[Ilyam5]

The problem with x3 it is an outdated model. If I were to get one I would wait till August with introduction of 2020 model year and updated tech. You would get tech matching M 340
- live cockpit and digital dash
- idrive 7 with all the voice and grsture control
- full connected drive
- remote start
- digital key
- true self drivign assistance pro with steering
- parking assist
- backout assist
- full 3d view. Etc.

I would also order one with options you want
Itis impossible to find one with performace upgrades

To match 340 you should order
- limited slip dif
- adaptive suspension

It makes it a 70 k car.

If you are set on Suv. Test drive new x5 next to x3. X5 is a great car with all the new tech

[Ilyam5]

The engine in the 2019 X3 M40i is not quite the same as the one in the 2020 M340i.

There are two generations of B58. The original one, which only carries the "M0" designation, will be phased out soon. The new "TU", which is comprised of the "M1" designation as well as the new higher output "O1" designation, will take over in every new BMW from now on.

The M340i, Z4 M40i, X5 40i, X7 40i, and 740i already have the TU. All other G generation models will get it this year, including the 540i and 640i starting in July, a new 840i coming very soon (in all three body styles), and the X3 M40i, X4 M40i, and all-new X6 40i starting in August. The few remaining F generation 40i models (the F2x 2 Series, F34 3 Series GT, and F3x 4 Series) will soldier on with the original B58 M0 until they are replaced with G generation models (or discontinued as is the case for the 3GT and 2 convertible) in 2020 or 2021.

Only M40i M Performance vehicles in the 3 and 4 families will get the higher output B58B3O1 (except the Z4 M40i outside of North America for some reason) which makes 382hp in the US, and slightly less elsewhere. Standard 40i vehicles - those in the 5/6/7/8 families (plus the Z4 M40i outside of North America for some reason) - get the B58B30M1 which makes 335hp.

It actually makes the M340i unique for now since everywhere else including autobahn-blessed Germany - this car is limited to 374hp with particulate filters. Only the US gets the full 382hp to go with our 55MPH speed limits everywhere.

[DBLDNon11]

I'm having the same thoughts and it will likely come down to lease rates (well, that's not entirely true - I'm a 3 series guy). I drove the X3 M40i at a BMW autocross event last summer and it was better than I thought it would be. Granted, I was ripping around cones with an instructor yelling in my ear, but still. Regardless, it seems odd that the X3 is now 'dated'. In this technology driven world, it's so hard to stay current with anything. Maybe some of these 'deficiencies' will be remedied as part of LCI.

[MT4life]

Originally Posted by Ilyam5

The problem with x3 it is an outdated model. If I were to get one I would wait till August with introduction of 2020 model year and updated tech. You would get tech matching M 340
- live cockpit and digital dash
- idrive 7 with all the voice and grsture control
- full connected drive
- remote start
- digital key
- true self drivign assistance pro with steering
- parking assist
- backout assist
- full 3d view. Etc.

I would also order one with options you want
Itis impossible to find one with performace upgrades

To match 340 you should order
- limited slip dif
- adaptive suspension

It makes it a 70 k car.

If you are set on Suv. Test drive new x5 next to x3. X5 is a great car with all the new tech

What do you think it's going to start at without all the "I can't drive" chachkis

[BillD1953]

I have 27,000 miles on my M40i. Great vehicle for my needs.
2nd vehicle is a suv.

I'd love a M340i...but at my age I like a suv for seat height.

Gets more difficult each passing year to climb out of a sedan seat lower to the ground

[wknddrivr]

Originally Posted by BillD1953

I have 27,000 miles on my M40i. Great vehicle for my needs.
2nd vehicle is a suv.

I'd love a M340i...but at my age I like a suv for seat height.

Gets more difficult each passing year to climb out of a sedan seat lower to the ground

I call bs on this. I’ve got rods and screws in my back after a multi level fusion. My range of motion sucks. And yet I can still get into and out of a Porsche Cayman no problem.

An SUV is less hassle to get into or out of but it’s not that big of a difference. Definitely not worth the crappy styling, poor performance, lower efficiency just for the convenience of stepping into the vehicle vs dropping into the seat.

[MmmmmM2]

Get a Chrysler Pacifica!!

[solstice]

My recommendation:

If you:

- drive a lot on snow: X3 ( Ground clearance is a blessing for hidden obstacles, keeping the fender gaps unclogged and the larger volume of the interior can absorb more moisture from shoes, clothes etc. before fogging up. ).

- drive a lot on gravel: X3 ( Ground clearance protects the paint job and glass from spray and the underbody get a relief from scraping at rain run-off compressions in the road etc. )

- carry a lot of large gear: X3

If none of the above: 340.

[Ilyam5]

SUVs are just selling better these days. No matter if 340 has laser lights , better handling and better tech:

found a great quote:

The BMW X3 starts at just a couple hundred dollars more than the 3 Series and considering how much car you get for the money, it’s hard to sell the sedan when compared to the SUV. Dynamically, the 3 Series will win every contest you can possibly think of but the truth of the matter is, most people don’t really care about that but about how much ‘car for the money’ they get. And that’s truly a shame because the 3 Series is a brilliant car but it just seems like it arrived at the wrong time.

[MT4life]

Originally Posted by Ilyam5

SUVs are just selling better these days. No matter if 340 has laser lights , better handling and better tech:

found a great quote:

The BMW X3 starts at just a couple hundred dollars more than the 3 Series and considering how much car you get for the money, it’s hard to sell the sedan when compared to the SUV. Dynamically, the 3 Series will win every contest you can possibly think of but the truth of the matter is, most people don’t really care about that but about how much ‘car for the money’ they get. And that’s truly a shame because the 3 Series is a brilliant car but it just seems like it arrived at the wrong time.

Agree with all of it and eliminating MT didn’t help taking away the edge over X3.
If I don’t get M3 Pure6MT, I will seriously look at the new X3 M40i vs M340i

[Pauleebe]

Originally Posted by Ilyam5

SUVs are just selling better these days. No matter if 340 has laser lights , better handling and better tech:

found a great quote:

The BMW X3 starts at just a couple hundred dollars more than the 3 Series and considering how much car you get for the money, it’s hard to sell the sedan when compared to the SUV. Dynamically, the 3 Series will win every contest you can possibly think of but the truth of the matter is, most people don’t really care about that but about how much ‘car for the money’ they get. And that’s truly a shame because the 3 Series is a brilliant car but it just seems like it arrived at the wrong time.

True, but if you're leasing, the RV on X3 will kill you as compared to 3 series.

[Fuller]

Originally Posted by Ilyam5

SUVs are just selling better these days. No matter if 340 has laser lights , better handling and better tech:

found a great quote:

The BMW X3 starts at just a couple hundred dollars more than the 3 Series and considering how much car you get for the money, it's hard to sell the sedan when compared to the SUV. Dynamically, the 3 Series will win every contest you can possibly think of but the truth of the matter is, most people don't really care about that but about how much 'car for the money' they get. And that's truly a shame because the 3 Series is a brilliant car but it just seems like it arrived at the wrong time.

The 3 series arrived at the wrong time? Why was 1975 the wrong time?

I generally agree though that most people (especially Americans) don't care about style or driving dynamics. They just want some big ugly box that's easy to get their lazy asses in and out of, and can haul all of their shit. In that case though, there's less reason to spend more for premium makes like bmw, and if one does want luxury, or badge prestige, there are more compelling options like Mercedes, Audi, and the multitude of Japanese brands. If you're stuck driving some ponderous appliance, then what does it matter? It makes more sense to place higher value on comfort and amenities, or perhaps reliability and resale in the case of the Japanese makes.

[GoodGuyAvi]

Full loaded x3m40i. Full stock

[mcjohnsonsg]

Originally Posted by supershaft

I have about two days left before I sign the paperwork on a fully loaded X3 M40i, but the more I read about the M340i the more I like it. I am partial to the M340i, but no doubt an SUV is more capable, especially with two kids.

I'm torn, and I really don't know which to pick. Any advice or thoughts to share to help me decide?

I think by "capable" you mean "practical". I would contend that the M340 is the more capable car.

[buckybadger]

340i

[TheObviousChild]

I got an X3 for my wife and just placed my M340 order. All bases covered!

[hubbahubba]

Originally Posted by TheObviousChild

I got an X3 for my wife and just placed my M340 order. All bases covered!

Fantastic solution!

[Eagle Creek]

Originally Posted by hubbahubba

Fantastic solution!

If you can afford it, that is.