[alndlc8]

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Hello

Not a newbie to BMW (5 to date), but new to the G01. I just put a deposit on a 19 X3 3.0, Convenience, Nav. I have been considering the M40i. Took one for a test drive and wow, its quick. I also love the external styling better than the X-Line. 8k price difference aside, the thing holding me back for swapping models is the commentary on suspension. I would be taking one off the lot with a non adaptive suspension.

Here is the question. Is the stock M40i suspension stiffer than the stock 30i? This is a daily driver and it will go on a lot of long trips. My 05 X3 was stiff as a board as was my Z4 M package. Both really wore on me on the long hauls.

I cannot find a thing looking at the documentation that states that the M40 has stiffer springs / shocks.

Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks

[VictorH]

You really need to drive both, for more than just a short test drive.
All of the M40is I have driven (3 of them) all have had the adaptive suspension and that's what I ordered for my car too.
For the past two weeks I have driven two different X30i's while my car is in the shop waiting for parts. Both have the standard suspension and I've put over 800 miles on the two rentals.

My observations (again relative to adaptive suspension but I think base M40i is going to be somewhat similar, comparing comfort mode to standard suspension).
The M40i suspension is slightly stiffer, however, to me (I'm a track junkie and very sensitive to suspension issues) the M40i is more compliant. Yes, it's stiffer, but it's more compliant, that is the damping is more controlled and feels better to me. Now the base 30i suspension is really nice too, it's softer and for general driving might be a bit more comfortable, however, over the really bumpy stuff if you are looking at optimal damping combined with control, the M40i is better (but you have to be cooking along at a good clip, not crazy fast but a bit more than usual drivers to appreciate the difference). If you just want smoother ride then I'd go with the 30i.

If it matters to you, in my driving, and I don't have a lead foot, you will see about 2-3 MPG better on average with the 30i compared to the 40i. On the highway I'm getting 30-31 mpg with the 30i and 27-28 with the 40i (40i measurements are pump to pump, not dash).
The differences are subtle. I'd also consider what types of roads you are generally driving on. If they are really nice, then the M40i would be the ticket. If they are marginal and you're driving them most days, the base model might be more comfortable in the long run. Hope that helps a bit.

[kingmonkeyjr]

I bought my wife the X3m40i and oddly enough I didn't find one with adaptive suspension at any dealership within 500 miles of us(I'm located in San Diego).

Coming from me and I daily a GLC63 with adaptive air suspension I'd say the m40i is on the sporty stiff side. You definitely feel bumps but I'm one to like stiff ride. I will say it handles better than my glc when in sport+ mode.

Really comes down to what you want. A softer ride(30i) or a more edgy aggressive feel(M40i).

[chicagofan00]

I never drove the 30i so I can not compare but I will say that my M40i without adaptive suspension rides just fine, even with the 21" wheels. Even on my drive from Phoenix to San Diego I was pleased with the ride quality in all the various road conditions we saw.

[Alias1431]

If you get the M40i, get the adaptive dampers. Comfort will be fine on smooth roads.

[sinbad4]

+1 for Active Dampers. It's huge. Without, Sport is set at approx 80% stiffness, adaptive will go from 0-100% depending on comfort vs sport plus. Really allows the X3 to wear different hats, as it were. @$700, it's a steal and best option for $$.

[b.guggenmos]

In my opinion if you are taking one off the lot that does not have adaptive suspension then that is not the debate here? The bigger factor in my opinion is which wheel and tire combination are you comparing the M30I and M40I? I drove the 30 and 40 and ordered a 40 with the unpopular 19's.

[alndlc8]

Thank you to everyone who has responded. This has been very helpful.

On the topic of unpopular 19s. Can you elaborate? Both the m40i and 30i would be on 19s. I would expect 20s or 21s to be even stiffer


Thanks

[BuddhaTB]

I have the X3 30i model and currently have it programmed to start up in Sport Individual Mode with the suspension set to comfort. The suspension is not as stiff in this mode and is perfect for road trips. Every time I drive my co-workers around, they always complement how smooth the ride is.

[Crassus]

Take them both for a 24h test drive.

[VictorH]

My comparison is 19" wheels on all vehicles. The 20s and 21s will almost certainly be slightly harsher in terms of ride quality, the 19s are 55 profile, which means big sidewall.

[Alias1431]

FWIW, I'm told that the 20s look great and feel great if you get non runflats.

[secret agent]

I have driven the m40i and 3.0i. The m40i has definitely a stiffer suspension. The kids hated being in the back seat. Bought the 3.0i and luv it. Has 20 inch alloys and is very comfortable and luxurious.

[Crassus]

It's a case of luxury VS sport.

I have a 20i with Adaptive suspension but have also driven an M-Sport with 21 inch alloys. My car is very comfortable to cruise around in but its not a sports SUV. Even in Sport mode the suspension body rolls isn't fully under control and the steering wheel feels detached. My F25 on standard suspension was more engaging to drive.

For comfort: Buy the 30i
For an entertaining car: Buy the M40i

Originally Posted by secret agent

I have driven the m40i and 3.0i. The m40i has definitely a stiffer suspension. The kids hated being in the back seat. Bought the 3.0i and luv it. Has 20 inch alloys and is very comfortable and luxurious.

This is an overlook aspect when people judge suspension.

Some bimmers are stuffer in the back than the front.

As the first reply stated. Drive several X3 models with different tyre combinations on yohr local roads.

[Colonel'K]

Originally Posted by alndlc8

Hello

Not a newbie to BMW (5 to date), but new to the G01. I just put a deposit on a 19 X3 3.0, Convenience, Nav. I have been considering the M40i. Took one for a test drive and wow, its quick. I also love the external styling better than the X-Line. 8k price difference aside, the thing holding me back for swapping models is the commentary on suspension. I would be taking one off the lot with a non adaptive suspension.

Here is the question. Is the stock M40i suspension stiffer than the stock 30i? This is a daily driver and it will go on a lot of long trips. My 05 X3 was stiff as a board as was my Z4 M package. Both really wore on me on the long hauls.

I cannot find a thing looking at the documentation that states that the M40 has stiffer springs / shocks.

Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks

[Replying a little late here, but just wanted to highlight the Technical Documents section can be useful ]

According to the G01 Technical Document for Chassis and Suspension, the 30i and m40i do indeed have different suspension components:

The following optional equipment is available in addition to the basic chassis and suspension:

• Dynamic Damper Control (EDC) (OE 223) (only for X3 xDrive 30i)
• Adaptive M sports suspension (OE 2VF) (only for X3 M40i Performance models)
• M sports suspension (OE 704) (standard on the X3 M40i, not avaiable on the X3 xDrive 30i)

On UK roads, I found the M sports suspension (704) too "jiggly" on the 20s. The Adaptive M sports setup (2VF) was much better, even on 21s. I ended up ordering the standard Adaptive setup (223) for my 30d M sport, it's more compliant and refined, and copes perfectly with the 20s over poor road surfaces.

[mariopl]

Hi,

I find too M sport suspension quite stiff and jittery. With RFT tire combination makes the car harsh ride.
I would definitely go for 30i with standard suspension which is already sporty and stiffened.
I haven't tested M40i but if were to buy it - I would go for 20" with adaptive. However, I am not sure if M40i would be comfortable enough concerning ride for family cruises..

[julianohayon]

Originally Posted by BuddhaTB

I have the X3 30i model and currently have it programmed to start up in Sport Individual Mode with the suspension set to comfort. The suspension is not as stiff in this mode and is perfect for road trips. Every time I drive my co-workers around, they always complement how smooth the ride is.

How were you able to program it to start in sport?

[BuddhaTB]

Originally Posted by julianohayon

How were you able to program it to start in sport?

Use the Bimmercode app to customize what mode your vehicle starts up in. There's a lot more stuff you can customize as well, more info in the following thread: https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1477248

[SO8]

I've had a Z4M ... very hard, 2 x Z4 35iS ... quite hard, a Merc A45 ... v hard ... an M240i convertible ... softish but ok ... and now an X3 M40i with 21" wheels ! The M40i is the best with adaptive I have had.

I think go and try is the thing here as I have had a selection of cars with supposedly hard suspension and all is not as it seems.

I drive 530d's at work as a police officer and they vary a lot. They are SE but feel as hard as my X3 M40i !!! They all vary so try first.

[Neo1130]

My wife's M40i is in the shop and they loaned us a 30i. The 30 has a TON of body roll when cornering at higher than normal speeds. The ride feels similar but the M40i feels MUCH more planted in the corners...

[X6DividedByTwo]

BUMP

Can I bring this thread back to life? I am currently stuck between a 30i vs a m40i. Horsepower & aesthetics aside, my fiance really hates my friends x3mc because of the suspension. I have been scouring the forums trying to suck up all bits of info regarding suspension differences… I would be going with the unpopular 19’s no matter which car I choose to go with.

*note*
30i is slated for assembly last week of January ( I have my prod # and a spot in line ) so I would be switching builds if I decided to go m40i. Does anyone have experience switching builds? Will I get delayed or have any issues?

[mattsheng]

Originally Posted by X6DividedByTwo

BUMP

Can I bring this thread back to life? I am currently stuck between a 30i vs a m40i. Horsepower & aesthetics aside, my fiance really hates my friends x3mc because of the suspension. I have been scouring the forums trying to suck up all bits of info regarding suspension differences… I would be going with the unpopular 19’s no matter which car I choose to go with.

*note*
30i is slated for assembly last week of January ( I have my prod # and a spot in line ) so I would be switching builds if I decided to go m40i. Does anyone have experience switching builds? Will I get delayed or have any issues?

I have a 2022 X3 xDrive30i but I'm driving a 2020 X3 M40i loaner now. The M40i I'm driving does not have adaptive suspension and to me, the difference is night and day. I used to have an Audi A3 8V with KW coilover on it so I tend to like a stiffer ride. Before I had the chance to drive the M40i, I didn't think 30i has a soft suspension. But once I drove the M40i, I think M40i non-adaptive suspension upgrade is next on my list.

M40i not only has a stiffer suspension, it also has stiffer front & rear sway bars. M40i also has different front sway bar endlink and front wishbone. Overall, I quite like the ride quality of M40i non-adaptive suspension. It's very planted and has great support over the corner but is not too stiff where you feel crashy.

EDIT: suspension part difference 2023 M40i vs 2022 30i
Front axle:

• Strut & strut top mount
• Spring
• Sway bar & sway bar endlink
• Wishbone

Rear axle:

• Strut
• Spring
• Sway bar