[bcwalks2]

Originally Posted by Jen4BMW

I have a 2022 X3 M40i. The LCI X3 M40i 22’ is not a harsh suspension in comfort mode whatsoever. It’s firm for sure but not harsh. The 2018-2021 X3 M40i’s with adaptive were firmer yet, a little more jittery and borderline harsh. All M40i’s 2018-2024 are harsh in sport and sport plus but this is easily rectified by configuration. Simply setup an Individual mode to comfort suspension and sport for everything else and it very close to BMW perfectection. The ride on the M40i improves slightly with non RF’s. My DWS 06 Conti’s have been great.

I’ve had several X5’s for rentals over the years and in my opinion the two biggest differences are the seats and the size. Whereas the X3 M40i feels nimble and sporty, the X5 in comparison feels monstrous, more truck like but smooth and comfy. Of course the X3 M40i destroys the X5 40i in acceleration but I don’t find myself needing the extra HP that often.

Personally, I’d love to have the X3 M40i engine in an X5 40i ice setup.

I have a 2018 X3 M40i, without adaptive suspension, so not much to change there. The X5 40i does have a B58, just like the X3 M40i.

[aussieintexas]

Originally Posted by cobramite

I thought about an X3MC for a while but the seats are torture for a guy 6' 3", 230 lbs. The ride is harsh compared to the X5/X6 but doable. The M40i would be a far better daily and a great vehicle but nothing I would consider over the X5 class.

I am about to go from a X3MC to a M60. I have had M’s for the last 15 years (e46, E93 (loved that car) - both in Australia, then a couple of F80’s (1 flooded during Harvey) and then went to the X3MC. At the time the x3 felt a lot more comfortable than the F80 and quicker with the new motor (which then made its way into the next M3/4) - I took this to the track a couple of times ad it was super impressive for a SUV. We have had the X5 45e as well which has a wonderful ride and we love that car too. Fast forward a couple of years and it seems too much. The ride and road noise over bumps is terrible. Maybe I am just getting older. And my wife won’t ride in it - we recently went on a road trip and her car the X5, was in the shop and she insisted we take our son’s Subaru Outback (which is a great car BTW) while we had a nice X3M in the garage) the X3M is great on a road trip btw. In any case I am done with M’s and want a more comfortable ride - but with performance. I had an extensive test drive of the M60 last week and loved it. Great performance and an amazing ride (it had 22’s on it which were a bit noisy - I am splitting the difference and going with 21’s - although not as soft as the 45e. Only thing I am disappointed about is the well discussed lack of exhaust note. I’ll be sorting that out. The X3MC puts a smile on my face when I push that button and open those flaps. They did a fantastic job on the exhaust on the X3MC and I love it - only one I have had that beats it is the E93 (The M3 NA V8) that thing had a sweet note!

[cobramite]

Originally Posted by aussieintexas

I am about to go from a X3MC to a M60. I have had M’s for the last 15 years (e46, E93 (loved that car) - both in Australia, then a couple of F80’s (1 flooded during Harvey) and then went to the X3MC. At the time the x3 felt a lot more comfortable than the F80 and quicker with the new motor (which then made its way into the next M3/4) - I took this to the track a couple of times ad it was super impressive for a SUV. We have had the X5 45e as well which has a wonderful ride and we love that car too. Fast forward a couple of years and it seems too much. The ride and road noise over bumps is terrible. Maybe I am just getting older. And my wife won’t ride in it - we recently went on a road trip and her car the X5, was in the shop and she insisted we take our son’s Subaru Outback (which is a great car BTW) while we had a nice X3M in the garage) the X3M is great on a road trip btw. In any case I am done with M’s and want a more comfortable ride - but with performance. I had an extensive test drive of the M60 last week and loved it. Great performance and an amazing ride (it had 22’s on it which were a bit noisy - I am splitting the difference and going with 21’s - although not as soft as the 45e. Only thing I am disappointed about is the well discussed lack of exhaust note. I’ll be sorting that out. The X3MC puts a smile on my face when I push that button and open those flaps. They did a fantastic job on the exhaust on the X3MC and I love it - only one I have had that beats it is the E93 (The M3 NA V8) that thing had a sweet note!

You sound like a BMW performance oriented guy and that is great indeed.
The M60i begins to show its teeth after the 300 mile rpm restricted point and really continues to do so past the 1,000 mile point. Very pleased with the straightline perfomance and handling. Sport Plus rocks. Thinking about a JB4 for another 100HP although it has no need for it at all.
Just get the 22s and give your M60i the look it should have. They should work well in Houston TX I am guessing, haven't been there in a while. I am well into my 60s and this vehicle is more than smooth and comfortable for me but it is not a Cadillac or Lexus cushy soft ride which I rather detest.
Good Luck Man.

[aussieintexas]

Originally Posted by cobramite

You sound like a BMW performance oriented guy and that is great indeed.
The M60i begins to show its teeth after the 300 mile rpm restricted point and really continues to do so past the 1,000 mile point. Very pleased with the straightline perfomance and handling. Sport Plus rocks. Thinking about a JB4 for another 100HP although it has no need for it at all.
Just get the 22s and give your M60i the look it should have. They should work well in Houston TX I am guessing, haven't been there in a while. I am well into my 60s and this vehicle is more than smooth and comfortable for me but it is not a Cadillac or Lexus cushy soft ride which I rather detest.
Good Luck Man.

Nice! Thanks. The roads in Houston suck! I am about to hit 60 (can’t believe it!!).
I also will switch to all seasons as I do a couple of road trips to CO for skiing so will be looking at non run flats to replace the performance run flats. Seems there are more options on the 21’s and I like th look of the vehicle on the 21’s.

[cobramite]

Originally Posted by aussieintexas

Nice! Thanks. The roads in Houston suck! I am about to hit 60 (can’t believe it!!).
I also will switch to all seasons as I do a couple of road trips to CO for skiing so will be looking at non run flats to replace the performance run flats. Seems there are more options on the 21’s and I like th look of the vehicle on the 21’s.

Colorado skiing.
Sorry to hear about your roads, haven't been to Houston in 30 years.
I had 21s on my M50i. I'm sure they will work well for you.

[aaaaaaaaaz]

Originally Posted by aussieintexas

Interesting. We have had a 40e for 3 years and now a 45e for 3 years and I have been super impressed with the seamless switch between electric and ICE - especially on the 45e which was a huge upgrade from the 40e in comfort and interior noise as well as interior quality.

Yea I remembered driving my friend’s 45e and it was quite smooth, and I was quite surprised to find 50e is not that smooth during low speed cold engine. I also drove at least 3 different 50es and all felt the same

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by alanzyy

Yea I remembered driving my friend’s 45e and it was quite smooth, and I was quite surprised to find 50e is not that smooth during low speed cold engine. I also drove at least 3 different 50es and all felt the same

Can you explain the 50e observations more?

[aaaaaaaaaz]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

Can you explain the 50e observations more?

When operating on hybrid mode and apply throttle gradually past 50%, the car would toll start the engine; during the engine start the acceleration flatten and when engine starts, the car suddenly “sprints forward”.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by alanzyy

When operating on hybrid mode and apply throttle gradually past 50%, the car would toll start the engine; during the engine start the acceleration flatten and when engine starts, the car suddenly “sprints forward”.

Thanks!
so it’s more about controlling the power delivery? I was thinking you were referring to the turning on/off of the motor and maybe vibrations / sounds in the cabin when it does so.

[cobramite]

Originally Posted by alanzyy

When operating on hybrid mode and apply throttle gradually past 50%, the car would toll start the engine; during the engine start the acceleration flatten and when engine starts, the car suddenly “sprints forward”.

Posts like this make the mild hybrid V8 set up even more appealing.

[Jen4BMW]

Originally Posted by bcwalks2

I have a 2018 X3 M40i, without adaptive suspension, so not much to change there. The X5 40i does have a B58, just like the X3 M40i.

Same B58 engine but different variants I believe between the X3 M40i and the X5 M40i. I think the X3 variant still makes a little more power too.

[Rob_G77]

I thought the 2020 X3 M40i I used to have had a lot of wind noise on the highway, especially with the sunroof open. It was far more noisy than other cars I have owned like an M340i, X6 and X5.

I recently had an M850i and now have a 2024 X5 40i. I find the B58 to be more than capable of quick acceleration and I don't miss the V8 at all.

For me, both life and driving isn't a race. Getting there in comfort is more important to me.

Rob

[SwissBeemer]

Originally Posted by cobramite

Posts like this make the mild hybrid V8 set up even more appealing.

You can drive the 50e just like a mild hybrid, except for it having a ton more torgue, when you drive it in Sport Mode. The engine will then always be on with the added benefit over an M60i that it doesn't even have to downshift if you need instant power and the electric motor having an insane amount of instant torgue. Even at 25mph in 5th gear somewhere around 1,300rpm it still gets moving very nicely instantly without having to downshift.

I'm obiously biased but I honestly think the 50e is the better car in every way except for it not having a V8, if you're into that. (I really enjoy I6's as well though.) It can do it all: Be a pure EV, super efficient petrol car or sporty SUV with a ton of torgue down low and instant response. The M60i is hardly any faster both 0-62 and 62-124.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by Rob_G77

I thought the 2020 X3 M40i I used to have had a lot of wind noise on the highway, especially with the sunroof open. It was far more noisy than other cars I have owned like an M340i, X6 and X5.

I recently had an M850i and now have a 2024 X5 40i. I find the B58 to be more than capable of quick acceleration and I don't miss the V8 at all.

For me, both life and driving isn't a race. Getting there in comfort is more important to me.

Rob

Well said!

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by SwissBeemer

You can drive the 50e just like a mild hybrid, except for it having a ton more torgue, when you drive it in Sport Mode. The engine will then always be on with the added benefit over an M60i that it doesn't even have to downshift if you need instant power and the electric motor having an insane amount of instant torgue. Even at 25mph in 5th gear somewhere around 1,300rpm it still gets moving very nicely instantly without having to downshift.

I'm obiously biased but I honestly think the 50e is the better car in every way except for it not having a V8, if you're into that. (I really enjoy I6's as well though.) It can do it all: Be a pure EV, super efficient petrol car or sporty SUV with a ton of torgue down low and instant response. The M60i is hardly any faster both 0-62 and 62-124.

Do we think a 50e with air suspension is more comfy than a 40i’s tuning of the adaptive suspension in comfort?

[cobramite]

Originally Posted by SwissBeemer

You can drive the 50e just like a mild hybrid, except for it having a ton more torgue, when you drive it in Sport Mode. The engine will then always be on with the added benefit over an M60i that it doesn't even have to downshift if you need instant power and the electric motor having an insane amount of instant torgue. Even at 25mph in 5th gear somewhere around 1,300rpm it still gets moving very nicely instantly without having to downshift.

I'm obiously biased but I honestly think the 50e is the better car in every way except for it not having a V8, if you're into that. (I really enjoy I6's as well though.) It can do it all: Be a pure EV, super efficient petrol car or sporty SUV with a ton of torgue down low and instant response. The M60i is hardly any faster both 0-62 and 62-124.

So According to you all of us foolish M60i owners could have spent around 17 grand less and gotten "the better car in every way".
Sure thing Dude.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by cobramite

So According to you all of us foolish M60i owners could have spent around 17 grand less and gotten "the better car in every way".
Sure thing Dude.

It’s the arbitrage opportunity of the century!

[csm7djs]

Originally Posted by bcwalks2

Anyone have first hand experience coming from a X3 M40i WITHOUT air suspension and going to the X5 with air suspension? Looking for feedback on the ride quality and smoothness between the two as well as the power difference given the weight.

Considering selling our 2018 X3 M40i and getting the three row X5.

I sold my X3 M40d for an X5 3.0D. Adaptive Suspension on the X3 to Air suspension on the X5.

TBH - its a completely different car, handles completely differently and feels completely different.

The X5 is pure luxury, the cabin, seats, ride quality. Its bigger and feels bigger on the road, its a giant arm chair on wheels. At first I thought it would wallow around on the road, the air suspension was smoothing everything out. Almost to a point I didn't like it.

I found the X3 was a great car, loads of power and performance, enough room for the family, but for the driver, was always lacking something when comparing it to my older M3's. It was my first step away from saloons into a SUV and I didn't switch off my M car mindset.

The X5 is so far removed from the M3 or something similar, once you get over that fact, you drive it for the big luxury cruiser that it is. I did toy with the M5 Comp, but that would probably end in divorce

Not sure that helps - but I asked a lot of questions before switching over. Just make sure its what you want.

[Rob_G77]

Originally Posted by cobramite

So According to you all of us foolish M60i owners could have spent around 17 grand less and gotten "the better car in every way".
Sure thing Dude.

Nothing wrong with the M60i. Unfortunately it's out of my price range though with current interest rates, luxury tax and msrp here in Canada. Probably just over $160k after tax...

Rob

[cobramite]

Originally Posted by Rob_G77

Nothing wrong with the M60i. Unfortunately it's out of my price range though with current interest rates, luxury tax and msrp here in Canada. Probably just over $160k after tax...

Rob

Damn Dude, that is crazy, holy crap, $160,000! That sucks, I wouldn't buy it either at that price. Great vehicle but not worth that much.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by cobramite

Damn Dude, that is crazy, holy crap, $160,000! That sucks, I wouldn't buy it either at that price. Great vehicle but not worth that much.

I’m assuming he’s referring to CAD. So 118k USD. And he said after tax? So this isn’t that much more than a fully loaded m60 + tax in the states.

[SwissBeemer]

Originally Posted by cobramite

So According to you all of us foolish M60i owners could have spent around 17 grand less and gotten "the better car in every way".
Sure thing Dude.

What I'm saying is that in my opinion the M60i has no benefit over the 50e other than "having a V8". It's not really any faster, it doesn't look different and in Europe it doesn't have any extras you can't get with the 50e other than IAS. Without an aftermarket exhaust it doesn't sound better as well.

No need to be defensive - This is just my opinion. You can enjoy your M60i just as much without me thinking it would've been the better option for me personally.

Btw.: In my home country Austria a fully loaded M60i is around $215k after taxes. A similar 50e is around $140k. Hence non-xEV are hardly being sold anymore.