[sq86]

Looking forward to this. Donnington Grey would be great too!

[BklynNYBMW]

This is going to be wicked when it debuts. Just concerned about where the price point will be on this. Probably in the mid to high 80s. I hope not though.
__________________________________________________ ____________________

2017 X6 5.0 MSport- All Option except Vented seats and B/O sound system. Carbon Black Metallic w/ Black Interior

2015 335i MSport Xdrive Sedan: Glacier Silver w/ Tan leather

On order: 2018 340i MSport Xdrive sedan. Glacier Silver / Oyster. Delivery date May 4, 2018 Performance Center. Really wanted Tanzanite Blue but unavailable in the 2018 340i sedan Msport Model year. I am still pissed

[DCG]

Does anyone know why the new X3 and X4 have metallic silver side mirrors caps, regardless of the color SAV. It looks absolutely stupid! It should be the same color of the vehicle or my personal preference carbon fiber.

[beammeupscottie]

Does anyone know when we can actually place our orders??? Launch date????

[Colinv6]

Originally Posted by DCG

Does anyone know why the new X3 and X4 have metallic silver side mirrors caps, regardless of the color SAV. It looks absolutely stupid! It should be the same color of the vehicle or my personal preference carbon fiber.

Only on the M40i,

Same as all the other M performance cars
M135i/M140i
M235i/M240i
M550d
X5 M50d

They all have grey caps

[ND40oz]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

these days it is.. I started with a $54,500 base price car and added the Adapative suspension, a hitch, the Exec pack, . .... but left off all the Driving Assistant , Driving Assistant Plus... Active Cruise control. optional Leather... . left off the big pimpin 21" wheels.. etc.

You don't need to leave the driving assistance packages off and leather is included with the Exec pack:

BASE MSRP$54,500
COLORPhytonic Blue Metallic$550
WHEELS20" M Double-spoke bi-color wheels, style 699M with performance run-flat tires$950
UPHOLSTERYBlack Vernasca Leather w/blue contrast stitching/piping
TRIMAluminum Rhombicle Interior Trim
PACKAGES + OPTIONS
Driving Assistance Package$900
Driving Assistance Plus Package$1,700
Executive Package$2,550
Premium Package$2,950
Adaptive M Suspension$700
Wireless Charging and WiFi Hotspot$500
Harman Kardon surround sound system$875
Total: $66,175

Price goes up $50 if you're rather have the hitch over wireless charging. Either way, it's a very well equipped vehicle just depends on what small options you'd want to switch around.

[darksilkx1]

Originally Posted by beammeupscottie

Does anyone know when we can actually place our orders??? Launch date????

I can tell you its a 2020 model but thats about it.

[kozzi]

Originally Posted by ND40oz

...

That seems like revisionist history, the F25 should have included the launch of a performance SAV before Audi launched the SQ5 but BMW didn't and for some reason waited for the F26. To add insult to injury, they offered M Performance kits for the 30d but not the 35i in late 2014. At least they're ahead of the RS Q5, but they're still later to market then the GLC63, Stelvio Quadrifoglio and the aforementioned Macan Turbo S.

The 2011 F25 35i SAP was a performance SAV. Audi launched the SQ5 in response to the F25, which totally embarrassed the Audi Q5 and everything else in its class. The F25 was no slouch. It took the competition 3 years to catch up. What BMW should have done is bring us a better performance SAV in response to the Macan at the 2015 F25 LCI and not just with the F26 via the M40i.

[Leader]

What will the difference(s) be between the current X3M4.0i and the X3M?

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by Leader

What will the difference(s) be between the current X3M4.0i and the X3M?

See today’s M3 and 340i. The differences will be similar to those between those cars.

It’s not strictly the same because there is no M340i yet. But you can use your imagination. The M550i vs. the M5 provide another basis for comparison.

[FSociety]

Originally Posted by DCG

Does anyone know why the new X3 and X4 have metallic silver side mirrors caps, regardless of the color SAV. It looks absolutely stupid! It should be the same color of the vehicle or my personal preference carbon fiber.

Blame bmw

Originally Posted by Colinv6

Only on the M40i,

Same as all the other M performance cars
M135i/M140i
M235i/M240i
M550d
X5 M50d

They all have grey caps

thank you

Originally Posted by beammeupscottie

Does anyone know when we can actually place our orders??? Launch date????

I can ask my lease broker for you

[DCG]

Originally Posted by ZHPsedan

Not true, they have active shutters on the grills and half of them are permanently blocked off.

Well if what you're saying is the case, that's absolutely absurd. They only need to be there to cool the engine down. If they're only being increased in size just for their visual aesthetics then obviously I'm not a fan. Function over form, but the kidney grills are iconic and need to be done right. On the new 8 Series Grand Coupe Concept they are designed and executed very well.

[ND40oz]

Originally Posted by kozzi

The 2011 F25 35i SAP was a performance SAV. Audi launched the SQ5 in response to the F25, which totally embarrassed the Audi Q5 and everything else in its class. The F25 was no slouch. It took the competition 3 years to catch up. What BMW should have done is bring us a better performance SAV in response to the Macan at the 2015 F25 LCI and not just with the F26 via the M40i.

It probably depends on your definition of performance, it was a large jump in performance from the E83 and it outperformed its competition at release. From a performance standpoint, the F25 had its flaws like its electric steering and the throttle lag which took way too long to get a fix for. Couple that with all of the package changes they kept making in regards to SAP, ZMP, DHP, like the old "oh you don't need staggered wheels with performance tires and option 840 anymore!" The 2013 Q5 3.0TFSI was launched in 2012 as a response to the F25 35i it and matched the 35i's performance with their run of the mill Q5.

http://www.motortrend.com/cars/audi/...-audi-q5-test/

Not surprisingly, the Q5 is quicker than most of its competitors, including the Mercedes-Benz GLK350 (0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds) and the Acura RDX (6.2 seconds). Only the BMW X3 with its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six was faster to 60 mph at 5.3 seconds, although the Audi catches up and ties with the BMW at the quarter mile. When it came time to stop, the Q5 came to a standstill from 60 mph in an impressive 105 feet, a whopping 24 feet less than the BMW and 16 less than the Benz. The Audi was also relatively quick on the figure-eight course, needing just 26.4 seconds to complete the test, which was 0.5 and 2.1 seconds faster than the X3 and GLK350, respectively. On the flipside, the Q5 is a comfortable cruiser off the track with a quiet cabin despite our tester’s 20-inch wheels. Steering is nicely weighted with the Drive Select system set to Dynamic mode, but it feels a bit overboosted in Comfort and Auto modes.

Audi already had a strong competitor to the F25 in the 3.0TFSI, there was no reason to bring out the 2014 SQ5 except to launch the S model CUVs. Then BMW followed suit with their M Performance model, the X4 M40i.

Thankfully everyone seems to be finally onboard with performance CUVs and we have a plethora of choices now.

[Mako]

Originally Posted by Leader

What will the difference(s) be between the current X3M4.0i and the X3M?

probably about 100hp and torque, lower to ground, different suspension, interior options (leather choices...), front/rear bumpers, hopefully CF roof on X4M

price wise, assume $15,000
Badges will read:
X3 M40i
vs
X3M

[ZHPsedan]

Originally Posted by DCG

Well if what you're saying is the case, that's absolutely absurd. They only need to be there to cool the engine down. If they're only being increased in size just for their just for visual aesthetics obviously I'm not a fan. Function over form, but the kidney grills are iconic and need to be done right. On the new 8 Series Grand Coupe Concept they are designed and executed very well.

yeah, a little disappointed with BMW for the non-functioning fender breathers on the X3 X4. I thought I remember them saying that there would be no more non-functioning aero when they came out with the X5 and the LCI 1 series had some air curtain technology.

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by Palbay

First Photo's of F97 X3M in "M" Specific Production Paint Color... Nonetheless First Production Paint Seen on the X3M.....Reveal is very, very near...Thanks. Palbay

Many thanks for sharing the great images, Palbay - always can count on you!

[Palbay]

Originally Posted by Max Well

Many thanks for sharing the great images, Palbay - always can count on you!

Originally Posted by Max Well

Many thanks for sharing the great images, Palbay - always can count on you!

Most appreciated. Thank you very much.

[kozzi]

Originally Posted by ND40oz

It probably depends on your definition of performance, it was a large jump in performance from the E83 and it outperformed its competition at release. From a performance standpoint, the F25 had its flaws like its electric steering and the throttle lag which took way too long to get a fix for. Couple that with all of the package changes they kept making in regards to SAP, ZMP, DHP, like the old "oh you don't need staggered wheels with performance tires and option 840 anymore!" The 2013 Q5 3.0TFSI was launched in 2012 as a response to the F25 35i it and matched the 35i's performance with their run of the mill Q5.

http://www.motortrend.com/cars/audi/...-audi-q5-test/



Audi already had a strong competitor to the F25 in the 3.0TFSI, there was no reason to bring out the 2014 SQ5 except to launch the S model CUVs. Then BMW followed suit with their M Performance model, the X4 M40i.

Thankfully everyone seems to be finally onboard with performance CUVs and we have a plethora of choices now.

No doubt the F25 had its issues. The biggest problem were the terrible brakes that was beaten to death in the F25 forums. The 3.0T was a strong competitor but was still outperformed. It was not a base Q5. Despite its flaws, the 35i was the performance standard in class. It was a whale that outperformed everything else. If you include global variations, the 35d was even better.

The Audi Motortrend article was interesting but couldn't find the road test article that they refer to on the 2011 35i (or if they were even talking about a 2011). At the time I think it is safe to say that most "enthusiasts" and car magazines scoffed at the idea of performance SAVs so there wasn't as much information as there is today.

To be fair to both vehicles, they were also much faster than Motortrend's testing. There's plenty of videos where they run 13's. Was the 3.0TFSI even offered in the US? I don't remember.

Basically my response was to FSociety on how BMW releases something new and exciting and everyone follows. Arguably, the birth of performance SAVs in 2011 and whatever the X4 is today are just two examples. Here is a cool site that I like to refer to that you can compare vehicles worldwide with charts, graphs and stats galore. It is still a work in progress but it just so happens that the BMW/Audi figures have been recorded and not simulated. Make a chart and check it out. In almost all performance figures, the 35i/35d comes out on top until the SQ5/Macan comes to market in 2013/2014.

http://www.automobile-catalog.com/

SAVs that I charted:
2013 Audi SQ5 3.0 TFSI (US version)
2012 Audi Q5 3.0 TFSI Quattro Tiptronic (EU only)
2014 Audi Q5 3.0T Quattro (US version)
2011 BMW X3 xDrive35i (US only)
2011 BMW X3 xDrive35d (EU only)

I agree. Great to be an SAV enthusiast today.

[ND40oz]

Originally Posted by kozzi

No doubt the F25 had its issues. The biggest problem were the terrible brakes that was beaten to death in the F25 forums. The 3.0T was a strong competitor but was still outperformed. It was not a base Q5. Despite its flaws, the 35i was the performance standard in class. It was a whale that outperformed everything else. If you include global variations, the 35d was even better.

Yeah, the 3.0TFSI replaced the 3.2 at the Q5's "LCI". It was a 2 year upgrade cycle with the 2.0TFSI updated first and given the ZF8HP and the 3.0TFSI coming the next model year with the ZF8HP. The 2.0TFSI was the base engine in the US, like the 28i and the 3.0TFSI was the upgrade, like the 35i.

Originally Posted by kozzi

The Audi Motortrend article was interesting but couldn't find the road test article that they refer to on the 2011 35i (or if they were even talking about a 2011). At the time I think it is safe to say that most "enthusiasts" and car magazines scoffed at the idea of performance SAVs so there wasn't as much information as there is today.

To be fair to both vehicles, they were also much faster than Motortrend's testing. There's plenty of videos where they run 13's. Was the 3.0TFSI even offered in the US? I don't remember.

http://www.motortrend.com/cars/bmw/x...drive35i-test/

So this was their initial test, Motor Trend was also very good in documenting the throttle lag issue during their long term test of the 28i.

http://www.motortrend.com/cars/bmw/x...e28i-update-8/

I believe they must have retested the X3 at some point following the updates, but I can't find a review of it.

Originally Posted by kozzi

Basically my response was to FSociety on how BMW releases something new and exciting and everyone follows. Arguably, the birth of performance SAVs in 2011 and whatever the X4 is today are just two examples. Here is a cool site that I like to refer to that you can compare vehicles worldwide with charts, graphs and stats galore. It is still a work in progress but it just so happens that the BMW/Audi figures have been recorded and not simulated. Make a chart and check it out. In almost all performance figures, the 35i/35d comes out on top until the SQ5/Macan comes to market in 2013/2014.

http://www.automobile-catalog.com/

SAVs that I charted:
2013 Audi SQ5 3.0 TFSI (US version)
2012 Audi Q5 3.0 TFSI Quattro Tiptronic (EU only)
2014 Audi Q5 3.0T Quattro (US version)
2011 BMW X3 xDrive35i (US only)
2011 BMW X3 xDrive35d (EU only)

I agree. Great to be an SAV enthusiast today.

I understand and agree that BMW made a great performing CUV in the F25 and that it outperformed its counterparts at release. I just think BMW did what they normally do for a model update with the F25, instead of setting out to make a performance CUV. The SQ5 and Macan were really the first time manufacturers set out to make and market a performance CUV.

Either way, it's about time we're finally getting an X3M.

[adc]

When I got my 2005 X3 3.0i Sport 6sp, there was nothing like it in the market. Better handling than anything that came after, but had other challenges (esthetic, interior quality etc).

That was to my mind the birth of the "performance CUV".

[ekbusdriver]

http://www.motortrend.com/news/spied...wls-streets-l/

Here are a few more photos of a black X3M caught nearly in the raw.

[Palbay]

Hardcore BMW "M" Enthusiast can now relax....Proper BMW "M" Side Mirrors Spied on the F97 X3M....No M2 cheapout.... :-) This Car is Production Spec ...minus a little Camo......Production Paint.....Alpine White...Stay tuned for the full set of Photo's next week......Thanks Palbay