BMW X3 Forum
BMW X3 Forum
Welcome to the ultimate BMW X3 community.
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      07-15-2019, 01:08 AM   #1
JohnNick72
Private
JohnNick72's Avatar
167
Rep
74
Posts

Drives: 2022 BMW G05 X5 M50i
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Spring, TX & Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
First 500 miles in my X3M Competition

BIMMERPOST
     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com
At the suggestion of another member, here's my early ownership notes. Hope this helps some of you guys wondering about the car or waiting for yours to arrive.

I’m quite happy with my new daily-driver/do it all X3M Competition.

Pricing

If anything, pricing is slightly better than expected. Let’s face it, nothing is getting cheaper…. The sticker on my 2017 F80 M3 with Metallic paint, Extended Leather, Competition Package, Executive Package, Driver’s Assistance, DCT, and WiFi & Enhanced Bluetooth with wireless charging was just a hair under $80k. So, a sticker just under $83k for a loaded (less Driver’s Assistant Pro+) X3M Competition was a pleasant surprise.

What you actually pay, your payment, whether the price will get better/worse over time – I don’t really care. I hope all buyers get a deal they feel good about and one they can afford without adding stress their family life. It’s just a rapidly depreciating asset, I mean - a great car!

Exterior

At first, I was a little disappointed with the looks, or maybe “underwhelmed” is a better word. It doesn’t look that much different than the X3 M40i. I loved the aggressive look of the M3. The slotted Carbon Roof, power bump in the hood, and the wide shoulders and hips of the F80 M3 made it look immediately superior to any regular F30 sedan. The X3M is more conservative (stealthy) at first glance. After a while, you notice the front & rear spoilers are much more aggressive and protrude a little. The rear window spoiler is bigger, and I’m not 100% sure, but I think the side skirts are wider too. For people switching from an M coupe or sedan, the side skirts are attached to the doors, so you don’t have to step over them getting in/out any or worry about getting the back of your pant leg dirty.

I’m a big fan of Donington Grey. If you haven’t seen it in person, it’s much better than the pictures suggest. My 2nd choice would have been an individual British Racing Green (if they would have approved it). I think BMW could have done a little better with the list of color options, but what do I know….

Interior

It’s not current gen X5 or F85 X5M nice inside, but it’s definitely a big step up from the F80 or the regular X3.

I like this generation of iDrive and this gauge cluster better than the newest stuff. It’s a big screen, adds touch, has voice & Siri, and it’s still quick and intuitive coming from any other BMW. The digital dials are nice, very easy to read, rev in the right direction, and is a cool start up graphic (if you care). When driving, I mostly look at the HUD, and it’s bigger and better than what I had in the F80, which was already very good.

The sport seats look amazing, are very supportive while still being comfortable, and they’re very adjustable. The headrest is even electrically adjustable! The seat ventilation is a great feature in hot climates. If you are a bigger person, you may find the seats narrow. I’m 5’8” and 155lbs with a little stocky build (not narrow) and the seats fit me well. Seat back bolsters fully open is a little loose.

The Leather/Alcantara mix is nice, and feels luxurious. The black & beige is pretty stunning (to me). I thought I’d do Tartufo, but once I saw this color in person, I was sold. In addition to the Alcantara pieces on the sides of the seats and seat back, the knee pads on the console are also Alcantara. The center console feels very solid, and the cupholders are far enough out on the dash that you get a full-size insulated cup in/out without any funny tilting business.

I like buttons and nobs better than touchscreens, so happy to have an overlap of both. Touchscreens pull your focus off the drive, so I prefer to use buttons, voice, and/or the HUD to tune & change on the drive. Gesture control is neat. I don’t use it much (yet?), but I programed the custom gesture to “mute”, and that is quicker than pushing the volume nob from my driving position.

Also, the climate controls have the “sync” button which I always missed on the F80. They also have a feature where you can set the heated and ventilated seats to automatically come on (independently) at your desired level when the outside temperature is above or below what you set.

The rear seat is comfy, it has a good amount of (manual) angle adjustment and has plenty of legroom & headroom for anybody under 6’ 5” (I’d guess). The rear climate controls are all you need to stay comfy, and BMW provides a small double USB charging plug to go in the “lighter socket.”

The interior lighting is nice, not as customizable as Audi, but a big step up from orange or white! The panoramic sunroof will be nice when it’s not so hot. It’s huge and really opens up the cabin. If you are worried about the 200lbs, you probably aren’t ready for the fast SUV segment yet. Wait for the next M3 to get your AWD enhancement.

On the downside, the piano black shifter, buttons & surround suck. Piano black is just a dumb idea anywhere in a car. Another downside is that the door pockets don’t have any carpet or padding on the inside edge like every other BMW I’ve had (E70, E92, F10, & F80). The pockets and bottle cut outs are huge, but the lack of and lining allows a bottle to rattle a bit. Also, maybe the speakers need to break-in, but I’m not very impressed with the H-K system so far. It’s just OK, not bad, not good.

Ride

Mine came with the Continental Tires vs PS4s. At first, I was disappointed b/c the PS4s are an amazing tire. That said, on the X3M these Sport Contact 6 tires have a good amount of sidewall, are quiet, compliant and sticky.

Makes me wonder if BMW intentionally switched to the Conti’s to soften out the ride? I have no info to base that on, but I can’t understand all the “harsh ride” reviews, especially Top Gear’s nasty review about how unbearable the ride is.

It’s a huge step up from M3 comfort and quiet, yet not “sloppy,” at all. To me it’s just the right amount of firm yet compliant around town (in Comfort). I don’t really feel the bumps, broken pavement, or indented drain covers. Sometimes I can hear them, but they aren’t jarring. The ride reminds me of my dad’s GLS 63 or my brother-in-law’s A6 with 20” wheels. Years ago, I had the F10 535i M-Sport with Adaptive Suspension. (I dumped the RFTs and put Pilot Sports on, but) That was plush to the point of being a little sloppy. This isn’t that, but if you don’t like it, you probably are past the level of sportiness the car is intended to deliver.

Performance

I’m only at 488 miles, and trying to stick to the break-in, which for me is keep it <100 MPH and <5,500 RPM. Even so, it’s obvious this car will get up and go effortlessly. The sensation of speed is different than in the M3, for example. It’s quieter, and smoother, but when I look at the speed, I can tell I’m similarly quick, just with a less drama. The 8 spd is smoother than the DCT, and still very quick on manual shifts.

The car steers flat on quick lane changes, and long 30-50 mph curves (taken at 60-80 mph). I need to get used to how much speed to carry entering and when and how heavy to get on the gas on 90 degree turns, but the grip is there.

The brakes are phenomenal, typical BMW. Not grabby at the start, very progressive, and give a lot of feel. I bed in brakes too, so haven’t jammed them, but based on the size of the front calipers and rotors, I’m sure it stops in a gut busting hurry.

This is not “performance” and highly subjective, but the exhaust note is good. I liked the F80 too, but this seems a little deeper. The startup sound is nice and then quiets to a low deep grumble.

Somebody else will probably beat me there, but I'll have a much better idea on the real performance potential after the 1,200 service and the ECU is fully opened up.

Mods & Accessories

I doubt I’ll do any mods to this one, but who knows. I said the same thing about the F80, and added a bunch of carbon bits in & out.

I have swapped out the OEM floormats for WeatherTech Floor liners and a Cargo Mat with the bumper protector. I do this on all my cars, immediately. The Cargo Mat works fine, even with the raised floor for the spare vs. the standard X3 flat cargo area.

I also added WeatherTech Full Car SunShades. These are amazing. If you live somewhere hot (or cold) and park outside in the sun, these are a great way to keep your interior much cooler (silver side), or warmer (black side).

WeatherTech needs to pay me for free advertising!

Ok, I'm done.

Cheers,

John


Name:  01561836682.jpeg
Views: 25624
Size:  418.8 KB

Name:  01561836674-2.jpeg
Views: 25451
Size:  459.0 KB

Name:  01561836636.jpeg
Views: 25760
Size:  457.7 KB

Last edited by JohnNick72; 07-15-2019 at 11:18 PM.. Reason: Correction
Appreciate 68
Barathon577.00
Max Well4690.50
ando1954.50
jphcbpa299.50
Transfer5242.50
MechX3M40i1006.00
1230vani637.00
1M Tex240.00
kozzi927.00
r33_RGSport12803.00
GuyOh1064.00
markdk2.50
BMWZ41904.00
zamboni1124.50
skiparock182.50
Kingpin4383.00
chicagofan0018923.00
A172325.50
135iUSN63.50
yuKon2242.50
AndrewC198910903.50
themnmd1687.00
iatacs19456.50
Shadow2121.00
BuddhaTB150.00
GianniB35.00
      07-15-2019, 04:06 AM   #2
Max Well
Colonel
Max Well's Avatar
4691
Rep
2,511
Posts

Drives: '22 BG X3MC, '20 BSM X3MC
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Southeast USA

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for taking the time to share your initial ownership experience, JohnNick72. Reaffirms my thoughts on it during the brief exposure provided by the M Town Tour.

Not sure if you use it, but have you been able to determine whether the center console 'Engine Sound' button mutes ASD completely or just lowers the inside fake cabin volume, and whether it affects the exterior noise via the exhaust flaps as well? Not sure if just pulling the ASD fuse as a number have done in the G01 will work in the F97 (may not if the console button is in the loop), but I would be curious to read your thoughts on the HK sound once you get rid of the fake ASD noise. Many of us think the system sounds significantly better with ASD completely off, so just a thought if you find the HK isn't meeting your expectations.

Thanks again!
Appreciate 0
      07-15-2019, 07:00 AM   #3
onfireX5
Brigadier General
3617
Rep
4,532
Posts

Drives: F90M5,F85X5M
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Va

iTrader: (0)

Very helpful. Thanks !
Appreciate 0
      07-15-2019, 12:25 PM   #4
noushy
///M Fan
noushy's Avatar
1650
Rep
1,490
Posts

Drives: M8 Comp, X5M Comp, iX M60
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Orchard Lake, Mi

iTrader: (1)

Seeing as customer order cars are just shipping I am assuming you took your dealers HEA car, Donnington gray with Black/beige Merino/Alcantara. Curious if your dealer gave you any discount. Mine is on order and due to be completed in 2 days, fully custom ordered (graphite with beige/black/alcantara) X3Mc fully loaded. Just wanting to get some info because I haven't finalized my deal till it arrives.

Thanks,
Noushy
__________________
2019 BMW X5 50i Mineral White/Tartufo all options including M Sport
2022 Porsche 911 C4S Silver/Brown
2023 BMW iX M60 Black Sapphire/Amido, Titanium Bronze trim/22
2023 Audi RS6 Avant Daytona Gray/Black
2024 BMW X5M Comp Brooklyn Gray/Taruma Brown, Titanium Exhaust on order
Appreciate 2
D80831.50
      07-15-2019, 01:24 PM   #5
IND-Distribution
BMW obsessed
IND-Distribution's Avatar
United_States
9546
Rep
10,844
Posts

Drives: G80 M3 / G82 M4
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (3)

Thank you for the review and congratulations! We do have the painted front reflectors in stock.
__________________
IND DISTRIBUTION | 866-963-4520 • INSTAGRAMYOUTUBEFACEBOOKFLICKR
Appreciate 1
AndrewC198910903.50
      07-15-2019, 01:37 PM   #6
///M TOWN
.
///M TOWN's Avatar
13117
Rep
8,300
Posts

Drives: M GmbH
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: North America

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2018 M2  [8.78]
Congratulations ‼️
__________________
///
Appreciate 0
      07-15-2019, 01:38 PM   #7
Dimitri
Lieutenant
Dimitri's Avatar
United_States
315
Rep
490
Posts

Drives: 18 M3 ZCP
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

Congrats, it looks great, can't wait to test drive one!
Appreciate 0
      07-15-2019, 01:45 PM   #8
Black Flagged
Captain
Black Flagged's Avatar
United_States
470
Rep
778
Posts

Drives: M2C
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: 91739

iTrader: (0)

Congrats, she looks awesome
Appreciate 0
      07-15-2019, 01:46 PM   #9
M3 Adjuster
Banned
Albania
7905
Rep
11,785
Posts

Drives: 1M, X1 M Sport, E46 325ic
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Dallas, Tx

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by IND-Distribution View Post
Thank you for the review and congratulations! We do have the painted front reflectors in stock.

tastes like spam
Appreciate 7
      07-15-2019, 01:57 PM   #10
Fugly M3
Major General
Fugly M3's Avatar
4903
Rep
5,050
Posts

Drives: 2023 M3CX
Join Date: May 2006
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (5)

Sounds like an impressive beast!
Appreciate 0
      07-15-2019, 02:03 PM   #11
///M TOWN
.
///M TOWN's Avatar
13117
Rep
8,300
Posts

Drives: M GmbH
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: North America

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2018 M2  [8.78]
Quote:
Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by IND-Distribution View Post
Thank you for the review and congratulations! We do have the painted front reflectors in stock.
Tastes like spam
It does now doesn't it.

__________________
///
Appreciate 2
D80831.50
      07-15-2019, 02:06 PM   #12
M3 Adjuster
Banned
Albania
7905
Rep
11,785
Posts

Drives: 1M, X1 M Sport, E46 325ic
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Dallas, Tx

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnNick72 View Post

Ride

Mine came with the Continental Tires vs PS4s. At first, I was disappointed b/c the PS4s are an amazing tire. That said, on the X3M these Sport Contact 6 tires have a good amount of sidewall, are quiet, compliant and sticky.

Makes me wonder if BMW intentionally switched to the Conti’s to soften out the ride? I have no info to base that on, but I can’t understand all the “harsh ride” reviews, especially Top Gear’s nasty review about how unbearable the ride is.



Cheers,

John

I am not sure why this is not widely known. This has been common knowledge since the E36 M3 came with Dunlop vs Yokohama back in the 1990s when BMW used Dunlop and Yokohoma as their primary tire brands.

BMW specs for TWO tire manufacturers so that they can still sell cars if a production error occurs. Imagine if Michelin had an issue that prevented them from shipping tires for say.. a 90 day period.... perhaps a facility has to be shut down temporarily.. .. BMW would have a hard time delivering vehicles wouldn't they? They would have to scramble at the last second to find a company that can design and/or produce a tire for them in the volume they need !

Another reason for ordering from two manufacturers? Competition among tire manufacturers keeps the price down. If BMW only buys tires from a single vendor.. then that vendor has little reason to discount their item...

If I recall correctly... the E30 M3 came with either Pirelli P7 tires or Uniroyal Rallye tires. I am sure you can guess which tire buyers wanted back in 1989...

thanks for the writeup... as my area did not get an ///M town tour or UDE this year... we got the " LESS FILLING" version here in Dallas, and there was not a single M car present at the event... They had an X3M40, M340i, and Z4m40 and a few other vehicles but not much at all.. I had previously driven the X3 M30.... so I did not wait in line for the X3M40. I will have to stop be a dealer and test drive the X3M. I am hoping that it has a little lower ride height... closer to that of my E84 X1 than the standard X3.

Last edited by M3 Adjuster; 07-15-2019 at 02:36 PM..
Appreciate 0
      07-15-2019, 02:08 PM   #13
IB M
Brigadier General
2766
Rep
4,239
Posts

Drives: 2017 M3 MG/SO ZCP DCT
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: North Carolina

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2017 BMW M3  [8.50]
2013 BMW M3  [10.00]
Finally - the new M3 has arrived.
Appreciate 0
      07-15-2019, 02:11 PM   #14
Sedan_Clan
Law Enforcer
Sedan_Clan's Avatar
Brazil
24819
Rep
22,223
Posts

Drives: '22 Chalk Gray Porsche C2S
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: ..in your rearview!!!

iTrader: (26)

Nice write up, and nice looking car.
Appreciate 0
      07-15-2019, 02:28 PM   #15
phantom7835
Professional Nostalgist
phantom7835's Avatar
886
Rep
355
Posts

Drives: 20 M2C, 92 Miata
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Detroit, MI

iTrader: (0)

Is it just be or does the trunk badge look crooked? Seems nice, I just wish people would order their cars in colors that weren't so boring
__________________
2020 M2 Competition, Long Beach Blue, Exec, 6 Speed
2005 M3 Coupe, SMG, eventual S62 swap candidate
2013 X1 x28i, Valencia Orange, Premium, Cold Weather - N20 exploded
2002 325i/5, Tiag - sold
1998 M3/4/5, Cosmo - scrapped
1992 Miata, Brilliant Black, STS - on the island of misfit toys
Appreciate 1
doug_9992538.50
      07-15-2019, 02:40 PM   #16
r33_RGSport
General
r33_RGSport's Avatar
United_States
12803
Rep
18,627
Posts

Drives: G09 XM, G05 X5 40, 991.2 T
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: So. Cal

iTrader: (6)

Congrats!!! My dealer called me on their first X3M Comp also.
Lucky that I am away for Summer break, otherwise it will be hard to resist that temptation.
__________________
Email:sales@rgsport.com | IG:RGSport_USA | Web:RGSportShop.com
March SALES!! Evolution Racewerks - Until 04/01 | PM for DEALS
MSS • iSweep • RaceChip • Sterckenn • AutoTecknic • Akrapovic • Vossen Wheels • Eventuri
Active Autowerke • KW • H&R • Ohlins • Remus • and more...
Appreciate 0
      07-15-2019, 02:44 PM   #17
M3GymNut
Major
908
Rep
1,211
Posts

Drives: 2021 M3Comp
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Miami, FL

iTrader: (0)

I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts on the new X3M.

One question, I read that you mentioned briefly that the 8spd auto transmission is smoother than the DCT. Can you give us a more thorough opinion about the difference between the 2 and your thoughts?
Appreciate 0
      07-15-2019, 03:06 PM   #18
TX3M
Car guy
TX3M's Avatar
1039
Rep
1,323
Posts

Drives: 2021 X3 M40i
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: MD

iTrader: (0)

Awesome write-up, beautiful X3M Comp, thanks and congrats!
Appreciate 0
      07-15-2019, 03:09 PM   #19
TX3M
Car guy
TX3M's Avatar
1039
Rep
1,323
Posts

Drives: 2021 X3 M40i
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: MD

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by phantom7835 View Post
Is it just be or does the trunk badge look crooked? Seems nice, I just wish people would order their cars in colors that weren't so boring
I doubt he ordered his as the allocations just became available, and it will take time to build them. All of the initial X3M's I have seen delivered by BMW to their dealerships so far have been Donnington Grey.
Appreciate 4
noushy1650.00
JTO245246.50
clee1982796.00
      07-15-2019, 03:21 PM   #20
danniexi
Brigadier General
danniexi's Avatar
No_Country
3037
Rep
4,383
Posts

Drives: 2022 F97 X3M Comp LCI
Join Date: May 2008
Location: NJ/NY

iTrader: (15)

Garage List
are you happy overall with the X3MC over your previous F80?

ive had my current F80 for 4 years and have slowly warmed up to the idea of having an X3M to replace it as my daily. the prospect of a slightly comfier drive, higher ride height, and extra creature comforts is appealing to me (gettin older with a growing family). i just happen to love the F80 on the road, but lets be honest, will never take advantage of its capabilities. an X3M sounds like a more logical/eventual change for me... i just dont want to be ‘bored’ by it. even as a grocery getter, the M3 keeps that excitement alive.

500 miles isnt much time/distance, but do you think the X3M will satisfy you for the next few years (unless you already have a weekend car)... would like to know your thoughts.
__________________
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
      07-15-2019, 04:16 PM   #21
PARTS@STBMW
PARTS@STBMW's Avatar
2680
Rep
7,300
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Camarillo, CA

iTrader: (4)

Congratulations!
Appreciate 0
      07-15-2019, 04:20 PM   #22
allen3ybq
Lieutenant
allen3ybq's Avatar
448
Rep
525
Posts

Drives: BMW M3
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: CA

iTrader: (1)

Thank you for the write up!
Can't wait till the dealers have more inventories came in.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:37 PM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST