2024 BMW X5 or X3 M40i?

[The Gauge]

Anyone owned or driven both?

Contemplating changing to one of these two cars later next year. Was originally considering the X5 30d to tow my caravan but I only tow a few times a year and do low miles so the right petrol engine might be better.

I hear the X5 gives a luxurious comfortable drive but I've recently learnt that the X3 has similar cabin space and the X3 M40i is a fun sporty powerful car, which appeals, and would tow my 1,500kg caravan. There's just the two of us so don't need the bigger boot of the X5

The B58 engine in the M40i is supposed to be reliable and proven, and they sound good.

Any reason not to go X3 M40i?

[richatnort]

I had a X3 for 2 years and honestly i loved it. Bar being paranoid it would get stolen it was a fantastic all rounder. I would get early 40's somehow on the motorway, low 20's in and around town as i have a heavy right foot.

The tech is good on it if you get the right packs for it. The gearbox is responsive too. The only thing to consider is the servicing & tyres can be expensive and a pain to get hold of tyres too.

My friend has a X5 50e and its just more of a cruiser and wafter rather than sporty.

Obviously bias but i did really love the X3 and only sold it as we needed the extra cash for a house renovation.

[Ricky997GT]

x3 easier to park

[The Gauge]

richatnort said:

I had a X3 for 2 years and honestly i loved it. Bar being paranoid it would get stolen

I don't hear of BMW's getting stolen here in South Yorks, it's mainly Jaguars and LR's/RR's. Is it a thing elsewhere in the UK?

[richatnort]

The Gauge said:

richatnort said:

I had a X3 for 2 years and honestly i loved it. Bar being paranoid it would get stolen

I don't hear of BMW's getting stolen here in South Yorks, it's mainly Jaguars and LR's/RR's. Is it a thing elsewhere in the UK?

Ah i mean i live in Leeds and loads of X3's were getting robbed.

but that shouldn't really sway your decision.

[neil-c]

I found the X3 M40 a bit meh. Though I’ve never found any SUV a sporty drive if you know what I mean. I actually ended up in a 530d touring as I found it much more comfortable day to day. X3 was quite hard riding, though probably didn’t have adaptive damping. I would think for sporty SUVs the Porsche Macan is the better option at that size or why not a 340i touring?

[GJB73]

I’ve now owned our(2020) X3M40i for exactly 1 year and it’s been absolutely faultless.
It’s basically a fast, family,reliable, useable SUV which gives relatively good mpg! 30+
It’s not a sports car but it’s still fun to drive.

[The Gauge]

neil-c said:

I would think for sporty SUVs the Porsche Macan is the better option at that size or why not a 340i touring?

I'm particularly considering a BMW SUV, the Macan would be lovely but having bought my first ever BMW earlier earlier this year (730d) I really like them. Was initially considering an X5 but then discovered that an X3 has same front seat cabin space, and then learnt of the X3 M40i which tickles my fancy

GJB73 said:

I ve now owned our(2020) X3M40i for exactly 1 year and it s been absolutely faultless.
It s basically a fast, family,reliable, useable SUV which gives relatively good mpg! 30+
It s not a sports car but it s still fun to drive.

Thanks, that's good to know

How do you find seat comfort in the M40i?

Edited by The Gauge on Thursday 11th December 20:15

[GJB73]

The Gauge said:

Thanks, that's good to know

How do you find seat comfort in the M40i?

Edited by The Gauge on Thursday 11th December 20:15

After 12k miles, absolutely fine. I ditched the run flats on collection and fitted all seasons. Far better suited to the Scottish climate.

[The Gauge]

GJB73 said:

After 12k miles, absolutely fine. I ditched the run flats on collection and fitted all seasons. Far better suited to the Scottish climate.

Nice, thanks for replying. I'l be certain to do a test drive when the time comes.

[occasionalranter]

The X3 is more likely to be the right answer for most people in this situation, faster, more fun to drive, easier to park, but go for the X5 if:
- the X3 seats aren't comfortable enough for you (and if you find an X5 with comfort seats)
- you value the even lower NVH of the X5
- you value the even more premium feel of the X5 interior.

[AddyT.]

Don't get an SUV and instead buy an estate / something that sits lower to the ground would be my advice. Had a fast SUV....no bigger than a contemporary equivalent estate, just wrapped in a larger body that's not as good to drive. Comment aimed more at an X3 than the X5. They just really aren't worth it IMO. As for a higher driving position, yes that's true, but in my current car I don't miss it at all.