[FCS247]

Hi All -

Would love to hear some input based on what I am doing, want to make sure I am making the right decision.

In December of last year, I was able to lease a '21 X3MC for $901/month with just taxes and first month payment up front. I leased it at 10k miles per year thinking I would not have to drive as much with still working at home.

Long story short, that all changed, and now I have already put almost 15,000 miles in one year. So I started looking at my options:

1) I can buy out the car and the buy out with tax is roughly $72,000. I would finance it if so and put about $15,000 down.

2) My local dealership offered $74,000 for the car, which actually gives me roughly $5000 or so that I can put towards a trade in on a '22 X3M40i + the $15,000 I was going to put down. Fully optioned X3M40i is at $61,500 after loyalty but before taxes.

Don't get me wrong, I like the X3M Comp but I'm not IN LOVE with it. Power is in sane, overtaking anyone with ease is nice, but gotta say the MPG has been absolutely brutal, fill up at least once a week at about $75 a pop.

The question is, do I buy out the X3M or am I saving enough by going the '22 X3M40i route?

My guess is the MPG is slightly better, power is going to be probably more than enough in most situations and I think the MPG is probably better.

Would love to hear some feedback!

[aX3Man]

How much is the monthly X3M40i lease with and without the $15,000 down?

[FCS247]

Originally Posted by Kstark46

How much is the monthly X3M40i lease with and without the $15,000 down?

I would be financing the X3M40. Monthly after down payment was roughly ~720/mo.

I believe lease with no down actually came out to more than $1000/mo which is over what I am currently paying for my '21 X3MC lease. However, leasing at 36 Months and 10k a year didn't work out for me since I have to drive quite a bit.

I guess the question is, I'm not sure if I am saving enough to move down to a '22 X3M40i or if I should just buy out my current lease (can you finance a buyout? No clue here, this is my first time even considering this).

[aX3Man]

Originally Posted by FCS247

I would be financing the X3M40. Monthly after down payment was roughly ~720/mo.

I believe lease with no down actually came out to more than $1000/mo which is over what I am currently paying for my '21 X3MC lease. However, leasing at 36 Months and 10k a year didn't work out for me since I have to drive quite a bit.

I guess the question is, I'm not sure if I am saving enough to move down to a '22 X3M40i or if I should just buy out my current lease (can you finance a buyout? No clue here, this is my first time even considering this).

Gotcha, my mistake. If I were in your position I would go with the X3M40i since you aren't in love with the X3MC. You would be getting better gas mileage and saving some money as well.

If you felt differently about the X3MC then I would consider the buy-out.

[HoJoRo]

Originally Posted by Kstark46

Gotcha, my mistake. If I were in your position I would go with the X3M40i since you aren't in love with the X3MC. You would be getting better gas mileage and saving some money as well.

If you felt differently about the X3MC then I would consider the buy-out.

I concur... "M" Division cars are a definite heart over head decision, I would dare to stick my neck out and say that the majority of "M" drivers / owners are somewhat ruled by the heart for decision making

If you don't love your X3MC then let your head make the decision = X3M40i

Apologies for being somewhat "blunt"

There is a passion for wanting an "M" car , defies all logic , but the heart is very persuasive

The nanny state and green division would say "you want to get from A to B as safely and efficiently as possible" .... "M" says "NO" to that "you want to get from A to B with as much adrenalin as said gland can produce" two fingers to the fuel bill and high cost of ownership

I'll stop there , otherwise I'll talk myself out of picking up my X3MC next week and opting for an iX3 (nice car nonetheless)

[FCS247]

Appreciate your guys' input!

I just wanted to make sure that I was saving "enough" money to justify the "downgrade."

I do like the '22 facelift too =)

[HoJoRo]

Originally Posted by FCS247

Appreciate your guys' input!

I just wanted to make sure that I was saving "enough" money to justify the "downgrade."

I do like the '22 facelift too =)

With all that said mate , the X3M40i if optioned with the "M" spec Seats , would be the choice of the wise, if borderline insanity "M" performance is n't top of your tick box.

The B58 engine is a ludicrously capable power plant from low rpm torque pull and smooth power delivery through the rev range, and a reasonable return on mpg if your trips are not of the tedious stop start town driving.

Whilst my B58 equipped 440i if driven sedately could achieve 50+ mpg ,, ( I appreciate I am not comparing apples with apples here though), the X3M40i probably delivers the best of both worlds if the X model is mandatory for you.

All the best fella .. decisions decisions , a good old test drive of your considered options will ease you through the process

[FCS247]

Originally Posted by HoJoRo

With all that said mate , the X3M40i if optioned with the "M" spec Seats , would be the choice of the wise, if borderline insanity "M" performance is n't top of your tick box.

The B58 engine is a ludicrously capable power plant from low rpm torque pull and smooth power delivery through the rev range, and a reasonable return on mpg if your trips are not of the tedious stop start town driving.

Whilst my B58 equipped 440i if driven sedately could achieve 50+ mpg ,, ( I appreciate I am not comparing apples with apples here though), the X3M40i probably delivers the best of both worlds if the X model is mandatory for you.

All the best fella .. decisions decisions , a good old test drive of your considered options will ease you through the process

For sure! I've heard so many great things about the B58. Both from reliability and power delivery.

If I ever do miss the power, I'm guessing there are plenty of tunes and mods out there for the B58.

[HoJoRo]

Originally Posted by FCS247

For sure! I've heard so many great things about the B58. Both from reliability and power delivery.

If I ever do miss the power, I'm guessing there are plenty of tunes and mods out there for the B58.

This might assist, unless you have already come across it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m__Cv_xDgXo

[kzg1969]

at that mileage, m40i.

[Marmugmotleocay]

I had a 2020 X3 M40 ( Black Sapphire & Mocha ) with most of the options. It's a fabulous SAV with the awesome B58. I ordered a fully loaded 2021 X3M Competition ( Donington & Sahkir) in April of 2021. There is no way I would go back. I would miss the the S58 and the M car. Good luck and do what makes YOU happy.

[TC1856]

I’m going back and forth between an M40i and an X3MC. I’ve never had an M, but I did have a 2018 M40i and loved it. I can afford the M, but 15 mpg just bothers me. I am a gearhead. I just sold a C7 corvette and have a C8 Z06 coming next year. So I’ll get my need for speed with the Z06. I’d enjoy the X3MC as a daily. These cars are all so good, it’s making car decisions impossible with so many great options. I think I’m going to aspire to only live once philosophy, just hope I’m not filling up the X3MC every week at $7 per gallon….

[DCC]

The X3MC “feels” special when driven back to back against a X3M40i…
That was my conclusion after my test drive.
I suggest you find a X3M40i and take it for a drive

[FCS247]

Originally Posted by DCC

The X3MC “feels” special when driven back to back against a X3M40i…
That was my conclusion after my test drive.
I suggest you find a X3M40i and take it for a drive

Unfortunately, every single dealership around my area have sold the X3M40i's before they even hit the dealership and test driving one is almost impossible (at this time). I suppose I can test an older one. Actually I have to order one if I were to trade out of the X3MC.

I'm certain the X3MC will feel more special. I guess I'm trying to decide if the gas savings + the savings on the car justifies "downgrading."

Originally Posted by TC1856

I’m going back and forth between an M40i and an X3MC. I’ve never had an M, but I did have a 2018 M40i and loved it. I can afford the M, but 15 mpg just bothers me. I am a gearhead. I just sold a C7 corvette and have a C8 Z06 coming next year. So I’ll get my need for speed with the Z06. I’d enjoy the X3MC as a daily. These cars are all so good, it’s making car decisions impossible with so many great options. I think I’m going to aspire to only live once philosophy, just hope I’m not filling up the X3MC every week at $7 per gallon….

I just filled up on December 7 and it cost me $71.00. I just drove home from work, checked my gas before I got in, and I am at 60 miles remaining, meaning I have to fill up again tomorrow and again it's another $70~. $140 total in under a week, that's kinda rough, haha.

I'm not sure how big of the difference will be between the two in terms of gas savings. I'm sure X3M40i gets way better MPG.

I've been enjoying the X3MC on a daily for sure. However, the straight line speed does get a tad bit old. I think having a more nimble car with the power would have been even more enjoyable for me. '22 Xdrive G80 anyone?

Maybe that's the play! X3M40 for the wife, and G80 for me? =) Here's the spec Im thinking about for the m40i

[Young04]

Gas mileage isn't THAT bad on the X3M. My 392 Wrangler reminds me of what bad fuel economy really is.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by HoJoRo

With all that said mate , the X3M40i if optioned with the "M" spec Seats , would be the choice of the wise...

That option is not available in North America

[sscott540]

I just purchased the identical X3 M40i this week and was debating on the X3MC that they had in stock which was the gorgeous blue. I loved the power and the seats on the X3MC but decided overall the M40i was a better choice as there as a $17k price difference. I also got them to agree to swap out the tires for Michelin all-season tires instead of the Alenzas which are terrible in any cold weather/snow areas as we are in VA and do get some. The Brooklyn grey looks much better in person I must say compared to pictures online.

[kingmonkeyjr]

Seems that you aren't in love with the X3.. I wouldn't see the point of downgrading. Gas mileage is going to be almost identical. At the same time you're looking for mpg. Both these cars would be ruled out to be honest. Have you though about X5 45e? Bigger but way better mpg..

[FCS247]

Originally Posted by kingmonkeyjr

Seems that you aren't in love with the X3.. I wouldn't see the point of downgrading. Gas mileage is going to be almost identical. At the same time you're looking for mpg. Both these cars would be ruled out to be honest. Have you though about X5 45e? Bigger but way better mpg..

I actually love the design of the X3, especially the new '22 LCI.

I've tried spicing out an X5, but it gets into X3MC territory at that point.

If the gas-savings isn't going to be there and the price difference isn't justified, then I probably shouldn't downgrade. That's why I was leaning towards getting the opinions of many others on here (which I really do appreciate by the way, so many have left their feedback and its helping me a lot).

It's just math at this point.

I paid the taxes up front on the X3MC, I think it was around 3k or so + the first month lease/fees. Payment has been $901/mo for almost a year now.

New X3M40i (w/ tax) = $67,000

Buyout on X3MC (w/tax) = $72,000

Trade in on the X3MC is about $74,000, no tax savings on the trade in since its a lease and its about $5,000 on there so it puts the X3M40 at $62,000 vs $72,000 buy out.

Call it a $10,000 difference between the choice I make. Financing the car I think equates to roughly ~$200/mo difference I believe.


Biggest thing with my lease right now is the mileage. I'm way over the 10k/year. Ultimately, that's my own fault. Didn't think we would be back at work as quick as things turned around and put on miles QUICK on the lease.

I either have to pay for extra miles (which would be a waste imo) or buy the car out.

I was under the assumption gas would be better, but if its not that big of a difference, then I would say its not worth it.

Ultimately, my goal is to get a G80 down the line and pass this one to the wife. I was thinking with the money saved + hopefully money saved on gas it would allow me more flexibility come next 1-2 years when looking for a G80.

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by kingmonkeyjr

... Gas mileage is going to be almost identical. At the same time you're looking for mpg. Both these cars would be ruled out to be ...

Not quite

[FCS247]

Originally Posted by JJ 911SC

Not quite

Haha, okay glad I seen that now. I think X3M40 is the way to go for the daily.

I'll get my fix with an M3 later on =)

[allinon72]

If you're not in love with the X3MC, you're definitely not going to be in love with the M40i. Gas savings are one thing, but that won't make you love a vehicle. Plus you already know what the promised land is like and you'll find yourself thinking "I wish I could still do x." Find another vehicle that more closely matches your needs.