[RoyB]

I thought I would like the X3M but I just can't get into it. It's laggy acceleration off the line, lack of remote start and terrible ride had me looking to get out of it (lease) for the last couple of months.

I had a 330i as a loaner when getting service done and really liked the car. Little underpowered on the highway, but driving around town was a pleasure.

Yesterday I decided to test a M340 and really enjoyed the power delivery and driving dynamics compared to the x3m. The roads here are terrible and the X3M just amplifies everything to the point where it's not enjoyable. The power deliver on the M340 was instant off idle. Its rated quite a bit less, but without the laggy feeling the X3 has, it felt better on the test drive. The power comes on so hard with the X3 it's hard to modulate acceleration off the line.

Things I like:

• Decent MPG for the power (16-17, my Trackhawk is 12-13)
• Topend power is awesome
• Brakes
• Heads up display & 360 camera

Things I don't like

• No android auto
• No remote start
• Rough ride. Really unpleasant on bad roads.
• It's a dog from a launch unless you use launch control. Really laggy
• No remote start
• Randomly changes radio station on me
• Handling is weird. Too twitchy
• Fuel tank is too small for a car that gets 16mpg. Like 225 mile range.
• Apple carplay works 50% of the time

I like the power of the X3M, but I am sure a tune on the M340 should get pretty close to the same performance of a stock X3M. The driveability around town is more important to me than an extra 100hp on the top end. Most playing around is over by 60-80, well before the X3M really starts to shine.

Based on my test driving I think the M340 should fix the stuff I really dislike about the X3M. I will miss the suv aspect having a dog, but I have other suvs and can rig something up for her in the backseat.

Has anyone compared these 2 cars back to back? Anyone gone from one to the other?

[mf44]

I compared these cars back to back. In fact I was pretty close to pulling the trigger on an X3M Comp but ultimately ordered a M340i. You are spot on as far as reasoning; the low end torque is severely lacking on the X3M and it makes the M340 feel quicker around town. I also just couldn't get used to the feel of the higher driving position of the SUV.

Regarding the suspension, I liked the X3Ms stiff suspension at first, especially because it removes the wallowing feel that the X3 M40i has, but after a second and third test drive I did tire of it. Again, I think the M340i does a good job at compromising on that.

They are different cars for sure. If the G80 were available in AWD maybe I would have chosen that. But right now, between the two, I'm happy to have ordered the M340i. And believe me, I wanted the X3M real bad at one point.

[RoyB]

How did the M40i compare performance wise to the M340i? I'd probably be ok with that, but the remote start is really the killing the point of it being a winter driver for me.

[mf44]

Originally Posted by RoyB

How did the M40i compare performance wise to the M340i? I'd probably be ok with that, but the remote start is really the killing the point of it being a winter driver for me.

The M340i felt quicker and more agile than the X3 M40i did. Part of this is the weight difference: both cars have the same power train but the sedan weighs less (maybe 700lbs less if I remember correctly). The other part is the ride height. The sedan is obviously a lower vehicle.

Both are nice cars though, I just favored the M340i.

[Burrcold]

I cross shopped the X3MComp as well, and similar I found the ride unbearable and I'm not against a firm (but compliant) ride...the X3M's ride was unacceptable and a total deal breaker unfortunately.

[RoyB]

Originally Posted by Burrcold

I cross shopped the X3MComp as well, and similar I found the ride unbearable and I'm not against a firm (but compliant) ride...the X3M's ride was unacceptable and a total deal breaker unfortunately.

I don't have the comp, but I do have the 21" wheel setup.

My Trackhawk is firm, but extremely compliant. It drives great in comfort.

My Golf R was a bit more rough, but compliant as well.

The X3M can only be described as harsh. When turning into driveways it so stiff that I almost hit my head on the side window from being thrown around. There are no options to fix it aftermarket at the moment either. There are some spring options but people say it makes it marginally better.

[Voodoo_G80]

Why didn’t you put into account that you needed remote start when you got the x3? What you’re having is buyers remorse but I would just make the most out of my situation. You’re going to be glad you have that awd suv in the winter.

[RoyB]

Originally Posted by Orange_m340i

Why didn’t you put into account that you needed remote start when you got the x3? What you’re having is buyers remorse but I would just make the most out of my situation. You’re going to be glad you have that awd suv in the winter.

I had no idea the X3s did not come with remote start until after I signed. It was my first BMW and I assumed any $80K car would have it. We just leased a $25K jeep renegade for the daughter and THAT has remote start!

Buyers remorse is right! I will miss the SUV but I have 3 other SUVs plus my 2500 truck for when the snow gets serious. I am getting X drive on the 340. With snow tires it should get around without much drama.

[wtwo3]

Originally Posted by RoyB

It was my first BMW and I assumed any $80K car would have it.

Ah yes..... we've all been there

[stein_325i]

Go for the M340i, you will be thanking yourself. Great ride and handling balance, much more fun since its a sedan (even if it is half-M vs full-on M) and the B58 engine is a peach and is much better down low with power.

I really dislike the X3 M's ride, it was so bad that my dog barfed from how bouncy and hard it was. Some may argue that "its an M its supposed to have a hard ride" but in my opinion M is not an excuse for a hard ride, you can have a comfortable ride and still excel at handling, just look at Porsche or GM (magneride) both of which can outhandle their competitors while still being firm but not harsh, and being an SUV first and foremost which will carry children, family and pets more than it will ever see a track I think its a bit inexcusable honestly.

Good luck with the trade OP.

[3erMan]

I haven't driven the X3M and M340i back to back, but as a very new owner of an M340i (2021 MY -- I know some 2020s had issues), I can address your list of things you don't like about the X3M from the standpoint of the 2021 M340i:

• No android auto (2021 M340i has it)

• No remote start (2021 M340i has it available)

• Rough ride. Really unpleasant on bad roads. (Since the M340i uses the M Sport suspension, and not the M3 suspension, it is relatively compliant and comfortable in comfort mode.)

• It's a dog from a launch unless you use launch control. Really laggy (M340i is not laggy at all, but there is a little gap at initial throttle tip in.)

• Randomly changes radio station on me (Haven't had this problem -- sounds like a defect.)

• Handling is weird. Too twitchy (Nothing weird about the M340i -- handles somewhat similarly to the e90 and very responsive, but steering is numb.)

• Fuel tank is too small for a car that gets 16mpg. Like 225 mile range. (M340i gets sufficiently good mileage, so no problem here.)

• Apple carplay works 50% of the time (This was a big problem with some of the 2020 MY 3 series, but it seems to have been fixed after a 7/2020 update to iDrive 7. Mine has never failed in any way.)

[JDUNITNOW]

Have you thought of waiting for the G80 to drip and test drive?

[blackcoffee]

Top Gear's review of the x3m is hilarious. They are absolutely savage about its ride quality

[RoyB]

Out with the old, in with the new!





Cost me $7K to get out of the X3M. I got 12.5% off the M340 between incentives and dealer discount. MF @ 1% so essentially free. Even with the negative equity I am much cheaper on my monthly.

The car on my commute home and to work was so nice. The comment about the dog throwing up is so true. I could tell my dog hated riding in the X3M. I could see her bouncing all over in the mirror. Going to have to come up with something for her in the sedan. Maybe make some type of platform so she doesn't slide into the trunk.



I did talk to the Genius for a bit on delivery. He said the X3M has regular turbos vs twin scroll which is why they take forever to spool up. My Golf R had twin scroll and this 340 has twin scroll, which explains the really fast spool up off idle.

I don't know if this car has any type of adaptive suspension. I am guessing not since there's no suspension button? Even with the 19" runflats it goes over railroad tracks, expansion joints, rough road patches 100% better. It's a firm ride, but extremely forgiving. It's enjoyable to drive.

[JDUNITNOW]

Originally Posted by RoyB

Out with the old, in with the new!





Cost me $7K to get out of the X3M. I got 12.5% off the M340 between incentives and dealer discount. MF @ 1% so essentially free. Even with the negative equity I am much cheaper on my monthly.

The car on my commute home and to work was so nice. The comment about the dog throwing up is so true. I could tell my dog hated riding in the X3M. I could see her bouncing all over in the mirror. Going to have to come up with something for her in the sedan. Maybe make some type of platform so she doesn't slide into the trunk.



I did talk to the Genius for a bit on delivery. He said the X3M has regular turbos vs twin scroll which is why they take forever to spool up. My Golf R had twin scroll and this 340 has twin scroll, which explains the really fast spool up off idle.

I don't know if this car has any type of adaptive suspension. I am guessing not since there's no suspension button? Even with the 19" runflats it goes over railroad tracks, expansion joints, rough road patches 100% better. It's a firm ride, but extremely forgiving. It's enjoyable to drive.

Nice car, Love the color choice.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by RoyB

Out with the old, in with the new!





Cost me $7K to get out of the X3M. I got 12.5% off the M340 between incentives and dealer discount. MF @ 1% so essentially free. Even with the negative equity I am much cheaper on my monthly.

The car on my commute home and to work was so nice. The comment about the dog throwing up is so true. I could tell my dog hated riding in the X3M. I could see her bouncing all over in the mirror. Going to have to come up with something for her in the sedan. Maybe make some type of platform so she doesn't slide into the trunk.



I did talk to the Genius for a bit on delivery. He said the X3M has regular turbos vs twin scroll which is why they take forever to spool up. My Golf R had twin scroll and this 340 has twin scroll, which explains the really fast spool up off idle.

I don't know if this car has any type of adaptive suspension. I am guessing not since there's no suspension button? Even with the 19" runflats it goes over railroad tracks, expansion joints, rough road patches 100% better. It's a firm ride, but extremely forgiving. It's enjoyable to drive.

Congrats OP, definitely the right option. As for your dog, I recommend you try a dog hammock.

[RoyB]

Originally Posted by Wyndi335I

Nice car, Love the color choice.

That's awesome. What kind is yours and are they designed for specific cars? My daughter can use one in her Renegade for her pup too!

[mf44]

Congratulations on the new car! Love the color, too.

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by RoyB

That's awesome. What kind is yours and are they designed for specific cars? My daughter can use one in her Renegade for her pup too!

To the best of my knowledge BMW has one specifically for the 3er. They have in the past. One would assume they have done one for the G20.

Edit: just checked www.shopbmwusa.com and it appears they do not have a seat cover for the G20 yet.

Edit: checked again, this is for the E90 3er, but it might work okay in a G20 - https://www.shopbmwusa.com/product/5...IVE-REAR-COVER

[SunsetSleeper]

Originally Posted by mf44

I compared these cars back to back. In fact I was pretty close to pulling the trigger on an X3M Comp but ultimately ordered a M340i. You are spot on as far as reasoning; the low end torque is severely lacking on the X3M and it makes the M340 feel quicker around town. I also just couldn't get used to the feel of the higher driving position of the SUV.

Regarding the suspension, I liked the X3Ms stiff suspension at first, especially because it removes the wallowing feel that the X3 M40i has, but after a second and third test drive I did tire of it. Again, I think the M340i does a good job at compromising on that.

They are different cars for sure. If the G80 were available in AWD maybe I would have chosen that. But right now, between the two, I'm happy to have ordered the M340i. And believe me, I wanted the X3M real bad at one point.

I made the exact same decision I drove the X3M and X4M and M340..Of coarse I loved the M340 and the other two were okay but not the same experience

[SunsetSleeper]

Originally Posted by 3erMan

I haven't driven the X3M and M340i back to back, but as a very new owner of an M340i (2021 MY -- I know some 2020s had issues), I can address your list of things you don't like about the X3M from the standpoint of the 2021 M340i:

• No android auto (2021 M340i has it)

• No remote start (2021 M340i has it available)

• Rough ride. Really unpleasant on bad roads. (Since the M340i uses the M Sport suspension, and not the M3 suspension, it is relatively compliant and comfortable in comfort mode.)

• It's a dog from a launch unless you use launch control. Really laggy (M340i is not laggy at all, but there is a little gap at initial throttle tip in.)

• Randomly changes radio station on me (Haven't had this problem -- sounds like a defect.)

• Handling is weird. Too twitchy (Nothing weird about the M340i -- handles somewhat similarly to the e90 and very responsive, but steering is numb.)

• Fuel tank is too small for a car that gets 16mpg. Like 225 mile range. (M340i gets sufficiently good mileage, so no problem here.)

• Apple carplay works 50% of the time (This was a big problem with some of the 2020 MY 3 series, but it seems to have been fixed after a 7/2020 update to iDrive 7. Mine has never failed in any way.)

I have remote start on my 2020 M340

[-EndOfAnEra-]

Congrats OP! Great color, enjoy in good health!