[Chriske92]

Originally Posted by ckneasel

If you had to do it again, would you purchase it knowing what you know now after some time behind the wheel...?

I finally test drove one today (Comp), and was worried the ride would be far too harsh (after watching numerous YT reviews)...

I don't know if I'm just used to driving stiff vehicles, but the ride seemed "fine" for daily driving to me...

The power was prodigious, and unnecessary so i definitely want it, but am not going to overpay for it, considering my dealer has 5 on the lot (3 Comps)... I can't fathom why they don't order more of these with the ventilated seat option... it's a $450 option, just add the damn thing...

I told myself my next car WILL have the ventilated option so they would have to come at me with a killer deal...

Anyhow, give me your reasons why you might not make the purchase over again...

I drove once a Range Rover autobiography from 2016 with massage and ventilated seats. Need to say was pretty damn useless

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by heavyD^2

I find the steering a little darty and suspension bouncy when both are in comfort mode. Put them both in sport and those issues disappear for me.

yep, exactly that...

[Transfer]

Originally Posted by RoyB

It's hard to explain. On ramps, straights, doesn't matter. I attribute it to the higher center of gravity, aggressive (assuming) alignment, and electric steering. You barely touch the steering wheel and it's in the other lane. None of my other cars do this. You get used to it after a while, but when I don't drive the X3M for a week and then get back in it, its really annoying.

I agree. I'm used to it and can drive it without complaint now but it is very different. Little steering inputs, especially under acceleration, will make it shoot in a straight line where you are pointed. I think the AWD traction turns it into real 4WD point and shoot most notable in lane changes which require very little input. Sweepers and tighter corners you feel power in the rear better and steering loads up better. Overall it grips and goes but it's sensitive until you're acclimated.

[evo-mike]

Am I the only one that likes it in comfort steering and comfort susp? I actually leave it in comfort steering for my lighter m button.

[forza1976]

Problems: paint peeling.

Issues: slow as shit out of the hole at my altitude. Cooler weather can't come soon enough.

[Transfer]

Originally Posted by evo-mike

Am I the only one that likes it in comfort steering and comfort susp? I actually leave it in comfort steering for my lighter m button.

For just basic driving around town I'm in comfort and D1 except sport throttle. On the freeway though unless I have passengers I'm going sport or sport+ settings and S3.

[MrMoo]

Originally Posted by floating.spirit

All I'm saying is, if money were no object, Ida gotten an M5. The F97 is awesome.

Why not an M8 Grancoupe?

[spta97]

Originally Posted by M5 TT

Well I just could not take it anymore. Car is gone

F90 M5 replacement. Very happy camper

Curious - The suspension in the M5 will absorb the bad road conditions, yet handles just as well as the X3M?

[M5 TT]

Originally Posted by spta97

Curious - The suspension in the M5 will absorb the bad road conditions, yet handles just as well as the X3M?

Yes. I guess lower weight and lower center of gravity. Handles better than the X3MC. On poor roads I found the X3 too hard and very unsettled and bounced about instead of absorbing the bumps.

The M5 is still very firm but "just" comfy enough not to annoy

[RoyB]

Originally Posted by Transfer

I agree. I'm used to it and can drive it without complaint now but it is very different. Little steering inputs, especially under acceleration, will make it shoot in a straight line where you are pointed. I think the AWD traction turns it into real 4WD point and shoot most notable in lane changes which require very little input. Sweepers and tighter corners you feel power in the rear better and steering loads up better. Overall it grips and goes but it's sensitive until you're acclimated.

I don't know what it is. I think some of the issue is I rest my arm on the door while holding the steering wheel. With the suspension being so jouncy it put's little steering inputs into the steering wheel. We don't have the best roads here so even when I am intentionally steering the car, I am still turning the steering wheel.

Some of it could be the design of the AWD system. Maybe it sits in more RWD when cruising and when you give it some gas it puts more power to the front wheels changing the dynamic of the car completely.



Another thing I don't like. Apple Car Play works about 80% of the time.

[spta97]

Originally Posted by M5 TT

Yes. I guess lower weight and lower center of gravity. Handles better than the X3MC. On poor roads I found the X3 too hard and very unsettled and bounced about instead of absorbing the bumps.

The M5 is still very firm but "just" comfy enough not to annoy

Excellent. I’ve never driven an M5 but it appears to be a hell of a car.

[spta97]

Originally Posted by RoyB

I don't know what it is. I think some of the issue is I rest my arm on the door while holding the steering wheel. With the suspension being so jouncy it put's little steering inputs into the steering wheel. We don't have the best roads here so even when I am intentionally steering the car, I am still turning the steering wheel.

Some of it could be the design of the AWD system. Maybe it sits in more RWD when cruising and when you give it some gas it puts more power to the front wheels changing the dynamic of the car completely.



Another thing I don't like. Apple Car Play works about 80% of the time.

I don’t have a major problem with it but I do find it is not the type of vehicle you can drive without using both hands on the wheel.

If I’m doing any sort of turn I use both hands.

I guess this is why most people keep the steering in comfort when the engine and transmission are in sport plus.

I actually like the sport plus steering (when I’m gunning it) but find the comfort steering requires a lot of corrections in normal driving and seems like the SAV wants to run in its own direction - which is usually another car or a wall lol.

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by spta97

Excellent. I’ve never driven an M5 but it appears to be a hell of a car.

The M5comp is very firm - just as firm as X3M comp if not firmer. M5 is a great effing car but it's more of a GT car - you definitely feel the size.

[spta97]

Originally Posted by AlexFL

The M5comp is very firm - just as firm as X3M comp if not firmer. M5 is a great effing car but it's more of a GT car - you definitely feel the size.

The OP seems to feel it is not as firm.

Firmness on a vehicle is so subjective. Coming from my 2007 Nissan Armada, the X3MC is like a Caddy

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by spta97

The OP seems to feel it is not as firm.

Firmness on a vehicle is so subjective. Coming from my 2007 Nissan Armada, the X3MC is like a Caddy

Not sure if he has M5 or the M5comp. M5comp is significantly stiffer.

[DC X3M40i]

Originally Posted by RoyB

I don't know what it is. I think some of the issue is I rest my arm on the door while holding the steering wheel. With the suspension being so jouncy it put's little steering inputs into the steering wheel. We don't have the best roads here so even when I am intentionally steering the car, I am still turning the steering wheel.

Some of it could be the design of the AWD system. Maybe it sits in more RWD when cruising and when you give it some gas it puts more power to the front wheels changing the dynamic of the car completely.



Another thing I don't like. Apple Car Play works about 80% of the time.

Apple car play is so picky....works when it wants to....which is why I choose not to use it.

I also have he same issues with regards to the steering feedback. I have to drive with both hands even when cruising along on the highway.

[floating.spirit]

Originally Posted by MrMoo

Why not an M8 Grancoupe?

LOL, fair question! I need the bench back seat for assorted family and pets.

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by floating.spirit

LOL, fair question! I need the bench back seat for assorted family and pets.

Man, you need an SUV. Stop craving for M5. 😂

[M5 TT]

Originally Posted by AlexFL

Not sure if he has M5 or the M5comp. M5comp is significantly stiffer.

Deffo not a Comp. I just did not want to chance it. M5 non comp is just right for me. Firm but acceptable (my old age is starting to show) That extra 10% spring rate and stiffer ARB on the comp would be too much I feel.

[M5 TT]

Originally Posted by spta97

Excellent. I’ve never driven an M5 but it appears to be a hell of a car.

Cracking car.

I would not say its any better or worse than the X3MC it just does things differently. I am very bias though as I have owned 2 F10 M5’s I just like them I guess.

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by M5 TT

Cracking car.

I would not say its any better or worse than the X3MC it just does things differently. I am very bias though as I have owned 2 F10 M5’s I just like them I guess.

I agree. Thinking of getting the post-LCI M5. Test drove friend’s M5C this morning. Ride is firm as hell, but that engine is a beast.

[RoyB]

Originally Posted by spta97

I don’t have a major problem with it but I do find it is not the type of vehicle you can drive without using both hands on the wheel.

If I’m doing any sort of turn I use both hands.

I guess this is why most people keep the steering in comfort when the engine and transmission are in sport plus.

I actually like the sport plus steering (when I’m gunning it) but find the comfort steering requires a lot of corrections in normal driving and seems like the SAV wants to run in its own direction - which is usually another car or a wall lol.

I think I tracked the problem down. It's the steering wheel. It wants to return to center immediately. Any little input of the steering wheel and it shoots back to center. I have lane assist off so it's not that. I can yank the wheel and it will hold the line for a little. But if I am just going straight flick the wheel, it bounces back to center and the car shimmies in the process. This is why everyone says they have to hold it with 2 hands to avoid the issue.

I have a feeling this is a function of the electric steering and it's really annoying for every day driving when you aren't at 100%.