[F80_M]

Amazing write up! I've always wondered how these M SUV would perform in the mountains. Any chance you'd be able to post more pics of the S2k? I'm a sucker for them

[GrandMasterKhan]

Originally Posted by phantom7835

I hate crossovers with the white hot passion of a thousand suns.

They are a lazy compromise and 99% of people are better off just buying a proper SUV or a sedan. They bring the illusion of an "all rounder" but in reality are a master of none.

These hyper-crossovers may be fast enough in a straight line and have stiff enough suspension to wow some people - but at the end of the day they're a compromise.

That's just the thing, you may not understand because you do not own one have have never driven an X3M in the mountains. I totally get where you are coming from because I thought the same as you.

Let me remind you. I owned a 390whp M240i, which I know isnt an M2 Comp, but i can tell you the m240 had diffculty being pushed hard on the dragon, even with all my mods. The X3M did not at the same driving pace. Would your M2 perform better than my M240 did? Absolutely, there is no disputing that. But I can tell you my Evo IX would smoke the M2 in all aspects aside from creature comforts. So to assume I dont know what i am talking about is short sighted.

Please don't misunderstand, The X3M performing incredible well does not take away anything from your M2. In fact, it just how serious BMW is about making the X3M a serious M car. I absolutely expect people to not understand. I expect people to not believe it. Because, honestly it should be impossible that an SUV can drive this well, but the truth is. The X3M is THAT good.

You are right the X3M is a compromise, but its not compromising as much as you would think.

I can tell you also, I have driven the M3 and M4, and I didnt like their driving feel and ultimatly bought the M240i instead because it was more fun. Had the M2 not had a 1.5 year wait at the time i would have gottan an M2, but honestly i am glad i didnt at the time because it would have been the N55 variant.

My next fun car will be an M2 Comp. I look forward to taking it to the Dragon one day as well and we'll see how it compares to my Evil IX and S2000. I expect it to be incredible, but I until then I'll just have to wait and see.

Also, for further background info. I have in fact driven on the track. M2, M3, M4, M6, X4M, X6M, 340, M240i, 650i. The M2 was easily the most surefooted of the bunch. Everything else just felt too big to me. The longer wheel base of the M3/M4 didnt feel fun to me and not nearly as nimble as the M2 or M240i. I have not driven the X3M on a road course like I did all these other cars. I expect it would not perform as well on long hard sweeping corners, but in the mountains the X3M performed incredibly well. As I said before, its two different envioments and it has to be driven hard to be understood.

[GOLFFRR]

def getting some use out of the ride! love it

[JaredG_F30]

Hey Kenneth great wite up, and bonus, you made front page

I can't wait to see this beast in person.

Cheers,
Jared

[iM3an]

That S2000 doh!

[stefan]

If I dropped $100K on an SUV with an M badge, I'd probably try to convince myself its the perfect sports car too.

[GrandMasterKhan]

Originally Posted by phantom7835

I know this is bordering on overly critical but if you say you focus on raw driving experience, and you think an electrically assisted, slushbox automatic, muffled cabin, 2.5 ton SUV fits that description - you really shouldn't be writing any kind of review with sporty intent. It's ok to just say you enjoy the comfort of it and the "sporty feel"

We talked about getting a non comp to replace our aging X1 - which I also hate but she likes - and after taking it through the car and driver 10Best route I was left feeling like I was in an alternate world of boredom compared to reviews we read going into it.

I can't help but think that everyone giving these things (and the 4,5,6 XM) overly glorious reviews is just coping with the fact that they had to get a crossover for some forsaken reason, but really wanted an M2/3/4/5/8 - or they're just professional reviewers being paid by BMW to say nice things about it.

Rant over

That actually makes sense. The X1 is low on my list of driving feel, so I feel you there completely. I have no reason to compromise. If i loved the M3/M4 i would have gotten one, the 8 is just way too big lol.

What got me interested in the X3M was when I couldnt put a large storage container in my M240i, and ended up getting an X3M40i loaner. So I of course took it for a fun drive and quickly learned the X3M40i performed on par with my m240i but with space. So I was like. Why not have more Space if i can have just as much fun? The X3M feels wayyy more solid and sure footed than the M240i did. I would argue that the M240i really needs more tire. Like the M2 has.


Honestly, if you get the chance to test drive an X3M, be 100% sure you get the opportunity to drive it briskly on some back roads. Trust me on that.

[robopp]

Originally Posted by phantom7835

I hate crossovers with the white hot passion of a thousand suns.

They are a lazy compromise and 99% of people are better off just buying a proper SUV or a sedan. They bring the illusion of an "all rounder" but in reality are a master of none.

These hyper-crossovers may be fast enough in a straight line and have stiff enough suspension to wow some people - but at the end of the day they're a compromise.

Literally every car or SUV out there is a compromise on some facet(s). You say if you want handling go get a M2/3/4. That's still a compromise in handling as any non-SUV Porsche will out handle them all day long.

It's a great handling SUV that's a bunch of fun to drive. Don't read too far into this review.

[GrandMasterKhan]

Originally Posted by F80_M

Amazing write up! I've always wondered how these M SUV would perform in the mountains. Any chance you'd be able to post more pics of the S2k? I'm a sucker for them

thanks! That's why I posted this review. Because the X3M can be easily misunderstood. Since most people don't live close enough to the mountains to drive and wouldn't even consider bringing it. I thought this might help broaden the perspective on the X3M.

I'm a sucker for S2ks also. It has a wee bit more power now, in the neighborhood if 530whp now on 93. Everything in my driveway is in the 500hp club now lol.


take note of the tires. GRC Tarmac Rally tires is what I run on the S2000 and the EVIL IX when I take them to the dragon. When I said race tires i meant it lol.

[FrozenGT]

Why are some of you hating on OP? lol

I am very happy with his review and completely understand where he is coming from. People should know by now that BMW M does not just through M on something without it living up to that name. I test drove an 2020 X3MC and it's crazy how good it handles/ you can't go wrong with 510HP- This car will be replacing my GF's current Lexus NX300-F sport. In which is not bad for tossing into turns.

But this review makes me excited when time comes to turn in her Lexus. I truly believe BMW M did everything they could to make the X3M as good as they could for the Money.

Bottom Line- Most people mod there setup before evening learning how to push their car hard. So kiddos to OP for testing the stock limits.


BTW- the X3M is not $100K lol

2020 X3M $76K or so
2020 X3MC $85K or so.

[evo-mike]

Originally Posted by stefan

If I dropped $100K on an SUV with an M badge, I'd probably try to convince myself its the perfect sports car too.

Said no one, ever. Another misinformed hater who most likely has never sat in an f97/98 let alone drive one. These are nowhere near 100k. Fully loaded comp is 84k. Probably closer to 70k after discount. Sticker on mine was 80k and got it for 65k.

You can't drive 1 car and say it's the best. Last month I drove the new 911 turbo and Taycan turbo s. I prefer the 911 turbo over my x3m, but actually prefer my x3m over the Taycan. I also own an evo 9, 4 series, a Ducati and a hmmwv.

But life is full of compromises, in the x3m I get to take friends, family, my crap with me and enjoy the drive. If I didn't have any friends, family or possessions, maybe I'd get a Miata or something.

[phantom7835]

Originally Posted by GrandMasterKhan

That actually makes sense. The X1 is low on my list of driving feel, so I feel you there completely. I have no reason to compromise. If i loved the M3/M4 i would have gotten one, the 8 is just way too big lol.

What got me interested in the X3M was when I couldnt put a large storage container in my M240i, and ended up getting an X3M40i loaner. So I of course took it for a fun drive and quickly learned the X3M40i performed on par with my m240i but with space. So I was like. Why not have more Space if i can have just as much fun? The X3M feels wayyy more solid and sure footed than the M240i did. I would argue that the M240i really needs more tire. Like the M2 has.


Honestly, if you get the chance to test drive an X3M, be 100% sure you get the opportunity to drive it briskly on some back roads. Trust me on that.

Like I said, I took an X3M down the car and driver 10best route out here in central Michigan. I just don't see it, never will

Glad you enjoy it and I'm glad you responded to my criticism with a level head. Hopefully you'll have many years of enjoyment

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by evo-mike

Said no one, ever. Another misinformed hater who most likely has never sat in an f97/98 let alone drive one. These are nowhere near 100k. Fully loaded comp is 84k. Probably closer to 70k after discount. Sticker on mine was 80k and got it for 65k.

You can't drive 1 car and say it's the best. Last month I drove the new 911 turbo and Taycan turbo s. I prefer the 911 turbo over my x3m, but actually prefer my x3m over the Taycan. I also own an evo 9, 4 series, a Ducati and a hmmwv.

But life is full of compromises, in the x3m I get to take friends, family, my crap with me and enjoy the drive. If I didn't have any friends, family or possessions, maybe I'd get a Miata or something.

I would not even reply to those guys. They have an effing M2 and think they are the coolest track car purists ever. We've seen this movie before.

[GrandMasterKhan]

Originally Posted by phantom7835

Like I said, I took an X3M down the car and driver 10best route out here in central Michigan. I just don't see it, never will

Glad you enjoy it and I'm glad you responded to my criticism with a level head. Hopefully you'll have many years of enjoyment

ahhh I misunderstood. I thought you took the X1 on that route. What is the route like? I am not familiar with Michigan. Any pics of your M2? Have you done any mods to it?

Also, i'll have some video of my runs here soon. My laptop was too old to process it properly so I couldnt get the HD to process on my youtube upload.

Your welcome! I honestly expected criticism because its crazy to think an SUV could be fun, and I also know its absolutely not the right car for everyone. Which is also in part of why I did this review. Because, the X3M is harsh, but with a purpose most will never understand, and that is ok.

[Mavus]

Originally Posted by phantom7835

Like I said, I took an X3M down the car and driver 10best route out here in central Michigan. I just don't see it, never will

Glad you enjoy it and I'm glad you responded to my criticism with a level head. Hopefully you'll have many years of enjoyment

I agree with everything you stated. It is a capable suv but has nothing to do with M. It is everything the oppsite of it. SUV and Motorsport don't belong together so we'll just call bs on the bean counters. 7 mpg ... good grief!

I personally don't see the point of spending that kind of money on X model.

Glad you like it OP and hope you have safe fun with it cause physics can be a bitch as you know.

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by Smooth 330i

I agree with everything you stated. It is a capable suv but has nothing to do with M. It is everything the oppsite of it. SUV and Motorsport don't belong together so we'll just call bs on the bean counters. 7 mpg ... good grief!

I personally don't see the point of spending that kind of money on X model.

Glad you like it OP and hope you have safe fun with it cause physics can be a bitch as you know.

X3M is not a motorsport vehicle, and neither are X4M, X5M, X6M, M5, and M8. M no longer stands for Motorsport and neither do AMG or RS. These badges stand for Performance. If M would only be making motorsport vehicles, this BMW division would be dead by now. Ok? Because nobody really needs a motorsport vehicle at home and very, very few people live close enough to a motorsport track. What people really want from an M car is high hp, quick acceleration, and decent handling, and this all paired with everyday practicality. In this sense X3M is the perfect epitome of a modern M car, regardless whether so-called "purists" agree with this or not.

[Transfer]

Originally Posted by stefan

If I dropped $100K on an SUV with an M badge, I'd probably try to convince myself its the perfect sports car too.

If you dropped $100k on an X3M, you'd have donated $30k to the dealership.

[evo-mike]

Originally Posted by AlexFL

X3M is not a motorsport vehicle, and neither are X4M, X5M, X6M, M5, and M8. M no longer stands for Motorsport and neither do AMG or RS. These badges stand for Performance. If M would only be making motorsport vehicles, this BMW division would be dead by now. Ok? Because nobody really needs a motorsport vehicle at home and very, very few people live close enough to a motorsport track. What people really want from an M car is high hp, quick acceleration, and decent handling, and this all paired with everyday practicality. In this sense X3M is the perfect epitome of a modern M car, regardless whether so-called "purists" agree with this or not.

Well said

[GrandMasterKhan]

Originally Posted by AlexFL

X3M is not a motorsport vehicle, and neither are X4M, X5M, X6M, M5, and M8. M no longer stands for Motorsport and neither do AMG or RS. These badges stand for Performance. If M would only be making motorsport vehicles, this BMW division would be dead by now. Ok? Because nobody really needs a motorsport vehicle at home and very, very few people live close enough to a motorsport track. What people really want from an M car is high hp, quick acceleration, and decent handling, and this all paired with everyday practicality. In this sense X3M is the perfect epitome of a modern M car, regardless whether so-called "purists" agree with this or not.

I completely agree with this.

If BMW made a car with the same level of rawness as my Evo or S2000 but with M power, oohhh man it would be game over.

But we all know that wouldn't exist because your right BMW M is a perfect balance of power, fun, handling, but With tech, cool carbon fiber, beautiful leather and comfort all in one package. Take it to the track, and drive it home.

I wouldn't mind a factory M2, with M4 GTS door panels, no sound deadening, radio delete, and a factory roll bar. That to me would be the ultimate driver's car. I could listen to the song of the M engine and never look back. We all know BMW won't build it, so i'll just have to do it myself like I always have with all my other tuner cars. The M2 CS certainly has me curious though. I can't wait to see one in person.

[AlpineWhite_SJ]

LOL at the people who have never driven one comparing it to other cars they don’t have.

I take ours in the Santa Cruz mountains frequently and honestly only alternate with my F80 to row gears for a change and so the wife doesn’t get mad I take her car so often.

[zamboni]

Great write up thanks for sharing.

[EXE46]

Originally Posted by AlexFL

I would not even reply to those guys. They have an effing M2 and think they are the coolest track car purists ever. We've seen this movie before.

Yep, this is commonplace on this fora. They always show up in other threads telling us how our cars are shit and how XYZ is superior. In summary, you're not a bimmer enthusiast if you don't drive an M2C with a manual tranny.

PS. I'd gladly take the clown-shoe or even an E46 M3 over an M2, but hey, that's just me.