[WOT Bimmer]

Hey guys,

I have a 2018 X3 M40i now, but I keep looking at the M240i xDrive and I want one.

Does anyone have any experience with both cars? I know they are completely different - coupe vs. SUV - but there are so many similarities in features and performance. They both seem to be the DD for people who don't want the M car of the line.

Thoughts?

[Transfer]

I had an M235xi when they first came out and would say 2 series is awesome except for the steering is a real turd. Size is perfect for fun driving and fine for 1-2 people. Trunk is relatively large as long as you're not hauling big things and rear can fit passengers under 6 feet without too much discomfort. If you want to save some money, many on the used market. If you are interested in new, I'd hold on to your X3 and wait for the next gen although I don't know when that's out.

[Marmugmotleocay]

I traded in my 2016 M235ix on my 2020 X3 M40i. I almost bought the 2018 X3 M40 when it came out but stayed with the M235. I kept finding myself wanting something with more room with the same performance. Then the 2020 X3 M40 came out with the new B58. The new power and room I was hooked.

[Ravenous666]

I have a X3 and my wife a M240iX Convertible.

We love to have both cars because they are totally different in usability, handling and chassis response. M240iX is more direct and car reacts more agile on steering and acceleration when cornering. Although stearing is somwhow too easy in the 2 series and the feedback is not very sensitive.

Also comfort is reduced with the M240iX with the low seating position and sound is more noticable inside the car. The adaptive suspension is stiffer in the 240iX and when in sport it quite harsh compared to the X3.

[WOT Bimmer]

Thank you all for the replies. Good info.

I've had a 328xi for 10 years, and despite the extreme lack of power, the car is fun to drive (drive = verb ). In the M40i, I oftentimes feel like the car is doing what it wants and reduces the "enthusiast" experience of being able to drive the car. But, I don't know if I'm willing to give up the look and space, especially when the price is negligible.

Good thoughts!

[clivem2]

Frankly the only answer is to have two enjoyable cars, one more practical and the other more for driving enjoyment. I have an M40i, it always gives me pleasure but perhaps in a more cerebral way. My wife has an Audi TT which I too drive, whilst it doesn’t give the feedback of a 911 it’s still rewarding to drive and corners well. The two cars are a great blend, I enjoy them equally but in different ways.

The car I’ve owned which was the most rewarding to drive was an MGB but that depressingly was in the 70s. The MGB was hopelessly slow even in those days but you really had to drive it, the steering didn’t even self-centre so you had to purposely straighten up when exiting a corner. The gearbox was slow but very mechanical, a joy to use. As for cornering..there are corners I take at 60 today which were a challenge in the B at 35 but it was so great to drive.

[corn18]

Billions of dollars are spent each year trying to mod your car to be ___________ (fill in the blank with faster, louder, sportier, etc.....). I've gone the route clivem2 describes.

I have a 3/4 ton pickup truck to haul and pull really heavy things. It is 20 ft long and nearly 7' tall and weighs 7,000 lbs with nothing in it. It is not fancy or loud or sporty in any way whatsoever. Yet there is a forum where guys spend a lot of time and money trying to make it a sports car. They must have never driven a sports car because it simply cannot be done. 22" wheels with a low aspect ratio tire on a truck? Idiots, IMHO.

My wife picked the X3 because she likes being able to easily get groceries and house stuff into the back. She will always have an SUV. She was perfectly happy with the 3.0 version but I convinced her the M40i would be better if we wanted to tow something with it (which we did). Now, this is quite a sporty SUV but it will never be a sports car. Just like my truck will never be an X3.

The Z4 2.8si fills the sports car role. The M40i is MUCH faster than the Z4, but the Z4 is just more fun to drive. And no matter how much you spend modding your M40i or even X3M, it will never drive like a Z4. So stop trying.

[AlexFL]

Originally Posted by corn18

Billions of dollars are spent each year trying to mod your car to be ___________ (fill in the blank with faster, louder, sportier, etc.....). I've gone the route clivem2 describes.

I have a 3/4 ton pickup truck to haul and pull really heavy things. It is 20 ft long and nearly 7' tall and weighs 7,000 lbs with nothing in it. It is not fancy or loud or sporty in any way whatsoever. Yet there is a forum where guys spend a lot of time and money trying to make it a sports car. They must have never driven a sports car because it simply cannot be done. 22" wheels with a low aspect ratio tire on a truck? Idiots, IMHO.

My wife picked the X3 because she likes being able to easily get groceries and house stuff into the back. She will always have an SUV. She was perfectly happy with the 3.0 version but I convinced her the M40i would be better if we wanted to tow something with it (which we did). Now, this is quite a sporty SUV but it will never be a sports car. Just like my truck will never be an X3.

The Z4 2.8si fills the sports car role. The M40i is MUCH faster than the Z4, but the Z4 is just more fun to drive. And no matter how much you spend modding your M40i or even X3M, it will never drive like a Z4. So stop trying.

Just imagined Corn’s truck

[corn18]

Originally Posted by AlexFL

Just imagined Corn’s truck

Nah, more like this:

[Crassus]

I have an X3 20i and an M140i with an LSD and aftermarket suspension that’s more comfortable and planted over bumpy roads than the adaptive I specced.

They are very different cars. The X3 is the family donkey while the M140i is our fun car.

Do I miss the X3 when I am driving the M140i? No. Do I miss the M140i when I am driving the X3? Yes

As others have said, the ideal is owning both cars.