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      09-08-2012, 05:04 PM   #1
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M3 to an X3, am I nuts???

Hi All,

I've been considering upgrading to an SUV for a while now, I purchased my 2010 M3 almost 3 years ago and while I love it, it's time for a change. In my mind my next car has always been a Porsche Cayenne S/GTS (SUV), and since I was recently rear-ended (3 days ago) I think it's time to look at a larger vehicle.

Yesterday I looked at a '13 Cayenne GTS, love the car, look etc.. but with a sticker of $94,XXX+++ and the dealer not willing to discount more than $2-3000, I'm not sure I can justify that right this second. Comparable X5 was slightly less, and coming from an M3 both are obnoxiously HUGE. My biggest complaint with Porsche was the lack of ability to rip CDs to HDD, 6-disk CD changer; really?!

Test drove the X3 last night after an X5 just for fun and I can't stop wanting one. Maybe it's the idea of a new car, maybe it's the right choice. With the Sport/M/Tech package it's almost like a slighty de-tuned M3 that sits a little higher up. Sticker is around $57,000 (purchase price around Invoice + $500 but working on that) and dealer offered me a 'fair' price for my M as-is with about $2100 in damage.

Has anyone made a similar switch?

PS - I'm a Farmers Ins Agent and surprisingly the Porsche is about $600 less per year to insure even though it nearly twice as much ; )
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      09-08-2012, 05:11 PM   #2
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Well, as someone who's owned 02 M3, 011 M3 w/zcp and now 2013 X3, I'm pretty damn qualified to provide an opinion

They are very, very different vehicles obviously...If you love the visceral thrill of a vehicle like the M3, driving an X3 everyday ain't going to cut it - no way no how..Won't matter if it's got paddles, 19" wheels, TT6 banger with M power package - it ain't going to cut it..The S65 and M3 package is the crown jewel of BMW - it's that special.

I remember when I traded in my 2002 M3 Cabriolet about 5 years ago. 6 months into not driving it, and I was going through withdrawls. The old adage you don't know what you got till it's gone definitely applies to an M3 (e92 or e46!)

Strongly suggest you consider an X5m or X6m. Find a CPO if you don't want to buy one new...I had an X6 50i and that SAV was a beast, but not in the same league as the Xm's are

Don't get me wrong in that the X3 is a wonderful vehicle and a nice ED driver...Am loving my new X3 28i - but it ain't going to tickle the same bonz as an M vehicle
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      09-08-2012, 05:28 PM   #3
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I do appreciate the M3's power and performance but the X3 3.5 isn't that far off the low end speed. It was fairly quick, though I would miss the DCT of my M.

If I was going to consider the performance and price of an X5M or X6M, I would much rather have a Cayenne GTS or Turbo.

My need is for a comfortable, sporty, economical DD and for nearly half the price I don't think I can go wrong with the X3; even if it's just for a year or so.
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      09-08-2012, 05:34 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DiamondGCoupe View Post
I do appreciate the M3's power and performance but the X3 3.5 isn't that far off the low end speed. It was fairly quick, though I would miss the DCT of my M.

If I was going to consider the performance and price of an X5M or X6M, I would much rather have a Cayenne GTS or Turbo.

My need is for a comfortable, sporty, economical DD and for nearly half the price I don't think I can go wrong with the X3; even if it's just for a year or so.
I think that's exactly the way to think about the X3..Sounds like you're going into it eyes wide open and not expecting a nicely equipped X3 35i to fill the void only an M3 can fill
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      09-08-2012, 06:02 PM   #5
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I am going to go from a 3litre M sport coupe to a 2litre diesel X3. The 2litre X3 will cost the equivalent of $64000 for a low spec model. I think I would be quite happy in your position to go with the X3 at that price and performance.
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      09-08-2012, 10:11 PM   #6
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I have E93M for myself and F25 35i for my wife.
IMO, it is the best combination for couple without kid.

My wife had E90, she just wanted a little bit bigger car.
Fully loaded F25 35i meets all requirements of us (300 HP & Torque for me and comfort ride for her).
Every time I have a chance to drive her x3, I'm so happy with its cost effectiveness and practicality.
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      09-09-2012, 12:13 AM   #7
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I just traded in my 2008 fully loaded M3 coupe for a fully loaded x3 35i m sport and I was in the exact same boat as you. I literally got the truck 7 days ago and I love it. This has been my first vehicle ever that is an automatic but it's not that big of a deal it's stylish, quick, veryyyy comfortable to drive. I can drive for longer than an hour without my back hurting like in the M. I'm thinking about eventually doing the dinan chip upgrade or more power but realistically the truck handles like a car and is great. I wish I could afford to have two cars because I loved the M but this is more practical.
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      09-09-2012, 03:52 AM   #8
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I've come 15 years of driving M cars right up to my last one which as you was the 9x M3 Coupe. I had the same concerns as you, and once I drove the X3 loved it. At the time of ordering mine there was only a 2.0D engine, which I ordered, but during the wait the 3.0MSport came out, so I changed my order to that, because as you point out, on paper the performance (especially with the 3.5) isn't that far off the M3 numbers.

I think it depends how you are coming from your M3, if you are a loon who hoons it around the twistys and driving it to its limit, which I think fairly few people actually do unless they track it, then you are not going to find the same performance.

I spent the first few months getting used it, trying to sports mode and playing with the suspension settings, and finally I started to drive in Sports Plus mode.

Now, which it is not an M car in any shape or form, the one thing I rarely miss is the performance, the X3 in 3.0+ shape is fast, especially when you are in S+ mode. It handles corners very well indeed, BUT it will never handle corners anywhere like as solidly as your M3 does, but that is a trade off for going for the X3.

Its a hell of a lot more comfortable, it has heaps more space, is heaps more practical, is far far cheaper to run, and for the most part I get the same performance based on how I used to drive the M3 when I am in a sporty mood.

The ONLY time I have missed my M3, is when I've been stuck behind a line of cars (3+) with a clear space and I knew that without doubt flooring the M3 would nip past those. That said, I have surprised myself when I've passed 3 cars in the X3 and it has handled it very well indeed.

Having never driven the X5M or X6M I cannot comment on how they handle things, but for their price, it is ridiculously high, and the fuel performance on them sucks in my view. Also, the are easily higher up the 'steal me' list of cars, and with the recent issues around the OBC thefts, are on the rise. Don't me wrong, I would have loved to have got an X6M, but no way I was spending 80k, and then getting back to the being worried it would be stolen.

Having the X3 has been a delight, it is saving me a fortune, it gets me round in the snow, I can load so much more in the back, people sit in the back with comfort and state how nice the ride is, it has all the same toys you could want and costs a far lot less to buy.

So.. in summary, it really depends how you drive your M3, and how much you will miss the total thrill (and sound) of that fine car.

I don't think you will miss your M3 one bit.. I would recommend you ask your dealer to borrow an X3 for a day or a weekend and get some quality time with it and then make a decision, thats what I did.
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      09-09-2012, 03:54 AM   #9
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Or if you must stay with the M range, I would head for the F10 M5
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      09-09-2012, 10:22 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DiamondGCoupe View Post
I do appreciate the M3's power and performance but the X3 3.5 isn't that far off the low end speed. It was fairly quick, though I would miss the DCT of my M.

If I was going to consider the performance and price of an X5M or X6M, I would much rather have a Cayenne GTS or Turbo.

My need is for a comfortable, sporty, economical DD and for nearly half the price I don't think I can go wrong with the X3; even if it's just for a year or so.
I have both. In the case of the X3 3.5i Acceleration is plenty for the intent and purpose of this vehicle. Switch over to sport mode let it shift automatically and/or use the paddle shifters and you are met with some suprisingly quick shifts accompanied by a nice burble on each up shift. The F25 35i is quick enough in fact to run "with" a 13 Cayenne GTS. Again, nothing against the X3 with the N20 but the 35i/N55 is in a different league acceleration wise. Don't let anyone try to tell you differently. The handling is pretty much equal for both variants, with the nod going to the lighter 28i for outright agility.

Would I trade my M3 for F25 X3? If I had to, I could live with the switch. As far as the X70/E71 X5 & X6 they are soon to be replaced so I wouldn't bother unless you want to do a very short term lease, or lose thousands when the F15 is released in a couple of years.

JMHO
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      09-09-2012, 06:50 PM   #11
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In regards to the X5M and X6M I drove both before choosing the X3 35i Msport. I felt the X5 and X6 are extremely fast but were too heavy when trying to weave in an out of traffic. I'm not sure if their slalom or skipad numbers are equal to or better than the X3 but the smaller car definitely felt more nimble. The X3 feels like a car on stilts both the X6 and X5 felt more SUV/Truck like.
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      09-09-2012, 08:15 PM   #12
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Looks like the X3 will be a great fit. Unfortunately the M Sport and options I want are impossibly hard to find so I'll have to order; and then wait. Heading to the dealer in Beverly Hills Tuesday to drop my M off for service and see about getting an X3 loaner. Then I'll put one on order this week!
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      09-09-2012, 09:14 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DiamondGCoupe View Post
Looks like the X3 will be a great fit. Unfortunately the M Sport and options I want are impossibly hard to find so I'll have to order; and then wait. Heading to the dealer in Beverly Hills Tuesday to drop my M off for service and see about getting an X3 loaner. Then I'll put one on order this week!
Good luck man - let us know what you ordered!

BTW - I've been a Farmers client for many years...
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      09-11-2012, 08:47 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by faztaz View Post
In regards to the X5M and X6M I drove both before choosing the X3 35i Msport. I felt the X5 and X6 are extremely fast but were too heavy when trying to weave in an out of traffic. I'm not sure if their slalom or skipad numbers are equal to or better than the X3 but the smaller car definitely felt more nimble. The X3 feels like a car on stilts both the X6 and X5 felt more SUV/Truck like.
I considered the X5 with 4.4TT, but felt that it Really did not feel as quick, nor handled as well as my X3 with M-Sport Package. To me, the ride/handling of the X3 was more BMW...like a 3 series. Besides I also have a 500hp+ AMG for my fair weather vehicle, so the X3 was a nice complement. With that said, if an X3M were announced, I'd be first guy in line
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      09-12-2012, 03:06 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MattUK View Post
I spent the first few months getting used it, trying to sports mode and playing with the suspension settings, and finally I started to drive in Sports Plus mode.
It's interesting you use Sport+, I do too as I find the responses crisper; it's as though the traction control system isn't blunting my request for power.
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      09-13-2012, 10:34 PM   #16
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Still getting use to my 2013 X3 M sport (1400 miles) I also like to hear the burble in Sport mode. Haven't tried the Sport + but there is always tomorrow.
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      09-13-2012, 10:55 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by clivem2 View Post
It's interesting you use Sport+, I do too as I find the responses crisper; it's as though the traction control system isn't blunting my request for power.

I pretty much always drive in Sport+ these days, unless I'm on the highway. The car really comes alive in Sport or Sport+.
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      09-15-2012, 07:36 AM   #18
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I traded in my 2011 M3 E90 with Competition Package for a 2013 X3 28i non-Sport and couldn't be happier.

Obviously totally different cars. The only real thing I miss is the engine sound, but everything else, at least for me, is better. I never could push the handling of the M3 anyways around Chicago as there is so much traffic and all turns are 90 degrees anyways. Gas mileage has almost doubled. I now have AWD for the winter and more room for the dog. Much more practical car. I have the standard 205 watt sound system (the upgraded one in the UK) and had the 800+ watt $1900 Premium Sound option in the M3. Dare I say even the audio is a lot better? I can't reason that one in my head but the bass response is much better and it sounds a lot better, though if you read the M3 forums we all kind of complain about the Premium sound upgrade--never could get it sounding right even with all the EQ settings posted online.

The car is not nearly as sporty obviously but still fun and I feel I made a wise decision. And the dealer gave me quite a bit money back so I made money on the whole process. To each his own but I am surprisingly happier with this car and feel I can do more with it and am less protective of it. Insurance also went way down.
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      09-15-2012, 05:26 PM   #19
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I too also have both 2011 M3 and 2013 X3 i28.

My wife and I are starting a family and soon enough I'll be put in that same spot to trade in my M3 for another family-oriented vehicle (also to reduce monthly expense).

I think X3 is a great car for commute and road trip, etc, not to mention the spacious cargo space. In fact, I love having one, but it is no M, and never will be. After months of soul-searching within myself (thinking to trade in the M3 for a X1 or 5 series), my conclusion is that, based on what I already have with the X3, during the weekday commute I won't complain about my next X1 or 535 or whatever it is, but on the weekends I definitely will miss my M3, and the thrill of the M Power throttle. I also know that every M I see on the road from then will make me miss the M3 more than ever...

However, reality is reality, and it's got priorities. Sometimes I even say to myself, "If I were to downgrade from M to a X1 or regular 5 series, I might as well just get a Hyundai or Prius, because the depression definitely will kick in anyway." Well, I think I am more dramatic, but downgrading/stepping back is a b*tch, and always will be one... =)
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      09-15-2012, 05:50 PM   #20
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We're adding to the family so I'm putting the 335i for sale and getting the X3. Ordered it 2 weeks ago through overseas program. 35i Deep Sea Blue with M Sport. But there was no way I was giving up the M3. I think the transition from 335i AT to X3 AT will be much easier transition.
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      09-15-2012, 06:57 PM   #21
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The X3 is a great car and is still new into the 2nd gen but I think if you are able to afford a Cayenne GTS then you should go for it. IMO the GTS version looks infinitely better than the X3 even with M-sport. The GTS is also a more "exclusive" car compared to the X3 and the exterior/interior show that. Plus Porsches age very well, I'm not saying the 1st gen X3 is a bad looking car but it looks dated compared to the current gen whereas the last gen Cayenne GTS is still a fantastic looking vehicle.

PS: Don't bother with the X5, the next gen is due very soon.
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      09-21-2012, 06:49 PM   #22
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Quote:
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Or if you must stay with the M range, I would head for the F10 M5
The new M5 is souless and sounds like a hoover ..........long live the S85 V10.
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