530d to X3 - is it worth it?

[CourtAgain]

I currently have a G31 530d Touring, and am contemplating an X3 M40d - I know aside from the quicker engine, there's not much similarity and space is fairly similar, except you sit a little higher up. Getting fed up of getting down into my 5er, but wonder if it is worth the move? How is the M40d as a daily? Is it a target for thieves?

[EddieFelson]

A 5 series is more X5 for the same type of space. You’ll be dropping down in size as the X3 is more like the 3 series.

[rassi]

I went from a G31 540i to an X3M, so not quite the 530d to XM40D, but I found the interior quite low rent (admittedly the G31 had B&W audio, comfort seats and leather dash) but the quality is not the same (small detail like the door bins that are not lined in the X3). Space wise, the boot is about the same but the X3 is maybe more useable due to the height of the cabin.

Unless you really need to change for medical reason, I would stick with the 530d.

[V12VMan]

CourtAgain said:

I currently have a G31 530d Touring, and am contemplating an X3 M40d - I know aside from the quicker engine, there's not much similarity and space is fairly similar, except you sit a little higher up. Getting fed up of getting down into my 5er, but wonder if it is worth the move? How is the M40d as a daily? Is it a target for thieves?

My last 5 series was just over 10 years ago being a 2008 535d sport which I replaced with a Range Rover Sport in 2011, following that I had two further RRS. So fast forward to August 2021 and I replaced my last RRS with a 2019 X3 M40i which I think is one of the best all round BMW daily driver.

I know it’s not an M40d like you’re looking at but it’ll be just as quick I’m sure and less thirsty then mine, personally I’d get yourself behind the wheel for a long test drive and make your own mind up. It will as you say give you a more commanding view of the road ahead and have the added bonus of being an SUV with the drop down seats and lots of room when done so.

I managed to get a 65 inch TV all new and boxed in the back of mine no problem!

[CourtAgain]

Thanks for all your replies. I saw the M40d at Saxton 4x4, it looked smart enough, and after placing a deposit, went to take a look. Car was filthy, trim was missing from near side rear window, and despite all the bells and whistles of LED lights, Head Up Display, it did feel a little low rent, almost like stepping into a Nissan XTrail, compared to the 530d.

Also fearing further financial banana skins and more transfer issues than Antonio Conte at Spurs (retaining cherished plate, Insurance, tax costs), I realise apart from the height (no medical issues regarding use of my 530d) there's not much going for it. The intense sales environment of the showroom also helped me decide there's no point in changing cars. (Plus, it's mostly a weekend car due to use of a van for work in the week). Decided to use my money to change insurance provider (had one of those annoying black box GPS things, where they harass you more than NHS Track & Trace if you don't drive enough )

May go back to an X5 in future, though I hate the dials in the new one

Cheers for your input

Edited by CourtAgain on Sunday 16th January 07:56

Edited by CourtAgain on Sunday 16th January 10:32

[hilly10]

CourtAgain said:

I currently have a G31 530d Touring, and am contemplating an X3 M40d - I know aside from the quicker engine, there's not much similarity and space is fairly similar, except you sit a little higher up. Getting fed up of getting down into my 5er, but wonder if it is worth the move? How is the M40d as a daily? Is it a target for thieves?

After having three 5 series we have just purchased a new X3 apart from the seats being a tad smaller, interior space is very good and not that noticeable from the 5 after all the X3 is based on the same Clar platform from the 5 series. The reason we changed was as you say getting up into as opposed tho getting down.

[Roma101]

I went from a G31 30d to an X3 30d (via two other cars in between).

I personally wouldn’t bother. The X3 is a decent car, but isn’t materially better to warrant a change, unless you just want a change for change’s sake. The interior is not quite as good as the 5 and there is definitely less internal passenger space. The boot is similar size. Ride isn’t quite as good and the MP model might be even stiffer.

[CourtAgain]

Roma101 said:

I went from a G31 30d to an X3 30d (via two other cars in between).

I personally wouldn’t bother. The X3 is a decent car, but isn’t materially better to warrant a change, unless you just want a change for change’s sake. The interior is not quite as good as the 5 and there is definitely less internal passenger space. The boot is similar size. Ride isn’t quite as good and the MP model might be even stiffer.

In the end I did switch to the X3, and it's true I have the same level of tech as I had in the 530d, but I prefer the driving position. I never really adjusted to getting down into the car after a few years of an X5, and a couple of non BMW cars in between. Aside from the wood effect trim, I don't miss much from the 5. Although it is built on the same chassis platform as the 5 Touring, I took a seat in the back and found the legroom to be about the same. Checked all reviews first before taking the plunge, found the ride quality to be on par with the Touring, I live in an area where the council goes mad for traffic calming, but at the same time won't fix potholes
Found the ride quality to be good, and despite two big booster seats for the kids in the back, the middle seat has enough space. I think it's bigger than the previous gen X3. So far, so good

[hilly10]

CourtAgain said:

In the end I did switch to the X3, and it's true I have the same level of tech as I had in the 530d, but I prefer the driving position. I never really adjusted to getting down into the car after a few years of an X5, and a couple of non BMW cars in between. Aside from the wood effect trim, I don't miss much from the 5. Although it is built on the same chassis platform as the 5 Touring, I took a seat in the back and found the legroom to be about the same. Checked all reviews first before taking the plunge, found the ride quality to be on par with the Touring, I live in an area where the council goes mad for traffic calming, but at the same time won't fix potholes
Found the ride quality to be good, and despite two big booster seats for the kids in the back, the middle seat has enough space. I think it's bigger than the previous gen X3. So far, so good

Do you have the adaptive dampers. I have them on mine and really do make a marked difference. Like you the space inside is nearly up there with the five

[CourtAgain]

hilly10 said:

Do you have the adaptive dampers. I have them on mine and really do make a marked difference. Like you the space inside is nearly up there with the five

I don't have adaptive dampers, but I find the car soaks up the bumps a little better than the Touring did (perhaps as you aren't so close to the ground) but I notice the car feels bigger when it comes to parking compared to the 5, odd as they are the same length.

I sat in an X5 XLine last year to see what the latest model compared to the F15, it was huge! I find the materials in the X3 to be good, the coin box in mine was lined, compared to the 530d. Some of the Piano Black bits of trim near the iDrive controller and other buttons on the central console pick up more fingerprints than the police... but overall I am pleased with my final choice.

[Coley88]

We love ours, had it from new.

Their option sensitive IMO, so look it for a decent spec list, nice bits like the merino interior (photo from a demo, without electric seats), pano roof, 21’ wheels which are fine with the adaptive dampers, wireless CarPlay & heated steering wheel all play a role.

I prefer it to the previous 640d we had and the current i8