip....lol. the track was pretty chopped up with some mud holes on the way there and lots of deep hole sections on the return run back from Central Station to Eurong.

The issue tends to be the BMW choice in utilising run-flat tyres on most models. You can't pressure down like most other vehicles as is suggested in soft sand environments.

After replacing 4 tyres in one day on our BMW i'm not a fan of the tyre choice, though there is nothing one can do in certain situations to eliminate this concern.

Take it easy on the inland road which can be very rocky and you should be ok up to Indian Heads.

Andrew

John take Recovery gear with you don't expect other people to use their gear to get you out if you get stuck. Also have a look at your BMW and see if it has recovery points.
Have a great time

Geoff

Just make sure that there is a bus load of backpackers behind you and you will be fine :-)


Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome

I'd be doing a test run first to a beach somewhere near you, or at least at Rainbow beach before heading up to Fraser.
AWD systems are all different - some good, some not when in the sand. Plenty of AWD's do the East beach, your's 'shouldn't' be any different. The poor old Honda CRV (pictured above) has an AWD system that's easily 'confused' in sand.

Hi John,

I've seen an X3 make it 6 feet onto the beach at Double Island and buried itself down to the sills. The trouble seemed to be the extremely low profile tyres, so I'd be fairly wary.

Greg..

G/Day John, ,,,I think BMW X3 on Fraser is a great idea!....You can help each other out!..lol.













" Just a Joke Joyce"

Cheers Axle.

Subsequent to my previous reply I have just had a chat to my friend who used to have an X5. He tried it once at Rainbow Beach but it immediately started to dig in - he managed to escape before totally bogging ( He had the low profile tyres). His friend also had an X5 with more normal profile tyres but he experienced ground clearance problems on the beach. He said he wouldn't go near sand with the low profile tyres.

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions.
My 2009 model X3 has 235/50/18 non run flat tyres, so I do see a problem with the low profile, but not airing down - although not much to air down.
I do not expect to explore the most adventuous parts of Fraser, but was hoping to get from the ferry to Kingfisher, and drive the main roads.
Sounds like I should rethink this possibility and hire a 'real' 4x4 from the mainland.
Pity, driving on Fraser in your own vehicle has bragging rights!