[blinkme323]

Hey guys, so I'm a long time M3 guy and currently own an M3cs. That said, I've been transitioned to full time WFH so being a three car family doesn't make a lot of sense (M3cs, wife's car and our SUV beater).

Given the above and the fact that my M3cs is up soon I was thinking it would make sense to consolidate our beater and the M3 in to an X3Mc.

Curious if there's any other former M3 folks that have made the switch and what their opinions are? It's currently just my wife and two kids, so space should be adequate. It will also be garage kept and all of that good stuff.

Thanks in advance!

[Young04]

Originally Posted by blinkme323

Hey guys, so I'm a long time M3 guy and currently own an M3cs. That said, I've been transitioned to full time WFH so being a three car family doesn't make a lot of sense (M3cs, wife's car and our SUV beater).

Given the above and the fact that my M3cs is up soon I was thinking it would make sense to consolidate our beater and the M3 in to an X3Mc.

Curious if there's any other former M3 folks that have made the switch and what their opinions are? It's currently just my wife and two kids, so space should be adequate. It will also be garage kept and all of that good stuff.

Thanks in advance!

I don't know man...if I were you, I'd stick with three cars. We have two kids and four cars (X7, X3MC, Jeep Wrangler and a Chrysler Pacifica) and I may make the opposite move as you - I'm itching to do a G80 or G83.

If I stick with the X3MC, it'll be because I like not worrying about potholes (as much) or low driveways (I do a decent amount of city driving (Boston)).

[allinon72]

Got rid of my M3 and Raptor for X3MC. I miss both, probably the Raptor more due to the space and the ability to haul at will.

With 2 kids I would make double sure that the X3M is large enough. For us it would not be with all the crap we have for just 1 kid.

[blinkme323]

Originally Posted by allinon72

Got rid of my M3 and Raptor for X3MC. I miss both, probably the Raptor more due to the space and the ability to haul at will.

With 2 kids I would make double sure that the X3M is large enough. For us it would not be with all the crap we have for just 1 kid.

Our kids are 5 and 7, so out of the stroller phase thankfully. I was toting them both around in a Tiguan so I'm think the space should be similar.

[LimeRock]

Test driving a CS this afternoon so will follow up with my thoughts...

[Lt1camaro]

I currently have both an M4 Competition and a base X3M. At pure performance and handling perspective, the M4 is obviously more capable. However, at a feeling and driver engagement perspective, I feel that the X3M is a better communicative car and the steering feels less numb than the M4. I enjoy driving the X3M more than the M4 overall which has lead me to look at M4 alternatives that will have better driver engagement.

[LimeRock]

Originally Posted by Lt1camaro

I currently have both an M4 Competition and a base X3M. At pure performance and handling perspective, the M4 is obviously more capable. However, at a feeling and driver engagement perspective, I feel that the X3M is a better communicative car and the steering feels less numb than the M4. I enjoy driving the X3M more than the M4 overall which has lead me to look at M4 alternatives that will have better driver engagement.

So glad you said this. I walked away from my CS test drive with the same opinion, it felt a little numb. Dynamically the CS inspired a ton of confidence, and I have no doubt it would rip on track. But, for enthusiast driving around town, I feel like you’re not compromising too much with the X3MC.

Granted, it’s an SUV, so the biggest distinction I would raise is the CS felt more planted, but when the X3MC is dialed up it’s not too far off. Also — I didn’t have seat time with the S55 before this....great engine but the S58 is light years ahead. I mean it. Getting back in my X3MC, the power difference was noticeable. It just pulls much harder in every part of the power band.

All in all, great dilemma to have. If you could keep the CS, I’m sure it will appreciate over the next 10 years, but not sure if you’re into collecting. Pure apples to apples, I don’t feel like you’ll miss the car unless you spend time on track.

[Lt1camaro]

Originally Posted by LimeRock

So glad you said this. I walked away from my CS test drive with the same opinion, it felt a little numb. Dynamically the CS inspired a ton of confidence, and I have no doubt it would rip on track. But, for enthusiast driving around town, I feel like you’re not compromising too much with the X3MC.

Granted, it’s an SUV, so the biggest distinction I would raise is the CS felt more planted, but when the X3MC is dialed up it’s not too far off. Also — I didn’t have seat time with the S55 before this....great engine but the S58 is light years ahead. I mean it. Getting back in my X3MC, the power difference was noticeable. It just pulls much harder in every part of the power band.

All in all, great dilemma to have. If you could keep the CS, I’m sure it will appreciate over the next 10 years, but not sure if you’re into collecting. Pure apples to apples, I don’t feel like you’ll miss the car unless you spend time on track.

Yes i agree with all your points.

Three things I have noticed though:

1. The X3M gearbox is way slower than the M4 DCT.
2. I feel there is a lot of lag on the S58 compared to S55.
3. gas usage on the s58 is absolutely horrendous.

Other than those, the X3M is a better car for feel and spirited driving on the streets. The steering communication is on a complete different level.

[allinon72]

The ZF 8 speed is slower than the DCT, but not way slower, it's marginal. But the low speed smoothness far outweighs the quickness of the DCT, especially in a vehicle like this.

[LimeRock]

Originally Posted by allinon72

The ZF 8 speed is slower than the DCT, but not way slower, it's marginal. But the low speed smoothness far outweighs the quickness of the DCT, especially in a vehicle like this.

That's a great point. The 8-speed does feel more usable / smooth than the DCT. I would take that over the marginal speed improvement. That said, I really do think the 8-speed has a ways to go to match the DCT downshifts, which do not upset the chassis at all.

[LimeRock]

Originally Posted by Lt1camaro

Yes i agree with all your points.

Three things I have noticed though:

1. The X3M gearbox is way slower than the M4 DCT.
2. I feel there is a lot of lag on the S58 compared to S55.
3. gas usage on the s58 is absolutely horrendous.

Other than those, the X3M is a better car for feel and spirited driving on the streets. The steering communication is on a complete different level.

I agree with the "lag" of the S58 below 3k. Candidly, that gives the car character for me. Especially when the payoff is a hard pull to redline!

Also the gas usage is brutal. I just rip though tanks of shell v-power lol.

[allinon72]

If you jump out of an M4 and immediately into an F97, sure it will seem laggy. But you have to drive the car differently to minimize it and this is learned over time. It is not the slingshot that the S55 with the DCT is.

[boi222]

Made the switch earlier this year and I have no regrets ... car drives and handles like the M3 but has more space for my toddler and newborn so it is the perfect family car in my opinion ... if you need more space for road trips , can just throw a roof box on. The only thing is the looks department, the x3m is a great looking car but when comparing to a F80/f82 , it is not the same.

[MaxGainz]

Not an M3 but I had an rs3 that I sold with a tucson to consolidate into a X3MC. Best move. The car is the perfect all rounder. And if you go to the track 1 or 2 time a year the X3MC does well enough. Imo, the F97 removes the need of a "daily" sports car, I just go for the pure track car 2nd car.

[tarmactrr]

Originally Posted by blinkme323

Our kids are 5 and 7, so out of the stroller phase thankfully. I was toting them both around in a Tiguan so I'm think the space should be similar.

after just having a tiguan rental car today I can say they are basically the same size as the X3m. That said it's crazy how they made the tiguan a 7 seater.

[hamy]

I'm very fortunate to have owned a bunch of F80s including the M4CS featured in the photos above. Having both in the garage at the same time makes for a hard choice on a beautiful day.

I have young children in car seats so the X3MC offers a lot of practicality and amazing all weather performance (with the right tires) that you’d never get out of an F80. Straight line performance, and AWD launches are addicting. The S58 pulls all the weight effortlessly and you do forget you’re driving around in an SUV until you look in the rear view. In my opinion this is the perfect all weather 4 season daily driver that will still dust nearly everyone on the road and bring a very confident somewhat engaging driving experience.

How does the X3MC compare to a M4CS…after over a year of 15 months of ownership and track days in both cars…my preference is still the M4CS. Only because it’s more engaging and eager to be pushed to the limits. The DCT is noticeably faster on up/down shifts. That said the ZF tuning on the X3MC is perfection. They really made that transmission the best it could ever be. The S55 screaming towards redline is amazing! But the S58 in nearly all other circumstances sounds better.

If I could only have 1 of these things it would be the X3MC all day…and that’s based on my current lifestyle and living in the North East. My suggestion is to take a look at values of CS’s…they’re hanging in there really well and I feel like you’ll regret selling it…and should jump in to owning both and get the best M has to offer!

[Frank_NJ]

My X3MC is my daily driver and could not ask for a better vehicle for that purpose. Great ride, great power, great handling! I put Michelin All seasons for winter.

[heavyD^2]

My X3M never ceases to amaze me as it's surprising how agile this thing is in traffic as I can sneak in and out of lanes like I could with my M2. The lack of body roll for a vehicle like this is pretty great and maybe it's me but after a year the ride seems to be more forgiving.

[blinkme323]

I really appreciate all of the input, guys. I have an existing dealer stock 2021 comp on the table right now for about 12% off. Best deal I've seen by a mile. Just debating if I should pull the trigger or try and wait for the LCI...

[justmill]

I have a 2020 and getting a better price I think is worth it over a newer model. The price on these are already pretty good so if you can get it on a good discount you get a lot of car for relatively little cost.

[FrankieNuo]

Originally Posted by blinkme323

I really appreciate all of the input, guys. I have an existing dealer stock 2021 comp on the table right now for about 12% off. Best deal I've seen by a mile. Just debating if I should pull the trigger or try and wait for the LCI...

Well, I would imagine you'll have to wait at least another year for 12% on an LCI model.

[DjPatMan]

Originally Posted by blinkme323

Hey guys, so I'm a long time M3 guy and currently own an M3cs. That said, I've been transitioned to full time WFH so being a three car family doesn't make a lot of sense (M3cs, wife's car and our SUV beater).

Given the above and the fact that my M3cs is up soon I was thinking it would make sense to consolidate our beater and the M3 in to an X3Mc.

Curious if there's any other former M3 folks that have made the switch and what their opinions are? It's currently just my wife and two kids, so space should be adequate. It will also be garage kept and all of that good stuff.

Thanks in advance!

I just bought a ‘21 X3MC. I’ve never owned an M3, but I have owned an E92 335i, and I’ve driven a number of E36, E46, and F82 M’s. Acceleration aside, the X3MC handles very well! The E36 handles like a go kart, so it’s not a fair comparison, but the F97 is amazing!
It easily fits my family of four with cargo. It also checked all my proverbial boxes. It’s a fun, fast, four door, family car. I got alpine white on sakhir orange. I love it.
Hope that helps. If you haven’t driven one, go give it a try.