[MechX3M40i]

Originally Posted by derklink

I chose the M40i knowing about the X3M b/c I think it would be "overkill" for my needs, and frankly, I didn't want to spend the extra $. However, once my dealership gets one in, I will for sure look at it (and drive, if they let me).

Seriously, I have the same line of thinking here... I knew there would eventually be an X3M, but the M40i is already more than plenty to satisfy my need for occasional adrenaline rush

[CAMOETO]

Purchase price - The m40i would literally need to have every single option on it just to get close to the base price of the x3m. It's fairly common to receive a 15% discount for a m40i while the x3m will likely be sold at MSRP or above for at least the first year. In real world prices that means a fully loaded m40i will cost at least $10k-$15k less than a stripper x3m.

Running costs - The x3m will use more gas, have higher insurance rates, and more expensive maintenance and repair costs.

Comfort - The x3m will have harsher tuned suspension and likely be louder across the board. If you value everyday comfort, a m40i with an adaptive suspension is the way to go.

[derklink]

Originally Posted by MechX3M40i

Seriously, I have the same line of thinking here... I knew there would eventually be an X3M, but the M40i is already more than plenty to satisfy my need for occasional adrenaline rush

I feel like I learned my lesson from my 2016 Mustang GT which I traded for the M40i...I had an intake and a tune on it and it was putting out around 460 - 470 at the crank. I barely used the power. Below 60 degrees, the 305s Michelin Pilot Super Sports would still have problems with traction, which led to some scary moments/fish tailing. The idiot and child in me had already bought a supercharger kit to take it even further. I came to my senses and decided that I don't wanted all that anymore.

[cgroves]

Comes down to cargo and tow capacity. I can't really justify two vehicles for myself so the X3M would need to be something I can live with so that means hauling kayak, atv and camping trailers, trunk space for my other hobbies, and reliability to get me to work. The performance would be incredibly fun but if it doesn't check off the other boxes first, the performance doesn't matter.

[Rbrown]

As others have said, M40i more than enough for me. Definitely not using its full power capacity.

Not driven it for 5 weeks and been back in it for a couple of weeks, it's just such a great all round car. Currently, ticks all the boxes for me, my family and my lifestyle.

[sprokai]

Yeah, i just ordered an M40i knowing about the X3M. I have an M3 (and a Ducati), so I wasn't looking for another all-out thrill ride. I was really impressed with the speed and handling of the M40i which will be more than enough for my needs.

That said, I am really looking forward to seeing this thing out there. It looks awesome - the seats look like they'll be a lot better than the M40i seats and the extra power should be amazing.

[Hispeed4fun]

Im thinking the X3 M40 is one of the best overall cars out there. For size, price, performance and maintenance plan what other car compares? If they could figure out how to match the rear legroom to the 3GT without losing any performance this car would be perfect. I cant think of any competitor to the X3 M40. A bottom line answer to the OP is MONEY. If its not about money there is no question in the first place right.

[seasideclub]

Originally Posted by XGoober

I have trouble seeing the point when it comes to the X3M to be honest. Now I'm as much a petrol head as anyone, but I see M cars as street legal track cars. I don't see the point in buying one without the intent to track it occasionally. And if you are going to do that, then you're not likely to be looking at an SUV.

For me, the X3 M40i has all the power you could ever use for street driving and even so would handle itself quite well on a track if the urge arose.

Or maybe I'm just an old fuddy duddy with weird notions, lol.

I'm with you. I can't see spending 20k more for a M badge.
Though I wouldn't mind the M steering wheel!

[Lux700]

Ah, but don’t forget... the LCI X3 M40i is supposed to be getting a power hike! I’d be interested in driving the X3M but the price difference may not be justifiable for real world driving, except for those who just have to have it, which I totally get. I’ve had lots of what some people call “unnecessary” motor bikes, to me, I just had to have them

[Wgosma]

BMW "M" car's are near 'street legal race car', VERY taught ride and kind of noisy too.

I owned E39 sedans with M-sport suspensions, that was Xlnt blend of performance/ride quality; also drove few E39 and E46 "M" car's...lots of power and super handling but awfully stiff and unyielding ride-I'd never want one for daily driver.

I just don't see the attraction of an "M" in an SUV- would think most owners would want reasonably comfy ride in their truck😉

[tastes jigga]

As others have mentioned - cost and comfort. I never find myself in situations where the M40i's performance is insufficient.

In fact, I would sacrifice performance for more comfort. A fully loaded X3M comp is around $84k in the states. Spend just a little more and you can pick up a nicely-optioned X7 or 7 series!

[chicagofan00]

Originally Posted by tastes jigga

As others have mentioned - cost and comfort. I never find myself in situations where the M40i's performance is insufficient.

In fact, I would sacrifice performance for more comfort. A fully loaded X3M comp is around $84k in the states. Spend just a little more and you can pick up a nicely-optioned X7 or 7 series!

I've never really understood that argument of, spend a little more and you can then get a nicely optioned XYZ model. Going from an X3M Competition to an X7 or 7 series is a totally different desire for a vehicle. A track inspired SUV (can't believe I just typed that...) to a luxury sedan of 7/8 seater SUV.

[tastes jigga]

Originally Posted by chicagofan00

I've never really understood that argument of, spend a little more and you can then get a nicely optioned XYZ model. Going from an X3M Competition to an X7 or 7 series is a totally different desire for a vehicle. A track inspired SUV (can't believe I just typed that...) to a luxury sedan of 7/8 seater SUV.

And I've never understood why anyone would want a track-capable SUV! My point is that for $80k+ (yes it can be had for less), I am considering other options that are more luxurious and comfortable. My M40i is very fun and handles quite well, but I do not use the performance enough to justify needing it.

[XGoober]

I guess what it really boils down to is most of us have conflicting requirements for our cars. We want power and handling, but we also want comfort and luxury. It is tough to satisfy all those in one package without compromises that some will be ok with and others will not. I suppose the X3M is another attempt to fill the needs of a subset of us conflicted buyers :-)

[TX3M]

I would probably love the X3M, and I'm thinking I better not test drive one because I'll be tempted to trade-in my (only) 6 month old X3M40i at a substantial loss! No option for a factory installed tow-hitch is a negative for me. I'm also not crazy about the wheel options, and I would like to have seen more aggressive styling than the M40i (larger fender flares, etc).

[Hispeed4fun]

I dont want an X3M but i want the seats that come in it though. Those are dope.

[Saejin]

^^^what pureModelsOnly said.

The X3M doesn’t look too much different than the M40i. Maybe if it had a wider track or flared fenders, etc. You could easily make the M40i look like the X3M buy replacing all the exterior pieces.

With the right engine and suspension mods you could probably get close to the performance level as well.

0-60 is 4.6-9 seconds is fast enough for me in an SUV. To be honest I don’t even need that much power, but it’s a hoot to drive! The X3 M would be down right dangerous on the street if you put all it’s power down at once. I merge on the highway now and have to be hyper aware of my closing rate on the cars in front of me.

Perfect combo would be M40i as a daily and then and then any M car as a weekend/track car.

[maximumeffort]

I wouldn't upgrade, even if my lease were up on my M40i.
Considering the very low 4sec 0-60 in stock form, pretty comfortable and still can get 25MPG if I drive sensibly (In ECO mode) AND it'd be more than $20K more than the one I just got, I don't see the reason (for me) for it. I'm very happy with my M40i.

[RevNev]

The M40i is a great daily driver at a reasonable price for what you get here in Australia and I seriously thought about upgrading to the X3M. But the cost of doing so, I didn't need to spend that much more to buy another car that'll smoke the X3M and decided to keep the M40i for my wife primarily and ended up negotiating a great deal on an M4 instead.

The M40i as a family car and the M4 purely for pleasure was a better idea than losing a lot of money on the M40i and spending a lot more to upgrade to the X3M.

Performance wise, my M40i beats a friend's Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT by a car length and as far as SUV's go, the M40i isn't slow and they handle well too without compromising comfort. I think for the price, the M40i ticks every box and they're a great car

[supersebbo]

Originally Posted by ParadigmDawg

If the fit and finish is way better, the cabin is way quieter and it will do 0-60 in 3.6 or less, I would go with a X3M.

The ride wouldn't have to be more harsh just because it's a M.

What on earth are you basing this on? The X3M is identical to the M40i inside, if you opt for the top-spec interior (which is worked into the price on the X3M).

The fit and finish are identical to the rest of the X3 range. The cabin noise is exactly the same if you opt for the 'Acoustic Glass' option on the M40i.

The ride IS likely to have been firmed up, especially in sports mode.

[ParadigmDawg]

Originally Posted by supersebbo

What on earth are you basing this on? The X3M is identical to the M40i inside, if you opt for the top-spec interior (which is worked into the price on the X3M).

The fit and finish are identical to the rest of the X3 range. The cabin noise is exactly the same if you opt for the 'Acoustic Glass' option on the M40i.

The ride IS likely to have been firmed up, especially in sports mode.

There is no basis, I stated if it had those things, I would get one....

[Transfer]

Sounds like a lot of M40i owners drive like they're scared of power and handling so of course they don't want an X3M. I'm a potential X3M buyer but will cross shop GLC 63, Stelvio QV, and M40i as well. Already crossed Porsche Macan Turbo off my list. I haven't driven an M40i but will plan to drive one back to back with X3M and see if I think it's worth the extra $150-300/mo on a lease for the M.

I'm sure the M40i is fantastic and great for the vast majority but I really push the limits driving on the street and if I'm going from E92 M to an X3, the only reason I wouldn't get the high performance model would be price/value. I don't have a family but I drive fast and do multiple outdoor recreation activities that are best served by an SUV. So I'm excited to see what this X3M is all about!