[itrocks4u]

Hi all

Currently driving 19 M4CS and had 17 M3 ZCP prior to that. With growing family needs considering the X4M. Love the X6M but definitely over my budget.

Anyone made a move from M3 M4 to X3M/X4M? If so, how has your experience been?

Thanks.

[Rosco P]

I went M4, M3ZCP, M2 to the X3MC.

Day to day driving is much easier. Getting in and out, taking people with me, and carrying more... all are welcomed aspects of the X. To me, the X feels nicer and more modern. I also feel like the various transmission calibrations are more intuitive or user friendly. The 8 speed is an improvement altogether. It seems to ride better than my last M cars. It looks great but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t prefer the M3zcp aesthetics.

[-JLT-]

Search the forum, there was a thread earlier asking same question with lots of responses

I went M3 to M4 'vert to X3M. If you need the space then it's a no brainer.

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by -JLT-

Search the forum, there was a thread earlier asking same question with lots of responses. I went M3 to M4 'vert to X3M. If you need the space then it's a no brainer.

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1559280

[2kaccordocoupe]

I switched from a 2017 M4 to 2020 X4MC.

My M4 lease was up and wanted to try something different while waiting for the next generation M4 to come out. Didn't want to spend more on an M5. Didn't want the traditional suv look.

Love the extra space, AWD drivetrain is awesome. Tons of power. Honestly don't miss the M4.

The next gen M4 will have to be something really special for me to switch back to it after having this for the past 4 months ish.

[knepsterd]

I went from FBO AWD 235 to M3 to X3MC
Love my interior and overall layout. Still several 100 miles from break in, but the exhaust has improved, so has the transmission learning. I will admit I have broken rules on break in a few times. It has power for sure and AWD and the "utility" of carrying some adults or crap that the M3 could not fit in trunk seats down form. I love that it's a sleeper. Only other two vehicles that I would at would be the Jag SVR or the MB GLC63s. They have the aural sound for sure. Jag form is beautiful imho, but X3MC is full package. Tbh not feeling the turbo lag complaints down low. I have had drivetrain come up a few times which disappeared at next start. Will address at 1200 break in. Might be software or wastegate or battery issue. Will report next month.

[AlexFL]

Went from M4 to an X3 M40i, which was a bit short on performance for me, and then to X3 MC. M4 gives you the more visceral, “connected to the street” feel. M4 also feels faster, even though it’s actually slower than the X3 MC. The smooth and fast shifting eight speed ZF in the X3 is an absolute improvement, and so is the wonderful all-wheel drive. I absolutely love the fast revving, high end torquey S58 engine, a notable improvement over the S55. The X3 handling is surprisingly good and very neutral, by far the best i’ve ever experienced in a crossover. Overall, extremely pleased with my X3 MC. If you want something close to an M3/M4, but want more interior and cargo space - X3 MC is the way to go.

[jlee]

I went from an M3cs to the x3mc. As others have said if you need the space then it's a great swap out. Otherwise I found the M3cs to have an amazing ride quality. Better than the m3 w/zcp for sure. It was as bouncy. The x3m is bouncy for sure

[AlpineWhite_SJ]

I guess technically I haven’t switched since we still have both, but I wouldn’t mind if I had to drive the X3MC all the time. It’s a great car and the interior feels more up to date and premium than the F80, which is more basic/spartan. Ride is slightly more comfortable and 4 wheel drive puts down the power better in terms of traction.

[itrocks4u]

thank you everyone.

It sounds like at this point, no one has regrets which is great to hear. Honestly, I've test driven it now twice for 5-10mins and did not get that 'connected to road' feel. Unfortunately dealership is adamant on not taking it out for a longer test drive.

Now, do we get M-school voucher with X3MC or X4MC?

[Np2014]

I love my 2015 M4 that S55 engine is a beast to have fun with and a keeper. The real question is 2021 X3MC or 2020 X5M. Is anyone else comparing the two?

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by Np2014

I love my 2015 M4 that S55 engine is a beast to have fun with and a keeper. The real question is 2021 X3MC or 2020 X5M. Is anyone else comparing the two?

Driving X3M will feel much closer to M4 feel. The new X5M is a really large car, basically a powerful behemoth. If “V8 status” or more interior luxury are the most important factors, go with the X5M. Otherwise, go with the X3M that is cheaper, nimbler, and most likely faster than X5M.

[knepsterd]

Originally Posted by AlexFL

Driving X3M will feel much closer to M4 feel. The new X5M is a really large car, basically a powerful behemoth. If “V8 status” or more interior luxury are the most important factors, go with the X5M. Otherwise, go with the X3M that is cheaper, nimbler, and most likely faster than X5M.

And 50-95 happens with two eye blinks. This car wants to be driven over 80 plus.

[spta97]

Originally Posted by AlexFL

Driving X3M will feel much closer to M4 feel. The new X5M is a really large car, basically a powerful behemoth. If “V8 status” or more interior luxury are the most important factors, go with the X5M. Otherwise, go with the X3M that is cheaper, nimbler, and most likely faster than X5M.

I would have considered the X5M but it was around $125k. Ouch.

[SRHinVA]

Originally Posted by itrocks4u

thank you everyone.

It sounds like at this point, no one has regrets which is great to hear. Honestly, I've test driven it now twice for 5-10mins and did not get that 'connected to road' feel. Unfortunately dealership is adamant on not taking it out for a longer test drive.

Now, do we get M-school voucher with X3MC or X4MC?

I agree that the car can feel a bit numb, especially on a test drive. And perhaps this is a by-product of the adjustable ride qualities that the X3M offers. It took a bit of tinkering, but sport+ suspension and engine settings (leaving steering in sport) feels pretty darn good. Not a pure connected to the road feel like a purpose built ride (997.1 targa is my reference point) but pretty fantastic. When the road feel gets a bit much, or my wife starts complaining, go back to comfort (until she falls asleep...). Of course all of this is highly subjective, and based upon some local factors as well. We have pretty good roads here, and I grew up driving go-karts with zero suspension. YMMV.

[heavyD^2]

I went from an M2 to an X3M Comp and while I really like the vehicle there's just something I can't put my finger on that isn't the same. I think because I've driven cars all my life and typically compact size and sitting up so high has been a little jarring for me and I'm having to recalibrate a little. I'm also one of those weird people that needs at least a month to truly get a proper seating position in a new vehicle which exacerbates the issue of sitting up higher. It's all starting to fall in place now and I'm not missing the M2 much anymore.

[M4SW]

I went from 2018 M2 to X3M Comp. It's taken me a while to get used to. It's a complex beast! The size of it compared to the M2 isn't the issue, as we have a Discovery, but more finding the right combinations for steering, suspension, engine, gearbox. Now I have worked out what suits me and my local roads I'm loving the car more and more. One thing I've noticed is the suspension has eased a little and the engine is loosening up too post 2500 miles, all for the better. As cars go it's taking a while to figure out (this may be why some journalists have been a bit harsh on it as they only have it for a few hours perhaps) but I'm loving it the more I drive it and get to know it. I'd suggest taking a good long test drive for a day or two if possible. Good luck with whatever you choose.

[aX3Man]

I went from a 2017 F80 ZCP manual to an X3 M. My lease was up and me and my fiancé were trying to figure out what to do next. I met her shortly after getting my F80 and she told me she can drive manual. So, after some time I threw her the key and said "let's go". She actually knew how to drive manual and she had a blast to the point where she wanted to drive it all the time. She has two boys from a previous marriage, so an M3 was a little tight. I returned my car with 13,500 miles after 3 years (at Springfield, NJ BMW if anyone is interested) and I had read about the X. This truck, for us, is everything we want. We have the room for the boys and it can go fast. We test drove the truck at the dealership and we both agreed it was more functional and fun. She takes it to work everyday and she loves it as a daily driver. Also, the Polish Package came at no cost to us which she loved (Alpine White with Sakhir Orange interior). I think this truck sits in a niche market of potential buyers. As one review said, "Another 500-hp answer to a question no one is asking". For our situation the X3 M made perfect sense and I enjoy it thoroughly.

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by Kstark46

I went from a 2017 F80 ZCP manual to an X3 M. My lease was up and me and my fiancé were trying to figure out what to do next. I met her shortly after getting my F80 and she told me she can drive manual. So, after some time I threw her the key and said "let's go". She actually knew how to drive manual and she had a blast to the point where she wanted to drive it all the time. She has two boys from a previous marriage, so an M3 was a little tight. I returned my car with 13,500 miles after 3 years (at Springfield, NJ BMW if anyone is interested) and I had read about the X. This truck, for us, is everything we want. We have the room for the boys and it can go fast. We test drove the truck at the dealership and we both agreed it was more functional and fun. She takes it to work everyday and she loves it as a daily driver. Also, the Polish Package came at no cost to us which she loved (Alpine White with Sakhir Orange interior). I think this truck sits in a niche market of potential buyers. As one review said, "Another 500-hp answer to a question no one is asking". For our situation the X3 M made perfect sense and I enjoy it thoroughly.

Wonderful story! Thanks for sharing and enjoy your X3 M!

[ocX3Mcomp]

I just did my 1200RIS service on my X3M comp. I was using the paddles/manual shifting today and I feel that the 8ZF is REALLY laggy compared to my M2 DCT. Anyone notice this too or are my expectations for the ZF too high? I didn't think it would be this much of a contrast, but maybe I need to revise my driving style and expectations? I'm finding myself having to upshift early to account for the second delay so I don't redline. In auto, car is smooth.

[new2the3]

Originally Posted by ocM2

I just did my 1200RIS service on my X3M comp. I was using the paddles/manual shifting today and I feel that the 8ZF is REALLY laggy compared to my M2 DCT. Anyone notice this too or are my expectations for the ZF too high? I didn't think it would be this much of a contrast, but maybe I need to revise my driving style and expectations? I'm finding myself having to upshift early to account for the second delay so I don't redline. In auto, car is smooth.

When using the shift paddles make sure the transmission is in S3 mode otherwise there will be noticeable lag.

[ocX3Mcomp]

Originally Posted by new2the3

When using the shift paddles make sure the transmission is in S3 mode otherwise there will be noticeable lag.

Thanks for this! I went for an extensive drive and I still feel a 1/2 second delay even with everything on sport + and S3 transmission.