[cadman50]

I'm on the fence about this one. I've got everything else planned. Well maybe I'd change to cognac instead of black but that's a different fence.
I don't drive like a race car driver but am an aggressive driver. Has anyone that's driven the X3 with and without the Msport differential noticed the difference? For those that have it, do you feel it was worth it? Can anyone describe what it's like when it's being utilized? Do you feel more grounded coming out of a corner? Feel more power?

[Torinalth]

Are you planning to modify? run it hard? then do it. it's not that expensive. Several people will argue that it's not worth it on an SUV.... the X3M has it standard, so, lies. I got it, and do not regret it. I had to do a lot of testing to see how it worked though, you really need to have DSC off for it to come into play properly. with DSC on, the DSC programming slows you down so you don't over-rotate, with the DSC off it rotates nicely in the tighter turns and will slide if you put the power on mid turn. I still like the one in my former S4 better, thought it was more engaging, but i would order it with the M-sport diff again without question. Skip the damned wireless charger and HK stereo if you need to recoup money elsewhere

[shrinivaskk]

Originally Posted by cadman50

I'm on the fence about this one. I've got everything else planned. Well maybe I'd change to cognac instead of black but that's a different fence.
I don't drive like a race car driver but am an aggressive driver. Has anyone that's driven the X3 with and without the Msport differential noticed the difference? For those that have it, do you feel it was worth it? Can anyone describe what it's like when it's being utilized? Do you feel more grounded coming out of a corner? Feel more power?

Disclaimer - I might be totally off the grid/fence in answering your question. Pardon my immaturity in the BMW world considering first time BMW owner (only 2 weeks)

I bought BMW X3 2020 with M Sports Package (Not sure if that is what you are asking). But it also comes with Sports Mode.

I drove with Sports Mode ON in hills and even on highways. The torque kicks in efficiently and gear shift is smooth during racing to the speed.

Now on the M Sports Package - These are more of fancy stickers and gizmos around like Blue Brakes, M logo on steering wheel and doors, Body colour skirts, Performance (Summer) tires etc...

Plz read my disclaimer again and forgive me if I've completely posted inaccurate response.

[sbt007]

Originally Posted by cadman50

I'm on the fence about this one. I've got everything else planned. Well maybe I'd change to cognac instead of black but that's a different fence.
I don't drive like a race car driver but am an aggressive driver. Has anyone that's driven the X3 with and without the Msport differential noticed the difference? For those that have it, do you feel it was worth it? Can anyone describe what it's like when it's being utilized? Do you feel more grounded coming out of a corner? Feel more power?

I specifically wanted the M-sport diff because I did not want to leave out any option which might improve handling. So far, I have done some twisty backroads on the hills and some very quick cornering and I am very satisfied. Is it because of the M-sport diff - I don't have the answer. My understanding is that it is utilized more when coming out of a corner fast. For vehicles that don't have it, the electronic system applies brakes selectively to one wheel to try and get to the same effect. So at minimum, I have a dedicated system which hopefully increases brake life as well.

I did test drive one without it and I feel that taking a fast corner is better on mine but any number of things can contribute to that feeling. The test vehicle was on 19 inchers for example.

[sbt007]

Originally Posted by shrinivaskk

Disclaimer - I might be totally off the grid/fence in answering your question. Pardon my immaturity in the BMW world considering first time BMW owner (only 2 weeks)

I bought BMW X3 2020 with M Sports Package (Not sure if that is what you are asking). But it also comes with Sports Mode.

I drove with Sports Mode ON in hills and even on highways. The torque kicks in efficiently and gear shift is smooth during racing to the speed.

Now on the M Sports Package - These are more of fancy stickers and gizmos around like Blue Brakes, M logo on steering wheel and doors, Body colour skirts, Performance (Summer) tires etc...

Plz read my disclaimer again and forgive me if I've completely posted inaccurate response.

The M-sport differential is a separate $1300 option in the US on top of what you described. Most M40is do not have it. Some countries do have it as standard.

[kscarrol]

I got the M Diff as well. Like sbt007, just wanted the higher spec for handling though I have not had the chance to really push the car yet. Coming from the M3, I wanted the best driving experience possible.

[satz]

Is that option S2T4A? My build sheet says it's included on mine.
But I thought it was an electronic 'trick' (using ABS, traction control, etc), rather than any actual mechanical LSD type arrangement.

[comber]

Originally Posted by sbt007

The M-sport differential is a separate $1300 option in the US on top of what you described. Most M40is do not have it. Some countries do have it as standard.

In Spain is standard with the M40i...looking forward to test it.

[clivem2]

Originally Posted by comber

In Spain is standard with the M40i...looking forward to test it.

Standard in the UK too...they drop some of the spec in the US as the market demands lower prices.

[HoustonEaDo]

A few older discussions about it....

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...t+differential

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...t+differential

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...t+differential

[Tchgrif]

I've owned 2 bmw x4's/ the first one did not have msport dif and I ordered this one with it. I know the difference. honestly you wont feel it most of the time. I feel it under two specific conditions, rapidly taking off in a turn and sudden over takes on a road with rapid lane change. I do not turn off DSC to notice it. I can literally feel it engage. Now was it worth what I paid for it? I say yes but i probably would not have noticed it had I not ordered it this way. I am happy with it and no regrets but you have to decide for yourself, as pleased with it as I am I recognize it's a subtle difference that frankly most people would never notice.

[Yellowmattei]

If you're planning to track the car, or drive it at more than 8/10ths of it's capabilities, you need it. If you like a car that handles well, and occasionally do a few drives on fun twisty roads, it's just not necessary. This car handles very well under virtually every driving condition you will find on any road, and I got it without the MSport diff.

Agreed about the wireless charger, though having gotten the base stereo, I wish for a little more boost and power that I'd imagine the HK gives.

Good luck!

[cadman50]

Originally Posted by HoustonEaDo

A few older discussions about it....

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...t+differential

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...t+differential

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...t+differential

Thanks. I spent a lot of time reading some of these yesterday.

[cadman50]

Originally Posted by Tchgrif

I've owned 2 bmw x4's/ the first one did not have msport dif and I ordered this one with it. I know the difference. honestly you wont feel it most of the time. I feel it under two specific conditions, rapidly taking off in a turn and sudden over takes on a road with rapid lane change. I do not turn off DSC to notice it. I can literally feel it engage. Now was it worth what I paid for it? I say yes but i probably would not have noticed it had I not ordered it this way. I am happy with it and no regrets but you have to decide for yourself, as pleased with it as I am I recognize it's a subtle difference that frankly most people would never notice.

"If you're planning to track the car, or drive it at more than 8/10ths of it's capabilities, you need it. If you like a car that handles well, and occasionally do a few drives on fun twisty roads, it's just not necessary. This car handles very well under virtually every driving condition you will find on any road, and I got it without the MSport diff."

I don't plan on trak'ing the car and I live in an area that has some twisty roads but the speed limits are like 30-35mph which I would normally drive 40-45mph and I agree with the quotes above that I may not even notice since I don't even approach 7/10th performance. I like driving quick but not crazy. Every so often I'll play with the performance but drive a lot in Normal mode. That said...I'm not sure if I would notice it.

However, I read that it helps in snowy conditions. I drive alot up/down 7-16% graded windy mountain canyon roads in the winter that can be really snowy. I always have snow tires on. My X3 does a fantastic job but sometimes I feel the backend sliding and wonder if the MLSD would help with that. And what about just driving on snowy roads. Will it help?

[satz]

Originally Posted by clivem2

Standard in the UK too...they drop some of the spec in the US as the market demands lower prices.

Downunder the M40i is also very well specced. I'm guessing very similarly to that in the UK.

includes M sport diff (plus other things like HUD, heated seats, comfort access, 21-inch wheels, gesture thing, etc)

Helps us feel a little better that we're paying so much for the car (relative to US prices)

[dcchris311]

It was a must have option when I spec'd my M40i out. I plan on doing some autocross and open road races with it in the near future.

[freshxdough]

I say "fking SEND IT".

For what it's worth I spec'd with M Sport diff and M Adaptive Suspension. I drive my car hard and every on ramp/off ramp is a race track.

[kscarrol]

Agreed! I also spec'd with the M Diff and the M Adaptive Suspension... I mean why not!