[Em2]

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I'm coming from an B8 S4, which is a dream to drive most of the time, but I need more space and found the Q5 lacking and haven't really looked at the SQ5, so here I am.

One thing the S4 did was get terrible fuel economy and I know BMWs are better. Also I feel like that car is going to get me into trouble one day as it's too easy to drive reckless. My life is a bit more pedestrian and often driving in very slow conditions now so my questions are this:

1) For those who did get an x3M40i over the xdrive30i- any regret? or is it everything you wanted it to be? I have a hard time justifying the cost so I'm hoping the answer is stick with the smaller engine.

2) For those who got the xdrive30i did the m sport package and dynamic damper control make the car noticeably better? The base seemed okay in my test drive but it was still weird coming from a sports sedan.

[hinckley]

Originally Posted by Em2

1) For those who did get an x3M40i over the xdrive30i- any regret? or is it everything you wanted it to be? I have a hard time justifying the cost so I'm hoping the answer is stick with the smaller engine.

I drove a B8 S4 for five years. One of the best cars I ever had and I regretted selling it almost the moment I did. I didn't go directly from the S4 to my X4 M40i, but I can't see how you'd be happy with the 30i coming out of the B8. If you decide to go for the 30i, I'd keep the S4 for those days when the little red devil appears on your shoulder!

[Anmolbains23]

You will be wanting more power instantly,
I got a 30 as a loaner and I could not wait to get back into my M40i...

The gas mileage isn't bad at all, leave it in comfort or ECO if needed.
Power isn't over barring and is just right to me. Put the foot down whenever you need it no problem or just cruise

If I had to buy again I would get the M40I no questions asked totally worth it!

[chassis]

Fuel economy on the xDrive30i is great. Performance is good for a standard powertrain. The xDrive30i is a surprisingly good vehicle. It’s not a performance car, just a very good SAV.

[Em2]

Thanks and recommendations for or against the M sport / dynamic damper control on the xD30 (if I go that way)? I'll be working out deals this week but I'm seeing an extra $4K off on the xdrive 30 (if I'm looking correctly) and that vs the $12K price would be a huge difference.

[brettl]

My last car was a f25 35i msport with adaptive suspension. When that lease was up I got a g01 xline 30i. With my kids nearing driving age, I thought it would be prudent to get a car that i was not as tempted to drive fast. That and here in the Bay Area, I’m likely always stuck behind someone going slow, and found with the big engine, i was really using to just to be an a-hole. That said i do miss the power from time to time (see reference above) and i do occasionally find myself looking at JB4’s for just a bit more juice. All in all though the 30i is fine. The power is adequate, it just doesn’t throw you in your seat. I’ve pulled a small trailer with it, it does fine. I do not have the adaptive suspension in this car which i do miss, although the base suspension is sprung between comfort and sport in the adaptive. I’ve found it does handle well, would probably improve with better tires and bigger wheels. I have the 19’s. I read there is no difference between the base suspension and the msport suspension, the suspension upgrade is the adaptive. Msport is mainly aesthetic. Also, I’ve heard on this forum that you can’t get 30i with adaptive suspension starting in 2021 model year. It’s kind of like getting a big tv. They all look so different when your picking them out, but when you get it home and on your wall, your stoked at the one you got, no matter how fancier the other ones appeared at the store. Save the $ on the engine upgrade, your gonna need it to raise the kid... (assuming that’s why your slowing down)

[TX3M]

I owned S4's between 2001 and 2004, great cars. No offense to the 30i, but you will be taking a big step down in performance and handling if you get the 30i. I think you will be disappointed. Go for the M40i even if you have to get a slightly used one.

[mreg376]

Originally Posted by Em2

I'm coming from an B8 S4, which is a dream to drive most of the time, but I need more space and found the Q5 lacking and haven't really looked at the SQ5, so here I am.

One thing the S4 did was get terrible fuel economy and I know BMWs are better. Also I feel like that car is going to get me into trouble one day as it's too easy to drive reckless. My life is a bit more pedestrian and often driving in very slow conditions now so my questions are this:

1) For those who did get an x3M40i over the xdrive30i- any regret? or is it everything you wanted it to be? I have a hard time justifying the cost so I'm hoping the answer is stick with the smaller engine.

2) For those who got the xdrive30i did the m sport package and dynamic damper control make the car noticeably better? The base seemed okay in my test drive but it was still weird coming from a sports sedan.

My 30i is my first BMW so take my opinion for what it's worth. I'm coming from past V6 Jeeps and Toyotas. I can say without reservation that the "smaller" 4-cyl turbo in the 30i is faster, more responsive and has more effortless power the any of my prior V6's. Excellent passing power at all speeds. Cruises at 90 with my foot just resting on the pedal. This superb performance is probably due in part to the excellent Steptronic transmission I'm sure.

Of course the M40i will have even more power. I just can't imagine needing it, especially for the price differential.

(I realize I'm saying this in a forum dominated by M40i owners. :-))

[TXSchnee]

I went from a '17 S6 to an M40i and have to say the power is close to equal. The V8 was smoother and sounded better, but the inline 6 is awesome, the power band is linear and seems more immediate (aka none of the Audi turbo lag). Test drive both and see if you can live with the 30i.

[rob175]

Another..."for what it's worth"....I went from a V6 Nissan Altima to my 2020 X3 30i and I'm amazed at how fast the 30i X3 is. It's got all the power of my previous V6 and seemingly more. When I need either hard acceleration or a fast passing maneuver it's amazingly fast and smooth when the turbo kicks in. Around town I' averaging 28-29 mpg (but I'm an easy driver most of the time).
I can't imagine needing or USING more speed. It's an SUV not a "race car"....lol.

My best advice is take an extended test drive at a dealer that will let you have one of each for a few hours and drive them each they way you like to drive. But for me the 30i is more than enough.....each to their own.

[Ldb25]

Originally Posted by Em2

I'm coming from an B8 S4, which is a dream to drive most of the time, but I need more space and found the Q5 lacking and haven't really looked at the SQ5, so here I am.

One thing the S4 did was get terrible fuel economy and I know BMWs are better. Also I feel like that car is going to get me into trouble one day as it's too easy to drive reckless. My life is a bit more pedestrian and often driving in very slow conditions now so my questions are this:

1) For those who did get an x3M40i over the xdrive30i- any regret? or is it everything you wanted it to be? I have a hard time justifying the cost so I'm hoping the answer is stick with the smaller engine.

2) For those who got the xdrive30i did the m sport package and dynamic damper control make the car noticeably better? The base seemed okay in my test drive but it was still weird coming from a sports sedan.

Here's an idea: drive the X3e plug in hybrid. I went from a 996 911 targa to the X3e this year, and while my first BMW is no 911, for my mostly city driving plus monthly 1-2 hr trips out of town I have been absolutely satisfied with my X3e. The 100 odd HP from the electric motor and the instant torque make it powerful enough for my needs in hybrid mode, and in sport mode for my occasionally spirited driving, with all the benefits of driving to work Monday - Friday without burning an ounce of gas. One important note: the base stereo is really terrible, so if sound matters get the HK upgrade. Good luck.

[3lucidus]

i seen a great quote on someones profile the other day on here...

"lifes short, drive what you want"

and with that in mind... M40i all the way, i have no regrets. such an animal in sport plus and pots around in eco mode with the fam onboard.
adjustable dampers are a must. changes the whole dynamics of the spirited driving

[BuddhaTB]

My 30i with M Sport and Dynamic Handling Pkg is my first BMW and it has met my expectations. I think both options are a must if you get the 30i model. The 30i has excellent usable power and very responsive when driving in sport mode. Very easy to drive fast and hit 80-90 on the freeways with out knowing it. The transmission is very smooth. I think the 30i has enough power for a SAV. When I was shopping for my X3, I was also torn between the two models but ultimately decided the M40i wasn't worth the price difference to me and will save that money to buy a sports car/sedan in a few years. The only thing I regret about not getting the M40i is the burbles from the exhaust.

My $0.02.

[Em2]

Thanks for the advice. Ended up going for the M40i in phyto blue. Excited!

[leon360x]

I thought a smooth transition would be a M340i, sedan to sedan, same range, xdrive or not depends on your location.

[ffchun]

Coming from a 2016 M3 with great torque and power. Decided to go with the M40i equipped with the adaptive suspension. So far, no regrets just enjoying the ride and power like any other owner of a M40i. You can not go wrong with the adaptive suspension, especially if you have concerns about the ride. The electronics is something to get used to, but all in all if your spirited driver you'll enjoy the M40i...

[Jen4BMW]

I’ll weigh in on this one since I think I am in a good position to do so. I have the 2019 G01 30i with 19 inch RFT’s without adaptive suspension, 14,O00 miles of driving including one MN winter. 90% of my driving is city/suburb and although I occasionally enjoy sport mode I find I stay in comfort 95% of the time.In comfort mode the power is absolutely fine for everyday commuting and with the near perfect transmission, all shifts are buttery smooth. Best of all there’s never any hesitation at stop and goes. I would rate the over-all drivability/handling of the 30i a solid A- for a SUV. It’s no sports car but that’s not really the point. I’ve driven most everything out there (Audi, Volvo, Mazda, Porsche etc) so I feel confident in my high rating.

Now for the 40i. Several weeks ago I was given a 2020 G01 40i Msport loaner with 19inch RFT’s. The vehicle did NOT have adaptive. It only had 400 miles on the odo. Several very noticeable things jumped out at me within 15 minutes of combined city/highway/country driving:
1. It’s a lot noisier, the exhaust burbles are hilarious in sport modes
2. The steering is noticeably heavier in all drive modes than the 30i without any handling or road feel benefits
3. The vehicle feels noticeably heavier than the 30i in everyday around town driving
4. It’s insanely beautifully fast for a large SUV and incredibly easy to speed...factor a few speeding tickets into your decision
5. The ride quality is about 25% harsher than the 30i likely due to a firmer msport suspension and added weight coming form the heavier engine

I would rate the 40i a solid A overall. The engine is really a lot of fun and worth the hype.

If your someone who lives in an area where you can enjoy safe spirited blasts than for $10K more I do think it’s worth it. The power and exhaust will put a smile on your face or you don’t have a heart rate. Those smiles will run you about $100/mo on a lease so not too painful.

If I were buying another G01 today I would go with a blue Msport 40i with leather interior, add full digital gauges, delete the moon roof (rattle trap), and skip the over rated safety packages that buzz and beap at you to save a few bucks. I would DEFINITELY get the adaptive suspension to smooth out the ride. I’d aim for $6OK out the door and call it a day!

[3lucidus]

Originally Posted by Em2

Thanks for the advice. Ended up going for the M40i in phyto blue. Excited!

Thats the way! Enjoy man!

(one of us, one of us, one of us lol)

[Em2]

Thought I'd share a pic. Car looks great in Phytonic blue. Always wanted a blue car. Came with gloss black grill and matching side fake airflow etc. Tinted front windows to match the rest. Happy with the darker look of the stock 19s. Will be putting a set of black satin rims for winter. Inside came with black leather with the blue stitching which just pops out really nice on the car.

And of course a blast to drive.

[Oldguysrule]

Very nice! I agree, the Ph Blue is a great color. Looks different in sunlight vs shade. Darkening the side windows is a nice touch and well worth it. And that engine!!!