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      04-26-2016, 04:56 PM   #1
bobmos
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About To Pull The Trigger On an X4 3.5... Please Read!

Ok, so after 20 something years of driving nothing but 5 series BMW's for 8-9 months a year... I had an older Porsche Cab for the sunny spring and summer days... I am considering trading in my 2013 535XI for an X4 3.5.

How did I get here? Z4. I sold off my Porsche last fall and bought a Z4 instead. Love it to death and plan on owning it for a long long time. But it changed me. When I get back in my 5, I feel like I am driving a land yacht... I am just feeling the overall size.

So I went to my dealer and he suggested swapping my "winter" car for something smaller... maybe a 335, or a 435 coupe or Gran Coupe. I was just digesting that when I noticed an X4. I had seen a couple on the road before, but never thought it was for me.

So I took it for a spin and I really liked it. Handles great... didn't feel trucky at all. It has most of the bells and whistles of my 535, and the ones it doesn't aren't really important to me (anymore).

The only things I noticed that I didn't like were the lack of handgrips above the doors, and the lack of comfort access on the rear door handles.

My only concern after this one test drive is the hatchback. I had a 550 GT a few years back (short lived experiment). The hatch went up so high that I was at risk of hitting the ceiling in the front half of my garage. Solution was to select a lower opening height... that worked fine, but I kept bopping my noggin on the hatch! I have a scar still!

What I need to know is if any of you current X4 owners have come out of a 5 series, and if you have any regrets. Its not a little (or lightweight) car, but it did feel smaller to me than my 5, and quite remarkably more nimble.

I am ready to do it... but would love a little input.

Cheers!
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      04-26-2016, 10:12 PM   #2
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I've owned a 550, so I can give you some perspective.

If you like a lighter, more nimble feeling car, then you'll love the X4 vs. the 5 series. As much as I enjoyed the 550, they are at the end of the day large, heavy vehicles. Smaller, lighter cars are more fun to drive. The X4 35i is fast and fun to drive. You'll love it.

That said, the X4 isn't exactly small, or light, but it does feel more lively and entertaining to drive than a 5 series. If you have some budget flexibility, test drive the M40i. Both the 35i and m40i will be terrific - you may find an appreciable difference between the two, or you may not, but if I were you, I'd drive both to be sure you are happy with the 35i. FYI - the 35i no longer exists as of 2017. Certainly you'll be able to get a terrific deal on a '16 35i (or a '16 m40i) on the lot vs. a '17 m40i.
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      04-26-2016, 10:35 PM   #3
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      04-27-2016, 06:38 AM   #4
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I went from driving SAAB 9000 for more than 30 years to 35i - I still retain my last 9000. Was a bit disappointed with steering precision and feel and also sidewind-sensitivity. Also did not like two exhausts on one side only.

Lowered with H&R and installed Klappenshalldämpfer( M Performance dual exhaust with Sport/Track - X4 35i only).

Got what I wanted with handling and also visibly nice exhaust and sound- in Track mode.

Chassis comfort is somewhat compromised after lowering.

Unless you ask for it, I don't dare to show pictures once more
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      04-27-2016, 04:18 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tjalle View Post
...

Lowered with H&R and installed Klappenshalldämpfer( M Performance dual exhaust with Sport/Track - X4 35i only).

Got what I wanted with handling and also visibly nice exhaust and sound- in Track mode.

Chassis comfort is somewhat compromised after lowering.

Unless you ask for it, I don't dare to show pictures once more

I'm sure he'll stumble upon them fairly easily along with the 31+ posts that make reference.

Last edited by Jazzster; 05-04-2016 at 04:48 AM..
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      04-27-2016, 04:20 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JazzGMster View Post
I'm sure he'll stumble upon them fairly easily along with the 30+ posts that make reference.
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      04-28-2016, 09:08 AM   #7
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I'm just dropping in to suggest the F31. Join the wagon gang!! It's a blast with a tune and some modest upgrades.
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      04-29-2016, 08:41 AM   #8
bobmos
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I pulled the trigger.

In the end I couldn't resist. I think it will be a good change for me after sooo many 5's in a row.

Its a 2015 3.5, with premium and executive packages... 20k kilometers on it. Black on black with 20" wheels.

Funny, it may have been the handling that sold me...

Thanks to all who read and replied.

Cheers.
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      04-29-2016, 06:53 PM   #9
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Congrats on your choice! I went from a 525 to the X4 35 and absolutely love it. Couldn't be happier. Fast and handles like a dream. The only thing that I still notice after 9 months is the turning circle, which is noticeably less than my 5 was and so I'm still misjudging parking angles quite often!
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      04-30-2016, 08:50 AM   #10
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I actually noticed the that on my test drive... reminded me of my wife's old Volvo V70.

Cheers
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      05-02-2016, 01:56 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bobmos View Post
Its a 2015 3.5
*35i, not 3.5. The engine is a 3.0L.
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      05-02-2016, 01:59 PM   #12
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