[WHITEUNDERARM]

Hi guys!

Needing some advice on making a decision. Currently own an X3 20d LCI as well as a G80 M3 xdrive.

I love the M3 and it’s capabilities but find myself driving the X3 more as it’s the more kid friendly comfortable family car. Without going into too much detail I’ve been offered a great deal on a low mileage X3 M40i LCI…in the same breath I’ve also been offered a great deal on a X3M LCI….I’m considering trading in both my M3 & 20d on either the M40i or the X3M.

My question is do you really need the X3M or should I save some cash and go with the M40i? I know both are quick and I’ve heard the M40i is 90% of the X3M….is that 10% worth the jump in price? Would love to hear from those who have both or have jumped from one to the other. I’ve test driven both and found them both enjoyable…head says M40i, heart says X3M.

[Tangent]

Several reviews have called the M40i the "sweet spot" and preferred it over the X3M and I can see why. We got our M40i a few months ago and had test driven an X3M previously. You of course don't get quite the power of course but it doesn't feel like as big of a difference as the numbers would suggest. You also get a more comfortable ride. Both respond well to mods so if you want more power both are a good choice. I personally saw no point to spending the extra cash on the X3M.

[Rezinator]

I initially really wanted the X3M, test drove both the X3M and the M40i back to back on same day.
I thought the X3M was only slightly quicker, but had a much stiffer ride and did not have the nimble feel of the M40i. The M does look better than the M40i.

I bought the M40i and couldn’t be happier. The handling and acceleration are excellent, brakes are great, if you want more power, easily just flash it with BM3.
The only thing I really disliked was the sound system, which I upgraded to Audison speakers and MatchUp7 amp.

[HuskerNSC]

I did the same things/had the same debate. Ended up going with the M40i.

I think I would have went with the X3M if I was really worried about having a true "M" car, but at the end of the day the M40i was the perfect sweet spot for me.

[Keefy]

Originally Posted by Tangent

Several reviews have called the M40i the "sweet spot" and preferred it over the X3M and I can see why. We got our M40i a few months ago and had test driven an X3M previously. You of course don't get quite the power of course but it doesn't feel like as big of a difference as the numbers would suggest. You also get a more comfortable ride. Both respond well to mods so if you want more power both are a good choice. I personally saw no point to spending the extra cash on the X3M.

But once you go down the modification road, you’re sometimes better off buying the more expensive X3M to begin with and retaining the warranty….then again you’d probably end up modifying that as well

But you’re right, I think whether you get the M40i or M40d it’s the more sensible option IMO over the X3M….but it’s all subjective as all 3 cars are excellent.

[mailman_fin]

Originally Posted by WHITEUNDERARM

Without going into too much detail I’ve been offered a great deal on a low mileage X3 M40i LCI…in the same breath I’ve also been offered a great deal on a X3M LCI….

Whats the price difference?

[Keefy]

Originally Posted by mailman_fin

Whats the price difference?

I would say around £15-£20 grand.

[ContactPatch]

No need for the X3M, I can get in more than enough trouble with the M40i, and probably visit Shell less often!

[themightychimp]

I’ve owned both, traded in my 2019 M40i for an X3M Competition at the end of March.
I don’t find the ride much different to the M40i in comfort setting, a little firmer & more bouncy perhaps but not much in it.
When I push on the X3M is clearly quicker, but the low down torque, more useful for everyday driving, seemed better in the M40i (neither of the cars LCI).
The M40i made a meaningful rumble, but the X3M makes a fantastic noise.
The biggest difference is the running costs - I definitely notice that I’m filling up the X3M more frequently, the insurance cost is double & required me to fit a Thatcham S5 tracker, & I’m generally more wary of what might happen to it, bought a Stoplock Pro Elite which I always have on the steering wheel.
To be honest, yes it was a heart over head decision that I still feel slightly guilty about. The only reason I went for it is because the X3M was my perfect spec, & I got what I thought was a good deal.
I don’t regret it, the X3M is fabulous. Would I do it again? In the circumstances yes. Did it make sense to upgrade? No!
As to whether the decision would work for anyone else, I think it depends on individual circumstances & preferences.
Either car would be graat, but I’d say in general & for most folk, as a premium performance SUV, the M40i is all the car you’d really need.

[keithguido]

X3M40 is a better daily driver and less gas stops. Unless you need bragging rights at C&C the X3M is overkill.

[sbt007]

To echo what others mentioned. Money was not a concern, but the M40i has a better torque down low and it is already at the edge of comfortable for my family in the back seat. The two things I miss in the M - the M-seats looks great and the quad exhaust looks great. But the other factors are more important to me.

[ASAP]

I've driven both on the street back to back and later at Palm Beach International Raceway.

They feel a lot different, so I'll start there.

The X3 m40i is the ultimate daily driver... its got a ton of down low torque that insanely usable for the streets and passing at any time. It also gets very good fuel efficiency, I average 19.1 US MPG in mixed driving. It's also relatively comfortable and handles I would argue well for an SUV.

The X3M (comp) is an entirely different car... the steering rack is far faster and turn is way sharper. I would argue it's not that much stiffer... the X3M comes by default on very good non runflat tires, so even though the suspension is stiffer, the difference in tires partially makes it up. It is bouncier, but that's the nature of a stiff car. The S58 engine torque curve is FAR higher up the rev range so you don't get the initial thrust the B58 gives... BUT it makes up for that top end... with 510 HP, at any speeds above 40-50 MPH, the X3M will run away... there is a 12 MPH difference in 1/4 mile trap speed... 107 vs 119 which is staggering.

All this comes down to... what are you looking for? Good daily driver than can do it all... M40i.

Or the ultimate sports SUV...

If we strictly stick to handling and just general feeling of sportiness... the M40i honestly doesn't hold a candle to an X3M. The M40i in my mind handles like a boat in comparison to the X3M. You cannot take very tight turns remotely as hard as in an X3M because the M40i is just too soft and falls apart when being pushed past 7/10... but all that comes at the expense of stiffness, fuel efficiency and the like.

If you want a more involving experience X3M no questions asked... if you want a daily driver m40i... Important fact - if you don't push both cars, it may be hard for you to tell the difference. To me it was immediate but I used to have an M car.

[core22]

What about keeping your M3 and going with the M40i. Is that an option?

[Rezinator]

Originally Posted by core22

What about keeping your M3 and going with the M40i. Is that an option?

I got the M40i and kept my 335is (I know, not really comparable to the G80) as my “fun” weekend car.

[snareman]

I have the M40 and my friend has the X3M, both LCI's. We've compared them side by side and I have no regrets. The M40 is a great comfortable ride and still has more power than I need in a sporty SUV. And BMW plastered enough M's around mine to make me think I have an M.

I've also heard the "sweet spot" argument from many people.

[Gritty]

Agreed and I bought a M40, but once I add sport exhaust and a tune and the M has better seats and brakes...If BMW offered the X3M with air suspension and it rode better than a X3 40 - I'm not sure how I wouldn't t buy one?

[suby01]

In 2019 I simply chose the 2020 M40i because it had the newer IDrive version. I like tech - thats it.
Today for any newer years if I was considering M40i or the X3M?
I would totally choose the X3M. My personal reason is the speed and reliability when modded.
The X3M needs a lot less parts to go way way faster then what a M40i will ever achieve. So far the X3M holds up on crazy launches and abuse.
The M40i B58 with less horsepower most likely need to upgrade very expensive parts that do not exist. Transmission, axles, and possibly driveshaft.
This all totally depends on who is looking for what, but thats my story.

[Jrock645]

I can’t imagine anyone really needs the M series, no. But, I’m sure it’s really nice if you can afford it.

[Scottie2hottie]

Originally Posted by WHITEUNDERARM

Hi guys!

Needing some advice on making a decision. Currently own an X3 20d LCI as well as a G80 M3 xdrive.

I love the M3 and it’s capabilities but find myself driving the X3 more as it’s the more kid friendly comfortable family car. Without going into too much detail I’ve been offered a great deal on a low mileage X3 M40i LCI…in the same breath I’ve also been offered a great deal on a X3M LCI….I’m considering trading in both my M3 & 20d on either the M40i or the X3M.

My question is do you really need the X3M or should I save some cash and go with the M40i? I know both are quick and I’ve heard the M40i is 90% of the X3M….is that 10% worth the jump in price? Would love to hear from those who have both or have jumped from one to the other. I’ve test driven both and found them both enjoyable…head says M40i, heart says X3M.

Bro I had the same question before but after driving both vehicles and having an mod 2023 M3 comp xdrive tuned with over 700 HP; I can tell you right now, it’s like night and day with those cars, the X3 M40i is great at what is supposed to be and that is a great size SUV with a good amount of Hp and torque and it response well but the X3M is a whole different beast especially if you go with the competition package, the vehicle doesn’t even feel like an SUV and I have a modified M3 with no limiter, the SAV as BMW calls it, is built like an SUV but runs like a Sedan, I don’t know why people say that it’s stiff and harsh on curves and corners but I had no issue with the response and drive; I was actually so impressed that I ordered one and should be delivered next month, but I’m telling you go with the X3M competition you won’t regret it, you’ll get a great family vehicle when needed for errands etc, but when you’re alone and want to enjoy the performance you’ll never be disappointed. I ordered the 23 X3M Competition(bmw says 503 HP but it’s definitely more) with the M Driver’s Package because I’m a performance guy and I’ll be tracking soon, and it’s cheaper, lighter and cheaper to modified than the X4M, X5M and X6M. Lastly, those M seats are a lot better than those standard seats and the exhaust on the X3MC is insane, just go X3M Competition, you’ll thank me later lol. But remember do what’s best for you and your family. Whatever you do just know you’ll have the Ultimate Driving Machine and many ppl cannot say that.

[danniexi]

Originally Posted by WHITEUNDERARM

My question is do you really need the X3M.

honestly, no. for day to day driving it's stupid and a waste of money.

M40i will probably suit you just fine. same can be said for the M340i vs M3. for most people, an M340i makes more sense. you get an M3 because you want to. you get an X3M because you want to.

Originally Posted by ASAP

I've driven both on the street back to back and later at Palm Beach International Raceway.

They feel a lot different, so I'll start there.

The X3 m40i is the ultimate daily driver... its got a ton of down low torque that insanely usable for the streets and passing at any time. It also gets very good fuel efficiency, I average 19.1 US MPG in mixed driving. It's also relatively comfortable and handles I would argue well for an SUV.

The X3M (comp) is an entirely different car... the steering rack is far faster and turn is way sharper. I would argue it's not that much stiffer... the X3M comes by default on very good non runflat tires, so even though the suspension is stiffer, the difference in tires partially makes it up. It is bouncier, but that's the nature of a stiff car. The S58 engine torque curve is FAR higher up the rev range so you don't get the initial thrust the B58 gives... BUT it makes up for that top end... with 510 HP, at any speeds above 40-50 MPH, the X3M will run away... there is a 12 MPH difference in 1/4 mile trap speed... 107 vs 119 which is staggering.

All this comes down to... what are you looking for? Good daily driver than can do it all... M40i.

Or the ultimate sports SUV...

If we strictly stick to handling and just general feeling of sportiness... the M40i honestly doesn't hold a candle to an X3M. The M40i in my mind handles like a boat in comparison to the X3M. You cannot take very tight turns remotely as hard as in an X3M because the M40i is just too soft and falls apart when being pushed past 7/10... but all that comes at the expense of stiffness, fuel efficiency and the like.

If you want a more involving experience X3M no questions asked... if you want a daily driver m40i... Important fact - if you don't push both cars, it may be hard for you to tell the difference. To me it was immediate but I used to have an M car.

well said. /thread

[junx]

X3m all the way

[cutnsew]

I don’t think I can rly add anything new to this thread, mainly just reiterate what others have said. If you want a good “do it all” daily driver it’s hard to deny the benefit of the M40i. If you want to be in tune with the road and truely have the fastest one, get the real M. No matter how much you modify the B58 you’re not going to have the forged internal of the S58. You’d have to modify the heads too bc the compression ratio is different. It’s a totally different beast. Yes, the M40 may feel quicker initially, it’s reallly not.

I daily drive my X4M >60 miles a day. Only complaint: too quiet. Fixed that with AA midpipe. If it’s too loud when my souse and kid are with me I just close the exhaust flaps.

IMO, If you wish you could drive the M3 bc you enjoy driving it, but don’t bc of the lack of being kid-friendly, get the X3M. If you wish you drove the X3 more bc of the plush ride, the M40 would be better. Keep us posted, and post pics of the new one!