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      03-21-2022, 02:08 AM   #1
SwiftHalf
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Seasoned X3M owners, what's your advice to new owners?

Hi all! New Member here

Just picked up my nearly new 2021 BMW X3M Competition in Donnington Grey this weekend, it had less than 1000 miles and I watched the trip go over 1000 miles in my first 2 hours of driving, a pretty special moment!

This is my first BMW and first 'M' car, I'm a huge performance car fan, coming from an Audi S3. As you can imagine, this is a massive step up in both performance, luxury and size, but I am embracing it fully and it's going to be great on a practicality level for our family. I did actually have the brand new Audi 8Y RS3 on order but due to astronomical wait times I cancelled it and moved the deposit over to my X3M.

I'm feeling so aware of how much potential the car has, it feels almost limitless, slightly intimidating in a way, the handling, the power, the customisability of drive modes, it really is set up so you can make it yours in all respects. Did anyone else feel this way? I feel huge respect for the engineering.

My question for you seasoned X3M owners, what advice would you have for us new X3M owners, what would you wish you'd done in the first few months of ownership? What drive modes/combos to explore and any other things that really got you falling in love with this machine? Interested to hear your thoughts!

Also quick question if I may... my car has 1040 miles now, the onboard computer says the dealer carried out a service at 980 miles, should I still get a service done at 1200? I'm quite conscious that it's still not fully broken in yet despite being a few miles short of that milestone. What's your advice please? I'm not sure how "thorough" the pre delivery service would be if they just wanted to get the car sold. The salesman told me I don't need a service for another year or 15000 miles but not sure how I feel about that. I've spent a lot of money on this car and if I have to shell out a few hundred quid for a service I'm more than happy to.

Thanks and happy driving
SwiftHalf
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      03-21-2022, 06:00 AM   #2
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Looks like the break in service was done at 980mi so no more action is required, your SA is correct. It can be done as early as 900mi so it's good that that's already done!
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      03-21-2022, 07:38 AM   #3
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tip1 - leave traction control on and be careful of MDM mode or whatever its called (especially in the wet / cold).

tip2 - while it handles well for an SUV, its no hot hatch!

as for servicing - i'd trust the garage/service indicator.

otherwise, just go and enjoy.
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      03-21-2022, 08:31 AM   #4
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And the Mrs has curbed the rear right wheel badly already, her first time driving it too. My reaction:

Gutted is an understatement. Bet this isn't ever going to look the same when refurbed.
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      03-21-2022, 08:35 AM   #5
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If your vehicle has summer tires, and you are in an area which experiences temps which can fall below 7 degrees Celsius, be mindful of the potential consequences of driving under such circumstances.
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      03-21-2022, 09:23 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SwiftHalf View Post
And the Mrs has curbed the rear right wheel badly already, her first time driving it too. My reaction:

Gutted is an understatement. Bet this isn't ever going to look the same when refurbed.
I know the feeling...I curbed that same wheel within a week of ownership...$hit happens...

I got it refurbed and it actually turned out good. They couldn't reproduce the same surface etching but color match is spot on. Only I can tell if I look real close.

Check your rear license plate mount. Most likely the crappy version. Check out Max Well thread. https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1652123
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      03-21-2022, 09:44 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kzg1969 View Post
tip1 - leave traction control on and be careful of MDM mode or whatever its called (especially in the wet / cold).

tip2 - while it handles well for an SUV, its no hot hatch!

as for servicing - i'd trust the garage/service indicator.

otherwise, just go and enjoy.
Great advice, here! I'll add another piece of advice:

Leaving the transmission in "level 2" tends to help with responsiveness and gives the car a less laggy feel when trying to switch lanes quickly through traffic. At least with how my transmission has "learned" me, leaving it in level 1 (even in sport mode throttle response) makes the car really bog down. On MPGs, the difference is about 1-2 mpg hit and I'm averaging 17.1 over the course of 13K miles
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      03-21-2022, 10:31 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SwiftHalf View Post
And the Mrs has curbed the rear right wheel badly already, her first time driving it too. My reaction:

Gutted is an understatement. Bet this isn't ever going to look the same when refurbed.
Powder coat them Satin Black and don't let her drive it again 😂
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      03-21-2022, 11:00 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SwiftHalf View Post
And the Mrs has curbed the rear right wheel badly already, her first time driving it too. My reaction:

Gutted is an understatement. Bet this isn't ever going to look the same when refurbed.
I feel your pain, where about UK are you, might help in getting some recommendations
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      03-21-2022, 11:11 AM   #10
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2020 BMW X3 M  [10.00]
To answer some of your early questions/statements. I am a new owner of a 2020 X3M in the same color. First BMW I've owned. In the three weeks I've had it, I'm enjoying the car more every day. I particularly enjoy the presets for M1 and M2 and depending on my mood, enhances the experience.

There are some rather impressive design and engineering aspects to the X3M as well as the S58 engine. This is a new engine and is also now used in the M3 and M4. Check out some articles that talk about the engine and I think your appreciation will go further into some of BMW's development. The AWD system on the X3M is from the new M5. Some aspects of the drivetrain were modified for the increased hp and torque from the new engine. Some articles even go as far to state this motor is about as close to race spec as you'd find in a street vehicle. After seeing other information about the S58, I can believe it.
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      03-21-2022, 01:05 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M3Pilot09 View Post
Powder coat them Satin Black and don't let her drive it again ��
If there's a positive to be taken from this as least she won't want to drive it again! Get the damage out the way early...

Quote:
Originally Posted by JonD999 View Post
I feel your pain, where about UK are you, might help in getting some recommendations
I'm offshore and luckily recieved a gold wheel+tyre package as part of my deal when I bought the car so the wheel will be refurbed under that. It's now just if it can be matched to OEM.
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      03-21-2022, 01:28 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kzg1969 View Post
tip1 - leave traction control on and be careful of MDM mode or whatever its called (especially in the wet / cold).

tip2 - while it handles well for an SUV, its no hot hatch!

as for servicing - i'd trust the garage/service indicator.

otherwise, just go and enjoy.
I'm in MA and exclusively drive in MDM mode except when I'm driving in a snowstorm. I've found MDM mode to allow you to have a little controlled fun without worrying about going into a ditch.
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      03-21-2022, 01:40 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SwiftHalf View Post
I'm offshore.
I did think that maybe the case when i saw the number plate, I guess it probably limits the number of or if and specialists on the island.
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      03-21-2022, 01:52 PM   #14
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Just enjoy the car I would say. Had mine since late 2019. Once your continental start to lose tread upgrade to Michelin PS4S all round better tyre that wears very well. I have bootmod3 Stage 1 93 octane: 21% HP / 31% TQ this makes a difference then again the car is not slow standard.

Just be careful when you hammer the throttle because the car being heavy can hide the speed well and before you know it you’re doing over 100mph in a flash.

It corners well so don’t be afraid to take the corner fast it will hold. I also have a Range Rover SVR in the family good car but cannot corner well at speed.

Enjoy . Happy motoring!
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      03-21-2022, 04:25 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SwiftHalf View Post
And the Mrs has curbed the rear right wheel badly already, her first time driving it too. My reaction:

Gutted is an understatement. Bet this isn't ever going to look the same when refurbed.
Take it to a wheel refurbishment place. They can do wonders. You’ll be surprised.

1.)Since it has 1000 miles you don’t have to worry about break-in but I would not use launch control until after 1500 mile.

2.) if you ever intend to mod it, get it on a AWD dyno and make sure the shop knows how to dyno a X3 M. This will give you a baseline

3.) purchase an OBD2 adapter and buy BimmerCode to change things like ASD, etc.

4.) Don’t by BimmerLink as it cannot yet control the exhaust valves

5.) Next oil change get the shop to provide an oil sample and send to BlacKStone labs. BlacKStone will send you a free sample collection kit. This gives you a good idea of the internal state of the engine.

6.) Don’t turn DSC off

7.) I would NEVER own a BMW without a warranty. If you plan to keep it make sure you buy only the factory warranty before the current warranty runs out.

That’s where I started.
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      03-21-2022, 05:43 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SwiftHalf View Post
And the Mrs has curbed the rear right wheel badly already, her first time driving it too. My reaction:

Gutted is an understatement. Bet this isn't ever going to look the same when refurbed.
Just buy a new rim They are $8-900.
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      03-21-2022, 06:37 PM   #17
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First mod, Michelin PS4AS from Costco. Best upgrade I've done yet…… until I do the Dinan tune 😜
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      03-21-2022, 07:20 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SwiftHalf View Post
Hi all! New Member here

Just picked up my nearly new 2021 BMW X3M Competition in Donnington Grey this weekend, it had less than 1000 miles and I watched the trip go over 1000 miles in my first 2 hours of driving, a pretty special moment!

This is my first BMW and first 'M' car, I'm a huge performance car fan, coming from an Audi S3. As you can imagine, this is a massive step up in both performance, luxury and size, but I am embracing it fully and it's going to be great on a practicality level for our family. I did actually have the brand new Audi 8Y RS3 on order but due to astronomical wait times I cancelled it and moved the deposit over to my X3M.

I'm feeling so aware of how much potential the car has, it feels almost limitless, slightly intimidating in a way, the handling, the power, the customisability of drive modes, it really is set up so you can make it yours in all respects. Did anyone else feel this way? I feel huge respect for the engineering.

My question for you seasoned X3M owners, what advice would you have for us new X3M owners, what would you wish you'd done in the first few months of ownership? What drive modes/combos to explore and any other things that really got you falling in love with this machine? Interested to hear your thoughts!

Also quick question if I may... my car has 1040 miles now, the onboard computer says the dealer carried out a service at 980 miles, should I still get a service done at 1200? I'm quite conscious that it's still not fully broken in yet despite being a few miles short of that milestone. What's your advice please? I'm not sure how "thorough" the pre delivery service would be if they just wanted to get the car sold. The salesman told me I don't need a service for another year or 15000 miles but not sure how I feel about that. I've spent a lot of money on this car and if I have to shell out a few hundred quid for a service I'm more than happy to.

Thanks and happy driving
SwiftHalf
If you have a smile on your face every time you drive this "M" of yours, you are driving the way it should be.

Enjoy it and let it really "run"..... "M" car needs to run....
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      03-21-2022, 09:05 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GP0256 View Post
First mod, Michelin PS4AS from Costco. Best upgrade I've done yet…… until I do the Dinan tune 😜
The stock Continental Sport Contact 6's make a noise over every concrete pavement expansion joint. It sounds like the tire is slapping it every 10 feet. I do wonder if this is what some are referring to when they say the ride is a little rough. I don't remember my M4 with PS4S making any noise over these expansion joints.

Do the PS4AS make a noise over those type joints or cracks?

Can someone with the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 weigh in?
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      03-21-2022, 10:22 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by airboss View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by GP0256 View Post
First mod, Michelin PS4AS from Costco. Best upgrade I've done yet…… until I do the Dinan tune 😜
The stock Continental Sport Contact 6's make a noise over every concrete pavement expansion joint. It sounds like the tire is slapping it every 10 feet. I do wonder if this is what some are referring to when they say the ride is a little rough. I don't remember my M4 with PS4S making any noise over these expansion joints.

Do the PS4AS make a noise over those type joints or cracks?

Can someone with the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 weigh in?
Definitely no noise. Rides better and handles better in inclement weather and super good in dry weather. IMO the perfect all season tire for our cars
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      03-21-2022, 11:52 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GP0256 View Post
Definitely no noise. Rides better and handles better in inclement weather and super good in dry weather. IMO the perfect all season tire for our cars
Thanks, great to know.
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      03-22-2022, 12:23 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GP0256 View Post
Definitely no noise. Rides better and handles better in inclement weather and super good in dry weather. IMO the perfect all season tire for our cars
I think those will be the next upgrade for me. What temps are the P4S rated to?
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