[Logical]

Lifelong BMW owner, multiple M cars and I am considering the X4M or X6M for daily driver was wondering if there are any issues to be aware of as I go through the decision process? Also have X1 that we have driven 65k glorious miles with no issues. What issues are there with X4?

[YolkyPalky]

Most peeps that ask this kind of question have never owned an M car or perhaps even a BMW. I see you’ve owned plenty of M’s (awesome!), so I think you’d probably know exactly what you’re getting, and won’t be surprised by the lol “ride quality” complaints of a stiff M car by newbie M owners.

[mikestpierre]

I picked up a 2024 X4MC in late October and already have close to 10k miles on it.

I was disappointed in the sound system but ymmv.. I upgraded all the speakers with Focal and added an Alpha One amp and it couldn’t sound any better now (my opinion of course). I’ve done a dozen or so cosmetic mods, exhaust flap controller, throttle controller, and piggyback tune (all Daehler).

Other than that, the car is a beast and I find reasons to run errands as often as possible!

[Gfit]

Very different vehicles. I have a 23 X3M and 24 X5M. Depends on what your budget and needs are.

[Jnat]

X3M owner here and first "real" M as had several M Lites, very happy with vehicle, no regerts! glwd...

[Logical]

Im also into tuning does anyone know how easy/hard it is to swap downpipes?

[Jnat]

[QUOTE=Logical;30809933]Im also into tuning does anyone know how easy/hard it is to swap downpipes?[/QUOTE

Maybe a little more difficult then other BMW downpipes. Keep in mind and do a little research that the factory downpipes are quite efficient and there have been several mid 10 second vehicles with stock downpipes and custom ethanol tunes. Even OTS can deliver high 10 second passes on ethanol with stock downpipes so decide what your after as always, sound or power! If it's sound then do a mid pipe and possibly a muffler but i just did an ER mid and it sounds great imo... and have it matched to an MHD tune. trucks a monster... glwd

[Davciedi]

Originally Posted by mikestpierre

I picked up a 2024 X4MC in late October and already have close to 10k miles on it.

I was disappointed in the sound system but ymmv.. I upgraded all the speakers with Focal and added an Alpha One amp and it couldn’t sound any better now (my opinion of course). I’ve done a dozen or so cosmetic mods, exhaust flap controller, throttle controller, and piggyback tune (all Daehler).

Other than that, the car is a beast and I find reasons to run errands as often as possible!

Which audio system came originally HiFi or harman? I have harman in my x4 g02 but can’t find any reliable options to upgrade it

[Info@mad-us.com]

It's a great car for what it is and a true M. If you need the extra cargo room I wouldn't hesitate.

[mikestpierre]

Originally Posted by Davciedi

Which audio system came originally HiFi or harman? I have harman in my x4 g02 but can’t find any reliable options to upgrade it

I had the HK system and upgraded everything, it’s so much better.

I just added a compact sub in the storage area under the floor in the back, added just enough more bass and I can’t imagine it getting much better.

[Harve10]

Justed ordered a X4Mc myself. Previously owned X6M, M5, and currently X6M50i. Clearly like the X6 model, but want to try something different…time will tell.

[bobo13]

I recently picked up a X4MC 2021.

I use it for daily, shopping, school runs etc on UK roads.

Ride is not uncomfortable at all, I dont get all the hate for the ride quality on here

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Originally Posted by bobo13

I recently picked up a X4MC 2021.

I use it for daily, shopping, school runs etc on UK roads.

Ride is not uncomfortable at all, I dont get all the hate for the ride quality on here

I could not agree with you more. Once one person says the ride is a little harsh then many others chime in & become engrained in thinking this issue is true for everyone else. I've had (1) X3M base + (3) X3M Competitions & not a single one of them experienced the stiff ride issue. Most people who make the "stiff ride" complaint are exaggerating things by a substantial margin. Firm, taught & sporty... ? Yes. But harsh, stiff & intolerable... ? Definitely not.

[95wildtt]

Originally Posted by Kevin_The_Clean1

I could not agree with you more. Once one person says the ride is a little harsh then many others chime in & become engrained in thinking this issue is true for everyone else. I've had (1) X3M base + (3) X3M Competitions & not a single one of them experienced the stiff ride issue. Most people who make the "stiff ride" complaint are exaggerating things by a substantial margin. Firm, taught & sporty... ? Yes. But harsh, stiff & intolerable... ? Definitely not.

It's a track tuned SUV, not sure what people expect...

[pdotc84]

Originally Posted by mikestpierre

I picked up a 2024 X4MC in late October and already have close to 10k miles on it.

I was disappointed in the sound system but ymmv.. I upgraded all the speakers with Focal and added an Alpha One amp and it couldn’t sound any better now (my opinion of course). I’ve done a dozen or so cosmetic mods, exhaust flap controller, throttle controller, and piggyback tune (all Daehler).

Other than that, the car is a beast and I find reasons to run errands as often as possible!

rough estimate of cost?

[mikestpierre]

Originally Posted by pdotc84

rough estimate of cost?

I bought the speakers secondhand, but I’ve used both Focal & Bavsound replacements and still can’t tell the difference. The Bavsound speakers and subwoofers are around $1650 (they’re usually on sale, right now it looks like 15% off)

The Alpha One amp was $1549, however it looks like the prices have increased ($1999) since I purchased it in October. Bimmertech’s amp is a rebranded Audiotech Fischer MatchUP 10 DSP amp, and can be found for less than the Alpha One online.

Once you have everything, it’s about 1-2 hours to install the speakers depending on how comfortable you are taking apart your car. The amp took about 15 minutes to install and set up. If you buy from BimmerTech, they pre-install the tune for your specific car. If you aren’t happy with the sound, You can use the free software to tune it yourself, or email them and tell them what you want changed.

I recently brought my X4M in for service and had my service advisor compare a stock X4 with HK and this system, he was blown away.

Definitely worth the time and $$

[pdotc84]

Originally Posted by mikestpierre

I bought the speakers secondhand, but I’ve used both Focal & Bavsound replacements and still can’t tell the difference. The Bavsound speakers and subwoofers are around $1650 (they’re usually on sale, right now it looks like 15% off)

The Alpha One amp was $1549, however it looks like the prices have increased ($1999) since I purchased it in October. Bimmertech’s amp is a rebranded Audiotech Fischer MatchUP 10 DSP amp, and can be found for less than the Alpha One online.

Once you have everything, it’s about 1-2 hours to install the speakers depending on how comfortable you are taking apart your car. The amp took about 15 minutes to install and set up. If you buy from BimmerTech, they pre-install the tune for your specific car. If you aren’t happy with the sound, You can use the free software to tune it yourself, or email them and tell them what you want changed.

I recently brought my X4M in for service and had my service advisor compare a stock X4 with HK and this system, he was blown away.

Definitely worth the time and $$

Thanks for the info I'm hopefully looking to pick up a X3/4MC soon and the audio is a big worry. I am by no means an audiophile but the bump in my Golf R has been great. I would like to keep that or better.

[jv004]

The harman kardon set up in the LCI X3/X4M is definitely a downgrade.
I'm not an audiophile and I listen to mostly audiobooks and podcasts but when
I do play some music it's really not the same as previous set ups.
So if you're looking for good sound then prepare to add an Amp or maybe upgrade the speakers.

[pdotc84]

Originally Posted by jv004

The harman kardon set up in the LCI X3/X4M is definitely a downgrade.
I'm not an audiophile and I listen to mostly audiobooks and podcasts but when
I do play some music it's really not the same as previous set ups.
So if you're looking for good sound then prepare to add an Amp or maybe upgrade the speakers.

Interesting that you say this. I have the Fender system in my Golf R and it bumps, and I see people are complaining about the Harmon upgrade in the newer Golf R's. I was able to do a test drive today and the ride is not harsh to me at all but me and the wife did raise our brows when I increased the volume.