Just a place to share thoughts and pictures of my 2022 X3M Comp LCI. Eventually I’ll get a decent build going with this one.
2022 X3M Competition
Color: Brooklyn Grey
Interior: Black Merino Leather
Trim: Carbon Fiber
Options:- Executive Package
- Competition Pack
- Style 892M 21” Wheels
- Driving Assistance Pro
- Ventilated Seats
- Remote Start
- Mobility Kit
I wish I had better pictures but I haven’t had any time at all to take my camera and take a few photos.
I took delivery on Aug 12th. I picked it up at the dealership and immediately drove straight to the detailer for a FULL PPF and full ceramic coat (including wheels and calipers). With kids and no free time, I didn’t want to take any chances when it comes to washing or taking care of the exterior. I figured it’d be best to invest in the full PPF so the very few times I wash the car, I can half-ass it and not worry about potential damage. After 10 days with the detailers, I finally picked the car up on the 25th.
With only a regular weekend, I was able to put about 200 miles on the car with the family. It’s a family car/daily, though I commute via public transport to work, so mileage will accumulate very slowly. Coming from an F80 M3, my first impressions on this platform so far… I’m enjoying the car and have no regrets with it whatsoever. This is the first time I’ve ever driven an X3M and even owning an SUV.
A few personal thoughts in reference to what people ask the most…
1.
Suspension/Steering: It’s a comfortable car. The chassis is stiff and suspension firm, but not at ALL uncomfortable. The car does a great job cutting out harsh crashes over potholes/imperfections of the road. I’m not sure why people have such criticisms over the car. I’m sure it either comes to people’s expectations of an “SUV” or them being the first time owner of an M car. Or maybe it’s the recent changes BMW have made with the LCI car. Or the fact that I’ve lived with a lowered M3 for six years… because the X3M is easily WAY more comfortable than that. I will say, however, that deep undulations upset the balance of the car and it has a tendency to rock back and forth in “comfort” mode. That and NVH isn’t that great on the highway, though I am inclined to blame that on the stock Continental tires the car came with. But handling is still great and kinda ridiculous for an SUV. Highway on-ramps, roundabouts, this car feels like my F80 but as a slightly lifted wagon. That was my expectation and I’m glad it has met them, and hoping it will exceed them in the future as I proceed to push the car harder after break-in. Steering was very quick and precise too. A bit on the lighter side, but it doesn’t have that vague dead-center feel of my F80. And omg, the turning radius! I can make a U-turn in one try. And dare I say it, I’m looking at suspension mods too. I’m not fond of HAS systems, so my eyes are on either H&R or Dinan (Eibach wouldve been nice to though those aren’t available in the US).
2.
Engine: Obviously, I’m only in the break-in phase so I have yet to really push it to the limit. During my weekend drive, I was able to stretch the car’s legs and push it to triple digits without fuss. Dare I say it, it was TOO easy to hit those speeds. It was effortless and drama free. There is NO turbo lag. Yes, the meat of the torque bad was a tiny bit higher compared to my tuned S55, but dropping a gear and pushing the throttle pulled the car with all of the torque I expected from a FI engine. Throttle response was instantaneous, in fact, maybe better than the S55. Everyone complains of turbo lag, but the moment I pressed the throttle in the *proper gear*, the engine responded instantly. I can’t wait to push it to redline and eventually go to jail for reckless driving.
3.
Gearbox: It’s my first time using the ZF8 gearbox. Coming from a DCT, I was a little wary I wouldn’t like it. But damn it, this thing is impressive. It changes gears so quickly, almost imperceptible compared to the dual clutch. It does what I want it to, and that’s all the praise a gearbox needs. Around town, it’s even better because it’s an automatic. Where the DCT would buck and be clumsy from 0-5MPH and 5-0MPH, the ZF was smoother than butter. The one and ONLY complaint I have with this gearbox was the crispness of the downshifts. Dare I say it, too smooth? The DCT would make down-changes an *event* and give you that little nudge, whereas the ZF8 lacks drama. In spirited driving, I’m sure the ZF8 is better performing as it wouldn’t upset the rear end when changing gears, but the DCT made it a tiny bit more fun.
4.
Misc: I’m loving the tech. ID7 is great, responsive, and easy to use. I haven’t had any connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay, and having Maps directions come up into my HUD is a great plus. Seats are comfortable and the ventilated option does well removing moisture from my back. Drivers Assistance Pro is also amazing too. On long stretches of highway, I barely had my left hand on the steering wheel and the car ferried my entire family to our destination without issue. Coming back home, I hit a bit of traffic, and eventually the Assist Plus option came on. I selected it and the green bars on the steering wheel illuminated. Next thing you know, I’m sitting there with my arms crossed while the car drove itself without any intervention from me whatsoever. Witchcraft (probably not that amazing to others but it’s my first time experiencing any sort of autonomous driving and I was dumbfounded by it). Rear seats are spacious as is the trunk. Remote start is a life saver for the summer (and I assume for the winter as well). Comfort Access is so much more seamless now with the car locking/unlocking on its own without me reaching for the keys.
As a family hauler, it’s already obvious this car will serve me well. I bought this car to replace my F80 as the sedan was, although doable, a bit tight carrying two kids and the crap load of baggage they bring along with them. I would’ve upgraded to the G80, but the trunk space was exactly the same, so that would be pointless. It’s all but been confirmed that the G81 won’t be coming to the US (boo), so that leaves the X3MC for my daddy-duty needs. It’s too early to tell, but I’m hoping the X3M will also serve as a “fun” car for the rare times I am in the car alone, feeding my need for enthusiastic driving while also doing the school run with both kiddos in the back.
That’s it for now. Need more seat time for better impressions on the car. And also, tons of research needed for the modding to begin (suspension and exhaust). I’m hoping some parts will show up for the LCI specific parts (CF bits for the front end), or maybe I’ll just leave it stock since it’s blacked out from the factory. Also flip-flopping on summer wheels, though getting a dedicated winter set will be a must in my opinion. Eh, we’ll see how it goes.
Special thanks to:
- Rich Isaac and Greg Pol at BMW of Manhattan
- @IND-Distribution
- getbmwparts
MODS:
- Full Xpel PPF (entire car including roof)
- Full Ceramic Pro 9H (including wheels/brakes)
- Xpel Prime XR Window Tint (30% front, 70% rear, 70% windshield)
-
iND-Distribution front painted reflectors
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OEM G8X CF Steering Wheel Shift Paddles
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OEM M-Performance CF/Leather Steering Wheel Trim
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Eventuri CF Air Intake System
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OEM Carbon Fiber Strut Brace
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OEM M-Performance CF Gas Cap + OEM LED Door Projectors with M-Performance LED Projector Slides
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Akrapovic Titanium Slip-On Exhaust + Evolution Link Pipe
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OEM M-Performance Flow-Through Rear Spoiler with iND Custom Paint Scheme
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iND-Distribution OEM Painted Roundels + Floating Wheel Center Caps
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CG Precision VSC-2 Exhaust Valve Controller
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Indiv X3M LCI Carbon Fiber Center Console Trim
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OEM M-Performance Carbon Fiber Grill Surround
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Carbon Fiber Side Mirror Caps
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3D Design X3M Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser
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OEM M-Performance Carbon Fiber Side Air Ducts
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Autotecknic Carbon Fiber Side Vent Trim
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Autotecknic Red Audio Button
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No-Name F97 X3M LCI Carbon Fiber Front Lip Splitter
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Icedriver CSL Style Yellow LED DRLs
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H&R Sport Springs + Dinan Bumpstops
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OEM Digital Key Retrofit
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Indiv Carbon Fiber Cooling Shroud
MODIFICATION JOURNEY
UPDATE: 09/05/2021
UPDATE: 09/13/2021
UPDATE: 10/13/2021
UPDATE: 10/18/2021
UPDATE: 10/28/2021
UPDATE: 05/11/2022
UPDATE: 05/13/2022
UPDATE: 06/29/2022
UPDATE: 06/29/2022
UPDATE: 08/05/2022
UPDATE: 08/05/2022
UPDATE: 08/05/2022
UPDATE: 08/09/2022
UPDATE: 08/17/2022
UPDATE: 08/17/2022
UPDATE: 08/17/2022
UPDATE: 09/29/2022
UPDATE: 04/12/2023
UPDATE: 06/30/2023
UPDATE: 07/07/2023
UPDATE: 04/24/2024
