2019 X3M Competition
Discussion
In a bit of a plot twist, I have just made a deal to do a straight trade in my 540i G31 and Z4 35iS for said X3M...
Current campaign with 4 years warranty and 50 % off a set of wheels, made me go back and do a second test drive. Notwithstanding my comments about the abundance of cheap plastic, compared to a 5 series, the package of a mid-sized SUV with 480 bhp is fundamentally right, and having had a longer test drive and trying the many many combinations for the steering, suspension, throttle response, gear changes etc I came away thinking that it offers a good mix of the 540i and Z4: Practicality and fun, and not having to run two cars (annual tax and insurance for a Z4 is more than 2000 euro) is quite appealing. The linearity of the power curve is quite remarkable for a turbo engine, and the handling is pretty remarkable. On 20” at least the suspension in Comfort is more than fine. The lack of engine/exhaust noise is a bit disappointing, guess the OPF is to blame for that, but we will see how this goes.
Current campaign with 4 years warranty and 50 % off a set of wheels, made me go back and do a second test drive. Notwithstanding my comments about the abundance of cheap plastic, compared to a 5 series, the package of a mid-sized SUV with 480 bhp is fundamentally right, and having had a longer test drive and trying the many many combinations for the steering, suspension, throttle response, gear changes etc I came away thinking that it offers a good mix of the 540i and Z4: Practicality and fun, and not having to run two cars (annual tax and insurance for a Z4 is more than 2000 euro) is quite appealing. The linearity of the power curve is quite remarkable for a turbo engine, and the handling is pretty remarkable. On 20” at least the suspension in Comfort is more than fine. The lack of engine/exhaust noise is a bit disappointing, guess the OPF is to blame for that, but we will see how this goes.
And... 3 months later, I swapped the X3M for an F90 M5.
Never really got on with the X3M and most of my original observations (lesson: trust your instinct) about the poor ride, the frenetic gearbox, the lack of lowdown torque and most of all the feeling of driving a car that that was not an event.
The F90 M5 counters all of this with a superb ride, an amazing engine that has all the abundance of lowdown torque, a great engine sound (much better than the F10, helped by an optional M sport exhaust), fantastic interior with full leather and alcantara, and while not very important surprisingly a significantly better range/fuel economy than the X3M.
Couldn't be happier with the swap, even if financially painful after only 3 months, but life's too short.
Never really got on with the X3M and most of my original observations (lesson: trust your instinct) about the poor ride, the frenetic gearbox, the lack of lowdown torque and most of all the feeling of driving a car that that was not an event.
The F90 M5 counters all of this with a superb ride, an amazing engine that has all the abundance of lowdown torque, a great engine sound (much better than the F10, helped by an optional M sport exhaust), fantastic interior with full leather and alcantara, and while not very important surprisingly a significantly better range/fuel economy than the X3M.
Couldn't be happier with the swap, even if financially painful after only 3 months, but life's too short.
rassi said:
And... 3 months later, I swapped the X3M for an F90 M5.
Never really got on with the X3M and most of my original observations (lesson: trust your instinct) about the poor ride, the frenetic gearbox, the lack of lowdown torque and most of all the feeling of driving a car that that was not an event.
The F90 M5 counters all of this with a superb ride, an amazing engine that has all the abundance of lowdown torque, a great engine sound (much better than the F10, helped by an optional M sport exhaust), fantastic interior with full leather and alcantara, and while not very important surprisingly a significantly better range/fuel economy than the X3M.
Couldn't be happier with the swap, even if financially painful after only 3 months, but life's too short.
the M5 is a very nice car did it cost much to swap in and out of them? Personally i went for the x3m comp because i don't really like saloons as a body shape and as an all round package the x3m comp ticked the most boxes.Never really got on with the X3M and most of my original observations (lesson: trust your instinct) about the poor ride, the frenetic gearbox, the lack of lowdown torque and most of all the feeling of driving a car that that was not an event.
The F90 M5 counters all of this with a superb ride, an amazing engine that has all the abundance of lowdown torque, a great engine sound (much better than the F10, helped by an optional M sport exhaust), fantastic interior with full leather and alcantara, and while not very important surprisingly a significantly better range/fuel economy than the X3M.
Couldn't be happier with the swap, even if financially painful after only 3 months, but life's too short.
rassi said:
And... 3 months later, I swapped the X3M for an F90 M5.
Never really got on with the X3M and most of my original observations (lesson: trust your instinct) about the poor ride, the frenetic gearbox, the lack of lowdown torque and most of all the feeling of driving a car that that was not an event.
The F90 M5 counters all of this with a superb ride, an amazing engine that has all the abundance of lowdown torque, a great engine sound (much better than the F10, helped by an optional M sport exhaust), fantastic interior with full leather and alcantara, and while not very important surprisingly a significantly better range/fuel economy than the X3M.
Couldn't be happier with the swap, even if financially painful after only 3 months, but life's too short.
Really, is the suspension not noticeably worse than a 7 series? Never really got on with the X3M and most of my original observations (lesson: trust your instinct) about the poor ride, the frenetic gearbox, the lack of lowdown torque and most of all the feeling of driving a car that that was not an event.
The F90 M5 counters all of this with a superb ride, an amazing engine that has all the abundance of lowdown torque, a great engine sound (much better than the F10, helped by an optional M sport exhaust), fantastic interior with full leather and alcantara, and while not very important surprisingly a significantly better range/fuel economy than the X3M.
Couldn't be happier with the swap, even if financially painful after only 3 months, but life's too short.
TVRMs said:
Why did you even look at an SUV when a medium to large saloon works for you?
Because I wanted to consolidate my 540i and Z4 35is into a single "do it all car", and the allure of the S58 engine in a practical package, a de facto M3 Touring (this was before the G81 M3 Touring was actually confirmed). Having a 35 kilo dog, a SUV was also not a bad call. I was also looking at the F90 M5 then, but the numbers didn't work out (although in hindsight it would have been cheaper to go for the deal then).
rassi said:
TVRMs said:
Why did you even look at an SUV when a medium to large saloon works for you?
Because I wanted to consolidate my 540i and Z4 35is into a single "do it all car", and the allure of the S58 engine in a practical package, a de facto M3 Touring (this was before the G81 M3 Touring was actually confirmed). Having a 35 kilo dog, a SUV was also not a bad call. I was also looking at the F90 M5 then, but the numbers didn't work out (although in hindsight it would have been cheaper to go for the deal then).
Can’t believe you thought so little of the X3M, I’m happy to put it in the best 5 cars I’ve ever owned.
Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 20th October 19:48
wastedyouth86 said:
Wills2 said:
Mine left the factory early Nov and was at the dealer early Dec (but that was last year pre CV)
They are built in the US which I think adds to the lead time.
Ahh I didn't know that i thought the M models would be German builtThey are built in the US which I think adds to the lead time.
https://www.bmwgroup-werke.com/spartanburg/en.html
Simond S said:
The best way is to leave the car in M2 mode.
Removes the low down lag.
Or programme so all modes have engine in Sport plus, and suspensions / steering as desired.
A year in and still loving mine. Cam from a 6 GC so it rides a bit harder, but not having run flats is a positive.
It's not an "or" situation M1/M2 have to be programmed regardless as the default is efficient mode.Removes the low down lag.
Or programme so all modes have engine in Sport plus, and suspensions / steering as desired.
A year in and still loving mine. Cam from a 6 GC so it rides a bit harder, but not having run flats is a positive.
Wills2 said:
Simond S said:
The best way is to leave the car in M2 mode.
Removes the low down lag.
Or programme so all modes have engine in Sport plus, and suspensions / steering as desired.
A year in and still loving mine. Cam from a 6 GC so it rides a bit harder, but not having run flats is a positive.
It's not an "or" situation M1/M2 have to be programmed regardless as the default is efficient mode.Removes the low down lag.
Or programme so all modes have engine in Sport plus, and suspensions / steering as desired.
A year in and still loving mine. Cam from a 6 GC so it rides a bit harder, but not having run flats is a positive.
TX.
Couple of questions to owners. Would be very interested to hear from from recent purchasers:
Is the car being delivered on MP4S or run flats?
Also how is the ride quality, truthfully? We can't get to test one until the new year.
This will be the missus' car for shopping, odd trip to work etc, so doesn't need to be super compliant, but I don't want it to be super jarring either.
.
Is the car being delivered on MP4S or run flats?
Also how is the ride quality, truthfully? We can't get to test one until the new year.
This will be the missus' car for shopping, odd trip to work etc, so doesn't need to be super compliant, but I don't want it to be super jarring either.
.
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