[BMW DIY Guy]

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I was really excited to get my hands on the brand new X3M Competition, if for nothing else to drive the new S58 motor. This is the first platform that features the motor for the upcoming //M models such as the G87 M2, G80 M3 and the G82 M4. I really saw it as an excuse to drive something, ANYTHING with that much talked about motor.. then I drove the X3M Comp!

If your M2 button is set to Sport Plus everything you better have a traffic defense attorney on speed dial. Incredibly quick, remarkably responsive and startling in how good it really is!

As was recently shown at the Sachenring circuit in Germany, the X3M Comp is only 0.04 slower than the M4 Competition, and faster than the Lamborghini Urus! I feel like the X3 can the be overlooked model, the 'little brother' to the bigger //M's, especially the X5M Comp.

This is no little brother, but a fire breathing performance car with room for 5 plus a back full of groceries and a bike on the roof rack! (Secure all cargo for sure.. you are going to need to do so!)

I am really impressed by this car, not just the motor, and it deserves a first AND second look.

Make sure to check it out if you get a chance!

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

Nice review BMW DIY Guy...

[cfm56d7b]

Very nice video and another data point why X3M/X4M will continue to sell and sell well. Is the exterior color Donington Grey?

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

Very nice video and another data point why X3M/X4M will continue to sell and sell well. Is the exterior color Donington Grey?

Yessir.. Donington Grey exterior. 8)

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by BMW DIY Guy

Yessir.. Donington Grey exterior. 8)

In that case, extra points are due for selecting the vehicle with the best exterior color for review.

[Sedan_Clan]

It's a handsome performance SUV.

[GOLFFRR]

these are such great fun rides.

[YolkyPalky]

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

these are such great fun rides.

Since you’ve surely driven both, can you give a quick comparison of how the drive and feel of the X3MC compares to the X5MC? For someone in the market for one or the other.

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by YolkyPalky

Since you’ve surely driven both, can you give a quick comparison of how the drive and feel of the X3MC compares to the X5MC? For someone in the market for one or the other.

Ah man.. now that is a hard question... since driving a ton of the models lately, my dream garage has been an M2 CS on one side, and an X5M Comp on the other.

But, you ask a STELLAR question.

First the X5M Comp feels big.. doesnt drive BIG if you know what I mean, but feels big, and I was honestly impressed by it for handling, quickness and ease of the drive. I immediately wanted one honestly.

The X3M Comp.. definitely smaller than the X5 (duh, I know) but in Sport Plus everything was just SILLY in power application. For only a brief drive and not knowing the car well, it was almost too much.. like sport plus everything, hit it a LITTLE and holy crap good god, sorry residential or downtown street kinda fast.

I guess choosing between the two really depends on how you would use it. If I needed an SUV, but could only have one car.. I would probably take the X3Mc simply to be slightly smaller, a little closer to the small wheel base (M2C etc) that I love so much. Not out of any criticism of the X5Mc, but more trying to find the best of both worlds, size and power.

If it was a second car where the other side of the garage is the M2 or small wheel base good weather M car.. well I would do the X5Mc instead for sure. The thought of loading up 5 people, plus gear and even stuff on the roof and tearing the tires off level performance is rather enticing.

I will also say I think between the X3 and X5, the X5 looks more aggressive especially with dark colors.

[YolkyPalky]

Originally Posted by BMW DIY Guy

Ah man.. now that is a hard question... since driving a ton of the models lately, my dream garage has been an M2 CS on one side, and an X5M Comp on the other.

But, you ask a STELLAR question.

First the X5M Comp feels big.. doesnt drive BIG if you know what I mean, but feels big, and I was honestly impressed by it for handling, quickness and ease of the drive. I immediately wanted one honestly.

The X3M Comp.. definitely smaller than the X5 (duh, I know) but in Sport Plus everything was just SILLY in power application. For only a brief drive and not knowing the car well, it was almost too much.. like sport plus everything, hit it a LITTLE and holy crap good god, sorry residential or downtown street kinda fast.

I guess choosing between the two really depends on how you would use it. If I needed an SUV, but could only have one car.. I would probably take the X3Mc simply to be slightly smaller, a little closer to the small wheel base (M2C etc) that I love so much. Not out of any criticism of the X5Mc, but more trying to find the best of both worlds, size and power.

If it was a second car where the other side of the garage is the M2 or small wheel base good weather M car.. well I would do the X5Mc instead for sure. The thought of loading up 5 people, plus gear and even stuff on the roof and tearing the tires off level performance is rather enticing.

I will also say I think between the X3 and X5, the X5 looks more aggressive especially with dark colors.

Very well said.

In your video I was hoping you'd open the X3MC tailgate to show the cargo area (or perhaps lack thereof, for an SUV anyway). I think your description is right though, it pretty much is good only for some bags of groceries, unless you fold the seats down, would you agree?

I think I need a bigger cargo area (without folding seats down) for all the kids gear, I coach Little League so all that gear, etc.

So while the prospect of a lighter, perhaps more nimble and edgy high-performance SUV is enticing, I think for my purposes I need the cargo-practicality that the X5MC would have.

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by YolkyPalky

Very well said.

In your video I was hoping you'd open the X3MC tailgate to show the cargo area (or perhaps lack thereof, for an SUV anyway). I think your description is right though, it pretty much is good only for some bags of groceries, unless you fold the seats down, would you agree?

I think I need a bigger cargo area (without folding seats down) for all the kids gear, I coach Little League so all that gear, etc.

So while the prospect of a lighter, perhaps more nimble and edgy high-performance SUV is enticing, I think for my purposes I need the cargo-practicality that the X5MC would have.

Well if you are looking at a full vehicle of people AND gear, I would probably lean towards the X5Mc more than the X3. Both are amazing choices but for a little more room.. yeah.. X5M Comp by comparison for sure.

[Transfer]

Hey that's a good chunk of my after work commute haha! Great video and nice to hear another person say it's fast and reasonably comfortable, which is my opinion. As an owner with now 12k miles on mine, I still feel it is really a special car that expertly fits the "utility M" niche that so many of us have wanted.

[GOLFFRR]

Originally Posted by YolkyPalky

Since you’ve surely driven both, can you give a quick comparison of how the drive and feel of the X3MC compares to the X5MC? For someone in the market for one or the other.

I had a x3MC as a demo for a few weeks a couple times and the car is so much fun. I loved it, almost considered getting one full time for a year but for me the only thing that held me back was the size. I am 6'3" and although I fit in the ride no problem, the x5 just seems to fit me a little better. Now as far as comparing the 2, the x3 is a rocket, and the x5 is a missile. both are way more then you would ever need it would come down to more about size and luxury IMO. IF you want a bigger car then obv you know the x5, and vice versus. The x5 is more luxurious and has more features however its a lot more expensive also. The x3 seem to have a little more of a stiffer ride over the x5 but nothing that would bother me personally. Def with any comparison you personally need to go drive both as everyone will want different requirements.

[Lady Jane]

Originally Posted by BMW DIY Guy

Well if you are looking at a full vehicle of people AND gear, I would probably lean towards the X5Mc more than the X3. Both are amazing choices but for a little more room.. yeah.. X5M Comp by comparison for sure.

I'm not sure that individuals who are buying an X3MC care much about a load of kids, dogs and cargo. If they are, they're in the wrong vehicle.

This vehicle is more for people like me. Single, practical and a need for speed.



Loved the vid BTW.

[BMW DIY Guy]

Originally Posted by Lady Jane

I'm not sure that individuals who are buying an X3MC care much about a load of kids, dogs and cargo. If they are, they're in the wrong vehicle.

This vehicle is more for people like me. Single, practical and a need for speed.



Loved the vid BTW.

Thank you.. riding a 1200RT as well? I picked up a K1600 GTL almost a year ago now and barely ridden it yet.

*laugh* I get that too.. its still that idea setup though right? Even if I was without kids/cargo/dog, I would love that idea short wheel-based M on one side, and probably the X5M on the other just for hauling stuff when it happens.

Its days like today, as I watch the sky for snowflakes, that the M2C wont even put a foot outside the garage I wish it had an X3M stablemate. 8)

Folks in Washington LOSE THEIR EVER LOVING MINDS when it snows, even a trace.. its unreal.

[Lady Jane]

Originally Posted by BMW DIY Guy

Thank you.. riding a 1200RT as well?

Yes and it's hard to live-up to my moniker with a fully loaded touring bike....

[richard in NC]

Originally Posted by YolkyPalky

Since you’ve surely driven both, can you give a quick comparison of how the drive and feel of the X3MC compares to the X5MC? For someone in the market for one or the other.

I've not driven the X5MC but I did drive the X5 M50i. Both the X3MC & X5MC would excel in raw performance, handling, and cargo space. The X5MC adds more low end torque, jet like power in the V8, passenger room and more luxury level features (massage, power auto-tilt wheel, more leather surfaces, etc), but at a price, the X3MC in the $80K range, and the X5MC starting $120K I believe.
And yes, the X5MC would sit higher and feel bigger than the X3MC.

Also note, the X3M has plenty of cargo space for most needs. I just picked up an office chair in a 26"x28"x15" box laying flat on the floor under the cover, and had plenty of room for a full load of groceries along side of it. Dropping the rear seats adds a ton more space.

[AIRHEIR]

I have an 18 f80 comp and picked up a X3Mc for the wife about 16 months ago. Have about 18k miles on the odometer.

Quick overview of the X3M what the car is capable of should not be possible considering it's an SUV. I have had the chance to drive it on the Dragon and all I can say is this thing has loads of grips and wants to pull out of the corners like it's nobody's business. The only knock on it is that it does suffer from turbo lag which is especially noticeable to me coming from the F80.

If I had only 1 M car and needed to haul stuff around the X3M would be the car for me.

I have a golden doodle that fits perfectly fine in the cargo area. I have the spacer saver spare which takes away some of the height available but otherwise there is plenty of room for stuff.

All the reviews that bash it for a stiff ride should not be driving this type of car. Is the ride stiff? Compared to what ?

My m3 then no.....if we comparing to regular x3 then yes. But then why wouldn't it be...if it's going to have a M badge on it and a proper M motor I also expect it to corner like an M and the only way to get there will be stiffer ride. So all these whiny "journalists" that complain about harsh ride are completely lost.

Recently we had about 10 inches on the ground and I have the snow tires fitted and this thing went everywhere. I got to work faster because no one on the road plus I was easily able to travel at higher speeds with full confidence in its abilities.

So in summary don't sleep on this thing. If you need a practical load carrying M vehicle this is the one for you plus it's Lion-O the golden doodle approved. Hehe.

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by AIRHEIR

I have an 18 f80 comp and picked up a X3Mc for the wife about 16 months ago. Have about 18k miles on the odometer.

Quick overview of the X3M what the car is capable of should not be possible considering it's an SUV. I have had the chance to drive it on the Dragon and all I can say is this thing has loads of grips and wants to pull out of the corners like it's nobody's business. The only knock on it is that it does suffer from turbo lag which is especially noticeable to me coming from the F80.

If I had only 1 M car and needed to haul stuff around the X3M would be the car for me.

I have a golden doodle that fits perfectly fine in the cargo area. I have the spacer saver spare which takes away some of the height available but otherwise there is plenty of room for stuff.

All the reviews that bash it for a stiff ride should not be driving this type of car. Is the ride stiff? Compared to what ?

My m3 then no.....if we comparing to regular x3 then yes. But then why wouldn't it be...if it's going to have a M badge on it and a proper M motor I also expect it to corner like an M and the only way to get there will be stiffer ride. So all these whiny "journalists" that complain about harsh ride are completely lost.

Recently we had about 10 inches on the ground and I have the snow tires fitted and this thing went everywhere. I got to work faster because no one on the road plus I was easily able to travel at higher speeds with full confidence in its abilities.

So in summary don't sleep on this thing. If you need a practical load carrying M vehicle this is the one for you plus it's Lion-O the golden doodle approved. Hehe.

Could not agree more, also coming from an F80 ZCP. I was set to order an F90C, then happened to drive the F97 by chance one day because I went to test drive another F90, and they didn't have it when I got there (I'm bad at checking my VMs lol). They had an X3M there, which I'd been keeping on the back burner, so I gave it a whirl. Was blown away. Test drove another one that was used, which a forum member had posted about selling (had MSS springs, and some other mods), and I loved it even more. I was honestly ready to just give them the keys to my F80, but I wanted a custom order.

Now I'm all set to order an F98 in the next few days. I still think about getting the F90, but it's just a longer M3 in terms of utility, which I don't need, and I really liked the shorter wheel base and bonkers performance of the F97/8. Reminded me more of my F80 than the F90 did, plus I get a bit of utility out of it and won't have to bother my wife to drive her beloved Macan

I slept on this car for a long while, although I've been following this forum since it was introduced. Really have to drive it to appreciate it. It's not harsh at all, and if it feels so, just pick up some MSS springs and be done for like $1k.

Just an all around fantastic car.

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by AIRHEIR

I have an 18 f80 comp and picked up a X3Mc for the wife about 16 months ago. Have about 18k miles on the odometer. ... So in summary don't sleep on this thing. If you need a practical load carrying M vehicle this is the one for you plus it's Lion-O the golden doodle approved. Hehe.

Originally Posted by spuntyb

Could not agree more, also coming from an F80 ZCP. ... Just an all around fantastic car.

Agree with both of you. Will add one thing that doesn't get talked about much, maybe since in-depth comparison testing hasn't been done (?) - does the pano roof affect handling? My wife's X3MC was purchased off the lot so it came with the roof (have never opened it), but I custom-ordered mine fully loaded but with the M Driver's package which allowed deletion of the roof (specifically ordered so I could get sans pano).

With about 12K on each of our X3MCs, with much of the mileage in hers as Driver, I've got to say there is a distinct difference in handling between the two, with mine feeling more agile and responsive. One could reasonably argue I'm unconsciously believing it to be true. But I do think if I were blinded and drove two otherwise identical vehicles aside from the roof, with decent seat time in both it would become clear rather quickly which had the pano.

Whether that has to do solely with the 50+ extra pounds sitting at the highest point and affecting CG, or whether the additional bracing used in those with the pano, or a combination of both, hard to tell, but I'd be curious if anyone else has had a chance to extensively drive both and has noticed a difference.

[richard in NC]

Originally Posted by Max Well

With about 12K on each of our X3MCs, with much of the mileage in hers as Driver, I've got to say there is a distinct difference in handling between the two, with mine feeling more agile and responsive. One could reasonably argue I'm unconsciously believing it to be true. But I do think if I were blinded and drove two otherwise identical vehicles aside from the roof, with decent seat time in both it would become clear rather quickly which had the pano.

Whether that has to do solely with the 50+ extra pounds sitting at the highest point and affecting CG, or whether the additional bracing used in those with the pano, or a combination of both, hard to tell, but I'd be curious if anyone else has had a chance to extensively drive both and has noticed a difference.

Just a guess but I'd say back to back, you "could" notice a difference, just like adding cargo, or different wheels, tires.

Would it make a difference in lateral G's? Probably barely measurable. Would it make a difference in lap times? Maybe by a pro to win races, but I personally wouldn't delete the pano sunroof just for a few 10ths.
PS: I did get a non-sunroof M2C but that's the more popular choice in that model. So therefore I wanted it in the X3M.

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by Max Well

Agree with both of you. Will add one thing that doesn't get talked about much, maybe since in-depth comparison testing hasn't been done (?) - does the pano roof affect handling? My wife's X3MC was purchased off the lot so it came with the roof (have never opened it), but I custom-ordered mine fully loaded but with the M Driver's package which allowed deletion of the roof (specifically ordered so I could get sans pano).

With about 12K on each of our X3MCs, with much of the mileage in hers as Driver, I've got to say there is a distinct difference in handling between the two, with mine feeling more agile and responsive. One could reasonably argue I'm unconsciously believing it to be true. But I do think if I were blinded and drove two otherwise identical vehicles aside from the roof, with decent seat time in both it would become clear rather quickly which had the pano.

Whether that has to do solely with the 50+ extra pounds sitting at the highest point and affecting CG, or whether the additional bracing used in those with the pano, or a combination of both, hard to tell, but I'd be curious if anyone else has had a chance to extensively drive both and has noticed a difference.

Maybe back to back drives you would notice it when pushed to its limits, but I don't think it's measurable, probably just a feel thing. Seat of the pants. I don't need the full utility of the F97, so thinking the same thing about the moonroof, but still wanting the moonroof for the kids, I split the difference and am going with the F98 with the smaller moonroof and slightly lower cog. Doubt it matters much, but