07-08-2019, 01:39 PM | #1 |
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Test Drove X3MC, underwhelmed
I just got back from a test drive in the X3M Competition on the BMW M town tour here in DFW. Was pretty excited for the X3M as my 2016 F80 is going to be replaced sometime in the near future. They let me take the car by myself on a 4 mile loop mixed highway and city.
I did a few pulls from various speeds and pretty disappointed with the S58 motor. It just didn't feel like a 503 hp, not sure if it was the weight of the SUV or what but it felt slower than a stock F80 non ZCP. On the plus side the interior was really nice compared to F8x and the transmission was really good with lightning fast upshifts. The ride was pretty compliant and the steering feel was not bad for a SUV, pretty direct. I just can't see dropping 80K+ if I didn't love the engine. Hopefully it feels better in the upcoming G8x M3/M4. |
07-08-2019, 10:33 PM | #2 |
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Interesting, I am waiting to test drive x3M v.s the new 2020 X3 M40I to see if I can actually see significant difference on the road since I don't plan to take it to the track!
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07-09-2019, 02:19 PM | #3 | |
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07-09-2019, 03:58 PM | #4 | |
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I'm hoping the motor will shine in the G8x. |
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07-09-2019, 05:26 PM | #5 |
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I also recently test drove the X3 M Comp and am in a similar situation as the OP being that I'm currently in a F80 M3 with my lease coming to an end soon. I've never owned a SUV/SAV but being that there aren't many options for F80 replacement in the price range I've been leaning toward the X3 M.
First the good, the X3 surprised me as far as handling and feel. Felt like being in a jacked up sports car. Even though it's larger and heavier you feel like you can confidently toss it around. Acceleration as expected being in AWD was good. No fuss, no wheel-spin, no engine bogging from traction loss, it just goes. I think it's deceivingly fast being that it's quieter/smoother than a F80 but as you watch the speedo there's no doubt it's moving. Interior is nice but I wouldn't consider it that much of an improvement from an F80. Now the bad which is mostly coming from my experience and attachment to the F80. Does it put that same smile on my face when I drive it or get in it, no. F80 is louder, meaner, more thrilling to drive and a better aesthetically pleasing M designed car. But when I detach myself from comparing the two which really isn't fair the X3 M is a great high performance SAV and is absolutely more practical for me especially in the North East. My other choice for replacement is the M550i which I'll be test driving soon. But if I end up in a X3 M I can see it growing on me more and more after a while and I'm confident I wouldn't end up being disappointed. |
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07-10-2019, 01:19 AM | #6 | |
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Past '20 X4 ///M Competition Toronto Red -- '16 ///M3 Tanzanite Blue, ZCP -- '15 ///M3 Mineral Grey |
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07-10-2019, 06:11 PM | #8 | ||
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Any of those choices will be great especially with the right tune i've learned they bring out all the best from the car as it made me like my cars more and not get bored. Quote:
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07-11-2019, 07:10 PM | #9 |
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I finally test drove the X3MC today....and I'm impressed. Coming out of a 2017 X5M. This new engine is potent enough. This feels as fast as X5M (imo) perhaps only in the mind. 567HP, 553lb-ft torque vs 503HP, 442lb-ft clearly a difference; but the real world feel isn't that big of a difference to me.
As an everyday driver this feels lighter and less bulky which I'm looking for yet still lightening fast. Faster than most vehicles on the road. I had to ask do I need any more HP? Nah. At some point it becomes excessive power that can't be accessed on everyday drives. I will never track this vehicle, so.....to each his/her own. The only disappointment was no alcantara headliner. The bump in the trunk for the spare didn't bother me. Styling is classy and modern but not cutting edge like a Macan or other brands. The seats were comfortable and supportive. The ride quality was firm and sure footed. The tech is outstanding. I'll be ordering ALPINE WHITE w/Sahkir Orange Extended Merino. Finally a payment of $975 w/tax is far better than $1360/tax... Good luck all. |
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07-11-2019, 09:29 PM | #10 | |
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07-11-2019, 09:53 PM | #11 | ||
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07-15-2019, 03:07 PM | #12 |
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Interesting view.
I just did the same this past Saturday and was blown away at how good they made it. My course had a bunch of winds and sweepers and I was absolutely hauling ass through the turns and felt like the car handled just as good as an F80 M3. The car was absolutely planted and the suspension was incredible and responsive. The power was good, but there was definitely some lag between pressing down the throttle and getting a powerful response. Should be able to be fixed with a nice freeflow exhaust and maybe some catless downpipes even moreso. Biggest weak point I observed was the transmission. It was pretty sluggish in changing gears, which was a big pity. Important to note I had the car in Sport+ on all of the settings.
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07-15-2019, 03:16 PM | #13 |
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X3M and X3M Comp will only make full rated power on 93 octane, not 91.
The X3M comp exhaust was my by biggest disappointment. The X3 M40i exhaust sound light years better and louder with cracks and pops. The X3M comp exhaust sounded like a child gargling water into a microphone |
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07-16-2019, 11:25 AM | #14 | |
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07-17-2019, 09:54 AM | #15 | |
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07-17-2019, 10:06 AM | #16 | |
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My quick Dragy comparison has the X5M and X3M Comp very equal pure stock. Probably less than 0.10 separation. X3M Comp Tech is greatly improved. That said, I would not trade a 2018 X5M for it if I already owned it. Would be a tougher decision if both were on a lot and I had to choose one. Probably, the X3M Comp. |
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07-17-2019, 10:08 AM | #17 | ||
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07-17-2019, 10:57 AM | #18 | ||
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X5M is too much for the Mrs, but I'm the car nut and love it! Wifey had an X3 M40i before the X5M, and I'm not seeing enough beyond the M40i to jump into an X3M. But I have to drive it.
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07-17-2019, 11:01 AM | #19 |
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Totally agree about the brakes. 700lbs less weight. Also will be quicker at the Ring due to less weight.
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07-17-2019, 02:56 PM | #22 |
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