[Cammy5]

Hello, all. I have a F30 328i 6MT that I've modified a bit (see signature) but, for a variety of reasons, am really drawn to the new G01 X3 M40i. The previous gen(s) never really appealed to me but with the new engine and M Performance treatments I'm thinking this might be a good solution to my current quest for my next car - love to travel by driving but can't stand to drive a lumbering SAV/SUV; I want something that hauls and hauls at the same time. Of course there is the Macan but as my other half is a BMW employee, the deals are too generous to pass up. I'm just curious if any other fellow 3 series owners are looking to make the jump into a SAV/SUV for the first time with the new G01?

[Zirenz2006]

I am...I have gone back and forth on what I wanted to do next for a while now, but I have been really drawn to SAV/SUV's lately. I never liked the previous X3 enough to get one. I love the G01. It is the 1st X3 body style that I really like.

I plan to replace my car as soon as they are available. I'm planning on the M40i Phytonic Blue with black interior.

[allachie9]

Originally Posted by Cammy5

I'm just curious if any other fellow 3 series owners are looking to make the jump into a SAV/SUV for the first time with the new G01?

Yes, me too. I'm looking to change my 335i GT for a new X3 next spring.
It won't quite be my first time into an X Series as I had an X5 10 years ago (or 4 BMWs ago) when I lived in the hills of Speyside.

[ba ba boosh]

Originally Posted by Cammy5

Hello, all. I have a F30 328i 6MT that I've modified a bit (see signature) but, for a variety of reasons, am really drawn to the new G01 X3 M40i. The previous gen(s) never really appealed to me but with the new engine and M Performance treatments I'm thinking this might be a good solution to my current quest for my next car - love to travel by driving but can't stand to drive a lumbering SAV/SUV; I want something that hauls and hauls at the same time. Of course there is the Macan but as my other half is a BMW employee, the deals are too generous to pass up. I'm just curious if any other fellow 3 series owners are looking to make the jump into a SAV/SUV for the first time with the new G01?

I used to own an E90 then went to an F25, which is basically the same platform, but alot heavier. The handling will be excellent in comparison, but not as pin point precise (no 50/50 weight distribution) and the braking will be not as good, since it is an SUV which carries alot more weight than a sedan. Overall for my needs, I needed a car that didn't get stuck in snow, the X3 is the perfect bridge and with the specs of the new G01, it looks to give the Porsche Macan a run for it's money.

But I'll say this, I recently test drove a Macan S and it literally is a sedan with an SUV body. The handling precision, the braking, it's incredible. I hope the G01 doesn't have the same soft steering we are accustomed to having in BMWs newer offerings.

[BMWDAD]

I went from a 2008 335i coupe sport 6 speed to a 2017 Macan.

Macan can do everything the BMW did, but more refined and better ride.

I do not miss the Short Shifter 6 speed as much as I though. The pdk is great.

[dreamspeed]

Don't be fooled into thinking the handling will be the same though. Even something like a Macan GTS won't handle as well as a solid sporty sedan. It's just simple physics.

Depending on where you are on the sporty driving spectrum you might be disappointed with a SUV. Make sure to get in a good test drive before deciding, don't just drive around the block like in your standard dealership test drive.

[FSociety]

Originally Posted by dreamspeed

Don't be fooled into thinking the handling will be the same though. Even something like a Macan GTS won't handle as well as a solid sporty sedan. It's just simple physics.

Depending on where you are on the sporty driving spectrum you might be disappointed with a SUV. Make sure to get in a good test drive before deciding, don't just drive around the block like in your standard dealership test drive.

+1

But I must say the X4 M40i handles better than any X3/X4 35i I drove and owned. For what it is, it handles amazing!

[Cammy5]

The Macan GTS/Turbo is what I really want, but I can't seem to build one that I like under $120K....lol.

[FSociety]

Originally Posted by Cammy5

The Macan GTS/Turbo is what I really want, but I can't seem to build one that I like under $120K....lol.

Turbo w/ PP is the one I would drive but not willing to pay that much especially with not so good reliability they have at least the 15-16 models (over at MacanForum)

[nabeelio]

Originally Posted by Cammy5

Hello, all. I have a F30 328i 6MT that I've modified a bit (see signature) but, for a variety of reasons, am really drawn to the new G01 X3 M40i. The previous gen(s) never really appealed to me but with the new engine and M Performance treatments I'm thinking this might be a good solution to my current quest for my next car - love to travel by driving but can't stand to drive a lumbering SAV/SUV; I want something that hauls and hauls at the same time. Of course there is the Macan but as my other half is a BMW employee, the deals are too generous to pass up. I'm just curious if any other fellow 3 series owners are looking to make the jump into a SAV/SUV for the first time with the new G01?

I am. Just extended my lease, which was supposed to end in August, in order to be able to order an X3. I really wanted another 3, but the refresh isn't due until next year. Was looking at a 5 in its place, but my F30 has been with the dealership for about a week now for a CEL, and I have an X3 loaner, which I liked a lot more than I thought I would.

[Cammy5]

Seems like it will be two attractive choices in a new X3M40i vs the upcoming G20 M340i.

[ando]

I went from a 2011 X3 xDrive 35i to a 2013 328i 6MT rear wheel drive Sport and at times missed the X3 a lot.