[verysideways]

Originally Posted by clivem2

It was from 25mph in 5th and 20mph in 4th. For a track car this tells you nothing. For a daily driver it tells you a lot. Depends on your usage whether it's relevant.

Exactly - that was the point.
And as we said, at 70mph cruise on a motorway my M40i will just carry on up an incline, the X3M has to change down TWO gears.

Originally Posted by clivem2

Excellent video.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by JustChris

Very good comparison.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by spangle1980

I love it - nice post.

Loving the comment "... on a £50k car, why wouldn't someone spend a few extra hundred quid on adaptive dampers ...". Only problem is I used that logic to order the lot - LOL.

To be fair so did i - the towbar, the pan roof, the surround view cameras, etc.

Originally Posted by SteveX3M40i

Hi,
Great video and interesting comparison between the two cars.
I think that this really shows that BMW have missed the mark with the X3M!
The X3M40s are just so good!
Cheers
Steve

Thank you. Joe and I both think the M40i is spectacular value for money when compared to the X3M.

Originally Posted by teaston

I have non-runflat 20's so maybe that's why it's less noticeable on my car.

The difference the adaptive dampers made when i was on Pirelli RFTs was huge - the difference is certainly less on the PS4S's, but like you i'm on 20's. Still noticeable difference, and if i was ordering the car again i'd still 100% order the adaptive dampers.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by verysideways

Exactly - that was the point.
And as we said, at 70mph cruise on a motorway my M40i will just carry on up an incline, the X3M has to change down TWO gears.


Thanks.


Thanks.



To be fair so did i - the towbar, the pan roof, the surround view cameras, etc.



Thank you. Joe and I both think the M40i is spectacular value for money when compared to the X3M.



The difference the adaptive dampers made when i was on Pirelli RFTs was huge - the difference is certainly less on the PS4S's, but like you i'm on 20's. Still noticeable difference, and if i was ordering the car again i'd still 100% order the adaptive dampers.

Good to see you chime in mate!

And for anyone who’s confused, verysideways is the “petrolhead tours bloke” in the video

[GT500R]

Originally Posted by clivem2

It was from 25mph in 5th and 20mph in 4th. For a track car this tells you nothing. For a daily driver it tells you a lot. Depends on your usage whether it's relevant.

Is your car in 5th at 25 mph? Mines not, I don’t think auto in Comfort shifts to that gear that soon.

It’s probably the most irrelevant test I have ever seen especially since it was “locked in” gear. If anything you just hit the gas further down and it will shift down and you go.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by GT500R

Is your car in 5th at 25 mph? Mines not, I don’t think auto in Comfort shifts to that gear that soon.

It’s probably the most irrelevant test I have ever seen especially since it was “locked in” gear. If anything you just hit the gas further down and it will shift down and you go.

Is it not just a test of low down torque?

Although, both cars 5th gear would need to be identical ratio, and I suppose the final drive too, for it to be a fair test!

[GT500R]

Originally Posted by teaston

Is it not just a test of low down torque?

Although, both cars 5th gear would need to be identical ratio, and I suppose the final drive too, for it to be a fair test!

Don’t need to test, 355@1900 vs 442@2400

[clivem2]

Originally Posted by GT500R

Don’t need to test, 355@1900 vs 442@2400

The raw figures at differing revs don't tell you much, the test in the video tells me much more about engine character than a raw graph. Mind you my F25 35D or an M40d will beat both in that test. I wouldn't focus so much on the test you dislike, it's just a small part of the 45 mins.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by clivem2

The raw figures at differing revs don't tell you much, the test in the video tells me much more about engine character than a raw graph. Mind you my F25 35D or an M40d will beat both in that test. I wouldn't focus so much on the test you dislike, it's just a small part of the 45 mins.

Yes the M40d certainly pulls from low down!

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by GT500R

It’s probably the most irrelevant test I have ever seen especially since it was “locked in” gear. If anything you just hit the gas further down and it will shift down and you go.

"In gear" figures are the most relevant tests for judging flexibility. Always have been since I started driving, many moons ago.

Yes, we have gears and can use them, but totally get what the tests are illustrating.

Enjoyed the video, very fair judgements and conclusions.

[VictorH]

I've driven both cars back to back. I own X3 M40i and my friend has X3M comp. The difference in low rpm torque is very noticeable. Now given that all the throttle stuff is drive by wire you'd think that perhaps the engineers would adjust that so the throttle doesn't feel so "soggy" at the bottom end on the X3M, but evidently that's not the case. I also have an E90 M3 which also has pretty lax low-end torque so it's something I'm used to.

Now, stating that, it doesn't automatically make the X3M undesirable, but it all depends on what you like. If I have to have a turbo motor then I'd like to have the bottom-end torque to go with it. The X3M is more of a "crank up the rpm" motor which some people like better. The other downside is I suspect the gas mileage is going to be a lot worse too if you need a bunch of rpm to get the power band where you want it. Again, for my driving, I like the bottom end torque of the M40i, but I can live with a lot less. I think it all depends on your preference. Just don't expect big-block low rpm torque from the X3M. Still think it's a great car and it's tuned for higher performance at higher rpm. Not bad and maybe for you just fine, it just is what it is. Your going to wait a bit for that kick in the backside if you gun it from low rpm.

[Minty]

Originally Posted by verysideways

The difference the adaptive dampers made when i was on Pirelli RFTs was huge - the difference is certainly less on the PS4S's, but like you i'm on 20's. Still noticeable difference, and if i was ordering the car again i'd still 100% order the adaptive dampers.

Hi verysideways,
I have a 2019 X3 M40i with 21's (it was a pre reg so I didn't spec them). Since new I have had this annoying drumming / humming / resonance noise which gets worse on different road surfaces (see:

). The dealer said it is normal tyre noise, especially with larger wheels and RFT's. I test drove their demo and it also made a similar noise (also 21's). It is really spoiling my enjoyment of the car which is otherwise very quiet (especially with acoustic glass).

I am debating downsizing to 20's (possibly even 19's) but am skeptical this would make a massive difference. Did you experience any similar noises before fitting PS4S's, if so has it completely disappeared?

B.T.W. I really enjoyed the video, I think there is a massive audience for real world reviews like this.

Cheers,
Minty

[clivem2]

Originally Posted by Minty

Hi verysideways,
I have a 2019 X3 M40i with 21's (it was a pre reg so I didn't spec them). Since new I have had this annoying drumming / humming / resonance noise which gets worse on different road surfaces (see:

). The dealer said it is normal tyre noise, especially with larger wheels and RFT's. I test drove their demo and it also made a similar noise (also 21's). It is really spoiling my enjoyment of the car which is otherwise very quiet (especially with acoustic glass).

I am debating downsizing to 20's (possibly even 19's) but am skeptical this would make a massive difference. Did you experience any similar noises before fitting PS4S's, if so has it completely disappeared?

B.T.W. I really enjoyed the video, I think there is a massive audience for real world reviews like this.

Cheers,
Minty

I twice drove a demo (pre-reg) with 21s and adaptive. The first time it was on smooth surfaces and it was quiet, much more so than I'm used - I'm coming from an F25 with 19" RFTs. Then I drove it a second time and found some coarse surfaces, it was fairly noisy due to the road surface. I've driven on RFTs for 11 years. My G01 is coming with 20" non-RTFs...

[X3M40i_Nev]

Originally Posted by Minty

Hi verysideways,
I have a 2019 X3 M40i with 21's (it was a pre reg so I didn't spec them). Since new I have had this annoying drumming / humming / resonance noise which gets worse on different road surfaces (see:

). The dealer said it is normal tyre noise, especially with larger wheels and RFT's. I test drove their demo and it also made a similar noise (also 21's). It is really spoiling my enjoyment of the car which is otherwise very quiet (especially with acoustic glass).

I am debating downsizing to 20's (possibly even 19's) but am skeptical this would make a massive difference. Did you experience any similar noises before fitting PS4S's, if so has it completely disappeared?

B.T.W. I really enjoyed the video, I think there is a massive audience for real world reviews like this.

Cheers,
Minty

I have the 21" RFT's, but with adaptive suspension as part of M Sport + Pack. I DEFINITELY don't get this drumming/humming at all. I have never had RFT's before, and was unsure what they would be like, but honestly don't have an issue with them. When it does come time to change, I will probably go with the Michelin PS4's as used on X3M, but not gonna rush out.

Spending a small fortune on 19" winter wheel setup, so summers likely to last even longer

[Minty]

Originally Posted by X3M40i_Nev

I have the 21" RFT's, but with adaptive suspension as part of M Sport + Pack. I DEFINITELY don't get this drumming/humming at all. I have never had RFT's before, and was unsure what they would be like, but honestly don't have an issue with them. When it does come time to change, I will probably go with the Michelin PS4's as used on X3M, but not gonna rush out.

Spending a small fortune on 19" winter wheel setup, so summers likely to last even longer

Thanks X3M40i_Nev. It's frustrating as the dealers X3 M40i demonstrator made a similar noise so I was told it's normal. Interestingly the demonstrator was built the same week (Feb 2019) as mine so could be an issue related to a specific batch.

Getting 20's and non RFT's will probably not solve the issue on mine so not worth the expense - I don't know where to turn now as dealer has closed the case - definitely spoiling my enjoyment!

[clivem2]

Nev and Minty, are you both running Bridgestones? RFTs vary quite a lot between makes. I've found they take 1k or 2k miles before they gain an element of compliance. I was however surprised that 21s with RFTs whilst not silent, they weren't too bad. The car I tried was Bridgestone shod.

[Minty]

Originally Posted by clivem2

Nev and Minty, are you both running Bridgestones? RFTs vary quite a lot between makes. I've found they take 1k or 2k miles before they gain an element of compliance. I was however surprised that 21s with RFTs whilst not silent, they weren't too bad. The car I tried was Bridgestone shod.

I have Bridgestone Alenza 001's and adaptive suspension. The ride is very good btw. The dealer demo had Pirelli P-Zero's and I thought they generated more general tyre noise and felt firmer riding; the drumming noise was still present in both though.

Edit: the other M40i I tried didn't have acoustic glass and generated more 'normal' road noise which definitely masked the drumming / humming noise significantly. The clip I made above is on a really coarsely surfaced bit of road; it isn't always that loud.

[verysideways]

I think changing to non-rfts will make much more difference than downsizing to 20's, and then you get to keep your nice wheels.

Just noticed you're in Buckinghamshire - which isn't a million miles away. Could meet you somewhere and we can back to back your car and mine on a piece of road so you can hear the difference?

[X3M40i_Nev]

Originally Posted by clivem2

Nev and Minty, are you both running Bridgestones? RFTs vary quite a lot between makes. I've found they take 1k or 2k miles before they gain an element of compliance. I was however surprised that 21s with RFTs whilst not silent, they weren't too bad. The car I tried was Bridgestone shod.

clivem2 I AM running Bridgestone Alenza's.
The loaner X4 I have is Pirelli 21" R/F shod, and I must say I have been a bit surprised and disappointed with them, and car feels a little unsettled at times, and that is NOT ragging it at all.

[X3M40i_Nev]

Originally Posted by Minty

Thanks X3M40i_Nev. It's frustrating as the dealers X3 M40i demonstrator made a similar noise so I was told it's normal. Interestingly the demonstrator was built the same week (Feb 2019) as mine so could be an issue related to a specific batch.

Getting 20's and non RFT's will probably not solve the issue on mine so not worth the expense - I don't know where to turn now as dealer has closed the case - definitely spoiling my enjoyment!

Mine was built around that time (Mar 2019), but that said, mine is currently in for an annoying creak coming from boot area (was in a few weeks back and the adjusted the tailgate. But every time I try and demo it, it doesn't bl00dy do it!

So I have had a X4 M40d for a week now. VERY different way of delivering power, and less drama, but a good drive...I wouldn't swap though.

I would take Pete (verysideways) up on his offer to meet and demo non RF's.

I assume you have tried adjusting tyre pressures?

Not far off winter now, I would get a set of 19"/20" wheels and winter tyres, then you have 6 months to work out what to do

[teaston]

Originally Posted by X3M40i_Nev

Mine was built around that time (Mar 2019), but that said, mine is currently in for an annoying creak coming from boot area (was in a few weeks back and the adjusted the tailgate. But every time I try and demo it, it doesn't bl00dy do it!

So I have had a X4 M40d for a week now. VERY different way of delivering power, and less drama, but a good drive...I wouldn't swap though.

I would take Pete (verysideways) up on his offer to meet and demo non RF's.

I assume you have tried adjusting tyre pressures?

Not far off winter now, I would get a set of 19"/20" wheels and winter tyres, then you have 6 months to work out what to do

Is the creaking coming from the rear spoiler? Pretty sure someone else has their spoiler replaced due to this.

[X3M40i_Nev]

Originally Posted by teaston

Is the creaking coming from the rear spoiler? Pretty sure someone else has their spoiler replaced due to this.

Haha, thanks mate, that was me! So creaking spoiler was replaced, but noise continued. Rear hatch "adjusted", but just waiting for call back, as been with them for a week now. Sounds a bit like loose floor boards!

[Minty]

Originally Posted by verysideways

I think changing to non-rfts will make much more difference than downsizing to 20's, and then you get to keep your nice wheels.

Just noticed you're in Buckinghamshire - which isn't a million miles away. Could meet you somewhere and we can back to back your car and mine on a piece of road so you can hear the difference?

Thanks verysideways, appreciate the offer ... definitely would be interested in a back to back comparison. Do you want to PM me with some convenient dates / times / locations?

Cheers,
Minty

[Minty]

Originally Posted by X3M40i_Nev

I assume you have tried adjusting tyre pressures?

X3M40i_Nev, I set them to the exact pressures recommended on Idrive for partially loaded 21's but haven't tried adjusting them since...what do you recommend? What PSI are you running? I am currently 33 PSI front and 35 PSI rear when cold.

Cheers,
Minty