I finally took the plunge and bought a 2024 X3 M Competition.

Background

My journey started when I was excited about getting an M3 xDrive wagon. Sadly BMW won’t be bringing that to the USA. I switched my gaze to the M3 xDrive sedan, ordered one with a deposit, but I found out the dealer never ordered it since the sales person I worked with moved to another dealer.

Around that time I started to take stock in what I really need from a daily:

• Something more fun than an average car (with lots of power)
• Space for the family - camping, biking, road trips
• Comfort / luxury / tech

Of course I could achieve those things with the M3, however it’s a bit smaller, and can’t haul as much stuff. I also already have another car that is more purpose-built for track days and back road stuff.

Once I realized the X3 M Comp had the same wonderful drivetrain as the M3 xDrive, I started consuming all the reviews I could find. Reviews were pretty positive, except for many of them commenting on harshness.

I’ve experienced BMW/M harshness before, I had an E90 M3, R56 Mini Cooper S, and a BMW M Coupe previously so I’m familiar with harsh suspension. Also the car I’ve just replaced a 2020 MINI Clubman JCW had a harsh / punishing suspension. Sadly I didn’t get a chance to experience one before I ordered the car.

My local dealer told me that they were not allocating any configurable builds of X3 Ms of this generation once the 2025 X3 took over production. So I found a car in the build queue in the dealer’s network of stores these guys are owned by AutoNation. Luckily the sales guy was an enthusiast, and was able to redirect the unfinished but locked build to my local dealer. I was shocked because he did this for me without taking a deposit.

I financed the car, bought the BMW extended warranty and pre-paid service as well. I plan to keep this one.

The Build

• Brooklyn Grey
• Competition Package
• 21” V-Spoke 765M wheels
• Driving Assistance Pro
• Executive package (w/Glass roof delete)
• Remote engine start
• M Shadowline lights
• Front ventilated seats
• Wireless charging
• Black brake calipers
• Space saver spare

Pretty much perfect - although I might have ordered a custom blue shade if I could have, and I do prefer the comp wheels 892M.

Early driving thoughts

I’m observing the break-in period closely so far, but I had a chance to take the car on my favorite back road. This is the biggest car I’ve ever owned. I’m super surprised at the control and speed of this 4600 lb beast.

• The car is very quiet, not much road noise
• Handles really well, buttoned-down
• The steering is a little insulated, but the chassis tells me when I’m getting close to the grip limit
• Brakes are super capable
• The car is very fast - even being gentle during break-in
• I don’t mind the synthesized engine noise as much as I thought I would, I’m probably going to leave it
• The car is firm, not too harsh. Easy driving in comfort, even sport/sport plus the car isn’t offensive IMO

Overall I’m very happy with my purchase. This is a good, fast luxurious dad cruiser. It goes fast when I want it, and it handles well. Has all the creature comforts. Space for people and junk. I can’t think of a better all-arounder for my needs.

—

Bonus questions for you all

For those of you that took delivery of a 2024 - what tires did you get? I was surprised my car came with Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z tires. They seem to grip fine, when I was pushing it I wasn’t disappointed. That said, I’ll likely convert to Pilot Sport 4S when it comes time.

Do you have any optimal equalizer settings for the stereo? I mostly listen to electronic music, and prefer to hear the bass. The stock settings are pretty flat, and more mid-range / treble focused. I'll mess with it - but I'm sure one or more of you have done more scientific tuning of the EQ.

Planned Mods

Hidden hitch, and roof rack - likely the low-profile black Thule cross bars.

Pics to follow

Here are the pics

Congrats on your purchase!

1. Get Bimmercode and code the Bowers & Wilkins sound profiles. I like the "concert" profile & the EQ set as shown below.

2. Those wheels are 100x easier to clean than the other Competition wheels. You're lucky with what you've got.

3. Brake dust is a nightmare from the oem pads. If you're not going to be tracking, look into ISweep pads. I've got the 1500s on both my wife's X3MC & my new M2. Have a combined 25k mi on them between both vehicles, very happy with their performance & lack of dust.

4. The wireless charging & ventilated seats are pretty much worthless, so don't get your hopes up.

Congratulations and welcome to the forum. A plus one to the Bowers & Wilkins mod, it makes a great difference to the sound!

I would also recommend a midpipe, maybe later down the track, to bring out the perfect tone

I have the eibach springs, which are much more comfortable than stock (pre-lci), plus they reduce the wheel gap and reduce body roll.

PS4s definitely add to a better ride. Enjoy!

Congrats! You made it before our disappearance 🫡

Congratulations on an amazing vehicle. Time for a little drop.

Congrats! Brooklyn Grey crew!

The Hankooks ride well and grip well. Harshness is not bad, making me wonder if a jump to Michelins will deliver better compliance (other cars of mine on Ps4S). It's mostly the stiff roll bars I think that get to me - side to side jostling though it can be harsh on sharp bumps.

Overall I love this thing (2024 June build) !

Wireless charging in my car works great as do the seat vents - at least compared to the M40i I had recently.

Chris C. wrote

The Hankooks ride well and grip well. Harshness is not bad, making me wonder if a jump to Michelins will deliver better compliance (other cars of mine on Ps4S). It's mostly the stiff roll bars I think that get to me - side to side jostling though it can be harsh on sharp bumps.

Overall I love this thing (2024 June build) !

Wireless charging in my car works great as do the seat vents - at least compared to the M40i I had recently.

Hi Chris,
Previous M40i owner here as well.
Totally agree with your comments about the 24 X3M.

ps. my x3m looks identical to yours including the interior. I have the comp wheels however on Continental tyres.

bk_g80_m3 Congrats man. BG is a great color. Looks like you may have bought this from BMW of Mountain View perhaps... ?

Kevin_The_Clean1 wrote

bk_g80_m3 Congrats man. BG is a great color. Looks like you may have bought this from BMW of Mountain View perhaps... ?

Yep that’s where I picked it up

bk_g80_m3 wrote

Yep that’s where I picked it up

Nice man & thought that back parking structure looked familiar. One of the finance managers was once a SA that helped me get my first two X3 M's at Fremont BMW. He's a pretty legit dude.

Congrats - great color.

Don`t expect much of a difference in ride quality with Michelin PS4S.
Best value for money mod to improve ride quality is lowering springs - get Eibach, H&R or MSS.

My X4 M Competition ( pre LCI ) is on Eibach - great improvement.

next mod recomended once you run out of tire is 265/295 or 255/295 whichever you prefer.

Congrats.

Consider Michelin PS AS4s also for next set of tires unless you are in dry climate most of the time.

Congrats. Beautiful color. You will absolutely love this thing. I still get excited when I start mine up everyday lol

bk_g80_m3 wrote

Here are the pics

Great build with one of the best exterior colors. Congrats!

Spending more time with the car. Since my first impression I've set the car to its proper tire pressure. That did firm up the ride a little but, but glad it's still not crashy. But it is slightly stiff in some situations. Doesn't bother me, however I could see how some people would take offense to it, especially if they haven't experienced M suspensions before. I still stand by my original assessment that it is more livable than any other M car I had. (M3, M2, M Coupe)

This car is brutally fast. Once the turbos spool up it just goes. It's really crazy how fast 4600lb can be. I like how it is a reward to rev it out unlike most turbo engines. (I'm still keeping < 6k for the break in, looking forward to redline.)

I realized I suck at driving bigger cars, I came from driving mostly small hatchbacks, etc. It does feel harder to maneuver but I'm not accustomed to a vehicle as big as this one.

In the twisties this car comes alive. It's quite shocking how well it handles and how much grip it has. I took a friend for a short quick ride - he almost pulled his shoulder out of the socket grabbing for the door handle. He couldn't believe it. If you add throttle at the right moment the car just digs in, you can feel the rear bias with the front grip/drive coming into play - clawing you out of corners.

Some neutral feedback about the car - a few rattles are showing themselves, they aren't horribly annoying, but I will get them fixed eventually. The stereo took a while for me to dial in for my musical tastes, but I think I finally got it right through trial and error.

bk_g80_m3 wrote

Spending more time with the car. Since my first impression I've set the car to its proper tire pressure. That did firm up the ride a little but, but glad it's still not crashy. But it is slightly stiff in some situations. Doesn't bother me, however I could see how some people would take offense to it, especially if they haven't experienced M suspensions before. I still stand by my original assessment that it is more livable than any other M car I had. (M3, M2, M Coupe)

This car is brutally fast. Once the turbos spool up it just goes. It's really crazy how fast 4600lb can be. I like how it is a reward to rev it out unlike most turbo engines. (I'm still keeping < 6k for the break in, looking forward to redline.)

I realized I suck at driving bigger cars, I came from driving mostly small hatchbacks, etc. It does feel harder to maneuver but I'm not accustomed to a vehicle as big as this one.

In the twisties this car comes alive. It's quite shocking how well it handles and how much grip it has. I took a friend for a short quick ride - he almost pulled his shoulder out of the socket grabbing for the door handle. He couldn't believe it. If you add throttle at the right moment the car just digs in, you can feel the rear bias with the front grip/drive coming into play - clawing you out of corners.

Some neutral feedback about the car - a few rattles are showing themselves, they aren't horribly annoying, but I will get them fixed eventually. The stereo took a while for me to dial in for my musical tastes, but I think I finally got it right through trial and error.

Glad you're really liking it so far. The more you drive it the more you'll enjoy it. At around 3.5k miles my S58 started to loosen up a touch & now it really snarls + is more responsive at all times. Even at idle, once it's fired up just a slight moderate goose of the throttle will ignite that beast of a motor letting me know it's ready & willing to ignite all my senses.

Brookly Gray crew!!! Congrats.

Congrats!

VmaxBG wrote

Congrats - great color.

Don`t expect much of a difference in ride quality with Michelin PS4S.
Best value for money mod to improve ride quality is lowering springs - get Eibach, H&R or MSS.

My X4 M Competition ( pre LCI ) is on Eibach - great improvement.

next mod recomended once you run out of tire is 265/295 or 255/295 whichever you prefer.

Agree but the LCI ride is improved a lot and I don't think MSS is needed - just better tires. I will go 275x40 on all 4 as there is no performance tire in 275/285 combo and the other options are a recipe for understeer I don't want.

I've pushed the Hankooks hard now and while progressive their grip is lower than desired - and they're wearing fast. it is a heavy vehicle.

Chris C. wrote

Agree but the LCI ride is improved a lot and I don't think MSS is needed - just better tires. I will go 275x40 on all 4 as there is no performance tire in 275/285 combo and the other options are a recipe for understeer I don't want.

I've pushed the Hankooks hard now and while progressive their grip is lower than desired - and they're wearing fast. it is a heavy vehicle.

I didn't notice much difference between pre lci and lci on the ride quality. They're both super rough. I definitely wouldn't say it was a lot of improvement.