[Fahren German]

It’s time for me to replace my daily, a 10 y/o Subaru Forester XT Touring that has seen a ton of long road trips and car-camping. The U11 X1 was my first option, but it’s kind of a mess and is out of consideration. The second option is a G01 X3. My initial plan was to order a M40i with 19’s - but with no local availability, a test drive hasn’t been possible. Two themes are driving me away from a m40i:


1. Owners/reviewers observations about the m40i suspension being noticeably harsh/rigid/busy. My Forester’s suspension is sporty/firm/harsh and after 100k miles of roadtrips in this thing, I’m ready for something more refined. My other car is a 335 with msport (non-adaptive) suspension, and it’s still fairly raw even after moving to non run flats and going from 19’s + perf summers to 18’s + winters.

2. The m40i is fast and fun, and everyone rightly loves it for that. My 335, while not as quick, is RWD + manual and a blast to drive. I don’t need two fun cars, but the price difference between the 30i & m40i is insubstantial at about $8k.


Last weekend the 335 was in for a rear-diff flush and I had an X3 30i base model (w/19’s + all-season alanza’s) out for a 3 hour drive. 150 miles of familiar road, at 6000+ ft above sea level with twisties, elevation drops/gains, and some city stop/go traffic - all with ASS enabled. In short, I was shocked at just how smooth the base suspension is and how well the 4-banger performed. Fast acceleration? No. Competent and at least composed in the corners? Yes. I turned in the 30i thinking: as a daily and a long-distance cruiser, this will be tough to beat.

I found a m40i to test drive, but I’m going to have to travel quite a bit to get there - and even then, they’ll only allow me the 1-2 mile test loop (no extended drives, no keeping it overnight, etc). So, given my use case: already have a fun BMW, the x3 will be my daily and will see a lot of long-distance driving - talk me out of buying a X3 30i (or into it, if you prefer)

[avi66]

Originally Posted by Fahren German

It’s time for me to replace my daily, a 10 y/o Subaru Forester XT Touring that has seen a ton of long road trips and car-camping. The U11 X1 was my first option, but it’s kind of a mess and is out of consideration. The second option is a G01 X3. My initial plan was to order a M40i with 19’s - but with no local availability, a test drive hasn’t been possible. Two themes are driving me away from a m40i:


1. Owners/reviewers observations about the m40i suspension being noticeably harsh/rigid/busy. My Forester’s suspension is sporty/firm/harsh and after 100k miles of roadtrips in this thing, I’m ready for something more refined. My other car is a 335 with msport (non-adaptive) suspension, and it’s still fairly raw even after moving to non run flats and going from 19’s + perf summers to 18’s + winters.

2. The m40i is fast and fun, and everyone rightly loves it for that. But my 335, while not as quick, is RWD + manual and a blast to drive. I don’t need two fun cars, but the price difference between the 30i & m40i is insubstantial at about $8k.


Last weekend the 335 was in for a rear-diff flush and I took a 30i base model loaner (wearing 19’s + all-season alanza’s) out for a 3 hour drive. 150 miles of familiar road, at 6000+ ft above sea level with some twisties, elevation drops/gains, and some city stop/go traffic - all with ASS enabled. In short, I was shocked at just how smooth the base suspension is and how well the 4-banger performed. Fast acceleration? No. Competent and at least composed in the corners? Yes.

I turned in the 30i thinking: as a daily and a long-distance cruiser, this will be tough to beat.

I found a m40i to test drive, but I’m going to have to travel quite a bit to get there - and even then, they’ll only allow me the 1-2 mile test loop (no extended drives, no keeping it overnight, etc).

So, given my use case: already have a fun BMW, the x3 will be my daily and will see a lot of long-distance driving - talk me out of buying a X3 30i (or into it, if you prefer)

Seriously, you need to drive them and decide which you "want" based on your wants/needs/budget.

[NarcanNinja]

The difference is so big …night and day, how much more talking do you need?

[Fahren German]

Originally Posted by avi66

Seriously, you need to drive them and decide which you "want" based on your wants/needs/budget.

Tell me that you didn’t read my post without telling me that you didn’t read my post.

[ASAP]

dont drive the m40i lol... just dont... because you will spend $8k extra immediatelly

[avi66]

Originally Posted by Fahren German

Tell me that you didn’t read my post without telling me that you didn’t read my post.

LOL I did but there are so many of these types of posts that just go around in circles.

No matter how difficult you need drive them, simple as you need to talk yourself out of the 30i.

[gphin]

I have both. Simply put, if I used the vehicle as a daily commuter or on a long distance trip, I would drive the 30i due to it's smoother ride. Both of mine have 20's all seasons non run flats and the ride difference between the two is noticeable. I recently drove the M40 back to Philly from Florida and the ride is fine on smooth interstates but the firmness is very noticeable on local roadways. The M40 is definitely more fun to drive, but as you stated, you already have a fun car. If you decide later you want more power, install a JB4 or Racechip which makes a very noticeable difference in performance. Let us know how you make out.

[mcdanielvzw]

Long story short, go with the M40i. The ride may be a little harsher, but from the get go you'll have the power you want without a tuner (which you can still add) and more options. The adaptive suspension and non-RFT may help, but I don't have either to comment on since we both have the M Sport suspension and Alenzas.

Just as importantly, your MPG will not suffer the same way it will in a 30i when romping on it. They're both rated for the same MPG, but you can actually do better with the M40i since it won't be as rev happy to get the power you want. Coming back getting hers in from Miami, we both got 30.4 MPG and I've been getting around 23-25 mixed use.

I had an 09 328i I used when I was driving 21k miles/year just for work that was fun, cheap, reliable, and easy to maintain (especially compared to the '16 550!). If I was in that situation again, my M40i would not be driven for work like that and I'd get another cheap, reliable car.

[kraken]

Originally Posted by Fahren German

It’s time for me to replace my daily, a 10 y/o Subaru Forester XT Touring that has seen a ton of long road trips and car-camping. The U11 X1 was my first option, but it’s kind of a mess and is out of consideration. The second option is a G01 X3. My initial plan was to order a M40i with 19’s - but with no local availability, a test drive hasn’t been possible. Two themes are driving me away from a m40i:


1. Owners/reviewers observations about the m40i suspension being noticeably harsh/rigid/busy. My Forester’s suspension is sporty/firm/harsh and after 100k miles of roadtrips in this thing, I’m ready for something more refined. My other car is a 335 with msport (non-adaptive) suspension, and it’s still fairly raw even after moving to non run flats and going from 19’s + perf summers to 18’s + winters.

2. The m40i is fast and fun, and everyone rightly loves it for that. My 335, while not as quick, is RWD + manual and a blast to drive. I don’t need two fun cars, but the price difference between the 30i & m40i is insubstantial at about $8k.


Last weekend the 335 was in for a rear-diff flush and I had an X3 30i base model (w/19’s + all-season alanza’s) out for a 3 hour drive. 150 miles of familiar road, at 6000+ ft above sea level with twisties, elevation drops/gains, and some city stop/go traffic - all with ASS enabled. In short, I was shocked at just how smooth the base suspension is and how well the 4-banger performed. Fast acceleration? No. Competent and at least composed in the corners? Yes. I turned in the 30i thinking: as a daily and a long-distance cruiser, this will be tough to beat.

I found a m40i to test drive, but I’m going to have to travel quite a bit to get there - and even then, they’ll only allow me the 1-2 mile test loop (no extended drives, no keeping it overnight, etc). So, given my use case: already have a fun BMW, the x3 will be my daily and will see a lot of long-distance driving - talk me out of buying a X3 30i (or into it, if you prefer)

I too just replaced my 2018 Forester XT for the '24 X3 M40i as family car.
I went to test drive the 30i, since 40i wasn't available for test drive.
The 30i is def. adequate as a daily. It was heavier than Subaru but felt more stable and planted. Power wise it's comparable.
Without testing the 40i, I knew that was what I wanted.... because if the 30i was good, the 40i can only be better.

Side note: I also test drove the Q5 after the 30i... and right after driving it off dealer lot, I knew Q5 is out of the question..... wasn't enjoyable at all.

I ordered the 40i for performance center delivery in SC and drove back to NY (overnight stay in VA).... It felt comfortable on long drives, I say the seat is def. more comfortable than Subaru. I did not experience fatigue with the seat. I personally did not find the ride too harsh on 40i (I have stock 19" tires)

The power and the buttery smooth ZF is just awesome.... only thing I don't like is the "ASS"

[Sportstick]

I don't believe we are helpful by talking you into or out of either. You will find many personal opinions as to what individuals think is "best", but that actually only means they like one choice better. There is no objective nor universal "best". You will need to align the product attributes with your personal needs and preferences. I note the statement you bolded was not needing two fun cars. Need is one thing, want is another, depending on your ability to spend. However, I have the same feeling, and enjoy my modded 2 Series described in my signature while the 30i X3 is the family car/daily driver/grocery getter and impressed me with the more than pleasing power for those use cases, comfortable ride on 19" RFTs, choice of "fun" with the Dynamic Handling Package option to alter engine mapping, steering, and suspension, and a lighter steering/handling feel with less weight up front. That was my analysis. I don't time my acceleration, race anyone to the next stoplight, or need to impress any onlookers. Your analysis may differ, but don't let us talk you in/out. It's worth experiencing yourself.

[Zircular]

I just went through this and landed on 30i. I went into it thinking that I’d need the 6 cylinder to be happy. I’ve driven both and I came away surprised at how competent the 4-cylinder is. No question, the M40i is incredible. But this is my commuter and road trip machine. I have absolutely no idea what I’d do with the extra power 99.5% of the time in the traffic snarled environment where I actually drive. (Although it would be an absolute riot that last 0.5%.) I don’t think there’s a wrong answer here.

[Fahren German]

I’m just going to acknowledge that if there were a standardized noise/vibration/harshness (NVH) test, it’d provide the data that I’m looking for. That said, the responses that contain “this has been my experience” are helpful - so thank you

[EWL5]

I got the 30i w/the understanding that my oldest will most likely be practicing w/this car. No way in hell will I allow them to practice on a 40i (I remember when I was their age)!

[COM40]

I didn't/don't have a fun car so the M40i was a no brainer for me. I wanted a car that was the best possible swiss army knife. Fun (inc. the sound) and fast, can carry a bike hitch rack, competent on curvy roads, and short of very rough roads you'd want a jeep for, there's no where you can't drive it. The 30i will hit all of those points except the fun and fast part.

I considered an M240i and a Giulia, but even with AWD, those cars are small enough and low enough that you're making compromises when/where you can drive them. So then I'd have to drive my boring suburban. The only compromise with the M40i is ride quality, and there's obviously a bit more body roll than a car that's 700 lbs lighter and half the ground clearance.

I vote M40i - the only risk is might you drive the 335i a lot less.

[mcdanielvzw]

Originally Posted by COM40

I didn't/don't have a fun car so the M40i was a no brainer for me. .....

I vote M40i - the only risk is might you drive the 335i a lot less.

I have an F10 550i (until sold), which is actually fun and practical - I just hadn't added a hitch for our bike rack, as the X1 sufficed for that.

My plan is to sell my 550i for profit - the used car market is still good, so it will help pay for other random expenses and some of the M40i.

[Leem40i]

Originally Posted by Fahren German

Tell me that you didn’t read my post without telling me that you didn’t read my post.

He did, and this is the appropriate response. Drive one then you'll know. As far as the ride being harsh I believe you're thinking about the M, not the M40i. We find the M40i has a very pleasant ride on long trips without being overly soft. Make sure you get the variable suspension.

[IAmSpeed]

Consider getting a Porsche, Mercedes, Audi, etc. My philosophy is that if you already enjoy a BMW for fun, why not explore different brands for your daily commute? It brings diversity to your everyday driving experience.

[Rottweiler]

[QUOTE=Fahren German;31038352]I don’t need two fun cars

Show me where in the rule book it says that your daily needs to be a mundane ride?

Usually it’s cost that makes it a dilemma for peeps choosing between these two models. That doesn’t appear to be a consideration for you

And Leem40i is likely correct. You might be confusing the admittedly harsher ride of the true M model with the M40i, which is very sporty without being uncomfortable at all

[deathmetal666]

The suspension in the m40i in comfort with the 19”
wheels is smooth as butter. Not harsh at all.

The m40i still has good throttle response and torque when driving in comfort.
The 30i engine in comfort mode has ton of throttle lag and transmission lag and lacks power.

I prefer to drive in comfort mode.

[Sportstick]

[QUOTE=Rottweiler;31039200]

Originally Posted by Fahren German

I don’t need two fun cars

Show me where in the rule book it says that your daily needs to be a mundane ride?

Usually it’s cost that makes it a dilemma for peeps choosing between these two models. That doesn’t appear to be a consideration for you

And Leem40i is likely correct. You might be confusing the admittedly harsher ride of the true M model with the M40i, which is very sporty without being uncomfortable at all

This is where individual subjectivity arises. My opinion is that the 30i driving experience, particularly in any of the available Sport modes, is far from mundane when properly ordered and settings chosen. As well, the 40i does have a firmer suspension than 30i with 19s than some may wish to drive on their road conditions. One can configure the 30i Individual setting in Sport for engine and Comfort for suspension, or select Sport Plus if you wish to have some corner fun. Our butt barometers and what we consider pleasing versus ordinary are all different. Some consider actual M models unusable for the street. Thus, back to the beginning. OP has to drive to decide.

[mcdanielvzw]

Originally Posted by deathmetal666

The suspension in the m40i in comfort with the 19”
wheels is smooth as butter. Not harsh at all.

The m40i still has good throttle response and torque when driving in comfort.
The 30i engine in comfort mode has ton of throttle lag and transmission lag and lacks power.

I prefer to drive in comfort mode.

Sport individual is my preference
Engine - Sport
Suspension - Sport (doesn't matter in my M Sport Suspension)
Transmission - Comfort

That keeps the X3 responsive, auto disables ASS, but allows it to use all 8 gears of the transmission without intervention. Sport Transmission mode only automatically goes to 7th gear.

[Gr8ZongB58]

Are you going to spend money down the line for performance parts? Aesthetics? To make it look cooler, go faster, feel sportier, sound like a beast? Look back at it while walking away knowing you have a potential 500hp grocery getter.. The m40i with the glorious b58 would be the best pick for your inner enthusiast!

If not and you just want a daily just to daily from point a to b with maybe a few tasteful aesthetic mods..don't care about looking back at your car after you walk away, drive through a slap wash cause it's just a car...then the 30i is right for you!

You're already forming regret by choosing between the two and asking a forum or else you would've already purchased a 30i and it's sitting in your driveway with no questions asked.

😁😉