[jjl]

Getting down to crunch time for me deciding between the M40i and X5 35i M Sport. How are you M40i owners liking the car? Would you make any changes to your order if you could do it again? Thanks.

[Seaz]

would we switch to a bigger slower more expensive car?

[jones99]

Test drive the M40i and then pass a car when going 40 to 50 miles per hour by punching down hard on the accelerator. The first time I did this, I was grinning like a Cheetah (does that even make sense). My wife punched me and told me to slow down. Honestly, it was like being shot from a gun. The more I drive the car, the more amazed I am by its performance. This is my 10th BMW.

[jjl]

Originally Posted by Seaz

would we switch to a bigger slower more expensive car?

No, I meant would you make any changes to your spec, add any options, delete options, etc. As for the X5 being more expensive, it's actually very close when it comes to lease numbers since the discounts are much steeper on the X5. That and i have two teens, so the X5's space is appreciated.

[jjl]

Originally Posted by jones99

Test drive the M40i and then pass a car when going 40 to 50 miles per hour by punching down hard on the accelerator. The first time I did this, I was grinning like a Cheetah (does that even make sense). My wife punched me and told me to slow down. Honestly, it was like being shot from a gun. The more I drive the car, the more amazed I am by its performance. This is my 10th BMW.

I can already forsee my wife giving me many disapproving looks if we get the M40i...i think I'm going to hear 'slow down' a lot. I did test drive it..really liked it.

[JSY]

Originally Posted by jjl

Getting down to crunch time for me deciding between the M40i and X5 35i M Sport. How are you M40i owners liking the car? Would you make any changes to your order if you could do it again? Thanks.

I've only had my car 2.5 weeks but I still feel as giddy about it as I did on day 1. The first time I punched it entering a highway from a stop sign, I didn't really think of it and I think almost gave myself whiplash. Haha, ok a little dramatic, but it sure feels that way if you're not ready for it.

If I did it again, I would have ordered Wireless Charging, not because of wireless charging which I don't want, but because it includes Enhanced Bluetooth which wasn't clear to me when I decided not to opt for it. As a result, I ended up having to code it in so I'm really happy with what I have now. I need to be able to read/listen/reply to text messages with my Android phone. I also have an iPhone which uses CarPlay which I did get but it's not my primary line.

[BMWDude2018]

I'll let you know in a few weeks. I'm coming from a 2014 X5 5.0i MSport. I like the X5, a lot. It has a ton of creature comforts and I will likely miss one or two when I move to the X3. The kids like the soft-close doors, which aren't available on the X3. They also like the interior LEDs, which are available and in more colors. I'll miss the comfort seats, but the X3 seats weren't bad.

All in all, the X5 is a good car and there's a few reasons why I want to change.

I don't like the split tailgate. As a shorter person, reaching the rear seat release levers is pretty hard when I have to reach from even farther back due to the lower tailgate.

I also don't like that the X5 doesn't have the kick-tailgate release. They don't offer it with the MSport. My 2014 Range Rover Sport had it and it was nice. My 535ix also had it. Very useful when carrying my hockey gear to the car and my hands were full.

There's some mechanical issues that are nagging.

I'll post more when the X3 arrives. I'm a little nervous about buying in the first model year, but I figure if I don't like it, I'll just buy another X5 next fall on the new G platform.

[Salespunk]

Love mine, but it was off the floor of my preferred dealer so we did not spec it. If I had it to do over, I would add adjustable suspension and ventilated seats. I don't think the standard suspension is bad and I don't need the vented seats, but I like to have my cars fully loaded for the one time I feel like using something.

[jjl]

Adaptive M is the first option i would tick off after my experience with the stock suspension in the X5. Would also include wireless charging for the enhanced bluetooth, and chances are pretty good i'd get a compatible phone before the lease was up. I'm 5'8 and the split tailgate on the X5 never bothered me, in fact i think it's a great design. I did notice the loading height does seem quite a bit lower on the M40i than the X5. The kick tailgate feature - i just open the trunk before i get to the car but sure, why not.

[KAP8]

My wife loves hers. So much so that she leaves it in the garage and drives her Honda Civic.

[bwcooper]

Things I love:
Acceleration from 50 to 85 (I had to put a warning in to keep me from unknowingly getting even faster--it is so smooth!)
Handling on windy roads
LED adaptive lights with Auto High Beam
Infotainment System--very intuitive
Phytonic Blue!
Interior lighting and light curtains
Maneuverability in tight areas (parking lots) vs a larger SUV
Being able to send destination for upcoming trip from my Smart Phone to the car
Heads Up Display--never had it before and it's awesome

Things I'm not as wild about:
Loss of cargo space after getting compact spare
I do have some creaks coming from rear head rests--need to see if that can be fixed
Rear seat is cramped for three adults
Wireless Charging doesn't always connect--could be my phone??
Wish it had electric tilt on steering wheel (like my Lexus had) so it could move out of the way when car was turned off to ease entry/exit

[jjl]

Originally Posted by bwcooper

Things I love:
Acceleration from 50 to 85 (I had to put a warning in to keep me from unknowingly getting even faster--it is so smooth!)
Handling on windy roads
LED adaptive lights with Auto High Beam
Infotainment System--very intuitive
Phytonic Blue!
Interior lighting and light curtains
Maneuverability in tight areas (parking lots) vs a larger SUV
Being able to send destination for upcoming trip from my Smart Phone to the car
Heads Up Display--never had it before and it's awesome

Things I'm not as wild about:
Loss of cargo space after getting compact spare
I do have some creaks coming from rear head rests--need to see if that can be fixed
Rear seat is cramped for three adults
Wireless Charging doesn't always connect--could be my phone??
Wish it had electric tilt on steering wheel (like my Lexus had) so it could move out of the way when car was turned off to ease entry/exit

Your list of concerns is very similar to mine. I won't be getting a compact spare. maybe some wd40 will solve the squeaks. noticed the lack of electric tilt during my test drive..seems odd and a little chintzy on a car so otherwise loaded.

[Kief]

I'm concerned about the reduced cargo space if I get the spare option, b/c the run flats will be gone at delivery. Is the reduction in space really that problematic?

[KAP8]

Originally Posted by bwcooper

Things I love:

Wireless Charging doesn't always connect--could be my phone??

Same with our G01. If I set my phone on the charging tray the light will normally change to blue to indicate charging, but if it moves a hair, it often turns red even though it is still on the tray.

Very odd.

[sor]

I’ve only tried iPhone X, but it charges every which way I throw it on. Use it every day.

[bwcooper]

Originally Posted by Kief

I'm concerned about the reduced cargo space if I get the spare option, b/c the run flats will be gone at delivery. Is the reduction in space really that problematic?

I mostly dislike that it makes the rear loading area have a step up. Probably won't miss the 3 inches in height that much, though it does make loading my golf clubs a bit tighter, since they have to fit into the cubbies on both sides and it gives me a bit less vertical diagonal room when sliding them in. They do fit, though.

If you are getting rid of the RFT's, then I would go ahead and get it. If you are getting it as just an extra precaution (as I did), then you might think twice about it.

[bwcooper]

Originally Posted by KAP8

Same with our G01. If I set my phone on the charging tray the light will normally change to blue to indicate charging, but if it moves a hair, it often turns red even though it is still on the tray.

Very odd.

Yeah, mine turns blue about half the time. Never seen it turn red. Often just ignores the fact I put the phone there. I do have a thin leather case on the phone, and I'll try it without that (though it is real hard to take off!!). Doesn't worry me too much though since I can also charge the old fashioned way if necessary.

The ordering website required me to order the Wireless the day I ordered it (dealer couldn't delete it) though that appears to have been a short term bug in their system. I do like the Enhanced Bluetooth and extra USB, so I was on the fence about ordering it just for those features... bug just made the decision for me....

[kozzi]

Originally Posted by bwcooper

Things I love:
Acceleration from 50 to 85 (I had to put a warning in to keep me from unknowingly getting even faster--it is so smooth!)
Handling on windy roads
LED adaptive lights with Auto High Beam
Infotainment System--very intuitive
Phytonic Blue!
Interior lighting and light curtains
Maneuverability in tight areas (parking lots) vs a larger SUV
Being able to send destination for upcoming trip from my Smart Phone to the car
Heads Up Display--never had it before and it's awesome

Things I'm not as wild about:
Loss of cargo space after getting compact spare
I do have some creaks coming from rear head rests--need to see if that can be fixed
Rear seat is cramped for three adults
Wireless Charging doesn't always connect--could be my phone??
Wish it had electric tilt on steering wheel (like my Lexus had) so it could move out of the way when car was turned off to ease entry/exit

As soon as I realized you lose a few inches in height with the compact spare tire, I removed that option. I need as much space as possible in the boot and it is just enough to keep me out of a larger X5.

Rear seats work well for 3 teenagers and the few times I had 3 adults in the back, it was for only short distances. Did you recline the rear seats? It helps.

Wireless charging works extremely well with my SG 8S+. The non-slip rubber surface keeps it glued to the pad and constantly charging. I changed the gesture control for "poke your eyes out" to the microphone button and the interaction between information on the phone via iDrive is awesome. The only thing lacking would have been the ability to screen mirror the phone to the infotainment screen.

[Kief]

Originally Posted by bwcooper

I mostly dislike that it makes the rear loading area have a step up. Probably won't miss the 3 inches in height that much, though it does make loading my golf clubs a bit tighter, since they have to fit into the cubbies on both sides and it gives me a bit less vertical diagonal room when sliding them in. They do fit, though.

If you are getting rid of the RFT's, then I would go ahead and get it. If you are getting it as just an extra precaution (as I did), then you might think twice about it.

We always get the spare tire option on our X5s, b/c we remove the runflats.
The 21s are non-negotiable, but I'm not paying the ridiculous cost to replace them in OE spec sizes: 245/40/21; 275/35/21. So I plan to run 255/40/21; 285/35/21 traditional tires as they are less expensive and have more availability.

[bwcooper]

Originally Posted by kozzi

As soon as I realized you lose a few inches in height with the compact spare tire, I removed that option. I need as much space as possible in the boot and it is just enough to keep me out of a larger X5.

Rear seats work well for 3 teenagers and the few times I had 3 adults in the back, it was for only short distances. Did you recline the rear seats? It helps.

Wireless charging works extremely well with my SG 8S+. The non-slip rubber surface keeps it glued to the pad and constantly charging. I changed the gesture control for "poke your eyes out" to the microphone button and the interaction between information on the phone via iDrive is awesome. The only thing lacking would have been the ability to screen mirror the phone to the infotainment screen.

I have reclined the seats, and it does help. My sons and I are all over 6'2" so someone has to sit in the back and that gets tight, especially if they can't swing their legs over to use space in the middle. I actually use the second driver seat position on the car (since my wife doesn't drive it) for my "pull the seat up so my son can sit behind me" mode!

You do know that screen mirroring is available, right? Just doesn't work if car is moving. I think that is outlawed in US to prevent driver from watching a video or something on the screen while driving. You can also insert a DVD movie and watch it on the screen, again if not moving.

[kozzi]

Originally Posted by bwcooper

I have reclined the seats, and it does help. My sons and I are all over 6'2" so someone has to sit in the back and that gets tight, especially if they can't swing their legs over to use space in the middle. I actually use the second driver seat position on the car (since my wife doesn't drive it) for my "pull the seat up so my son can sit behind me" mode!

You do know that screen mirroring is available, right? Just doesn't work if car is moving. I think that is outlawed in US to prevent driver from watching a video or something on the screen while driving. You can also insert a DVD movie and watch it on the screen, again if not moving.

I knew about the DVD but did not know about mirroring your phone (Android). The BMW Genius at the dealership said it wasn't possible. I will have to fuss around with that.

So if screen mirroring is available and it can be coded to operate while in motion (like watching a DVD), can you operate the phone via the iDrive infotainment touchscreen? What about in split-screen mode? That would be sick!

[bwcooper]

Originally Posted by kozzi

I knew about the DVD but did not know about mirroring your phone (Android). The BMW Genius at the dealership said it wasn't possible. I will have to fuss around with that.

So if screen mirroring is available and it can be coded to operate while in motion (like watching a DVD), can you operate the phone via the iDrive infotainment touchscreen? What about in split-screen mode? That would be sick!

This BMW video shows how to set it up.

My understanding is that the phone screen just displays on the infotainment screen which is basically like adding an external monitor to your phone. Don't think the infotainment controls can be used to adjust the phone, though. I could be wrong though.