09-14-2023, 12:34 PM | #1 |
Colonel
5003
Rep 2,627
Posts |
Next Gen 2026 - ? 2027 BMW X3MC (G97)
As some in our F97/98 sub-Forum know, Jason started a ‘Next Gen 2025 BMW X3 (G45) Spied!’ thread in Jun 2022 at https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1932502 . Some of us have posted there, but after he recently shared new images ( https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showp...4&postcount=90 ), it seemed reasonable to modify a few of them to be more c/w a G97 and to start a thread here, since our performance interests and comments don’t always align with those owning non-M models.
Here are two images from the recent G45 series which I’ve modified slightly to make them more in line with what the G97 might offer as opposed to the base models (absent the obvious aero differences as we wouldn’t be able to see them anyway with the padding/camo). Hoping we’ll start seeing dedicated G97 images/videos in the near future. Last edited by Max Well; 07-04-2024 at 04:41 PM.. Reason: Changed 2025 to 2026 as formal details on the G97 are still unknown |
09-14-2023, 10:13 PM | #2 |
First Lieutenant
396
Rep 347
Posts
Drives: BMW
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Canada
|
interesting nostrils
Last edited by spucktacular; 12-20-2023 at 02:09 PM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
09-16-2023, 04:32 AM | #4 |
Brigadier General
3862
Rep 4,377
Posts |
Looking forward to the next gen X3 M. Maybe this time we'll get carbon-ceramic brakes or make a CF roof. One can only hope. Right?
__________________
1998 E36 M3 - Totaled
2003 E39 M5 - Gone but not forgotten 2011 E90 335i M-Sport - Daily Driver 2017 F87 M2 - Sold & missed 2020 F97 X3 M Competition - Finally arrived /// |
Appreciate
1
Max Well5003.00 |
09-16-2023, 08:51 AM | #5 | ||
Colonel
5003
Rep 2,627
Posts |
Quote:
Quote:
9. Ceramic brakes option 10. Light-wt forged wheels Last edited by Max Well; 11-21-2023 at 06:27 AM.. Reason: Added link to the Members' Wheel & Tire thread |
||
Appreciate
3
|
09-16-2023, 09:00 AM | #6 |
Professor
3649
Rep 2,554
Posts
Drives: '23 M2 & '22 X3 M Competition
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: Prosper, TX/Austin, TX
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-18-2023, 12:21 AM | #7 |
First Lieutenant
396
Rep 347
Posts
Drives: BMW
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Canada
|
Are those cameras, and if so, for what?
Last edited by spucktacular; 12-20-2023 at 02:09 PM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
09-18-2023, 06:26 AM | #8 |
Lieutenant Colonel
1032
Rep 1,756
Posts
Drives: 22 X3MC MBB - C-17 Globemaster
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
|
Probably just park distance controllers, since the car is electric and high tech they are just 270 degree sensors? My guess...
|
Appreciate
0
|
09-22-2023, 07:34 AM | #9 |
Colonel
5003
Rep 2,627
Posts |
Rough idea with a CFRP aero roof.
Width of central depression would be dictated by the aerodynamics of the hood contour and rear spoiler (see 2024 XM where it is wider vs 2024 Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT where it is thinner). With its relatively spacious interior and cargo volume and top of class performance, the X3MC draws Enthusiasts with a range of interests and needs. Those with families may option the pano for added light, and roof rails for extended trips where additional cargo can be placed. Outdoor activities may require the addition of aftermarket hitch for trailers or bike racks. Others with a focus on performance (but still requiring more interior volume, height and cargo capacity than M sedans/coupes allow) are often left with aftermarket solutions to maximize wt reduction and lowered CG. M has provided the ability for pano deletion (which is much appreciated). But the ability to option a CFRP roof would allow further wt reduction and improved CG and no doubt enhance the aerodynamics. Given the X3MC's remarkable capabilities, a CFRP roof option would further raise the bar for this class... Last edited by Max Well; 10-18-2023 at 05:07 PM.. Reason: Highlighted the 'interior' space as reason for needing 'X' series |
Appreciate
1
Kevin_The_Clean13862.00 |
09-22-2023, 08:48 AM | #10 | |
Lieutenant
646
Rep 490
Posts |
Quote:
But you make a great argument for the carbon roof for those who want it.
__________________
2022 X3MC
2020 330iX Daily 2002 R34 Mspec Nur -in Canada 2014 S4 APR stg1 444hp retired 2010 335d; 2004 WRX wagon; 1994 300ZX -retired |
|
Appreciate
1
Max Well5003.00 |
10-07-2023, 09:00 AM | #11 |
Colonel
5003
Rep 2,627
Posts |
Not entirely convinced that the G45 video at the Ring shared 5/24/23 ('G45 X3 M40i spied testing at the Nurburgring', https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2019800) shows only the base and M Performance models. The one with dark roof and license plate 3341 looks too flat and stable in the curves and appears more c/w a G97’s handling IMO. The exhaust also sounds more c/w the S58? Not sure we can make too much of the side mirrors as the F97 also ran with basic side mirrors in its early videos (5/16/2018 - https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1496753).
Last edited by Max Well; 02-05-2024 at 02:53 PM.. Reason: Removed comment about possible G97 SOP which is still unknown as of 5 Feb 2024 |
Appreciate
1
Kevin_The_Clean13862.00 |
10-07-2023, 09:02 PM | #12 |
Brigadier General
3231
Rep 4,439
Posts
Drives: 2022 F97 X3M Comp LCI
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NJ/NY
|
looks damn good but it’ll never happen. wishful thinking though.
__________________
BMW MY22 F97 X3MC LCI - CURRENT BUILD THREAD| Instagram: @danniexi
BMW MY16 F80 M3 - GONE BMW MY08 E92 335XI - GONE BMW MY06 E46 325XI - GONE |
Appreciate
1
Max Well5003.00 |
10-20-2023, 07:26 AM | #13 | ||
Colonel
5003
Rep 2,627
Posts |
Quote:
Quote:
Just seems a lost opportunity for X3MC Enthusiasts (many coming from M sedans/coupes) when M is constrained to old views of what a SAV should offer. The usual response is - ‘if you’re that interested in performance and handling then get a(n) M sedan or coupe’, but that’s meaningless for those needing more interior volume than they provide. Not everyone has the space or finances for a second ‘weekend’ car, and many of us routinely take our X3MCs to the Strip (and some to the track). M’s marketing suggests a CFRP roof ‘lowers weight and improves performance’ – benefits which would be magnified given the F97’s larger and higher roof. With its lower curb weight c/w BMW’s other M SAV offerings (see attached image), it would seem the ideal SAV platform for a CFRP roof concept trial. It has proven it can hold its own at Drag Strips and tracks and has a strong performance Enthusiast base actively sharing slips, Dragy and videos [ 'F97 X3M & F98 X4M 1/4 Mile Data' https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1444613 ], so it seems unlikely BMW would be taking a major financial risk offering this option in the G97. [And here's a link to track day posts/threads from the F97/98 Forum - https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showp...55&postcount=3 ] For more background: ‘Request - Carbon Fiber roof Option in X3M/X4M’ at https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1564722 Last edited by Max Well; 11-28-2023 at 07:36 AM.. Reason: Added link to the F97/98 Qtr Mile thread and the track day videos post |
||
Appreciate
0
|
10-20-2023, 09:06 AM | #14 |
Brigadier General
3231
Rep 4,439
Posts
Drives: 2022 F97 X3M Comp LCI
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NJ/NY
|
i dont deny the benefits of a CFRP roof… lower center of gravity, looks, or hell even fuel economy.
but it all comes down to cost and manufacturing. it’d be too expensive with very little benefit from a financial perspective; let alone getting it reliably made in the first place. BMW needs to make the car at certain price point and a CFRP roof will certainly make it that much more expensive (imagine retooling the assembly line just to add a CF roof on such a low volume car) deterring the vast majority of F97 owners from purchasing one. on top of that, i’d bet the vast majority of F97 owners would prefer to have the panaromic sunroof. i’ve YET to see one for sale that actually has a slick top even though it’s easily configurable. if the CFRP was that important to a certain platform surely they would’ve done it for the G81 M3 touring as well, but clearly BMW knows that it wouldnt be a popular option since these are ROAD going vehicles. most tourings will NEVER see a racetrack… X3M even less so. a handful of X3M owners in a pool of a couple thousand X3Ms produced is a RIDICULOUSLY small number.
__________________
BMW MY22 F97 X3MC LCI - CURRENT BUILD THREAD| Instagram: @danniexi
BMW MY16 F80 M3 - GONE BMW MY08 E92 335XI - GONE BMW MY06 E46 325XI - GONE |
Appreciate
0
|
10-20-2023, 10:31 AM | #15 |
Captain
476
Rep 632
Posts |
That's because it use to be a standard option and you had to pay $2500 to get rid of it. On top of that, the package that the delete came with is something nearly no one would option. Now, you have to pay $1350 TO get it. So you'll see a lot more without it.
Last edited by strohw; 10-20-2023 at 10:44 AM.. |
Appreciate
0
|
10-23-2023, 04:55 PM | #16 | ||||||
Colonel
5003
Rep 2,627
Posts |
*TLDR – see final paragraph*
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
And agree with strohw – only since the LCI F97 has it been possible to ‘easily’ option a pano-less X3MC. When I ordered mine in Summer 2019, I had to get the M Driver’s package to remove it. So, one would need to know the % OWNER-ordered LCI F97s with and without pano for a more accurate idea of its popularity. Its obvious Dealer-ordered units would be ordered with the pano. How many off-the-lot vs custom-order LCI F97s are you seeing up there? Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
So, hopes for BMW allowing a CFRP roof option in the G97 X3MC may indeed end up being just wishful thinking. But I still think that: BMW can afford to R&D a simple CFRP aero roof for the G97; there IS a sizeable F97 Enthusiast base focused on improving performance and handling for even daily driving that would option it if given the chance (and likely others would just for looks); it would not deter buyers less interested in CFRP from purchasing an X3MC ‘family friendly version’ with the heavy pano; and production line robotics can easily be programmed to install the CFRP just as they do for any other similarly equipped M models. |
||||||
Appreciate
1
s58_oreO134.50 |
10-24-2023, 09:15 AM | #17 | |
Brigadier General
3231
Rep 4,439
Posts
Drives: 2022 F97 X3M Comp LCI
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NJ/NY
|
Quote:
Maybe that number increased for MY22 and beyond, but let’s be honest… that’s VERY LOW numbers compared to the other M sedan/coupe cars. CS/L models all share the same roof anyway so that’s a moot point. like i said from the beginning, i would LOVE for the X3M to come with a CFRP roof and i dont deny the benefits of having one. yes, BMW can easily tool their production line to introduce it if they wanted to. but BMW are first and foremost, a business. it would make little financial sense to do it just because a ‘couple of enthusiasts’ are clamoring for one… and yes, i only say ‘a couple’ because the number you refer to ‘performance minded X3M owners’ as being ‘a lot’ is all but anecdotal. the activity in this forum is drier than a nun’s vag and social media is barren of like minded owners imo (though i admit im not the best judge of that). sorry but 4418 units for a year is a straight up pathetic number; probably same reason why the touring models (G81 Touring especially) was never planned for the states. and i’d sure as hell MUCH prefer a G81 over an F97. but overall, wishful thinking. if you really want one, we could probably get alpha-n to make one for the F97 and start a group buy. it’d be badass and id rock one for the flex.
__________________
BMW MY22 F97 X3MC LCI - CURRENT BUILD THREAD| Instagram: @danniexi
BMW MY16 F80 M3 - GONE BMW MY08 E92 335XI - GONE BMW MY06 E46 325XI - GONE |
|
Appreciate
3
|
10-24-2023, 03:48 PM | #18 |
Colonel
5003
Rep 2,627
Posts |
Will continue the 'wishful thinking' - but since we really like our X3MCs we'll hold on to them if the G97 doesn't raise the bar
Last edited by Max Well; 10-25-2023 at 08:28 AM.. Reason: Moved danniexi's last sentence to a new post abt F97 with CFRP... |
Appreciate
0
|
10-25-2023, 09:11 AM | #19 | |
Colonel
5003
Rep 2,627
Posts |
Quote:
Still, even the flat version could save ~110 lbs roof weight c/w pano roof (and would look 'badass' ). |
|
Appreciate
1
Kevin_The_Clean13862.00 |
10-25-2023, 04:33 PM | #20 | |
Major
814
Rep 1,281
Posts |
Quote:
Here's the 4K version of the video. What I found interesting is that, is the CFRP layer is glued to the top of the AL roof? So where are the weight savings over a non-CFRP roof? Not talking about the pano glass roof, of course its much lighter than it. |
|
Appreciate
1
Max Well5003.00 |
10-25-2023, 05:12 PM | #21 | |
Colonel
5003
Rep 2,627
Posts |
Quote:
But to your larger question - what bracing lies underneath the CFRP once installed. Imran@Evolve has the video where they cut away the G81 roof and you can see the bracing left before they install it. I am not an Engineer nor a Physicist so would invite others with more expertise to share improved insight if anything I have indicated is incorrect, but it is so strong and stable that it obviates the need for heavier structural bracing (which is one of its goals). What is clear - CFRP is an amazing wt-saving material, and in the right settings and with proper implementation can be remarkably successful for energy savings and thereby performance-enhancing in a host of different transportation types. Thanks again for sharing. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-25-2023, 07:00 PM | #22 | |
Need mo $$s
983
Rep 984
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
2020 TRM-BLACK X4///M Competition
1995 Dodge Stealth TwinTurbo Past: 2020 Macan, 2020 X3M, 2019 TTS, 2008 X5 4.8 M Sport |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|