[patelagni21]

Looking to purchase a new car.....what would you guys recommend
2020 X3M Comp
2020 M550i
2021 M3 Comp

I previously had an M340i and I just sold it and want to experience something even better.

[Commerce]

The M3 would be the closest thing to "better" than your M340i while the other two cars are quite different. X3M gets criticized for being too harsh, and the M550i is a V8, which is also criticized for its reliability. Do you need the extra space and size of the other 2?

[335dFan]

Originally Posted by patelagni21

Looking to purchase a new car.....what would you guys recommend
2020 X3M Comp
2020 M550i
2021 M3 Comp

I previously had an M340i and I just sold it and want to experience something even better.

Of those three I'd buy the X3MC. That's only because I just took possession of a new X3 M40i and I like it a lot, and it replaced a 335d. The reason I didn't buy the X3MC was because of the additional price, the ride was probably a bit more harsh than I want, and the X3 M40i has as much juice as I want at this point. But if I had to choose between those three: the X3.

[130idvg]

Depends what you want from the car. We’ve just gone for an x3 m40i rather than x3m (wasn’t actually much in the price) as I already have an m2 so don’t need a second car with less than comfortable ride. I would have never thought that I would actively choose a non-m car over an m, but after reflecting what we want it for that’s where we ended up.

If for me, I’d suspect the new m3 comp will be a weapon. If for her, the m550i for comfort!

Guess work out what you want from the car first.

Edit to add- also worth considering if there are specific options you want/how easy they are to get hold of/potential deals (if £££ is a factor). I guess the m3 will have the new model wow factor too.

[patelagni21]

I am a student so its pretty much going to be my daily and its just gonna be me alone and some family/friends sometimes, going to school etc...of course if I can get an M5 then that would be the clear option. But im just tryna get other peoples opinions for these three cars I am looking at.

[rob175]

Why not consider a non-"M" version of the same car?? Good power, less expensive a very nice version of the X3.

[MJE60]

Originally Posted by 335dFan

Of those three I'd buy the X3MC. That's only because I just took possession of a new X3 M40i and I like it a lot, and it replaced a 335d. The reason I didn't buy the X3MC was because of the additional price, the ride was probably a bit more harsh than I want, and the X3 M40i has as much juice as I want at this point. But if I had to choose between those three: the X3.

Interesting that you also mention the ride is too harsh on the X3M. Every review I have seen has mentioned or criticised how hard the ride is also.

I was lucky enough to get a test drive and even on comfort setting, it loosened fillings. Anyone thinking of buying one should insist on getting a few hours test drive (ideally longer) on roads they will be using. Imho, if you are looking for a performance car then buy a car not an sav, the weight and height has to be managed with suspension that is too firm for use as an every day car. I was never actually in the market for the car but if I had the budget it would not be on my list.

[335dFan]

Originally Posted by MJE60

Interesting that you also mention the ride is too harsh on the X3M. Every review I have seen has mentioned or criticised how hard the ride is also.

I was lucky enough to get a test drive and even on comfort setting, it loosened fillings. Anyone thinking of buying one should insist on getting a few hours test drive (ideally longer) on roads they will be using. Imho, if you are looking for a performance car then buy a car not an sav, the weight and height has to be managed with suspension that is too firm for use as an every day car. I was never actually in the market for the car but if I had the budget it would not be on my list.

I was trying to use his situation rather than my own for picking one of the three choices he proffered. In my current situation which already includes the Prius, the X3, and a Forester, I would probably pick the M3 to replace the Forester. Maybe. Actually I would pick a 4Runner to replace the Forester or maybe an Outback Onyx XT.

Sorry, but I appear to have .

[Auricom]

Originally Posted by patelagni21

Looking to purchase a new car.....what would you guys recommend
2020 X3M Comp
2020 M550i
2021 M3 Comp

I previously had an M340i and I just sold it and want to experience something even better.

Better as in? Ride, interior, technology, pull up to the university better impression? - better is subjective across above 3.

Personal pick
MY21 M3 Competition
Makes an impression, interior and latest tech - MY21 M3 Comp with full Merino leather interior

MY20 M550i
Better luxury, interior and latest tech - M550i either MY20 but especially MY21 LCI. I have a loaded MY20 M550i and it's grown up vehicle/executive vehicle - great overall daily and road trip cruiser, discreet with lots of power when needed, loaded with luxury - full leather, massaging/vent seats, dynamic handling package. Turning it in when lease is up for a Lucid Air Touring on reserve, though the new M3 Comp is very tempting.

MY20 X3M Comp
Maybe if it was the MY21 LCI, it's nice especially if you need the utility.

[UConn99]

Go with the M2 comp if you don't mind 2 door. Or if I was you, I would find a low mileage well maintained E90/E92 M3 and then get into a 2021 X3M40i. You cant beat the sound of the V8 and if you want more power you can always throw a SC in the E90/92.

[patelagni21]

Yeah makes sense. I think M3C seems to be the best option and X3MC as a backup.

[Saejin]

Does it have to be a BMW? You did say something better...I know this is a BMW forum, but at the price range you're looking at plenty of options outside BMW that may be better or at least a change...you can always come back to BMW later. I love BMWs, own an X3M40i and an X7 M50i. But you can look at the Porsche Macan GTS, MB GLC 63, Alfa Romeo Giulia or Stelvio - Quadrifoglio of course, and a few others.

If sticking with BMW, I think your choices are solid, M3C and then X3MC.

[patelagni21]

Yeah any brand!
GLC63
I'll take a look at the Stelvio
E53 but for that price an M550i would be significantly better!