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      05-22-2020, 02:06 PM   #1
rmorin1249
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X3M40i Ride Quality?

When the lease on our X5 is up we are going to downsize to a smaller SUV or go back to a sedan. It's just the 2 of us, no kids or dogs, so room is not a concern.

My better half is concerned that the ride in the X3 will be too firm.

Can anyone provide feedback on the ride in Comfort mode in the X3 compares to an X5?
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      05-22-2020, 02:12 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rmorin1249 View Post
When the lease on our X5 is up we are going to downsize to a smaller SUV or go back to a sedan. It's just the 2 of us, no kids or dogs, so room is not a concern.

My better half is concerned that the ride in the X3 will be too firm.

Can anyone provide feedback on the ride in Comfort mode in the X3 compares to an X5?
Hi,
I think the issue you need to look at more is seat comfort - rather than ride comfort.
I find our adaptive suspension is soft enough in comfort and sporty enough in sport settings but the seats in an X5 are far more comfortable than those in the X3 (especially if the X3 has ventilated seats - they are awful)
Cheers
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      05-22-2020, 04:30 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SteveX3M40i View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by rmorin1249 View Post
When the lease on our X5 is up we are going to downsize to a smaller SUV or go back to a sedan. It's just the 2 of us, no kids or dogs, so room is not a concern.

My better half is concerned that the ride in the X3 will be too firm.

Can anyone provide feedback on the ride in Comfort mode in the X3 compares to an X5?
Hi,
I think the issue you need to look at more is seat comfort - rather than ride comfort.
I find our adaptive suspension is soft enough in comfort and sporty enough in sport settings but the seats in an X5 are far more comfortable than those in the X3 (especially if the X3 has ventilated seats - they are awful)
Cheers
Steve
Thanks for the seat comment. I've owned several 3 and 5 series sedans and convertibles with standard and sport seats. Are the seats in the X3M40i sport seats?
When this pandemic allows I plan to test drive an X3M40i immediately after driving the X5 to the dealer.
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      05-22-2020, 06:56 PM   #4
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I've got an X3 M40i without adaptive suspension, the 21" wheels & RFTs, and drive 95% of the time in Sport mode and find the comfort to be just fine.

A lot will likely have to do with the tolerance you have for the comfort of RFTs and the quality of roads you have where you live. Only way to truly know is to take an extended test drive.
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      05-22-2020, 07:29 PM   #5
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I've got a 2020 X3 m40i 20 inch wheels standard suspension with non ventilated seats only had it a month now.

I find the ride to be very good. It's good enough that I don't notice it when I'm driving around in town.

I do however find the drivers seat to be a little firm. Defiantly firmer than the seats in my 328i m sport. I am hoping they will break in a little over time. That said the seat is still comfortable.

Hope this helps a little.
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      05-22-2020, 07:56 PM   #6
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Personally, I love the sport seats and find them comfortable (not the vented ones). Adaptive M Suspension will help with the ride. I absolutely love the X3 and would not buy the X5.

However; there is no real comparison. The X5 has a much more solid, heavy, comfortable drive. Better seats, fatter tires, and another 1,000 lbs are hard to match.
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      05-22-2020, 07:58 PM   #7
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I own a MY18 X30i (hers) AND an MY19 M40i (mine). Both have identical
Bridgestone tires on 19" (premium on 30i; base on M40i) wheels.

The M40i is stiff, no question about it. I like it though sometimes it's annoying. The 30i is a sweetheart of a ride, though it can wallow a little.
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      05-22-2020, 09:29 PM   #8
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Mine came with square 19" setup. Absolutely no ride comfort issues and the roads here are deplorable...
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      05-22-2020, 09:44 PM   #9
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The M40i definitely rides firmer than the X5. I have a buddy with a 2019 X5, and my 2020 M40i is more sporty and firm feeling than his car. 100% agree about the seats being a bit flat, and not quite as supportive as his seats. I came from a 535xi with M Sport package, and I liked those seats better than the seats in the X3.

One other thing - the level of luxury is definitely a step lower, even when you order the X3 loaded. It just doesn't feel quite as nice, even though it's a great car. I will say this, it is a blast to drive - sporty, fun, tossable, go to jail quick, and I'm happier behind the wheel of this car than I ever was in my 5 series.

Drive them both - one will speak to you more than the other - either are going to make you happy.
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      05-22-2020, 09:57 PM   #10
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Avoid the ventilated seats at all costs. Changing out of RFTs will help too.
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      05-23-2020, 03:25 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rmorin1249 View Post
When the lease on our X5 is up we are going to downsize to a smaller SUV or go back to a sedan. It's just the 2 of us, no kids or dogs, so room is not a concern.

My better half is concerned that the ride in the X3 will be too firm.

Can anyone provide feedback on the ride in Comfort mode in the X3 compares to an X5?
I have both.
X5 has air suspension and it is on 22" NFT. Very comfortable.
X3 is fully loaded on 21" RFT

The 21" RFT on the X3 play a big factor in the ride quality. Also the seats I have come with the cooling which I heard are less comfortable than the ones without.

X3 is my wife's car and she loves it.
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      05-23-2020, 10:12 AM   #12
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Had a F15 X5 with standard suspension, now have a M40i with Adaptive and 19's, much prefer the M40i's ride. In comfort mode the ride isn't too firm by any means, and the car doesn't bob up and down over bumps like the X5 did. I definitely prefer the X3, but like others have said it's not as luxurious or solid feeling as the X5 is.
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      05-23-2020, 10:37 AM   #13
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Do you get Adjustable dampers in US? If not I would spec this as it makes a difference...i find my 1 is fine on 21" with Adj suspension...Depends on your roads also I guess?
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      05-23-2020, 12:03 PM   #14
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I had an F15 xdrive35i (M Sport) and currently have an '18 M40i with the 20" set up and adaptive dampers. It is a bit rougher than my X5, but I actually find it pretty comfortable. I avoided the ventilated seats, even though I am in TX, due to the lack of bolstering. I personally find the standard sport seats very comfortable, have done long road trips (over 1200 miles) and have never had any back issues. All that said, comfort is entirely subjective and I would definitely advise test driving.
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      05-23-2020, 12:54 PM   #15
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I love the ride quality and don't get the hate on ventilated seats. I like em.
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      05-23-2020, 01:35 PM   #16
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Thanks for all the replies. I will definitely be taking a test drive in an X3M40i preferably one with the Adaptive Suspension. Thanks again.
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      05-28-2020, 02:20 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rmorin49 View Post
Thanks for all the replies. I will definitely be taking a test drive in an X3M40i preferably one with the Adaptive Suspension. Thanks again.
If you look at a sedan, the 3 series m340i sedan is a fantastic car I think! I opted for the X3 m40i since I already have a z4 m40i as a summer car. The X3 replaced my Golf R which just felt smaller than I liked (great ride though). I may have gone with the X3M, except it was IDrive6 and I wanted IDrive7 in the car.

The biggest disappointment with the X3 is no remote start.

Rob
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      05-28-2020, 03:46 AM   #18
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Just been experimenting with tyre pressures on my car (21 inch with Alenza RFTs). Just a pound or two above the recommended dramatically makes it harsher (all other things being equal).
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      05-29-2020, 03:48 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob_G77 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by rmorin49 View Post
Thanks for all the replies. I will definitely be taking a test drive in an X3M40i preferably one with the Adaptive Suspension. Thanks again.
If you look at a sedan, the 3 series m340i sedan is a fantastic car I think! I opted for the X3 m40i since I already have a z4 m40i as a summer car. The X3 replaced my Golf R which just felt smaller than I liked (great ride though). I may have gone with the X3M, except it was IDrive6 and I wanted IDrive7 in the car.

The biggest disappointment with the X3 is no remote start.

Rob
We have remote start in our X5 and never use it.
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      05-29-2020, 06:18 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rmorin1249 View Post
We have remote start in our X5 and never use it.
To be fair, you live in Maryland. There are parts of the country that get HOT during the summer. Remote start would be heavily used by me!
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      05-29-2020, 08:57 PM   #21
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That's true and I'm retired so the X5 is always parked in my garage. I understand remote start is useful for some but not offering it on the X3 is not an issue for me.
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      05-29-2020, 10:57 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob_G77 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by rmorin49 View Post
Thanks for all the replies. I will definitely be taking a test drive in an X3M40i preferably one with the Adaptive Suspension. Thanks again.
If you look at a sedan, the 3 series m340i sedan is a fantastic car I think! I opted for the X3 m40i since I already have a z4 m40i as a summer car. The X3 replaced my Golf R which just felt smaller than I liked (great ride though). I may have gone with the X3M, except it was IDrive6 and I wanted IDrive7 in the car.

The biggest disappointment with the X3 is no remote start.

Rob
Remote start is coming for i drive 7 this summer
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