G30 540i to X3 M40i ?

bym007 · 12-31-2023, 11:05 PM

My 2017 G30 540i was rear ended a couple of weeks ago. I am waiting for insurance to advise, if they will repair it or not.

I am planning for the next step, should they decide to write it off. Sadly there are not a lot of G30’s on road, in particular with a B58 engine here in Australia, else I would love to buy another 540i. I just love that engine and tranny combo. The car looks the part, drives beautifully and is super quiet and comfy.

Back to the topic, I have had a look at the G01 basically the X3 M40i around 2019-20 on carsales and found a fair few used cars available to pick from. I have never had a SUV before, and was not too keen due to different driving styles, but plenty of videos say the X3 drives excellently and handles quite similar to a M car.

Has anyone else done similar journey and have any feedback for me ?

MauiSteve · 01-01-2024, 04:32 AM

I test drove an X3 M40i on the same day I bought out the lease for my 540i about a year ago. I quite liked the X3 though at the time I was considering it for my GF, not for myself. The X3 felt spacious enough for my broad shoulders and ingress and egress was nice. The main downside is perhaps that the cabin is less luxurious, and seats not as comfortable as the multi-contour in the 540i. Also I'm rather fussy about car audio and the HK stereo is quite a downgrade from the Bowers & Wilkins. The B58 in the X3 M40i is tuned to about 30 more horsepower, and as such the X3 felt quite nimble. I also did not notice all that much body roll. I'm a huge fan of the B58 engine and I think the X3 M40i is a very good vehicle. If you want more luxury you'll need to step up to an X5, but reviews say that does not feel nearly as sporty or fun to drive as the X3 M40i. Spec'd out to the max these X3 M40i's are not cheap. There's not that much price difference to a well spec'd G60 which though sort of questionable in looks at least now offers an equivalent 370 hp. Also, the SUV's are seeming to hold value a bit better than sedans these days so if you're shopping used '19 & '20 models they are probably gonna run equivalent to used G30 prices.

bym007 · 01-01-2024, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MauiSteve

I test drove an X3 M40i on the same day I bought out the lease for my 540i about a year ago. I quite liked the X3 though at the time I was considering it for my GF, not for myself. The X3 felt spacious enough for my broad shoulders and ingress and egress was nice. The main downside is perhaps that the cabin is less luxurious, and seats not as comfortable as the multi-contour in the 540i. Also I'm rather fussy about car audio and the HK stereo is quite a downgrade from the Bowers & Wilkins. The B58 in the X3 M40i is tuned to about 30 more horsepower, and as such the X3 felt quite nimble. I also did not notice all that much body roll. I'm a huge fan of the B58 engine and I think the X3 M40i is a very good vehicle. If you want more luxury you'll need to step up to an X5, but reviews say that does not feel nearly as sporty or fun to drive as the X3 M40i. Spec'd out to the max these X3 M40i's are not cheap. There's not that much price difference to a well spec'd G60 which though sort of questionable in looks at least now offers an equivalent 370 hp. Also, the SUV's are seeming to hold value a bit better than sedans these days so if you're shopping used '19 & '20 models they are probably gonna run equivalent to used G30 prices.

Agree, the used 2019 X3 prices are in G30 range, having said Australia being a smaller market has very few G30’s on used car market right now, just 3 540i’s in the country on sale right now.

Hence I am looking at different options, however I still want to get a reasonably sporty drive aka drivers car.

X5 is too huge for my needs and very disconnected. Hence looking at a X3 M40i currently. I appreciate your feedback.

Would you say X3 is a good option given the current availability of 540i’s ?

Also thought of going M340i route, but as per various reviews, it has a fairly harsh and stiff ride …

FMIB · 01-01-2024, 08:01 AM

I made the switch 2 years ago from a 2017 G30 540i to 2021 X3M40i

In my opinion, the X3 felt a lot quicker, more responsive, sounded better and more fun to drive. The ride was however firmer, but never really harsh. I felt it handled better being more planted on the road.
I found the boot space more practical due to the higher roof line.
My 540 had comfort seats that I never really gelled with, but the X3 had the MSport seats, which whilst more supportive, suffered from seat bolsters that were not wide enough and could dig into ones thighs if one is of wider proportions. The std Sport seats might have been a better choice.
Fuel consumption was similar and both could achieve high 30's on long runs and I found the X3 just as refined on a cruise.
Whilst the X3 was well built, it just felt a bit less solid and a bit less luxury than the 540, especially when closing the doors.

No bad choice here, the 540 for me was a bit of a softer laid back cruiser, the X3 more dynamic and fun to drive with added practicality.

Neusser · 01-01-2024, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bym007

My 2017 G30 540i was rear ended a couple of weeks ago. I am waiting for insurance to advise, if they will repair it or not.

I am planning for the next step, should they decide to write it off. Sadly there are not a lot of G30’s on road, in particular with a B58 engine here in Australia, else I would love to buy another 540i. I just love that engine and tranny combo. The car looks the part, drives beautifully and is super quiet and comfy.

Back to the topic, I have had a look at the G01 basically the X3 M40i around 2019-20 on carsales and found a fair few used cars available to pick from. I have never had a SUV before, and was not too keen due to different driving styles, but plenty of videos say the X3 drives excellently and handles quite similar to a M car.

Has anyone else done similar journey and have any feedback for me ?

I think from a driving perspective (always the most important for me), they are tuned fairly well for an SUV, but they remain SUVs.

The high center of gravity is very bad for handling, and I would say the G30/31 is a much better base for an all-rounder that also has to be a driver's car.

Also, the suspension on the G30/31 is from the CLAR architecture, and is much more sophisticated--more adjustment points and the entire thing is finished from aluminum, which gives the G30/31 it's light-footed feeling.

Both good cars, I think, but for me the SUV would be a no-go unless it were the M-competition version. That said having the "M-competition" nomenclature on an SUV is also not something I would be particularly keen on.

ezaircon4jc · 01-01-2024, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neusser

...
Also, the suspension on the G30/31 is from the CLAR architecture, and is much more sophisticated--more adjustment points and the entire thing is finished from aluminum, which gives the G30/31 it's light-footed feeling...

My rear suspension is stamped steel...

tsbrown · 01-02-2024, 11:10 AM

We have ‘18 and ‘22 X3 30i’s and my G30 540i, so not exactly the comparison you’re looking for. The X3 drives well, steering feels more nimble than G30 except the 4cyl engine is just powerful enough, and is comfortable enough considering its an SUV. It’s actually my wife’s car so I drive it occasionally. There have been times I’ve thought about the X3 M40i, but it doesn’t last long because the G30 is such a great car. Almost always I would rather drive the 540i over the X3 for the better comfort, luxury and more solid feel when driving. If you can find the ‘22 and newer LCI X3 I’d recommend it for the idrive 7.

Neusser · 01-02-2024, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

My rear suspension is stamped steel...

Most unusual. I found upgrades for you. G30, all original--straight from München.

https://www.kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzei...10124-223-1758

https://www.ebay.de/itm/275213429356...ntid=111275272

NGT2 · 01-02-2024, 10:09 PM

I like the X3 a lot. Never thought I would. Had a loaner and really loved it. I probably would get the X3 M40i over another 540 for the practicality.

That said, I now have an M550 and I can’t imagine actually pulling that trigger and giving up the V8 combined with the 540 luxury for the sporty and practical X3 M40.

I find the G30 trunk to be plenty of cargo room for most things. Only thing that would be nice about an SUV is carrying the dogs around. My sister has a 2010 Lexus RX she will get rid of soon. I may just buy it dirt cheap as the dog/dirty errand car. No sales tax on sales between family in TN!

ezaircon4jc · 01-03-2024, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neusser

Most unusual. I found upgrades for you. G30, all original--straight from München.

https://www.kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzei...10124-223-1758

https://www.ebay.de/itm/275213429356...ntid=111275272

Here's what I've got (the subframe is aluminum)...

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Neusser · 01-04-2024, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

Here's what I've got (the subframe is aluminum)...

Attachment 3356947

Attachment 3356948

Attachment 3356949

On the 3er range, pretty much the entire thing is stamped steel. The 5 and 7 are the premium CLAR products.

https://www.kempers.de/hinterachse-k...8837913/104208

Not a deal-breaker for me, but the 5er undercarriage is beautiful.

bym007 · 01-11-2024, 01:26 PM

I got a chance to test drive a couple of X3 M40i (CPO), felt the power but the ride is too harsh for me. Did not enjoy the experience. G30 is far comfier and feels upmarket compared to G01 for me. My wife also prefers the G30.

My 540i has been declared total loss sadly by now, so I am looking for another G30 to replace it with. Thanks all.

HerkHealer · 01-11-2024, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bym007

I got a chance to test drive a couple of X3 M40i (CPO), felt the power but the ride is too harsh for me. Did not enjoy the experience. G30 is far comfier and feels upmarket compared to G01 for me. My wife also prefers the G30.

My 540i has been declared total loss sadly by now, so I am looking for another G30 to replace it with. Thanks all.

Have any pics of the accident ? Would like to see what totals a G30.

bym007 · 01-11-2024, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HerkHealer

Have any pics of the accident ?

Not a lot of visible damage to the car, but assessor called me to explain the undercarriage damage to the crumble zones in the boot. Would not have been safe to weld and put back on roads. Well maybe in another country, it might be repaired and put back on roads.

Walkaround video
.

.

Packfodder · 01-11-2024, 02:29 PM

Let me just say, sorry you have to say good buy to a good car.

FrostNixon · 01-13-2024, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bym007

Not a lot of visible damage to the car, but assessor called me to explain the undercarriage damage to the crumble zones in the boot. Would not have been safe to weld and put back on roads. Well maybe in another country, it might be repaired and put back on roads.

Walkaround video
.

.

Bad that it happened, however just put it on an auction and one of my fellow countrymen will pick it up in no time.

Neusser · 01-14-2024, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrostNixon

Bad that it happened, however just put it on an auction and one of my fellow countrymen will pick it up in no time.

That would be back on the road in no time here in Germany, barring some horrific unseen damage.

bym007 · 01-14-2024, 05:30 PM

Some pictures after more rear end was stripped off to assess the damage.

ezaircon4jc · 01-14-2024, 05:32 PM

That looks like a very hard hit!

bym007 · 01-14-2024, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

That looks like a very hard hit!

Stationary car hit from behind at approx 100-120 kph at freeway.

We are lucky to have walked away without any fractures from the scene. One thing is for sure, the G30 is build like a tank.

12-31-2023, 11:05 PM	#1
bym007 Private 51 Rep 72 Posts Drives: G30 540i Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (0)	G30 540i to X3 M40i ? My 2017 G30 540i was rear ended a couple of weeks ago. I am waiting for insurance to advise, if they will repair it or not. I am planning for the next step, should they decide to write it off. Sadly there are not a lot of G30’s on road, in particular with a B58 engine here in Australia, else I would love to buy another 540i. I just love that engine and tranny combo. The car looks the part, drives beautifully and is super quiet and comfy. Back to the topic, I have had a look at the G01 basically the X3 M40i around 2019-20 on carsales and found a fair few used cars available to pick from. I have never had a SUV before, and was not too keen due to different driving styles, but plenty of videos say the X3 drives excellently and handles quite similar to a M car. Has anyone else done similar journey and have any feedback for me ?
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01-01-2024, 04:32 AM	#2
MauiSteve First Lieutenant 281 Rep 387 Posts Drives: 2020 M Sport 540i Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Maui, Hawaii iTrader: (0)	I test drove an X3 M40i on the same day I bought out the lease for my 540i about a year ago. I quite liked the X3 though at the time I was considering it for my GF, not for myself. The X3 felt spacious enough for my broad shoulders and ingress and egress was nice. The main downside is perhaps that the cabin is less luxurious, and seats not as comfortable as the multi-contour in the 540i. Also I'm rather fussy about car audio and the HK stereo is quite a downgrade from the Bowers & Wilkins. The B58 in the X3 M40i is tuned to about 30 more horsepower, and as such the X3 felt quite nimble. I also did not notice all that much body roll. I'm a huge fan of the B58 engine and I think the X3 M40i is a very good vehicle. If you want more luxury you'll need to step up to an X5, but reviews say that does not feel nearly as sporty or fun to drive as the X3 M40i. Spec'd out to the max these X3 M40i's are not cheap. There's not that much price difference to a well spec'd G60 which though sort of questionable in looks at least now offers an equivalent 370 hp. Also, the SUV's are seeming to hold value a bit better than sedans these days so if you're shopping used '19 & '20 models they are probably gonna run equivalent to used G30 prices. __________________ 2020 540i MSport \| Alpine White \| Mocha Nappa \| Aluminum Rhombicle \| Exec Pkg \| Luxury Seating \| Bowers & Wilkins \| Parking Assistance Pkg \| MSport Brakes \| Ceramic Controls \| Space Saver Spare \|
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01-01-2024, 08:01 AM	#4
FMIB Private First Class 56 Rep 177 Posts Drives: X3 M40i Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I made the switch 2 years ago from a 2017 G30 540i to 2021 X3M40i In my opinion, the X3 felt a lot quicker, more responsive, sounded better and more fun to drive. The ride was however firmer, but never really harsh. I felt it handled better being more planted on the road. I found the boot space more practical due to the higher roof line. My 540 had comfort seats that I never really gelled with, but the X3 had the MSport seats, which whilst more supportive, suffered from seat bolsters that were not wide enough and could dig into ones thighs if one is of wider proportions. The std Sport seats might have been a better choice. Fuel consumption was similar and both could achieve high 30's on long runs and I found the X3 just as refined on a cruise. Whilst the X3 was well built, it just felt a bit less solid and a bit less luxury than the 540, especially when closing the doors. No bad choice here, the 540 for me was a bit of a softer laid back cruiser, the X3 more dynamic and fun to drive with added practicality.
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01-02-2024, 11:10 AM	#7
tsbrown Captain 1038 Rep 732 Posts Drives: 2019 540i M Sport Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: KY/MA iTrader: (0)	We have ‘18 and ‘22 X3 30i’s and my G30 540i, so not exactly the comparison you’re looking for. The X3 drives well, steering feels more nimble than G30 except the 4cyl engine is just powerful enough, and is comfortable enough considering its an SUV. It’s actually my wife’s car so I drive it occasionally. There have been times I’ve thought about the X3 M40i, but it doesn’t last long because the G30 is such a great car. Almost always I would rather drive the 540i over the X3 for the better comfort, luxury and more solid feel when driving. If you can find the ‘22 and newer LCI X3 I’d recommend it for the idrive 7. __________________ Bluegrass Bimmers Current: 2019 G30 540i M Sport \| 2022 & 2018 G01 X3 xDrive30i Past: 2017 F30 340i M Sport/6MT \| 2013 E70 X5 3.5 \| 2011 E90 ///M3 6MT \| 2005 E46 330i ZHP 6MT \| 2001 E53 X5 3.0 \| 2000 E39 528i Sport/5MT \| 1998 E39 528iA \| 1997 E38 740i \| 1993 E36 318is
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01-02-2024, 10:09 PM	#9
NGT2 Brigadier General 5619 Rep 4,543 Posts Drives: BMW M550i xDrive (2020) Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: West TN iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 M550i xDrive [9.00]	I like the X3 a lot. Never thought I would. Had a loaner and really loved it. I probably would get the X3 M40i over another 540 for the practicality. That said, I now have an M550 and I can’t imagine actually pulling that trigger and giving up the V8 combined with the 540 luxury for the sporty and practical X3 M40. I find the G30 trunk to be plenty of cargo room for most things. Only thing that would be nice about an SUV is carrying the dogs around. My sister has a 2010 Lexus RX she will get rid of soon. I may just buy it dirt cheap as the dog/dirty errand car. No sales tax on sales between family in TN! __________________ 2020 M550i xDrive (Champagne Quartz/Black) 2021 X7 40i M-Sport (Arctic Gray/Tartufo) RETIRED: 2018 540i Luxury Line (Dark Graphite/Canberra Beige)
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01-11-2024, 01:26 PM	#12
bym007 Private 51 Rep 72 Posts Drives: G30 540i Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (0)	I got a chance to test drive a couple of X3 M40i (CPO), felt the power but the ride is too harsh for me. Did not enjoy the experience. G30 is far comfier and feels upmarket compared to G01 for me. My wife also prefers the G30. My 540i has been declared total loss sadly by now, so I am looking for another G30 to replace it with. Thanks all.
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01-11-2024, 02:29 PM	#15
Packfodder Enlisted Member 32 Rep 32 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW m550i xdrive Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	Let me just say, sorry you have to say good buy to a good car.
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01-14-2024, 05:30 PM	#18
bym007 Private 51 Rep 72 Posts Drives: G30 540i Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (0)	Some pictures after more rear end was stripped off to assess the damage. Attached Images
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01-14-2024, 05:32 PM	#19
ezaircon4jc Major General 4484 Rep 5,366 Posts Drives: 2019 540i M Sport Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	That looks like a very hard hit!
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