[itsmabs]

I test drove the 63s coupe. It was fun a lot of fun for a spin, but it felt like too much for a daily driver. I found the exhaust to sound amazing, but would become way to much for longer drives, when I just want to cruise. I like that the X3M can be mellow when you aren't driving aggressively. Not sure about the suv, but also wasn't digging the interior very much.

[weitz]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

Earlier comments already built a compelling argument for getting the BMW M.

The only reason to get Jeep Trackhawk: raw, unabridged power. Otherwise, BMW is a winner with enough money left to go to Maldives.

Dude. if you must, please... please.. just test drive an X3M. You will not be disappointed with the 500+ HP. And it’s been posted in other threads that BMW is very modest with it’s stats for this new car/engine because it doesn’t want it to encroach in X5M territory. Ie, bmw says 4.0s 0-60mph but multiple reviews have gotten 3.3s or 3.5s stock. Also it’s been tested at 491 whp (Wheel!! hp) stock... which means it’s well above the 503 bhp that bmw claims...

Where will you be driving the car? If it’s normal daily use, the 500+ HP is sure to be more than enough to put a huge smile on your face driving around :-)

Every day I get in my car and I’m like “wow! i love this car!” And I’ve been driving manual sports cars for the past 10 years, only switched to an SUV for practicality (having a family), and don’t regret it for one second.

[Macanakey]

I can't speak to the TH, but we've had SRT GCs. They're really fast in a straight line, but the always felt like big tanks to me. The Spousal Unit even chipped mine, so it was a blast to blow off kids (& others) who thought they'd fly by & cut off this middle-aged woman at traffic lights, but that was it.

I like the size of the X3 far better - the GC is more X5 sized to me, which is a hair bigger than I want at as a daily driver. Fit & finish were nice, but not as nice the BMWs. I had mine for about a year, before I decided that I was happiest with a German car. Don't miss it.

Editing to add, that for me, 0-60 time will never be the overriding factor in a vehicle purchase. Yes, HP & torque are important, but they're one a piece of the puzzle. Fit, finish, comfort ride, handling & overall aesthetics are all very important to me. Yes, there'll always be cars that go faster than mine. That's fine. I want a more complete package than that.

[corn18]

Originally Posted by robininni

I've got a sweet deal (well in my mind) worked on an X3MC and a decent deal on a Trackhawk. The difference will be about $20,000 more for the Trackhawk after it's all said and done.

The X3MC is loaded and the Trackhawk is almost fully loaded, really just missing rear entertainment which I don't care for.

I keep thinking the performance will be very similar based on what I read of 0-60 times and 1/4 mile times. The TH will have maybe 2 inches more leg room in the 2nd row and I thinking a better Harmon Kardon system (has a subwoofer) and sound is important to me but maybe the X3MC Harmon Kardon is great too. The X3MC tech is better but the TH has decent tech and some neat built in performance tracking features. Both have lots of customization with driving parameters. Gas consumption is not a high concern of mine.

I'm torn! I used to have and SRT8 about a decade ago and really liked it (until it started having electrical issues causing the engine to shutdown while driving). I had an x35d later and really liked it (until it started having terrible fuel pump issues). $20,000 is a lot of difference in price if performance is almost identical not to mention similar interior space and interior fit and finish (with the upgraded TH signature leather package).

I can get the TH serviced in the small town I live in, the BMW has to travel about an hour to Fort Worth which I don't like. If only annual maintenance I can live with it, but if I have warranty work from issues, that would get old quick.

I haven't seen either in person so I'm working off of reviews, past brand experience, and gut feelings. Please don't berate me for not having test drove each. Here is a great chance for you to just give your opinion which I can't refute with actual personal experience with either of them .

So... advice? Help me decide how to spend my money. My brother loves to do this with cars...

Drive 50 miles before you spend $70k. That is not a tough drive from Stephenville up I20. Heck, take the back way and enjoy the flatness that is N TX.

[MRichmond]

Originally Posted by robininni

Need an SUV. What about the Mercedes AMG GLC 63 SUV? Is it a good choice? Seems like you can't get big discounts on the Mercedes like BMW.

The GLC63 was one of the cars I seriously considered along with the X3/4M before choosing the Jaguar F-Pace SVR. In comparison to the X3M, the GLC wins in power delivery, sound and ride comfort. Appearance is not worth debating since it is highly subjective. The GLC63’s look (in both suv and coupe form) was a significant reason I did not choose it (similar consideration with the X3/4M). The tech in the BMW is better, as is (likely) at the limit handling. The MB and BMW are much more similar to each other than to the Jeep, which is just a different design exercise. Nearly 100k for it seems very high.

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by robininni

Thanks guys, I knew you'd reassure me to do the right thing

My deal on the X3MC is right at 16% off after incentives and they are also giving me a really good trade-in value.

Since the TH is an option for you, you should take a look at the X5 M50i with a twin turbo V8. Very similar to TH price - and sizewise. A tad slower than TH, but much much better car in terms of quality, tech, and luxury.

[onfireX5]

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...l-test-review/

TrackHawk zero to 60mph in 3.5 and 12.0 at 115mph 1/4 mile by C&D.

[onfireX5]

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...mw-x3-m-drive/

X3MC Zero to 60mph in 3.3 and 11.6 at 119mph n the 1/4 mile by C&D.

[weitz]

Originally Posted by onfireX5

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...mw-x3-m-drive/

X3MC Zero to 60mph in 3.3 and 11.6 iat 110mph n the 1/4 mile by C&D.

discussion over. x3mc wins hands down lol

[BobsM3Coupe]

Originally Posted by robininni

Oh now this makes me want to shell out for the TH. That raw power sounds good. I really don't want to be disappointed with the stereo in X3MC... I'm getting worried.

I will say the TH HK sound system is far superior to the BMW HK system. This isn't even close. Also from what I have seen/experienced, fit and finish is just a bit better on the BMW than the Grand Cherokee.

[Rosco P]

You can race Car and Driver magazines all you want. If you see a TH in the wild, it will eat your lunch light to light.

[weitz]

Originally Posted by Rosco P

You can race Car and Driver magazines all you want. If you see a TH in the wild, it will eat your lunch light to light.

Please tell me more about your in the wild encounters with x3mc vs TH at street lights...

you must be pretty lucky to live somewhere where people can drag at lights all the time. I’m pretty jealous cause I use my power to weave around slow people all the time...

[skoold2003]

How about throwing an older X5M in that mix. I think that is a closer comparison to the TH.

As others have mentioned the premium stereo in the Jeeps blows the HK in BMWs away.. but for $20k you could just get some subs. One thing that I didn't like about the jeeps is that too much is buried in the screen.. like climate and heated seats. I'm not sure if they're still that way or not. Also something to note is that you can code BMWs and as far as I know you can't do that with Jeeps.

[sayemthree]

Hands down get the BMW especially for 20k less.

[robininni]

Originally Posted by sayemthree

Hands down get the BMW especially for 20k less.

I did indeed! VERY happy with the X3MC! I'm so glad I went the BMW route.

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by robininni

I did indeed! VERY happy with the X3MC! I'm so glad I went the BMW route.

Congrats! Enjoy this beast!

[weitz]

Originally Posted by robininni

I did indeed! VERY happy with the X3MC! I'm so glad I went the BMW route.

Pics!!!! :-) gratz on buying the BMW :-)

[robininni]

I haven't taken a lot of pics to showcase it but here are a couple I took the day I got it to send to a friend.

[weitz]

sweet looking ride!

[bjcarls]

Very nice, as a Trackhawk owner, I would buy the BMW XM3 everyday if size wasn't an issue. You made the correct decision. Service through Jeep sucks, it rides like a truck BUT it digs hard and puts a smile on everyones face. That said, if I could sell mine without taking huge loss, I would. I will never buy another Jeep product.

[heavyD^2]

Originally Posted by bjcarls

Very nice, as a Trackhawk owner, I would buy the BMW XM3 everyday if size wasn't an issue. You made the correct decision. Service through Jeep sucks, it rides like a truck BUT it digs hard and puts a smile on everyones face. That said, if I could sell mine without taking huge loss, I would. I will never buy another Jeep product.

Have you had issues with the reliability, fit/finish or just don't like the dealer experience?

[bjcarls]

Originally Posted by heavyD^2

Have you had issues with the reliability, fit/finish or just don't like the dealer experience?

Zero issues with it @ almost 17,000 miles. I think fit / finish and materials are equal or better than my wifes '16 340. The fit and finish things I dislike are evident in the rear seats. You see the metal attached points throughout - between the 30/70 split and mount points to the floor. If you look at it you'd see it and say yep, I get it. I have the leather upgrade, $4k option which covers the dash in leather and gives you a very soft feel, much like a merino of BMW. It was always easy to deal with BMW and the dealership network. Even when servicing my wifes car, its just more pleasurable.
I HATED the purchase and pickup experience (this alone would make me never buy a Jeep or FCA product), general service has been ok at best and it rides like a truck. If you were to join a Jeep forum you will see many hate FCA and the experience. Especially from people coming from other brands.
I think I've found myself liking a little more refinement and speed - I switched from a X5 50i. I do like the interface much better than BMW's. It so easy to use. Other dislikes, brake feel very soft, locking/unlocking doors is loud and unrefined, steering is heavy and a little disconnected.
What it does have is pure adrenaline. It's a brute force machine and it sounds like it. 360 degree aural 'merica symphony. The TH gets a lot of attention, thumbs up, parking lot conversations, can I get a ride, etc. People love the SUV.
With all this said, I love starting it, mashing the throttle and just going. I don't have regrets per se, I wanted to try something different and I am BUT I'd trade it for a X7 M50i if I could get the numbers to work.
I lurk on this board because I'd like to buy my wife a X3M this summer when her warranty ends on her 340.