[Max Well]

As the X3 M40i is now available, I was trying to compare the recent spy shots of the X3M's front end from Sep 2017 with what we can now see on the M40i. It will be interesting to see how much they vary the intakes as it almost seems like they designed the M40i's to account for what the true M will need to 'breathe'.

One can see the additional cooling fins in the M's lower center and left when compared with just the one needed in the right lower for the M40i. What I'm confused about, and was wondering if any of you with M experience might know, is what that little closed channel present just to the inside of the outer cooling vents might be holding space for in the M? I don't know if they will just remove it to make that entire outer vent larger for a larger cooling surface, or if it will channel a separate air intake for some other use? I guess I'm surprised they placed a concavity there rather than just smoothing that surface in the M40i, but again, I don't know anything about fluid dynamics so maybe that isn't a big issue with drag.

[duky]

I may be misunderstanding but are you implying they will re-use the same front bumper on the X3M but with the currently blocked RHS open to air? This would go against every other example M Performance vs. M model that have used distinct bumpers

[Max Well]

Originally Posted by ndukyh

I may be misunderstanding but are you implying they will re-use the same front bumper on the X3M but with the currently blocked RHS open to air? This would go against every other example M Performance vs. M model that have used distinct bumpers.

No, ndukyh, apologies if that is how it came across, as I too have never seen the same front end used in sub-M models. I was mainly trying to see if the M40i's front vent surface areas will provide about what the 100HP higher M's engine will need, considering the 355HP is reasonably good-sized as well. If so, it then becomes tweaking of the flares and channels moreso than wholescale proportional vent size changes as one might expect going from a 30i model. Thanks for sharing your photos which help a lot in the comparison.

[FSociety]

I am hoping the front gets WAY BETTER and more Aggressive than anything we've seen in the lineup.

Hopefully they learn and take some styling from its bigger brother X5M X6M but also the new M5 right?

[kozzi]

Originally Posted by FSociety

I am hoping the front gets WAY BETTER and more Aggressive than anything we've seen in the lineup.

Hopefully they learn and take some styling from its bigger brother X5M X6M but also the new M5 right?

I hope it gets more aggressive as well. Grabbing design cues on the outgoing F85 X5M seems unlikely IMO, even though I think it would look good. I think there's a better chance with the F90 M5 even though the kidney grille proportions are so different. Maybe the X3M/X4M ushers in a new modern aesthetic take on the front end but remains true to BMW DNA.

[Max Well]

And stay true to racing engineering and what the X3M needs to be able to breathe but be aerodynamic-grade as well, without pure aesthetic driving the design.

[FSociety]

Originally Posted by Max Well

And stay true to racing engineering and what the X3M needs to be able to breathe but be aerodynamic-grade as well, without pure aesthetic driving the design.

Originally Posted by Max Well

And stay true to racing engineering and what the X3M needs to be able to breathe but be aerodynamic-grade as well, without pure aesthetic driving the design.

Yes and please BMW no heavy wheels give us proper aggressive forged light 18-20 options. If you can't make a 22lbs max 20" don't offer it we need balance not extra weight
- Upgraded Springs
- Upgraded M suspension for Superior Handling in Real world not just track
- Proper Cooling (so we don't need aftermarket)
- Less restrictive Exhaust / Downpipe
- Please give us a Proper M steering wheel

[kozzi]

Dear BMW,

Please also give us greedy SAV enthusiasts what we have been craving for years:

-Optional delete of power tailgate and NO to automatic soft closing doors and any kind of weight adding stuff.
-Optional delete of Panoramic Moonroof to CF roof or a mix of a smaller moonroof and CF
-Optional M CC Brakes
-CF hood and rear tailgate (at least make it an option )
-Actually make the CD score match the advertised 0.29. Open them side air vents. We know you want to.
-Optional lighter, sportier seats: even if you have to delete some features
-Optional delete of Cerium Gray accents...Black please!!!
-More Colors: ie Melbourne Red Metallic, San Marino Blue Metallic, Frozen Brilliant White Metallic along with Individual paint options
-Tint the driver/passenger windows to match the rear
-Any chance on a 6 speed manual?
-M-xDrive!!!
-S58 with a MIN of 480HP. No need for a CP variant. Go BIG now!!!

Thank you,

kozzi

P.S. : You had me at S58. Take my money now with 480HP+

[pskdude]

Sorry didnt realize it was x3m.

[beammeupscottie]

My favorite rendering

[duky]

Originally Posted by beammeupscottie

My favorite rendering

Aggressive. Too bad those are X1 lights and not the latest gen X3 lights

[beammeupscottie]

Originally Posted by ndukyh

Aggressive. Too bad those are X1 lights and not the latest gen X3 lights

Originally Posted by ndukyh

Aggressive. Too bad those are X1 lights and not the latest gen X3 lights

True; with the lights updated this could be an awesome beast; a scaled down F85.

[Max Well]

While at the Dealership this morning saw a 2018 M3 with some carbon fiber elements. Granted some are just for aesthetics taking the place of lightweight plastic components, but what if the roof and hood were actually carbon fiber? Read some info on that technology as didn't know much about it, but some major weight savings can be had for such large structural items, even if changing from aluminum. http://www.dexcraft.com/articles/car...-of-materials/ ['2-5x more rigidity than Al and Steel, 5-10x stiffer, and 50% lighter than same dimension Al and >5x lighter than steel']

So wonder what will end up in the X3M, and will they tweak the side mirrors to a more aerodynamic profile as well?

Still on the fence about the fake breathers, and have to think maybe the M will need them (which is why they left the design in place for the lower models and just plugged them). Personally, I would prefer the clean look without if it is determined they aren't a necessary functional item, but understand that will be subjective preference for sure.