X3M, for when you simply must have it all. New owner first impressions

MrItaly · 04-13-2020, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexFL

Stage 2 bm3 tune is already ~675 bhp and it’s still a rather conservative map.

Here's hoping they innovate. The local dragstrip should open up soon.... I'll be there once they do.

cfm56d7b · 04-14-2020, 06:56 PM

Very well written, thoughtful review. Thanks and congratulations!

MrItaly · 04-14-2020, 07:25 PM

Stepping back a sec and viewing the situation from a larger scale, this amount of power is insane in a street legal motor vehicle (which mine is-barely) - much less a SUV (SAV... whatever... same, same). A Tesla will still properly embarras you at a stop light if push comes to shove( felt the g-forces push the blood in my head to the back of my skull) . I personally experienced that feeling two weeks ago in a model S updated with ludicrous + mode. That said, the same tesla could have never towed a heavy trailer halfway across the country with the ease that I just did. Electric is the future; the X3M checks sooooooo many boxes today. I look forward to the electric revolution as I have felt its promise and eagerly anticipate the day that the national infrastructure is there to support it. The X3M delivers so much now. (and no, no one pays me for these opinions; they are my own) Here's hoping gas prices stay low in the meantime .....

AlexFL · 04-14-2020, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrItaly

Stepping back a sec and viewing the situation from a larger scale, this amount of power is insane in a street legal motor vehicle (which mine is-barely) - much less a SUV (SAV... whatever... same, same). A Tesla will still properly embarras you at a stop light if push comes to shove. I experienced that feeling two weeks ago in a model S updated with ludicrous + mode. That said, the same tesla could have never towed a heavy trailer halfway across the country with the ease that I just did. Electric is the future; the X3M checks sooooooo many boxes today. I look forward to the electric revolution as I have felt its promise and eagerly anticipate the day that the national infrastructure is there to support it. The X3M delivers so much today. (and no, no one pays me for these opinions; they are my own) Here's hoping gas prices stay low in the meantime .....

New Teslas check so many boxes but fail in terms of build quality and interior design, quality, and ergonomics. I am open to buying an EV in the future but it won’t be Tesla, unless they radically change their interior design.

MrItaly · 04-14-2020, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexFL

New Teslas check so many boxes but fail in terms of build quality and interior design, quality, and ergonomics. I am open to buying an EV in the future but it won’t be Tesla, unless they radically change their interior design.

Yeah, that ginormous screen mounted in portait mode couldn't compensate...but the door handles that popped out as I approached were hella cool....

floating.spirit · 04-14-2020, 08:38 PM

Thanks for sharing! Plus, here's a question to the group: anyone seen any guidance on shifting between modes while at a high rate of speed? When I visited a Mercedes-Benz dealer he told me not to shift modes above 60 mph. Just wondering if BMW has ever said anything like that.

And quick rant, I had just test driven an M5 at a BMW dealer, but when I popped in on the Mercedes dealer (after calling ahead) they didn't deem it possible for me to test drive their AMG C63. Asked me if I had "experience with a car of this caliber before" and things like this.

Transfer · 04-14-2020, 08:38 PM

Yup the performance Teslas are not to be played with at a stop light but they have their drawbacks. For me I don't like the interior, build quality, and I'm not quite ready to install a home charger and deal with range issues since this is my road trip car.

Transfer · 04-14-2020, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by floating.spirit

Thanks for sharing! Plus, here's a question to the group: anyone seen any guidance on shifting between modes while at a high rate of speed? When I visited a Mercedes-Benz dealer he told me not to shift modes above 60 mph. Just wondering if BMW has ever said anything like that.

And quick rant, I had just test driven an M5 at a BMW dealer, but when I popped in on the Mercedes dealer (after calling ahead) they didn't deem it possible for me to test drive their AMG C63. Asked me if I had "experience with a car of this caliber before" and things like this.

Ha! I'm pretty sure they aren't interested in selling those C63's then. I have no concerns changing any modes at any time in any BMW I've owned and have never been told not to.

AlexFL · 04-14-2020, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by floating.spirit

Thanks for sharing! Plus, here's a question to the group: anyone seen any guidance on shifting between modes while at a high rate of speed? When I visited a Mercedes-Benz dealer he told me not to shift modes above 60 mph. Just wondering if BMW has ever said anything like that.

And quick rant, I had just test driven an M5 at a BMW dealer, but when I popped in on the Mercedes dealer (after calling ahead) they didn't deem it possible for me to test drive their AMG C63. Asked me if I had "experience with a car of this caliber before" and things like this.

Dealers are often clueless. I had to explain to my dealer that there is a break-in period in M cars.

Transfer · 04-14-2020, 08:48 PM

I got my PS4S installed today. 265/40 front and 295/35 rear and let me say they BARELY fit. Like maybe 1/2 inch strut clearance in front and maybe 1 inch rear inside fender wall clearance. I don't think spacers are needed but it is very tight, no room to spare.

Immediate impressions are that the PS4S are better in a number of subtle ways. Nothing revolutionary but certainly noticeable to me are improved road noise, ride comfort, turn in and responsiveness. The Conti are overall good but PS4S are better and will wear longer.

Dethsupp0rt · 04-14-2020, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by floating.spirit

when I popped in on the Mercedes dealer (after calling ahead) they didn't deem it possible for me to test drive their AMG C63. Asked me if I had "experience with a car of this caliber before" and things like this.

Sounds like it's time to find a different dealer. Who do they think they are? Ferrari?

MrItaly · 04-14-2020, 08:54 PM

Those 295s look damn good over the stock offering. Can't wait to upgrade!

MRichmond · 04-15-2020, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Transfer

I got my PS4S installed today. 265/40 front and 295/35 rear and let me say they BARELY fit. Like maybe 1/2 inch strut clearance in front and maybe 1 inch rear inside fender wall clearance. I don't think spacers are needed but it is very tight, no room to spare.

Keep an eye (and ear and nose) out for tire rub. Depends on how much lateral suspension travel you get under load. The PS4 is a very good tire.

Young04 · 04-16-2020, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRichmond

Keep an eye (and ear and nose) out for tire rub. Depends on how much lateral suspension travel you get under load. The PS4 is a very good tire.

Just out of curiosity, how much lateral suspension movement would there be on the front? The rear I can see a little when you load up with heavy cargo.

SWOT1 · 04-16-2020, 10:06 AM

Welcome to the 265/295 club! Honestly, this is the setup the Competition model should offer as stock!

Transfer · 04-16-2020, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Young04

Just out of curiosity, how much lateral suspension movement would there be on the front? The rear I can see a little when you load up with heavy cargo.

I would think none although tire lean on hard cornering I could see happening. So far I'm not hearing any rubbing. Will physically try to check in about 100 miles. SWOT1 any issues for you?

hilld · 04-16-2020, 11:52 AM

I don't think you would see much deflection at the top of the tire, but rather at the bottom when doing hard cornering. So there probably won't be any rubbing where the clearance is tight.

SWOT1 · 04-16-2020, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Transfer

I would think none although tire lean on hard cornering I could see happening. So far I'm not hearing any rubbing. Will physically try to check in about 100 miles. SWOT1 any issues for you?

2000 miles, zero issues!

Transfer · 04-16-2020, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hilld

I don't think you would see much deflection at the top of the tire, but rather at the bottom when doing hard cornering. So there probably won't be any rubbing where the clearance is tight.

oh yeah. lol duh!

Quote:

Originally Posted by SWOT1

2000 miles, zero issues!

Great!

MRichmond · 04-16-2020, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Young04

Just out of curiosity, how much lateral suspension movement would there be on the front? The rear I can see a little when you load up with heavy cargo.

Under serious lateral load, a considerable amount. That is why rubbing is not infrequently an issue on race cars in the fender arch (requiring them to be rolled to accommodate as much tire as possible), as well as on the strut.

dazzapb · 04-16-2020, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by floating.spirit

.... they didn't deem it possible for me to test drive their AMG C63. Asked me if I had "experience with a car of this caliber before" and things like this.

lol! did he ask if you've driven a MB sprinter van? how pretentious peppered with delusions of grandeur there

floating.spirit · 04-17-2020, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrItaly

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexFL

yes, I think 700 hp are easily possible even with simple pump gas.

Completely agree.....

What would something like that do to the life of the engine? Or do you tune, lease, wipe, return, repeat?

04-14-2020, 06:56 PM	#24
cfm56d7b Lieutenant General 5886 Rep 10,256 Posts Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe & 2015 X5 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (2)	Very well written, thoughtful review. Thanks and congratulations!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-14-2020, 07:25 PM	#25
MrItaly Major 1305 Rep 1,221 Posts Drives: X5M Competition Join Date: May 2019 Location: Vicenza, Italy iTrader: (0)	Stepping back a sec and viewing the situation from a larger scale, this amount of power is insane in a street legal motor vehicle (which mine is-barely) - much less a SUV (SAV... whatever... same, same). A Tesla will still properly embarras you at a stop light if push comes to shove( felt the g-forces push the blood in my head to the back of my skull) . I personally experienced that feeling two weeks ago in a model S updated with ludicrous + mode. That said, the same tesla could have never towed a heavy trailer halfway across the country with the ease that I just did. Electric is the future; the X3M checks sooooooo many boxes today. I look forward to the electric revolution as I have felt its promise and eagerly anticipate the day that the national infrastructure is there to support it. The X3M delivers so much now. (and no, no one pays me for these opinions; they are my own) Here's hoping gas prices stay low in the meantime ..... Last edited by MrItaly; 04-14-2020 at 08:46 PM..
	Appreciate 2 SWOT1492.50 ///M4TT150.00 Quote

04-14-2020, 08:38 PM	#28
floating.spirit Captain 1017 Rep 840 Posts Drives: X3M Competition Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Washington state iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 X3MC [0.00]	Thanks for sharing! Plus, here's a question to the group: anyone seen any guidance on shifting between modes while at a high rate of speed? When I visited a Mercedes-Benz dealer he told me not to shift modes above 60 mph. Just wondering if BMW has ever said anything like that. And quick rant, I had just test driven an M5 at a BMW dealer, but when I popped in on the Mercedes dealer (after calling ahead) they didn't deem it possible for me to test drive their AMG C63. Asked me if I had "experience with a car of this caliber before" and things like this.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-14-2020, 08:38 PM	#29
Transfer Major General 5251 Rep 5,874 Posts Drives: Bronco Wildtrak, Tesla MYP Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Issaquah, WA iTrader: (1)	Yup the performance Teslas are not to be played with at a stop light but they have their drawbacks. For me I don't like the interior, build quality, and I'm not quite ready to install a home charger and deal with range issues since this is my road trip car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-14-2020, 08:48 PM	#32
Transfer Major General 5251 Rep 5,874 Posts Drives: Bronco Wildtrak, Tesla MYP Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Issaquah, WA iTrader: (1)	I got my PS4S installed today. 265/40 front and 295/35 rear and let me say they BARELY fit. Like maybe 1/2 inch strut clearance in front and maybe 1 inch rear inside fender wall clearance. I don't think spacers are needed but it is very tight, no room to spare. Immediate impressions are that the PS4S are better in a number of subtle ways. Nothing revolutionary but certainly noticeable to me are improved road noise, ride comfort, turn in and responsiveness. The Conti are overall good but PS4S are better and will wear longer. Attached Images
	Appreciate 3 r33_RGSport12966.00 Max Well4733.00 GrussGott18164.00 Quote

04-14-2020, 08:54 PM	#34
MrItaly Major 1305 Rep 1,221 Posts Drives: X5M Competition Join Date: May 2019 Location: Vicenza, Italy iTrader: (0)	Those 295s look damn good over the stock offering. Can't wait to upgrade!
	Appreciate 1 Transfer5251.00 Quote

04-16-2020, 10:06 AM	#37
SWOT1 The Hammock Man 493 Rep 593 Posts Drives: X3MC, X3 M40i, E93 M3 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW E93 M3 [8.00] 2020 BMW X3M Comp. [0.00] 2018 BMW X3 M40i [9.00]	Welcome to the 265/295 club! Honestly, this is the setup the Competition model should offer as stock! __________________ - '20 X3MC \| Alpine White \| Black Alcantara/Midrand Beige \| loaded \| 295/265 PS4S - '09 E93 M3 \| Alpine White \| Bamboo Beige Novillo \| DCT \| loaded \| Chrome M220 Wheels - 275/255 PSS
	Appreciate 2 AlexFL7836.00 Transfer5251.00 Quote

04-16-2020, 11:52 AM	#39
hilld Second Lieutenant 185 Rep 299 Posts Drives: 23 Z4, 18 X1, 22 Rivian R1T Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: PDX metro area iTrader: (0)	I don't think you would see much deflection at the top of the tire, but rather at the bottom when doing hard cornering. So there probably won't be any rubbing where the clearance is tight.
	Appreciate 0 Quote