Discussion
Someone please talk some sense into me. I will be replacing my M135i soon. I do not need a family car and I do not need anything particularly practical. The Mrs has an XC90, which ticks those boxes.
I have been assessing what I need/enjoy and to be honest my tastes are changing. I wanted my car to be a fun, fast agile machine that I could enjoy. In truth, most of my journeys are around town or up and down the dual carriageway to work. What I really value is comfort and a bit of luxury but I do love the straight line pace of my car when I want the stabbed rat effect.
So, while I hate the Volvo for being unrefined, slow, having barge like handling and the general SUVness of the thing, I cannot help but admire it for what it is. It is spacious, I enjoy the high seating position for normal driving, it is practical, has a massive boot and all weather ability. My car often is stuck with a tiny bit of snow in the winter but the Volvo obviously carries on regardless.
You can see where I am going with this… Should I get an X3M40i next even know I don’t really need an SUV? I have been watching the YouTube reviews and videos, they are considered great all-rounders and it ticks all the boxes I want. My fear is this is just a cry for help and I would be mad to get an SUV as I have always disliked them in the past.
I cannot quite afford an M2 (unless I lease which I am not convinced about), M3 or M4 as I would like but they are doing good deals on the X3 right now. My local dealer wants me to come in and take one for a test. Talk me out of my insanity. I really should be going down a GT / fast saloon type car route surely.
Help me...
I have been assessing what I need/enjoy and to be honest my tastes are changing. I wanted my car to be a fun, fast agile machine that I could enjoy. In truth, most of my journeys are around town or up and down the dual carriageway to work. What I really value is comfort and a bit of luxury but I do love the straight line pace of my car when I want the stabbed rat effect.
So, while I hate the Volvo for being unrefined, slow, having barge like handling and the general SUVness of the thing, I cannot help but admire it for what it is. It is spacious, I enjoy the high seating position for normal driving, it is practical, has a massive boot and all weather ability. My car often is stuck with a tiny bit of snow in the winter but the Volvo obviously carries on regardless.
You can see where I am going with this… Should I get an X3M40i next even know I don’t really need an SUV? I have been watching the YouTube reviews and videos, they are considered great all-rounders and it ticks all the boxes I want. My fear is this is just a cry for help and I would be mad to get an SUV as I have always disliked them in the past.
I cannot quite afford an M2 (unless I lease which I am not convinced about), M3 or M4 as I would like but they are doing good deals on the X3 right now. My local dealer wants me to come in and take one for a test. Talk me out of my insanity. I really should be going down a GT / fast saloon type car route surely.
Help me...
I would say go for it... I have spent the last 8 years with an XC90 (wife wanted it), but thanks to the London ULEZ and the XC90 is great but super dull.
It was time for a change, my wife wanted a high driving position so i started looking at smaller SUV's after looking at the options it came down to X3 3.0D. I went and tried, it was great but there was issues getting one with the right options. So step up M40i with std memory seats after a quick try i was sold.
Its a great toy, I removed the badges from mine so most people think its a 2.0D but it really moves, with handling to match. Go and try it. If you are buying used post sept 2018 has the PPF so no pops and bangs but just a s quick.
It was time for a change, my wife wanted a high driving position so i started looking at smaller SUV's after looking at the options it came down to X3 3.0D. I went and tried, it was great but there was issues getting one with the right options. So step up M40i with std memory seats after a quick try i was sold.
Its a great toy, I removed the badges from mine so most people think its a 2.0D but it really moves, with handling to match. Go and try it. If you are buying used post sept 2018 has the PPF so no pops and bangs but just a s quick.
Paw said:
I would say go for it... I have spent the last 8 years with an XC90 (wife wanted it), but thanks to the London ULEZ and the XC90 is great but super dull.
It was time for a change, my wife wanted a high driving position so i started looking at smaller SUV's after looking at the options it came down to X3 3.0D. I went and tried, it was great but there was issues getting one with the right options. So step up M40i with std memory seats after a quick try i was sold.
Its a great toy, I removed the badges from mine so most people think its a 2.0D but it really moves, with handling to match. Go and try it. If you are buying used post sept 2018 has the PPF so no pops and bangs but just a s quick.
Good advice. My Mrs only likes big 4x4's and with the new X3 being about the same size as the original X5, she would use it lots too. I'd definitely spec it with model deletion. Totally anonymous up until the point you want to not to be. Mrs toon hates driving my car as there's always some chav chariot up her backside wanting a race apparently. It was time for a change, my wife wanted a high driving position so i started looking at smaller SUV's after looking at the options it came down to X3 3.0D. I went and tried, it was great but there was issues getting one with the right options. So step up M40i with std memory seats after a quick try i was sold.
Its a great toy, I removed the badges from mine so most people think its a 2.0D but it really moves, with handling to match. Go and try it. If you are buying used post sept 2018 has the PPF so no pops and bangs but just a s quick.
I had originally wanted a 440i. They are due to be replaced next year so although beautiful, I fear they may start to date quite soon. I just keep going back to the X3 being more of a do it all type of car.
Don't really understand why you would get a second SUV if you dont need the space and your wife already has one. Get the M2 you really want, and I'm sure you can get a used one for less than the x3 will cost, and then suffer less depreciation as well. I'm sure the x3 is decent to drive and quick, but it will still be compromised.
JackReacher said:
Don't really understand why you would get a second SUV if you dont need the space and your wife already has one. Get the M2 you really want, and I'm sure you can get a used one for less than the x3 will cost, and then suffer less depreciation as well. I'm sure the x3 is decent to drive and quick, but it will still be compromised.
Just the sort of balance I was looking for. In truth, I won't be able to stretch to a new M2 comp. The list price is similar to the X3 but there are no discounts on it. A used example might be the answer.I ran a X1 as a daily for 44k mikes ; I have a M3 so it seemed a good balance.
And sometimes I wondered wether I could consolidate into 1 vehicle, that being a fast SUV. As SUVs have their merits.
But I couldn’t give up the thrill of a fast car , it’s different and with a M so much more engaging. So try for the M2 , second hand if necessary.
And take Volvo when weather is bad or you’re up in mountains.
And sometimes I wondered wether I could consolidate into 1 vehicle, that being a fast SUV. As SUVs have their merits.
But I couldn’t give up the thrill of a fast car , it’s different and with a M so much more engaging. So try for the M2 , second hand if necessary.
And take Volvo when weather is bad or you’re up in mountains.
toon10 said:
I cannot quite afford an M2 (unless I lease which I am not convinced about), M3 or M4 as I would like but they are doing good deals on the X3 right now. My local dealer wants me to come in and take one for a test. Talk me out of my insanity.
Its not insanity at all, go have a go of one.And I'm surprised 'VerySideways' hasn't chipped in here yet, as he's an ex-M135i/M235i/340i owner and now has a X3 M40i and appears to be very smitten with it
I had an M240i convertible ... and sold it for an X3 M40i just over a month ago.
Do I need it ? No .
Was there anything wrong with the M240i ? No
Do I need practical and space ? Absolutely not.
Do I regret getting it ? No way !! I love it.
I was worried re 21" alloys but the ride is better than my M240i and well sorted - unlike the M240i where the engine overcame the suspension with ease !
I have the HUD and it is awesome - not something I've had before but love it. I also have 360 degree cameras which make reversing and manoeuvring easy.
It is so well made and v comfy. Mine is blue with red and black upgraded leather and tbh the upgraded leather is a lot softer and nicer than the std stuff.
Have a drive of one - I bet the combination of 4.8 to 62 with a high driving position and great spec as std will sell it to you.
Need doesn't come into buying cars for me .... you only live once and I tend to buy whatever I fancy (cost permitting obvs).
Performance is great fun as it really shifts. Mine is a 355bhp one so the pops and bangs are mapped out courtesy of the PPF but it is more than adequate and so smooth to drive, but still great fun.
Do I need it ? No .
Was there anything wrong with the M240i ? No
Do I need practical and space ? Absolutely not.
Do I regret getting it ? No way !! I love it.
I was worried re 21" alloys but the ride is better than my M240i and well sorted - unlike the M240i where the engine overcame the suspension with ease !
I have the HUD and it is awesome - not something I've had before but love it. I also have 360 degree cameras which make reversing and manoeuvring easy.
It is so well made and v comfy. Mine is blue with red and black upgraded leather and tbh the upgraded leather is a lot softer and nicer than the std stuff.
Have a drive of one - I bet the combination of 4.8 to 62 with a high driving position and great spec as std will sell it to you.
Need doesn't come into buying cars for me .... you only live once and I tend to buy whatever I fancy (cost permitting obvs).
Performance is great fun as it really shifts. Mine is a 355bhp one so the pops and bangs are mapped out courtesy of the PPF but it is more than adequate and so smooth to drive, but still great fun.
Hi
I have had my M40i since March 2018. One of the first in the UK ordered without having driven one - brave or stupid? You can decide! The reviews on You Tube of the car were so good - I went with my gut feeling!
Previously I had a 330d and actually set out to buy a M3. Unlike others on this thread, I have 2 young kids - but my wife had the previous generation X3 so I thought I could get the car I wanted.
I had a really good test drive of the M3 and through discussion with the BMW Genius (who was great!), I realised that M3 just wasn't the car for me and my lifestyle (at the moment!). He actually pointed me in the direction of the M40i - I hadn't heard about it!
So, fast forward best part of 2 years since that test drive...my thoughts...I love the car! It isn't a proper M car and certainly isn't a M3. But it suits me and my lifestyle. Having two X3s on the drive may look strange, but my wife's 20d is the family workhorse. My car does all her car does - but, if you want, it can put a real smile on your face!
I like the higher driving position (personal choice) - the car doesn't seem big and as I have mine debadged, few people know what it is. It ticks all my boxes and once I add my winter wheels - I can use the car all year round.
Try and get a test drive and see what you think. I think its a great car and probably a "keeper" for me! Let me know if you need any more information.
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/R5lO2l72.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/BjMpMEsP" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/BjMpMEsP.jpg)
I have had my M40i since March 2018. One of the first in the UK ordered without having driven one - brave or stupid? You can decide! The reviews on You Tube of the car were so good - I went with my gut feeling!
Previously I had a 330d and actually set out to buy a M3. Unlike others on this thread, I have 2 young kids - but my wife had the previous generation X3 so I thought I could get the car I wanted.
I had a really good test drive of the M3 and through discussion with the BMW Genius (who was great!), I realised that M3 just wasn't the car for me and my lifestyle (at the moment!). He actually pointed me in the direction of the M40i - I hadn't heard about it!
So, fast forward best part of 2 years since that test drive...my thoughts...I love the car! It isn't a proper M car and certainly isn't a M3. But it suits me and my lifestyle. Having two X3s on the drive may look strange, but my wife's 20d is the family workhorse. My car does all her car does - but, if you want, it can put a real smile on your face!
I like the higher driving position (personal choice) - the car doesn't seem big and as I have mine debadged, few people know what it is. It ticks all my boxes and once I add my winter wheels - I can use the car all year round.
Try and get a test drive and see what you think. I think its a great car and probably a "keeper" for me! Let me know if you need any more information.
Edited by RBrown on Saturday 27th July 16:17
RBrown said:
Hi
I have had my M40i since March 2018. One of the first in the UK ordered without having driven one - brave or stupid? You can decide! The reviews on You Tube of the car were so good - I went with my gut feeling!
Previously I had a 330d and actually set out to buy a M3. Unlike others on this thread, I have 2 young kids - but my wife had the previous generation X3 so I thought I could get the car I wanted.
I had a really good test drive of the M3 and through discussion with the BMW Genius (who was great!), I realised that M3 just wasn't the car for me and my lifestyle (at the moment!). He actually pointed me in the direction of the M40i - I hadn't heard about it!
So, fast forward best part of 2 years since that test drive...my thoughts...I love the car! It isn't a proper M car and certainly isn't a M3. But it suits me and my lifestyle. Having two X3s on the drive may look strange, but my wife's 20d is the family workhorse. My car does all her car does - but, if you want, it can put a real smile on your face!
I like the higher driving position (personal choice) - the car doesn't seem big and as I have mine debadged, few people know what it is. It ticks all my boxes and once I add my winter wheels - I can use the car all year round.
Try and get a test drive and see what you think. I think its a great car and probably a "keeper" for me! Let me know if you need any more information.
Good to see it in the best colour I have had my M40i since March 2018. One of the first in the UK ordered without having driven one - brave or stupid? You can decide! The reviews on You Tube of the car were so good - I went with my gut feeling!
Previously I had a 330d and actually set out to buy a M3. Unlike others on this thread, I have 2 young kids - but my wife had the previous generation X3 so I thought I could get the car I wanted.
I had a really good test drive of the M3 and through discussion with the BMW Genius (who was great!), I realised that M3 just wasn't the car for me and my lifestyle (at the moment!). He actually pointed me in the direction of the M40i - I hadn't heard about it!
So, fast forward best part of 2 years since that test drive...my thoughts...I love the car! It isn't a proper M car and certainly isn't a M3. But it suits me and my lifestyle. Having two X3s on the drive may look strange, but my wife's 20d is the family workhorse. My car does all her car does - but, if you want, it can put a real smile on your face!
I like the higher driving position (personal choice) - the car doesn't seem big and as I have mine debadged, few people know what it is. It ticks all my boxes and once I add my winter wheels - I can use the car all year round.
Try and get a test drive and see what you think. I think its a great car and probably a "keeper" for me! Let me know if you need any more information.
Edited by RBrown on Saturday 27th July 16:17
Edited by Tea Pot One on Sunday 28th July 10:29
I have an M2Comp (came from an M140i) and while I love it, it isn’t the best choice for an out and daily. I have other things I use for pottering around and I’ve just bought an old e61 530d Touring for long motorway journeys. I think the X3 looks a great all rounder, but I suspect after time you might yearn for for something a little more hard core for fun!
Billy_Whizzzz said:
I have an M2Comp (came from an M140i) and while I love it, it isn’t the best choice for an out and daily. I have other things I use for pottering around and I’ve just bought an old e61 530d Touring for long motorway journeys. I think the X3 looks a great all rounder, but I suspect after time you might yearn for for something a little more hard core for fun!
I didn't need my X3 M40i when I bought it .... but wanted something different. It makes me concentrate as it is different to me having never ticked the 4x4 SUV box before. I know it will sound odd as it is no M2 C or the like, but having had numerous quick cars over the years, I find for me atm this is 'hard core' in the I have to concentrate differently way.I can, however, see an X3M possibly in a couple of years
Just an update to close the thread off.
I pick my new car up on Friday. I couldn't quite stretch to the M2 comp and I was struggling to find used examples on budget, locally with the right spec. The longer I thought about it, the more I knew that I was really after something a bit more grown up and luxurious.
I did talk through the numbers on the X3m40i but the dealer had a 540i xDrive in stock so I had a look. The spec wasn't for me but I knew I wanted one. A few weeks went by and the same dealer got one in at their Doncaster branch and they agreed to ship it to Newcastle for me to test.
I took it out on Friday. The conditions were best described as torrential. I put it in sport mode and buried the throttle and there was absolutely no drama. No traction control light, no rear movement and the car didn't try to kill me like the mlite would have in the same circumstances. It just hooked up and went.
It's has the m sport pack with 19" diamond cut alloys, tinted windows, HK and a few other bits. It's an epic car. I can only imagine how good the new M5 is as the perfect everyday all round car. One day but for now, the 540i will do me just fine. Can't wait!
Pics to follow.
I pick my new car up on Friday. I couldn't quite stretch to the M2 comp and I was struggling to find used examples on budget, locally with the right spec. The longer I thought about it, the more I knew that I was really after something a bit more grown up and luxurious.
I did talk through the numbers on the X3m40i but the dealer had a 540i xDrive in stock so I had a look. The spec wasn't for me but I knew I wanted one. A few weeks went by and the same dealer got one in at their Doncaster branch and they agreed to ship it to Newcastle for me to test.
I took it out on Friday. The conditions were best described as torrential. I put it in sport mode and buried the throttle and there was absolutely no drama. No traction control light, no rear movement and the car didn't try to kill me like the mlite would have in the same circumstances. It just hooked up and went.
It's has the m sport pack with 19" diamond cut alloys, tinted windows, HK and a few other bits. It's an epic car. I can only imagine how good the new M5 is as the perfect everyday all round car. One day but for now, the 540i will do me just fine. Can't wait!
Pics to follow.
Great stuff. I've had my M40i since Feb and it's done everything I've asked it to. Just got back from 1,500 round trip to France with Mrs V & our puppy, and the car performed perfectly. Averaged low 30s for the trip which I thought was great. Mine's debadged for discretion
Here she is parked up:
Here she is parked up:
london_v said:
Great stuff. I've had my M40i since Feb and it's done everything I've asked it to. Just got back from 1,500 round trip to France with Mrs V & our puppy, and the car performed perfectly. Averaged low 30s for the trip which I thought was great. Mine's debadged for discretion
Here she is parked up:
They do look great and a perfect mix of performance, comfort, practicality and luxury. Love that colour too.Here she is parked up:
Went through something similar.
Wanted to move my 440i gc on as it was deprecating too fast - G20 just gone on sale and 4 series coming to EOL. Have no need for an SUV yet, but planning for kids in the near future.
Like the driving position of an SUV and wanted the same power as the 440i gc and naturally thought an X3 M40i would be the replacement as its got the same B58 lump as my out-going 440i. Just couldn't get the numbers to work so now in a Audi SQ5 3.0 TFSI, wanted petrol not a diesel so finding a petrol SQ5 was a bit of a challenge with the spec I wanted.
So if an X3 M40i doesn't work out then consider an SQ5.
Wanted to move my 440i gc on as it was deprecating too fast - G20 just gone on sale and 4 series coming to EOL. Have no need for an SUV yet, but planning for kids in the near future.
Like the driving position of an SUV and wanted the same power as the 440i gc and naturally thought an X3 M40i would be the replacement as its got the same B58 lump as my out-going 440i. Just couldn't get the numbers to work so now in a Audi SQ5 3.0 TFSI, wanted petrol not a diesel so finding a petrol SQ5 was a bit of a challenge with the spec I wanted.
So if an X3 M40i doesn't work out then consider an SQ5.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff