[JohnNick72]

Originally Posted by mswaz

Ha yeah I took them. No way I was going to buy it just got rid of my 2018 X5M Donington on black for my M5, was in for run in. Looked good, like a mini X5M. Love Donington but went Bluestone this time around.

That's another great color that looks better in person and is more complex than most of the photos pick up.

Enjoy the M5!

j

[Barathon]

Originally Posted by BobsM3Coupe

I was looking at the launch X3MC at my dealer yesterday. I will say the comp seats are very nice and comfortable. Though at 6'3", the leg side bolsters (which are non adjustable) might get kind of annoying/uncomfortable after a short while. Didn't like, maybe you get used to it, the raised cargo floor because of the spare tire. Looks ugly.
Why doesn't BMW include a sealer/inflator kit like they did on my E92 M3? Don't care for the Donnington Gray color, but no surprise since I don't like silvers or gray colors on vehicles. I would get Alpine White with an all black interior, which is usually my favorite combo.
Problem is, it just reminded me too much of my M40i.
After thoroughly looking it over, I didn't have time for a test ride, so that will wait for another day. That would probably change my mind.

You can get the mobility kit as a free option and it deletes the spare tire and raised cargo floor.

[nakamuru]

Originally Posted by JohnNick72

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


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Wait so your at only 500 miles and had this for couple years?

[Barathon]

Originally Posted by nakamuru

Wait so your at only 500 miles and had this for couple years?

No, the X3M / X4M are brand new 2020 models that have never existed before.

He was comparing his 2017 M3 to his 2020 X3M Competition.

[nakamuru]

Originally Posted by Barathon

No, the X3M / X4M are brand new 2020 models that have never existed before.

He was comparing his 2017 M3 to his 2020 X3M Competition.

So above photo is 2020 model? Ok I need to freshen up my M cars lol

[MaChatz]

Congratulations

[Barathon]

Originally Posted by nakamuru

So above photo is 2020 model? Ok I need to freshen up my M cars lol

The Grey X3M Competition (the SUV) is a 2020 model

The Black M3 (Sedan) is a 2017 model with comp package.

[Jurgen Belgium]

Congrats, and thanks for the write up, im really jealous.
Have lots off exiting and safe miles in it.

[MrItaly]

As soon as I saw the posts here about the cargo hump and the mobility package solution, I quickly contacted my dealer and updated my order to replicate the trunk experience I had on my M40i. Thanks to those who mentioned here, I was able to "fix" mine in time.

[ellipsis212]

Thanks for the thoughtful write up and enjoy that beautiful color combination!

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

great review, get those color match reflectors and it will be all you need, thats a great looking ride!!

Needs tint‼️

[Mani59]

Donington Grey looks super on that! Enjoy!

[SteveSpy]

Originally Posted by ///M TOWN

It does now doesn't it.

You guys are hilarious. Who do you think pays for this forum? The suppliers. Nobody will ever police them.

[SteveSpy]

Good on you, O/P, and grats again. I am seriously considering the X3M to replace my M40i next summer but I have some reservations because I'm a stick shift guy that is jonesing for a car that has three pedals (I hate auto). The dilemma in my head is do I get the X3M next year or do I go for an M3 the year following? A stripper 2021 M3 with a stick shift will probably start at less than the base stripper X3M with the same engine. I really like the M40i, to me, it is the perfect blend of practicality and power because I have 2 small children, but the auto is killing me. The solution might be the upcoming M3. I'm even considering ED in the summer of 21 with the whole fam... Now THAT would be AMAZING!

Anyway congratulations again on the purchase, enjoy the ride!

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by SteveSpy

Good on you, O/P, and grats again. I am seriously considering the X3M to replace my M40i next summer but I have some reservations because I'm a stick shift guy that is jonesing for a car that has three pedals (I hate auto). The dilemma in my head is do I get the X3M next year or do I go for an M3 the year following? A stripper 2021 M3 with a stick shift will probably start at less than the base stripper X3M with the same engine. I really like the M40i, to me, it is the perfect blend of practicality and power because I have 2 small children, but the auto is killing me. The solution might be the upcoming M3. I'm even considering ED in the summer of 21 with the whole fam... Now THAT would be AMAZING!

Anyway congratulations again on the purchase, enjoy the ride!

X3M is made In South Carolina so it would be PCD only.

Get the next M3 if you want to do EUROPEAN delivery. DEFINITELY take the family. It's an incredible experience.

[GOLFFRR]

^^

[M3GymNut]

Originally Posted by JohnNick72

8 Spd Auto vs. DCT

I need more time shifting at higher revs, but this transmission seems to be smoother and less likely to remind you of when you couldn't drive a manual with a clutch pedal if you get on it wrong. While it's still very quick to shift gears with the paddles it does it in a (slightly) less exciting way.

More to come later on...

I shall be waiting...thanks for the update and enjoy.

[nakamuru]

Originally Posted by JohnNick72

That's another great color that looks better in person and is more complex than most of the photos pick up.

Enjoy the M5!

j

Whoa the 2020 looks great. Guess they changed the front where 2019 model had the ram horn slit look. Did not many people like the slit of 2019 front so they changed it. Or no one had issue but bmw still decided to change it. I thought bmw keeps there body look the same for some time but the model for x3 changed fast

[TheVazha]

I agree with you on the Donington. It doesn't photograph well, but it's arguably the most special color BMW offers.

[SteveSpy]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

X3M is made In South Carolina so it would be PCD only.

Get the next M3 if you want to do EUROPEAN delivery. DEFINITELY take the family. It's an incredible experience.

Errrr yea that's what I said, M3 and ED lol

[Who's on first]

Great write up.

Very well done and helpful to others. Exactly what this should be used for. I commend you dear sir.

One little thing... there is NO such thing as the ECU "opening up" after 1,200 miles.

The only thing the break-in service does is allow the ability to use LC.

The power you have now, is the same power you'll have at 59,000 miles.

This has been proven 1,000 times over.

I don't think my wife will ever sell her M2, but if she does.. I'd be very happy to see an X3M in the garage.

[cjack]

Looks beautiful, very nice car.