[danniexi]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

Just a place to share thoughts and pictures of my 2022 X3M Comp LCI. Eventually I’ll get a decent build going with this one.

2022 X3M Competition
Color: Brooklyn Grey
Interior: Black Merino Leather
Trim: Carbon Fiber

Options:

• Executive Package
• Competition Pack
• Style 892M 21” Wheels
• Driving Assistance Pro
• Ventilated Seats
• Remote Start
• Mobility Kit

I wish I had better pictures but I haven’t had any time at all to take my camera and take a few photos.

I took delivery on Aug 12th. I picked it up at the dealership and immediately drove straight to the detailer for a FULL PPF and full ceramic coat (including wheels and calipers). With kids and no free time, I didn’t want to take any chances when it comes to washing or taking care of the exterior. I figured it’d be best to invest in the full PPF so the very few times I wash the car, I can half-ass it and not worry about potential damage. After 10 days with the detailers, I finally picked the car up on the 25th.

With only a regular weekend, I was able to put about 200 miles on the car with the family. It’s a family car/daily, though I commute via public transport to work, so mileage will accumulate very slowly. Coming from an F80 M3, my first impressions on this platform so far… I’m enjoying the car and have no regrets with it whatsoever. This is the first time I’ve ever driven an X3M and even owning an SUV.

A few personal thoughts in reference to what people ask the most…

1. Suspension/Steering: It’s a comfortable car. The chassis is stiff and suspension firm, but not at ALL uncomfortable. The car does a great job cutting out harsh crashes over potholes/imperfections of the road. I’m not sure why people have such criticisms over the car. I’m sure it either comes to people’s expectations of an “SUV” or them being the first time owner of an M car. Or maybe it’s the recent changes BMW have made with the LCI car. Or the fact that I’ve lived with a lowered M3 for six years… because the X3M is easily WAY more comfortable than that. I will say, however, that deep undulations upset the balance of the car and it has a tendency to rock back and forth in “comfort” mode. That and NVH isn’t that great on the highway, though I am inclined to blame that on the stock Continental tires the car came with. But handling is still great and kinda ridiculous for an SUV. Highway on-ramps, roundabouts, this car feels like my F80 but as a slightly lifted wagon. That was my expectation and I’m glad it has met them, and hoping it will exceed them in the future as I proceed to push the car harder after break-in. Steering was very quick and precise too. A bit on the lighter side, but it doesn’t have that vague dead-center feel of my F80. And omg, the turning radius! I can make a U-turn in one try. And dare I say it, I’m looking at suspension mods too. I’m not fond of HAS systems, so my eyes are on either H&R or Dinan (Eibach wouldve been nice to though those aren’t available in the US).

2. Engine: Obviously, I’m only in the break-in phase so I have yet to really push it to the limit. During my weekend drive, I was able to stretch the car’s legs and push it to triple digits without fuss. Dare I say it, it was TOO easy to hit those speeds. It was effortless and drama free. There is NO turbo lag. Yes, the meat of the torque bad was a tiny bit higher compared to my tuned S55, but dropping a gear and pushing the throttle pulled the car with all of the torque I expected from a FI engine. Throttle response was instantaneous, in fact, maybe better than the S55. Everyone complains of turbo lag, but the moment I pressed the throttle in the *proper gear*, the engine responded instantly. I can’t wait to push it to redline and eventually go to jail for reckless driving.

3. Gearbox: It’s my first time using the ZF8 gearbox. Coming from a DCT, I was a little wary I wouldn’t like it. But damn it, this thing is impressive. It changes gears so quickly, almost imperceptible compared to the dual clutch. It does what I want it to, and that’s all the praise a gearbox needs. Around town, it’s even better because it’s an automatic. Where the DCT would buck and be clumsy from 0-5MPH and 5-0MPH, the ZF was smoother than butter. The one and ONLY complaint I have with this gearbox was the crispness of the downshifts. Dare I say it, too smooth? The DCT would make down-changes an *event* and give you that little nudge, whereas the ZF8 lacks drama. In spirited driving, I’m sure the ZF8 is better performing as it wouldn’t upset the rear end when changing gears, but the DCT made it a tiny bit more fun.

4. Misc: I’m loving the tech. ID7 is great, responsive, and easy to use. I haven’t had any connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay, and having Maps directions come up into my HUD is a great plus. Seats are comfortable and the ventilated option does well removing moisture from my back. Drivers Assistance Pro is also amazing too. On long stretches of highway, I barely had my left hand on the steering wheel and the car ferried my entire family to our destination without issue. Coming back home, I hit a bit of traffic, and eventually the Assist Plus option came on. I selected it and the green bars on the steering wheel illuminated. Next thing you know, I’m sitting there with my arms crossed while the car drove itself without any intervention from me whatsoever. Witchcraft (probably not that amazing to others but it’s my first time experiencing any sort of autonomous driving and I was dumbfounded by it). Rear seats are spacious as is the trunk. Remote start is a life saver for the summer (and I assume for the winter as well). Comfort Access is so much more seamless now with the car locking/unlocking on its own without me reaching for the keys.

As a family hauler, it’s already obvious this car will serve me well. I bought this car to replace my F80 as the sedan was, although doable, a bit tight carrying two kids and the crap load of baggage they bring along with them. I would’ve upgraded to the G80, but the trunk space was exactly the same, so that would be pointless. It’s all but been confirmed that the G81 won’t be coming to the US (boo), so that leaves the X3MC for my daddy-duty needs. It’s too early to tell, but I’m hoping the X3M will also serve as a “fun” car for the rare times I am in the car alone, feeding my need for enthusiastic driving while also doing the school run with both kiddos in the back.

That’s it for now. Need more seat time for better impressions on the car. And also, tons of research needed for the modding to begin (suspension and exhaust). I’m hoping some parts will show up for the LCI specific parts (CF bits for the front end), or maybe I’ll just leave it stock since it’s blacked out from the factory. Also flip-flopping on summer wheels, though getting a dedicated winter set will be a must in my opinion. Eh, we’ll see how it goes.

Special thanks to:
- Rich Isaac and Greg Pol at BMW of Manhattan
- @IND-Distribution
- getbmwparts



MODS:
- Full Xpel PPF (entire car including roof)
- Full Ceramic Pro 9H (including wheels/brakes)
- Xpel Prime XR Window Tint (30% front, 70% rear, 70% windshield)
- iND-Distribution front painted reflectors
- OEM G8X CF Steering Wheel Shift Paddles
- OEM M-Performance CF/Leather Steering Wheel Trim
- Eventuri CF Air Intake System
- OEM Carbon Fiber Strut Brace
- OEM M-Performance CF Gas Cap + OEM LED Door Projectors with M-Performance LED Projector Slides
- Akrapovic Titanium Slip-On Exhaust + Evolution Link Pipe
- OEM M-Performance Flow-Through Rear Spoiler with iND Custom Paint Scheme
- iND-Distribution OEM Painted Roundels + Floating Wheel Center Caps
- CG Precision VSC-2 Exhaust Valve Controller
- Indiv X3M LCI Carbon Fiber Center Console Trim
- OEM M-Performance Carbon Fiber Grill Surround
- Carbon Fiber Side Mirror Caps
- 3D Design X3M Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser
- OEM M-Performance Carbon Fiber Side Air Ducts
- Autotecknic Carbon Fiber Side Vent Trim
- Autotecknic Red Audio Button
- No-Name F97 X3M LCI Carbon Fiber Front Lip Splitter
- Icedriver CSL Style Yellow LED DRLs
- H&R Sport Springs + Dinan Bumpstops
- OEM Digital Key Retrofit
- Indiv Carbon Fiber Cooling Shroud
- SOOQOO Carbon Fiber Brake Duct from RW Carbon
- VTT Carbon Fiber Cross Brace


















MODIFICATION JOURNEY

UPDATE: 09/05/2021


UPDATE: 09/13/2021


UPDATE: 10/13/2021


UPDATE: 10/18/2021


UPDATE: 10/28/2021


UPDATE: 05/11/2022


UPDATE: 05/13/2022


UPDATE: 06/29/2022


UPDATE: 06/29/2022


UPDATE: 08/05/2022



UPDATE: 08/05/2022


UPDATE: 08/05/2022


UPDATE: 08/09/2022


UPDATE: 08/17/2022


UPDATE: 08/17/2022


UPDATE: 08/17/2022


UPDATE: 09/29/2022


UPDATE: 04/12/2023


UPDATE: 06/30/2023


UPDATE: 07/07/2023


UPDATE: 04/24/2024


UPDATE: 06/05/2024


UPDATE: 07/09/2024

[mature banana]

I really like the exterior changes and that color looks nice. Congratulations on your purchase!

[///minh]

Congrats again danniexi and thank you for the thread. Beautiful car outside and inside.

I myself soon to be an x3m/suv owner. Cannot wait to take delivery and share my story on my own bike thread.

[Kevin_The_Clean1]

@ danniexi Nice choice man. Can't wait to retrofit the 892M wheels to our pre-LCI cars / SAV's soon. The S58 is superb huh.

[grizzy727]

looks great!!!

[M4Ghost]

Makes me excited

[harperium]

Do you find that the larger black region in the rear draws attention away from the black quad exhaust tips? At least in the photos it makes the quad pipes harder to see vs the pre-LCI.

[JP30]

Congrats - nice summary and glad you have enjoyed the car so far. This color is easily my new favorite

[IND-Distribution]

Stunning! Congratulations!

[danniexi]

Originally Posted by mature banana

I really like the exterior changes and that color looks nice. Congratulations on your purchase!

Originally Posted by ///minh

Congrats again danniexi and thank you for the thread. Beautiful car outside and inside.

As myself soon to be an x3m/suv owner. Cannot wait to take delivery and share my story on my own bike thread.

Originally Posted by Kevin_The_Clean1

@ danniexi Nice choice man. Can't wait to retrofit the 892M wheels to our pre-LCI cars / SAV's soon. The S58 is superb huh.

Originally Posted by grizzy727

looks great!!!

Originally Posted by x3mghost

Makes me excited

Originally Posted by JP30

Congrats - nice summary and glad you have enjoyed the car so far. This color is easily my new favorite

thank you all

Originally Posted by harperium

Do you find that the larger black region in the rear draws attention away from the black quad exhaust tips? At least in the photos it makes the quad pipes harder to see vs the pre-LCI.

i’d probably say so. the diffuser really is dark and with the black tips, they can get easily lost. never really paid attention to it though. at certain angles, tips are easily visible. i’m thinking a CF diffuser may bring some contrast to the rear, though I haven’t decided which one I actually like… aftermarket is sparce.

Originally Posted by IND-Distribution

Stunning! Congratulations!

thank you! i find it equally stunning y’all gave me a tracking number on the front reflectors within five minutes of my ordering.

[Bimma30]

It's weird how your welcome carpet lighting shows the same as mine where one side looks shorter than the other.

[Tim@codemybimmer]

Congrats! Excited to see you enjoying it so far!

Originally Posted by Bimma30

It's weird how your welcome carpet lighting shows the same as mine where one side looks shorter than the other.

The light carpet is probably just out of alignment on the one side.

You can adjust it with a 5/32" allen wrench underneath where the light holder is.

[Barry9020]

beautiful car man congrats! is remote start a standard feature on the lci? i cant seem to find a option for it on bmwusa when building the x3m

[JJ 911SC]

Originally Posted by Barry9020

beautiful car man congrats! is remote start a standard feature on the lci? i cant seem to find a option for it on bmwusa when building the x3m

Probably is, as it's an option for the M401 (LCI) that can be bough upfront or later through the BMW ConnectedDrive Store

[danniexi]

Originally Posted by Tim@codemybimmer

Congrats! Excited to see you enjoying it so far!

The light carpet is probably just out of alignment on the one side.

You can adjust it with a 5/32" allen wrench underneath where the light holder is.

thank you! and yes, i saw another post regarding the light carpet adjustment. will fiddle around with it when i have the time.

Originally Posted by Barry9020

beautiful car man congrats! is remote start a standard feature on the lci? i cant seem to find a option for it on bmwusa when building the x3m

no it's an optional extra, option 1CR when building the car with the dealer.

i believe freshxdough made a thread stating that it can be bought/downloaded through the connecteddrive store (obviously for us MY22 and newer owners), which is probably the reason why it's no longer needed in the build and/or configurator.

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by danniexi

Just a place to share thoughts and pictures of my 2022 X3M Comp LCI. ... Coming from an F80 M3, first impressions on this platform so far… I’m enjoying the car and have no regrets with it whatsoever. This is the first time I’ve ever driven an X3M and even owning an SUV.... handling is still great and kinda ridiculous for an SUV. Highway on-ramps, roundabouts, this car feels like my F80 but as a slightly lifted wagon. That was my expectation and I’m glad it has met them, and hoping it will exceed them in the future as I proceed to push the car harder after break-in. Steering was very quick and precise too. ... And omg, the turning radius! I can make a U-turn in one try. ... As a family hauler, it’s already obvious this car will serve me well. I bought this car to replace my F80 as the sedan was, although doable, a bit tight carrying two kids and the crap load of baggage they bring along with them. I would’ve upgraded to the G80, but the trunk space was exactly the same, so that would be pointless. ... It’s too early to tell, but I’m hoping the X3M will also serve as a “fun” car for the rare times I am in the car alone, feeding my need for enthusiastic driving while also doing the school run with both kiddos in the back.

Congratulations, danniexi, and looking forward to your future updates.

And regarding the bold print quotes above, trust me, it will...

[danniexi]

a few more interior pics as mods are slowly going start trickling in. already ordered CF paddles, front reflectors, some floor/cargo mats. may push off suspension and cosmetic bits after the winter and get a head start on ordering a winter wheel set.

some annoyances:

• When I received my car, a “Replace Battery” sign came on. I assume it’s because the detailer left the car door open with the key near by. In any case, I’ve added around 150 miles to the car and it hasn’t gone away. I put a trickle charger on the thing overnight too and it still appears. Maybe plugging and unplugging the battery will get the message to go away? Or just clear the damn code hoping it doesn’t come back? Worst case, I’ll bring it up with the dealer when I take it in for the 1200 mile service.
• Some build quality disappointments. The side plastic panel (hard trim next to the center console on the passenger side knee) is hanging off. I tried jamming it back in but it hasn’t gone back to place. Will try to investigate later tonight. The rubber sealing on the windows looks, ugly? I don’t know. They look like an after thought as oppose to my F80 which look cleaner. I’m sure it won’t effect anything but it’s a bit of an eye sore when looking directly right at it.
• Cost cutting is apparent with the entire center stack being piano black plastic instead of carbon fiber. G8x and F95 look so much better with the CF. It’s going to be a bitch to clean. Smudges everywhere.
• HUD and screens are massive. I got back into my F80 last night to continue my de-modding and everything looked so small and old. hahah. I’m enjoying the new hawt-ness with this interior.

[///minh]

@danniexi Do you know if your car have the driver recorder or not?

[danniexi]

Originally Posted by ///minh

@danniexi Do you know if your car have the driver recorder or not?

subscription only. can order on connectedrive store or the app on the car. 1 month free and then $39, $99, and $149 for 12month/36month/lifetime respectively.

i havent added it yet but i’m thinking of just doing the one-time $149 as a peace of mind. i know it doesn’t work like a dash-cam (since it doesn’t have a “parking mode”), but it’s better than nothing.

[///minh]

Originally Posted by danniexi

subscription only. can order on connectedrive store or the app on the car. 1 month free and then $39, $99, and $149 for 12month/36month/lifetime respectively.

i havent added it yet but i’m thinking of just doing the one-time $149 as a peace of mind. i know it doesn’t work like a dash-cam (since it doesn’t have a “parking mode”), but it’s better than nothing.

Yeah, no reason not to pay $149 for lifetime. I need this as Seattle drivers are one of the dumbest in the country. Lol

[porkipine69]

Originally Posted by ///minh

Yeah, no reason not to pay $149 for lifetime. I need this as Seattle drivers are one of the dumbest in the country. Lol

It's extremely frustrating and infuriating driving in that region. Some idiots like to brake check you too. People go for the left lane on the highway immediately and they wait till the very last minute to slowly exit the highway on the right side from the furthest left lane all while driving with their cracked winshields.

[X3MCRN]

Check this out. I use it on the rubber seals to keep them black and shiny. It also has a 35 spf to reduce the sun's effect. VRT - vinyl, rubber, trim.

https://adamspolishes.com/products/a...-trim-dressing