[MikeDeres]

Hi All,

I'm making the transition from Audi to BMW. In the market for a mid-size SUV and the X3 M40i blows away the Audi SQ5...IMO. So, I'm exploring both new and used options in the 2018-2020 models. There's plenty of threads on the differences between the 19 and 20. But I haven't seen too much that compares the 18 and 19. Best I can tell, the build and packages are identical. Anyone aware of any concerns or differences if I should find a screaming deal on a 2018 M40i?? I think the 18 is the first build in the new generation and sometimes the first year vehicles have some growing pains.

Thanks,
Mike D

[lochview]

Originally Posted by MikeDeres

Hi All,

I'm making the transition from Audi to BMW. In the market for a mid-size SUV and the X3 M40i blows away the Audi SQ5...IMO. So, I'm exploring both new and used options in the 2018-2020 models. There's plenty of threads on the differences between the 19 and 20. But I haven't seen too much that compares the 18 and 19. Best I can tell, the build and packages are identical. Anyone aware of any concerns or differences if I should find a screaming deal on a 2018 M40i?? I think the 18 is the first build in the new generation and sometimes the first year vehicles have some growing pains.

Thanks,
Mike D

Hi Mike,

Best decision you'll ever make, moving from Audi to BMW. I had two A4's and an A7 before my 435d and now just waiting for my new 2020 M40i to arrive in a few weeks in the UK.

Can't describe or make a comparison on the wheel sizes as I chose the 21" with adaptive dampers and I can honestly say that even with these larger tyres, the ride is better than my 435d with mixed 19" tyres.

Wish you all the best in your search and if you need advice, the forum members here have everything you need to make the best decision possible!

[M40iG01]

do not buy a 2018 model. Too many issues with the first ones down the line. Go for a late 2019 production model or 2020.

[chicagofan00]

The 2018s weren't coming with the M sport wheel but have the hydraulic strut to hold open the cargo area cover. The 2019s have the M sport wheel but lost the hydraulic strut.

Both can be retrofitted with the strut being of course the cheaper option to retrofit.

[lochview]

Originally Posted by chicagofan00

The 2018s weren't coming with the M sport wheel but have the hydraulic strut to hold open the cargo area cover. The 2019s have the M sport wheel but lost the hydraulic strut.

Both can be retrofitted with the strut being of course the cheaper option to retrofit.

chicagofan00: can you suggest where I can get the strut to retrofit along with some instructions?

[SO8]

On UK models the 2019 onwards has petrol particulate filter - not an issue in the US I think so you'll keep a little more power.

I have 21" wheels and love them with the adaptive suspension which I use in comfort or when I remember in adaptive as I find that better - it seems to realise when I have started to push on and changes the engine / throttle response. In terms of suspension it is great with 21's and I drove the 20" + hardly notice any difference if at all ! They have set it up well and the 21's look great.

The 2019 gets an M sport diff I believe which has got to be worth having + the M steering wheel ... though not sure if you get that in the US as our airbags are less powerful and I believe that dictates the steering wheel due to airbag size and power.

[chicagofan00]

Originally Posted by lochview

chicagofan00: can you suggest where I can get the strut to retrofit along with some instructions?

There are a couple of threads on here with good DIY instructions.

Edit: Here is one such thread. I think there are more as well.
2019 G01 cargo floor strut mod (my 12.00 fix) https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1581441

[clivem2]

Adaptive suspension and acoustic glass are I feel very important options as they make a big difference to refinement. Some markets have the glass as standard but not the US I believe.

[littleump]

2018 problems? ive not had any with mine and its june 2018 with 13000 miles on the clock now

[re_mcgraw]

Hi All,

I had to get into a SUV and out of my 2013 Audi A5. I needed space. In the 6 months of shopping, I drove a lot of vehicles: Q5, SQ5, X3, X3 M40i, X5, RDX, MDX, Discovery Sport HSE Luxe. In the end, I went with a 2018 X3 M40i very well equipped. So far, I am very happy with the purchase. What follows are my thoughts on the car.

What I love about it:
The Drive - Power, handling, feel. Where the SQ5 felt unstable and nervous, the X3 is confident and composed.
Features - Tech, Stereo, Heads-up Display, Radar Cruise, Power Liftgate, Hitch, Cargo Space, Interior Lighting, Contrast Stitching.

What I wish it had:
Adjustable Dampers - I live in Chicago. The roads suck. Having the ability to soften the ride a bit would be nice. It's quite taught but not harsh. This is also why I stayed with the 19" wheels. Replacing rims is an unessary expense.
The configurable digital dash from the SQ5.

Strange surprises:
Though it is 4=6 inches shorter than the A5, it seems to have a larger turning radius.
The 19" wheels are a pain to clean. That concave surface right behind the spokes is a brake dust magnet.

Since I bought an "executive" car with 12k on it when the next model year was out, they took ~$14k off the price and extended all the warranties and service. So far so good.

Where the Audi is polished and refined, the BMW is sporty. While the raw power was similar, the difference is composure. At every speed, the BMW feels like it was designed specifically for that situation. Even a bump in a turn at high speed is handled beautifully. When putting the pedal down in the SQ5, it felt nervous and unsure, wobbly, not sure-footed. That digital dash is a thing of marvel though. My final benefit of going with the BMW is you, the community. There are more forums, parts, swag, rallies, races, everything.

Hope this helps.

Rob

[MikeDeres]

Originally Posted by M40iG01

do not buy a 2018 model. Too many issues with the first ones down the line. Go for a late 2019 production model or 2020.

What exactly is considered a "late 2019 production model"?

[MikeDeres]

Rob,

Awesome feedback. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. I have wondered why BMW didn't make the instrument cluster a full-up configurable digital display. An of course I wonder why I can't have remote start!!!

Mike