Hard transition from M car to normal Bimmer?

[gprgeorge]

Hey Guys

I have had M cars for a while now. I have had the last 3 generations of M3s. I currently have a 2016 M3 manual which I still enjoy but like many of you I am getting that itch again to get into another car. I kind of like the X3 M40i. Have any of you gone from an M car back to the non-M cars and been satisfied with your decision or did it feel like a significant down grade?

[jc05e46m3]

Originally Posted by gprgeorge

Hey Guys

I have had M cars for a while now. I have had the last 3 generations of M3s. I currently have a 2016 M3 manual which I still enjoy but like many of you I am getting that itch again to get into another car. I kind of like the X3 M40i. Have any of you gone from an M car back to the non-M cars and been satisfied with your decision or did it feel like a significant down grade?

Given your experience with the ///M family is quite similar to mine, I think you would have trouble.

Sure - the cars are nice regardless, but i feel like once you've experienced it, you cant go "regular" - even though it may be more logical. Have you considered waiting for the X3M?

[GrussGott]

Originally Posted by gprgeorge

Hey Guys
Have any of you gone from an M car back to the non-M cars and been satisfied with your decision or did it feel like a significant down grade?

There's no transition, there's just now you're in a car that kinda sucks.

[chris719]

Originally Posted by GrussGott

There's no transition, there's just now you're in a car that kinda sucks.

Every time I had a loaner I would think to myself, people pay $40k for this?

[uniqueMR]

I had 2012 M3 ZCP and then got 2016 340i. It was for sure downgrade. M cars are in different league. And just back to M4 ZCP in 2018

Importantly, if you are a car guy, you will definitely feel it.

[F80Moe]

From a manual F80 M3 to an auto X3 M40i

You can't be serious

[420Coupe]

Almost positive you'll regret the decision.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by jc05e46m3

Have you considered waiting for the X3M?

This. If you have decided to switch to an SUV, at least wait a few more months to get a look at the one being designed specifically with you in mind as a customer.

Buying an X3 M40i now would be like if you had bought a 340i back in late 2013 “because you felt like you needed something new”. As soon as the F80 broke cover, you’d have been running to the bathroom to hurl. And then you’d be trying to figure out how to tell your SO you need to change vehicles again less than a year later.

[IM2C]

The only non-M BMW I would consider is the M550.

[barnsdale]

I owned a 135i with BMW PPK stage 1 and went to a brand new VW golf fully loaded...and I didn't think it would be a big difference but I regretted the decision after a couple months of owning it.

My girl now uses the golf (which she loves as she commutes and it is loaded with a fender audio system which is nice and also 6MT) but I'm now in a M4 and doubt I'll ever go into anything that isn't M.

IMHO don't do it - I don't even know how people go from an M to the X series as it is....seems so backwards. If you have a family or need more space go M5

[Darth One]

I had previous gen X3's as loaners and remember thinking, this is the worst car BMW builds.

Is it that much better now so than M owners are thinking about trading their vehicles in for it?

[gprgeorge]

That's what I figured. I am looking at perhaps a M2 competition, M3 competition or a X3M when ever that comes out.

[Wmf80]

Originally Posted by chris719

Every time I had a loaner I would think to myself, people pay $40k for this?

Exactly. Once I got my M back, I was soo grateful of what I have.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by gprgeorge

... or a X3M when ever that comes out.

It should be revealed later this year and go on sale in 2019.

[Fuller]

Originally Posted by gprgeorge

That's what I figured. I am looking at perhaps a M2 competition, M3 competition or a X3M when ever that comes out.

That's kind of an interesting spread across the performance vs practicality continuum. It seems like, on one end of the spectrum, you want a smallish coupe with limited practicality (M2), to a sedan that balances performance and practicality equally (M3), to a platform designed for practicality first (X3M).

[Kief]

I know the (G01) X3 M40i is not a designated M variant (which will debut shortly), but it's an awesome BMW! We traded in my wife's (F15) X5 35i with MPPK and MPE last January for our custom build. OP may need the extra utility and lower price point.

[NCThreePedals]

Originally Posted by f80

The only non-M BMW I would consider is the M550.

Same here lol

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by chris719

Every time I had a loaner I would think to myself, people pay $40k for this?

Options matter so much for loaners.

"Sport" suspension and 8at options matter a lot for the f3x cars

Non sport suspension, non sport 8at and all season tires 328/330 would be worse for me than a sport pack 6mt 320 on summer

As for SUV, just accept it's not a sports car and enjoy the sound proofing. It will be fone

[CachacoF80]

I haven't picked up my M3 yet (July) but my wife's X3 M40i is quite a compelling daily alternative. Engine wise it will surprise you and handling is better than moat think. I'm sure it's not an M equivalent but fun enough. Having said that base price is close to 60k...so that's where my decision would really hinge on.

[HPIA4v2]

I'd test drive the X3 M40i with the packages you want if I were you and decide, the biggest problem with non-M cars I've driven so far is the steering feel is way water-down for some reason. Maybe, the more heavy, more quick to center on M-cars that makes you feel like you driving the ole hydraulic.

BTW, I will be looking at the X3M or X4M next, hope my X6 50i won't smoke until that time

[///M4ster Yoda]

Originally Posted by F80Moe

From a manual F80 M3 to an auto X3 M40i

You can't be serious

Don't do it OP. You will regret it

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by HPIA4v2

the biggest problem with non-M cars I've driven so far is the steering feel is way water-down for some reason.

Pretty sure that reason for watered down steering is customer feedback

M car if you still believe Bmw should be ultimate driving machine, non M now is ultimate commuting machine