[bedh8]

Currently have a base 2020 X3M with 9k miles, I’m happy with the vehicle but miss the DCT and driving experience I had in my M4 coupe. It’s been several years since I’ve had the M4 as I traded it in on a 18 M5 back in 2019. Something about these ZF transmissions just doesn’t do it for me.

I found a local 2018 M3CS with MPE, about 20k miles on the clock, haven’t seen it in person yet but appears to be stock. I’m sure most folks here have gone forward and not BACKWARDS but wanted to get anyone’s opinion that’s had a similar experience. Thanks!

[danniexi]

i went from F80 to F97, and I’ll admit it, I really miss the F80 at times (keyword: at times). It’s so much more raw, so much more fun in every sense of the word. The DCT, even if it’s automated, is so much more engaging to drive. It’s obviously so much more eager to change direction because of its lighter weight, lower center of gravity, and shorter wheelbase. There’s obviously no denying that the F80 is miles better as a driver’s car over the F97.

But then again, I got a shit to do. As a daily, the F97 is so much better in every way. It’s more comfortable, has a buttload more equipment/tech/creature comforts, and is more practical in 95% of its usage that it overcomes its shortcomings compared to the F80 (according to my daily driving). I got kids, I got shit to carry, and the F80 can’t hold up to the F97s massive interior/luggage space obviously. But the rare few times when I want to drive like the typical bimmer-douche, the X3M allows me to do that.

it all comes down to your own personal needs/requirements for a daily driver. i had the F80 for six years with no issues when it was just my wife and one kid. it was perfect for the three of us when it came to the daily daycare drop off and the weekend excursion. but with the arrival of the second child, it was noticeable after a year that i needed more carrying capacity (i.e. luggage room) and the F97 provided that over anything else. moreover, with the growing family, i have had less time being able to enjoy the M3 on my own, therefore sacrificing the “fun” out of the daily was necessary, even though I feel as if the F97 is no less “capable” than the M3. in 95% of my driving, it’s just as fast as the F80 on the road; all the while I get to enjoy the automated hands free driving in traffic, heated/ventilated seats, and mother goose club/little baby bum blasting through the harmon kardon speakers.

does your life sound nothing like mine? then by all means get an F80 instead. you dont need an X3M.

[dmanb2b]

I would try tuning the trans with XHP if you have not already. There is a reason the G80 is sans the DCT, few miss it, especially tuned, but I do respect it if that's just the feel you prefer.

[2Times]

Both... you'll miss how fast the X3M is. I have an F83 (with BM3 flex fuel tune) also and that's the slow car.