[Frisky_Frog]

Hi everyone! I'm looking to purchase my first BMW (an X3 x30i). I'm super excited but also super stressed. Here's what I'm looking at purchasing:

X3 xdrive30i
-Glacier Silver Metallic
-Black vernasca leather
-20" style 695 RFT
-high gloss dark oak trim
-Ultimate package
-Trailer tow hitch

I don't really need the ultimate package but if I get the Premium and Driving Assist package, I might as well spend an extra couple thousand and get everything included with the Ultimate.

Any thoughts, comments, recommendations on this anticipated purchase? I've heard that there's a big ride difference between 19" and 20" tires and RFT is not recommended if you're driving on bad roads. I guess there's pros and cons to everything, right?

For background, I live in the Canadian prairies (Winnipeg). Winters are cold and snowy and spring roads can be bad with potholes. Price before taxes is just under $68,000. I'm looking to purchase the vehicle outright.

Any comments or suggestions for a first time BMW soon-to-be-owner? I attached a pic of what my purchase will look like (stock photo found online).

Thanks everyone and stay safe!

[Mpetey]

It looks good but a couple of notes.
- you need to drive both examples of the 19" & 20" to decide what you like/don't like. If you end up not liking the rim/tire combo then that can be several thousand to change later
- I would ditch the fake running boards if possible, they're only good to get snow/mud on your pants.

[sinbad4]

I'm a huge fan of the Inline-6. You're X3 looks pretty loaded, There may not be much $$ difference with your level of trim. Might want to drive the M40i before making final decision.

[TheusBimmer]

Originally Posted by sinbad4

I'm a huge fan of the Inline-6. You're X3 looks pretty loaded, There may not be much $$ difference with your level of trim. Might want to drive the M40i before making final decision.

+1. go with m40i as mileage is ~1-2mpg less than the 30i but it makes you smile waaaaaay more. Also I take your 68k is in CAD, not USD. Ask for a price difference.

[titomi]

acoustic glass

[Alias1431]

10k more will get you a B58 engine. If you can't swing the price, don't worry about it for a second. If you can, you need to do a test drive and make an informed decision.

[Frisky_Frog]

Originally Posted by TheusBimmer

+1. go with m40i as mileage is ~1-2mpg less than the 30i but it makes you smile waaaaaay more. Also I take your 68k is in CAD, not USD. Ask for a price difference.

Yes, 68K CAD.

[Las46]

+1 for m40i, though I'm biased of course as it's what I just picked up

Wireless charging!!!
Halle-freaking-luja, no more unsightly cables hanging out of the usb port, no more plugging in period.
Place phone in tray and go. Da best!

[Frisky_Frog]

Now I'm hung up on RFT versus non RFT.

I was originally looking at the 20" RFT but most of the articles and feeback I'm finding online is mostly all negative for RFT.

I found an interesting article that says if you go with the non RFT, it will change the design of your trunk space. To make room for a spare tire, the cargo area is raised, creating a 3" lip in the back. Not sure if this is applicable to North American models.

Does anyone have a US/CDN X3 with non RFT? Is the cargo area raised to accommodate a spare tire? Can you still get storage rails with non RFT?

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1465313

[msg617]

Here's my experience with a new 30i


https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=26180904

[Frisky_Frog]

Thank you for the input msg617! Very helpful.

[titomi]

Originally Posted by Frisky_Frog

Now I'm hung up on RFT versus non RFT.

I was originally looking at the 20" RFT but most of the articles and feeback I'm finding online is mostly all negative for RFT.

I found an interesting article that says if you go with the non RFT, it will change the design of your trunk space. To make room for a spare tire, the cargo area is raised, creating a 3" lip in the back. Not sure if this is applicable to North American models.

Does anyone have a US/CDN X3 with non RFT? Is the cargo area raised to accommodate a spare tire? Can you still get storage rails with non RFT?

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1465313

Trunk raised is certainly true with spare. It also deletes the rails and some minor things in the trunk. Not sure whether you can get a repair set instead of spare tire. Also not sure, whether you would want that. I've got the repair set. and at the same time no raised floor and no rails.
I've got 19 RFT and also non RFT. Roads here are very good, so I barely can tell the difference. They are a little bit louder and maybe a little stiffer, but I have to really pay attention to notice it.

[Frisky_Frog]

Thanks Titomi. Yes, most people seem to just carry a repair kit & air pump and go with non RFT. I'll email the sales consultant today and see what he says about the trunk space and cargo rails.

I think I need to stop nitpicking everything and just buy the d*mn thing and enjoy it! lol. Worst case is I change the tires at some point down the road.

Thanks everyone!

[titomi]

Originally Posted by Frisky_Frog

Thanks Titomi. Yes, most people seem to just carry a repair kit & air pump and go with non RFT. I'll email the sales consultant today and see what he says about the trunk space and cargo rails.

I think I need to stop nitpicking everything and just buy the d*mn thing and enjoy it! lol. Worst case is I change the tires at some point down the road.

Thanks everyone!

take your time and know your options, avoiding future buyers remorse.

[IslandDriver]

As others said, at that price, checkout an m40i too. Ultimate package is great in Canada, although note you lose half the glove box.

I'd suggest smaller rims myself - dinging rims on potholes sucks, and the larger sizes are far easier to curb. 19s still look great on the vehicle, and most bumps and potholes will do nothing to them.

[TX3M]

Non-RFT tires will give you a better, softer ride and they also tend to handle a little better. If you go with non-RFT or plan to change to non-RFT tires in the future, get the spare tire. Yes, the cargo floor is raised a little with the spare, but unless you need every single inch of cargo space it's not a big deal.

As everyone else has said, if you can afford the M40i you should get that. There's a huge difference in power and handling over the 30i. I imagine a fully loaded 30i is not that much cheaper than a 40i. Good luck!

[TX3M]

Also, from a financial standpoint buying a vehicle outright is NOT a good idea. Especially when you can get very low interest financing (BMW is offering 0.9% for US customers, not sure about Canada).

A vehicle is a depreciating asset so your putting a big chunk of your money into something that's going down in value every day. Instead, put down the minimum amount you need to for the lease or financing and INVEST the rest of that $68K in a diversified portfolio. After 5 years, you will end up ahead financially. Speak with a good financial advisor for advice on your personal situation.

[Alias1431]

Originally Posted by TX3M

Also, from a financial standpoint buying a vehicle outright is NOT a good idea. Especially when you can get very low interest financing (BMW is offering 0.9% for US customers, not sure about Canada).

A vehicle is a depreciating asset so your putting a big chunk of your money into something that's going down in value every day. Instead, put down the minimum amount you need to for the lease or financing and INVEST the rest of that $68K in a diversified portfolio. After 5 years, you will end up ahead financially. Speak with a good financial advisor for advice on your personal situation.

Especially considering stocks and ETF's will likely be able to be had at a discount in the coming year or three.

[Frisky_Frog]

Dealer got back to me today. Even with non RFT, there's no spare tire therefore no impact to the cargo area or cargo rails. Spare tires must be on European models.

Sounds like I might have to order direct from the factory with the specs I'm looking for. He said around 3 month turn around time. Anyone ordered from the factory lately?

Yes, you're probably right TX and Alias; financing is probably the way to go, even if I can buy it outright. Canada has 1.99% financing and I could probably qualify for 0% as well but I'm sure they'll find a way to add the price somewhere. My gold investments just in the past 2 months have been great! (but that's a topic for another forum. lol).

Cheers!

[clivem2]

Originally Posted by Frisky_Frog

Dealer got back to me today. Even with non RFT, there's no spare tire therefore no impact to the cargo area or cargo rails. Spare tires must be on European models.

Sounds like I might have to order direct from the factory with the specs I'm looking for. He said around 3 month turn around time. Anyone ordered from the factory lately?

Yes, you're probably right TX and Alias; financing is probably the way to go, even if I can buy it outright. Canada has 1.99% financing and I could probably qualify for 0% as well but I'm sure they'll find a way to add the price somewhere. My gold investments just in the past 2 months have been great! (but that's a topic for another forum. lol).

Cheers!

No spare here for my non-RFT UK M40i. BMW supply a mobility kit...compressor and gunk. Same as Audi. Spare and raised floor is an option.

[Frisky_Frog]

After many months of research and analyzing everything to death, I'm finally a BMW owner! I went with the glacier silver metallic with RFT and the premium enhanced package. I wasn't willing to wait 4 months to get everything I wanted from the factory and the salesman actually talked me out of some features and packages I probably didn't need anyway. Bottom line; I love this vehicle!

If I had to give some advice to someone looking to buy their first BMW:

-Set a price goal and do your research on the vehicle, including reviews. (I rented an X3 for 2 weeks when COVID hit and got a great deal because no one was travelling).
-Don't stress over the "little" things like which package, tires, trim, etc. Yes, its important but if you're a first time buyer, at the end of the day, it still says BMW on the front of the vehicle. Enjoy it, experience it and don't try and get the "perfect vehicle."

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback, comments and suggestions! This was a big purchase for me and all of your comments were helpful and appreciated!!

Here are some pictures. Take care everyone and thanks again!

[Twindubs]

Congrats on the car!

I'm also Canadian, live in Ottawa. Managed to pick up a M40i for 68k with enhanced premium package and Tartufo leather. After all the discounts managed to knock almost 10k off the price. I hope you were able to swing some good negotiations. Car should arrive in about 2 weeks. The glacier silver looks great. Enjoy the car!