[richard in NC]

I test drove a 2020 X3M today, non competition. It has the 21s. Do 20s help the ride? It was firm but tolerable on Charlotte streets. Tire pressures were high 30s. It’s not exactly as I want but I prefer the 2020 gauges and it’s a good deal.

[GmanJeff]

The specified factory air pressure for the 20" tires is 32F/35R. Combined with the slightly taller sidewall, you'd likely experience less ride stiffness compared to 21" tires with higher internal pressures.

[MRichmond]

Is this the Richard in NC of M5Board fame??

[richard in NC]

Originally Posted by MRichmond

Is this the Richard in NC of M5Board fame??

Yes, with a good many BMWs between then and now..
Currently in an M550i and M2C
Had an X3 before. X3M would be a nice M550i replacement

[DAC17]

OP: Funny, but I agree completely on the gauges. I do not like the new style "BMW issue" gauges. And since that's what we look at all the time, it makes a big difference to me!

[forza1976]

Originally Posted by richard in NC

Yes, with a good many BMWs between then and now..
Currently in an M550i and M2C
Had an X3 before. X3M would be a nice M550i replacement

That is exactly what I did.

[richsnuc]

Yes, 20s do help the ride. I had the same conundrum. I bought aftermarket 20s with +10mm width front and back to get a similar load rating and rolling diameter delta Front to Rear and it is a noticeably nicer ride. Similar roads, as I'm in Raleigh.

[4151zero]

Originally Posted by richard in NC

Yes, with a good many BMWs between then and now..
Currently in an M550i and M2C
Had an X3 before. X3M would be a nice M550i replacement

How many m5board expatriates are lurking here?!

I'm still hanging onto my 6mt e60 M5

[richard in NC]

Originally Posted by 4151zero

How many m5board expatriates are lurking here?!

I'm still hanging onto my 6mt e60 M5

Who would have thought in 2003 that in < 20 years, BMWs most popular vehicles today are SUVs and several models have 500-600 hp and handily outrun the E39 M5?!

[MRichmond]

Originally Posted by 4151zero

How many m5board expatriates are lurking here?!

I'm still hanging onto my 6mt e60 M5

I kept my e60 M5 for 11 years, including a fair amount of track time. Terrific car. Once that car was retired from the track (cresting 160 mph each lap with nothing but a helmet and a three-point seat belt was just not a good idea), I had a e36 M3 track car that then became a full race car when I went all in on wheel-to-wheel racing. The had a second one of those. More recently, was deciding between the X3/X4M, GLC63, Macan Turbo and the Jag F-Pace SVR. Went with the F-Pace a year ago, but the Jag forum is pitiful, so still visit here (and since the BMW habit is hard to break).

[4151zero]

Originally Posted by richard in NC

Who would have thought in 2003 that in < 20 years, BMWs most popular vehicles today are SUVs and several models have 500-600 hp and handily outrun the E39 M5?!

the e39 M5 is still somewhat of a grail for me,
however the f97 just fits into our lifestyle nowadays and fills the void

Ive been lucky to own all the M3's beginning with multiple e30's up to the f80 and have no regrets with the x3m

I can tell that the f97 platform has plenty of road course potential, but its an itch that's been scratched already, thank goodness

[4151zero]

Originally Posted by MRichmond

I kept my e60 M5 for 11 years, including a fair amount of track time. Terrific car. Once that car was retired from the track (cresting 160 mph each lap with nothing but a helmet and a three-point seat belt was just not a good idea), I had a e36 M3 track car that then became a full race car when I went all in on wheel-to-wheel racing. The had a second one of those. More recently, was deciding between the X3/X4M, GLC63, Macan Turbo and the Jag F-Pace SVR. Went with the F-Pace a year ago, but the Jag forum is pitiful, so still visit here (and since the BMW habit is hard to break).

we sold my wifes Velar for nearly retail before moving to the x3m, and agree about the JLR forums

my e60 has the unicorn dinan midpipe and very common back boxes

its still a thrill to drive in the upper rpms, where the v10 begins to shine

[richard in NC]

I've had several 5 series, X's and other BMWs, see my sig.
I'll miss the more luxurious feel of the 5 but should enjoy an X3M and get the utility as well.

I've got the M2 Comp for weekend fun.