[BMWGuySweden]

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Have an m40i on order but it's been delayed by at least 1month because of shipping problems in Sweden. Dealer doesn't have any other X3 in stock but has a 530i xdrive with all equipment except driving assist plus. Get it 25k cheaper than the m40i. I know this is an X3 forum but does anyone have any comments on this choice? Drove another 530 and was very nice but motor wise nothing compared to the m40i. Then again it's much cheaper and fuel costs will be cheaper. Hmm

[arciga18]

I didn't like the wireless charging pad. Too close to the shifter. Hard to grab phone. Otherwise decent ride when I had as loaner.

[Boosh99]

Originally Posted by BMWGuySweden

Have an m40i on order but it's been delayed by at least 1month because of shipping problems in Sweden. Dealer doesn't have any other X3 in stock but has a 530i xdrive with all equipment except driving assist plus. Get it 25k cheaper than the m40i. I know this is an X3 forum but does anyone have any comments on this choice? Drove another 530 and was very nice but motor wise nothing compared to the m40i. Then again it's much cheaper and fuel costs will be cheaper. Hmm

That's hard to answer, but in 2 months time, you'll have forgotten the wait and be wondering how you could have ever thought you'd let go of this opportunity... I ordered in Feb, and received the car in mid June. Now that I (finally) have it, couldn't be happier. The wait was hard, particularly the last 6 weeks when I knew it was on the ship, then delayed by 1 week en-route, then delayed another week at delivery... but time passes fast.

If you don't care for
* driving position
* sound of car on upshift
* sound of car on throttle release
* amazing performance for a big SAV
* every review that says this is the best car BMW have released for some time (ok, I Exaggerate that point, but its probably pretty close to the mark, and I haven't looked at reviews of the 5 series, so a little biased)
then I guess another car would be fine.
Personally, I've moved from a low seated Audi S3 to this and really happy to have made the move.
cheers

[bjoshi93]

6 months I waited for this beast. And got the keys finally last Friday. I feel it was worth waiting!!

[pcmike]

Completely different cars. Don’t settle, stay the course.

[kevinzhao860]

They are not the same car with very different purposes. If you buy a 5 series you are looking for a boring, everyday driver with not much kick and fun. But it's your choice.

[ParadigmDawg]

Do you want a SUV or a car?

[MdW86]

I have driven the 520i (G31) for the last three months, while waiting for my X3. And I have to say that I think it is the better car to drive. I find it more comfortable to drive. It makes you feel relaxed. Its a personal choice, but I like my X3 because I think it looks better. However, I could imagine that in a few years I will be buying a 5. Make sure you get the comfort seats and the Msport suspension.

[abcsoup]

Although they are in different categories, I cross-shopped and test drove a 540i M-Sport against the M40i, and I found that the M40i was much more fun to drive than the 540i. I'd imagine that a 530i would be even less engaging. Maybe with the M PPSK the 540i would've been better, but I didn't get a chance to try one that had it installed.

Interior wise, the 5 series was more serene and had arguably better finishes, but the driving experience felt too numb for my taste. Relaxing, surely, but not fun. Plus, since the X3 has the same infotainment/safety/convenience options as the 5, I wouldn't be missing out on anything.

Now, for the 540i, I would've had to pay $10k more. At $25k less for the 530i, that's a harder decision. Honestly, if you don't want/need the space or power of the M40i, saving $25k is smarter financially, but you'd be missing out on a lot.

[BMWGuySweden]

Thank you for your responses. This is so difficult. I've never owned an SUV. So very comfortable with sedans. But was really looking forward to the m40i and owning a suv. Drove both again today and the m40i is just awesome engine wise. Sitting high up feels different but something I could definitely get use to. The 530 feels much more what I'm use to. Engine is fine but nothing special. Interior I think is a slight win for the 530 but it's very close. The 530 has m-sport suspension which felt good. It was actually more engaging to drive than I'd expected.

One thing I've been thinking of is it seems like quite a few issues with the new X3 so far. I had prepared a list with things to inspect at delivery for the m40i like ambient lighting, temperature in the back, folding side mirrors, sound from front windows. All issues that have been brought up here. On top of that there have been other issues like spontaneous emergency braking, system sound disappearing, electrical problems.

I have no idea if the g30 has similar problems but I'm going to do some research tonight. Because this might just be the deciding factor. Together with the price difference of course.

[MdW86]

The g31 i’ve had for the last three months (build 2018) had zero issues. My current X3 also has zero issues. Good luck with your choice!

[BMWGuySweden]

The 530 has the m sport package together with almost all available options including the integral steering. Dosn't have drive assist plus though which is a big negative for me since I really enjoyed the active steering and cruise control when I tested it in the m40i.

[DW_x3m40i]

That's the best thing about the x3m40i.

It's an SUV that drives like a sedan.

If you go with the 5 series, I think you will be missing and thinking of the performance of the x3m40i

[pcmike]

Just keep in mind, this forum... though it may seem like “lots of people” are having “problems” ... we only account for probably less than 1% of the BMW public at large. Everything mentioned here is definitely magnified. Even most of us who chime in here usually only chime in when we’re currently looking for a car or if we’re having a problem, otherwise we’re enjoying our cars... until the next one.

[ando]

I'd wait. I needed a replacement for a X1 with better road trip experience mainly seats and technology so I was shopping 530i and X3 30i. With the X3 30i at the exec pack level I got most but not all of the 530i exec pack features in a smaller vehicle for about USD 8,000 less. As someone mentioned above you need to compare the 540i with the X3 M40i based on engine performance. You don't want to buy and then regret but it sounds like they are offering you a good deal.

[BMWGuySweden]

Went with the 530i. Just too much money for me (buying not leasing). 530 fealt so good I feel confident in my choice. Might regret it but this isn't the last car I buy (far from). Also the 530i has integral steering which should be handy since I live down town and park in a multicar garage.

Thanks for all the replies!

[Zembla]

Is the 530i a touring, or a sedan? Couldn't imagine trading for a 5 sedan, a touring... perhaps.

[BMWGuySweden]

Well, changed my mind. Emailed my dealer and hoping I can still switch back since I haven't taken delivery of the 530i yet. Fingers crossed.

[ando]

Originally Posted by BMWGuySweden

Well, changed my mind. Emailed my dealer and hoping I can still switch back since I haven't taken delivery of the 530i yet. Fingers crossed.

Good luck