03-23-2023, 06:46 PM | #1 |
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X3 M40i Replacement
Hi,
My husband and I recently traded in our 18’ Macan GTS and 22’ X3 M40i for a 21’ X5 M50i. The Macan was getting tight with a toddler and I would like one more kid soon. The X3 was nice and fun but I still prefer a mid sized sedan as I’m not too crazy about SUVs. I had a Lexus GS before and loved the size of it. I received $54k for my trade and had about 20k in equity, So decided to put that towards my school loan and maybe lease or finance a sedan. I can’t decide between 3 series or 5 series. Although I think the 3 might be too small, I love the new huge screen. Looking at m340i or m550i. Curious if I should hold out for the 24’ 5 series but that might be a while. Any tips, insights, thoughts on which sedan might be best and if leasing or financing is better? TIA! |
03-23-2023, 07:48 PM | #3 |
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Lol, I can only imagine how much gas it guzzles. Isn’t it the same engine as the X5 M550i? I like Schmedium cars sporty but that still have a comfortable ride.
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03-23-2023, 09:45 PM | #4 |
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Your prior car and current car have given you some great data for this decision making process.
Do you prefer the tuned b58 i6 in the x3 m40 or the v8 in your husbands now m50. I feel the tradeoffs in drive btw the m340 and m550 are going to be similar to the the differences you’ve observed btw the 2 suvs. The throttle response, torque, stiffness, weight distribution changes btw motor sizes etc… all kinda transferable to some extent. M550 the luxury cruiser. M340 the sporty more nimble and spry. Me personally - since you have the v8 luxury cruiser / monster in the m50 - I’d pick the m340. From what I read size is marginal sacrifice and you will get a more dramatic difference btw the platforms - while saving a bunch of cash. Good luck |
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03-23-2023, 09:57 PM | #5 | |
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I’m definitely really considering the m340i now after all the responses. Like you said, if I ever needed more space, the x5 is there so why not get a smaller sportier car for me 😆 while not breaking the bank. That’ll help me pay off the rest of my student loans quicker. Now to figure out if I should lease or finance. 😩 Thanks for input! |
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03-23-2023, 11:32 PM | #6 | |
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03-23-2023, 11:53 PM | #7 | |
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I haven’t owned a 3 series. Driven a couple for a few days as loaners but not owned. I did have an ‘18 540 before I recently traded it for a ‘20 550. Here is my thought: If you want the baddest vehicle in the lineup, shy of a true M car, and raw power for days then get the M550. If you want to jet through town, hit the throttle often, and feel like your in a sports car then get the M340. I actually feel myself driving a bit more conservative, or it seems that way, with the M550. It is very satisfying, so that’s not a negative. Driving the car feels incredible. But it has SO MUCH power that I’m just not compelled to get very deep in the throttle when driving around town. Now, I don’t think I’m driving any slower. I’m just less aggressive on the throttle because it’s so powerful. So it feels more conservative. When traffic is more sparse or you’re on the open interstate, you can put it in sport plus and turn it into a freaking race car. I was texting with another member of the forum last night and we were noting that this car feels most natural over 80 mph, really closer to 100. As far as space, I have a 6 year old and 5 month old. The 5 has enough space. I know the 3 only has marginally less space, but I would consider it. That marginally may make a big difference when it comes to child seats. We have an X7 that my wife drives, but the kids are still in my car weekly. As far as nimbleness, I did manage to find an M550 with Dynamic Handling. As it relates to your comments: on the upside the DHP will make it change direction like it’s a 3; downside may be that can feel a bit disconnected when it comfort mode (but that also makes it ride like a freaking dream). Someone else said it’s like driving a go kart on a magic carpet. Pretty spot on. I’d say like a magic carpet that’s on a rail. If you like a mid size sedan, have kids in mind, and think you prefer the B58 then I’d make one more suggestion: try out a 540i in M Sport trim. It’s not much slower to 60 than the M340, has a sportier suspension, and gets you the size and more solid luxury interior quality of the 5 series. The quality of the seats is a HUGE jump when you go from 3 to 5, regardless of upholstery choice. You’re not really going to go wrong. I wanted the raw V8 power, which is already endangered. I figure there will be time for fast, nimble, efficient cars later. But you may value different things. Last thing, on efficiency - I’ve had a lot of V8’s. Mostly GM and one Lexus and now the BMW. The Lexus was the least powerful and most inefficient. The BMW when driven fairly conservatively is probably a little more efficient than the GM. On the highway, driving normally, the BMW is by far the most efficient. But if you put it in sport/sport plus and get after it, it may drink gasoline faster than that Lexus. Alternatively, the B58 I6 engine is a remarkable masterpiece of power and efficiency working in concert. Even driving aggressively, it is very efficient for the power you get out of it. Keep us posted on where you end up with your decision. Good luck!
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03-24-2023, 12:57 AM | #8 | |
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I will deff look out for the DHP and test drive one if it’s available. Sounds interesting. I was actually considering that too, the 540i with shadow line and M sport package but there are very few around here to test drive. I deff want a 6 cylinder car or greater. My only 4 cylinder was my first car Acura integra like 19 years ago and don’t think I would ever get used to one. Yes, someone else also mentioned the quality of the seats as well which I didn’t think about. I’m sure it’s the same diff from the x3 to x5. My husbands seats are much more comfortable and it also has the merino leather so that’s something to take into consideration. I have some brainstorming to do. I hear you on the Lexus, they aren’t gas guzzlers per se but for the lack of power they have, they aren’t very efficient. I appreciate you chiming in, all good valid points. I deff have more things to take into consideration this weekend when I go test drive a few more. Thanks again! |
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03-24-2023, 02:22 AM | #9 |
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My vote for 540i, it’s a lighter car (than X5), will feel nimble without the need for gas gussling v8.
5 series interior build quality, comfort and choice or materials in just a different world, same at X5. I’d hesitate to go for m340i just for the engine. (I had a 335i before, have had the pleasure to drive two 5s, both with the in-line 6 turbos). Multi contour seats and luxury seating is not offered on 3 series, switching between x5 and your second car on a day to day basis will feel seamless with a 5 series. If money isn’t an issue go M550i, it’s not necessary in my opinion since you pretty much get all bells and whistles in 540i except the engine (which is more efficient with the 48v mild hybrid introduction with LCI). Also, getting a 3 series would likely rule that out for taking two toddlers in the future, seating may be fine, the trunk space is limited, resulting in sole reliance on your X5. I personally like more options when I have two expensive vehicles. Hear you on driving sedans vs suvs, test drove an x3, not a fan at all, it’s like sitting in a bus. (Though I hear the Macan drives like a car!
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03-24-2023, 06:20 AM | #10 |
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IMO, Wait for the release of the next generation 5 series which should be the end of May and then make a decision. My wife has an m550i and absolutely loves it.
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03-24-2023, 06:56 AM | #11 |
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I have to go with @NGT2. I work in the car business and leasing makes no sense right now. APR is higher and your residual makes no sense either. You're better off financing or going with "balloon financing"
BMW Balloon Financing: https://www.bmwusa.com/financial-ser...g-program.html
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03-24-2023, 10:21 AM | #12 | |
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I have to echo these thoughts. I evaluated the M550xi and the 540xi and ended up ordering a 2019 540xi with the M Sport package, M Sport brakes and Multi Contour seats. I found the performance to be excellent and I saved $10k over the M550 at the time. My wife also owns an older 328xi so I a familiar with the size differences. For me, the 5 Series is easier to get in and out of and easier to install car seats for grandkids. With fold down rear seats it is also a pretty good hauler for home construction projects. Still, it is of a reasonable size and it drives and handles very well. While an M550 is a bit faster, the 540 is no slouch at 4.8 seconds 0-60. I have always had high performance cars and currently have a C7 Corvette Z06 if I have the need for a really-quick-car fix (0-60 2.95 sec). I am quite happy with the performance of the 540xi and as noted by others, it does do a little better on gas mileage than the M550. I would suggest you drive both and compare. There are a few moments every once in a while that I wish I had an M550, but the 540xi is an excellent car in all respects and I have been very happy with it. As a side note, I have always liked sedans, but at this point in my life I actually need one, as I park under a lift with my Corvette on top. But if I did go for an SUV it would probably be an X3 M40. As to leasing, financing or buying outright, much depends on your personal needs and on any deals that dealers or manufacturers may be offering. I sold BMWs and Minis for seven years in my early retirement and at the time I ran an analysis on the long term ownership costs of each method of ownership. I found that the financial costs were essentially the same over five years for each alternative. So, much depends on your personal preferences, all other things being equal. If you prefer renting a car that is always under warranty, leasing might make sense. If offered interest rates are lower than what you can earn on investments, financing might make sense. If you have cash available a purchase might be best. At the end of the day, you will not go wrong owning either a 540 or a M550, regardless of how you pay for it. --Bob
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03-24-2023, 10:59 AM | #13 |
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One note id make is if you want the M550 this is the last year to get it. Overall its not bad on gas all things considered (21-25mpg is what i get). Also just my 2 cents is if you can afford to buy it you shouldn't be concerned about gas mileage. The m550 is substantially faster than the 540. Its a great compromise between performance and comfort.
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03-24-2023, 02:12 PM | #14 | |
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It took some getting used to with the x3 but even after a year and a half of owning it, I still hated the higher ride. The macan is deff like a car. I think it’s considered a crossover but it’s so fun to drive, sits lower and the PDK is amazing. I wouldn’t have minded that but the space inside is so small. |
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03-24-2023, 02:13 PM | #15 |
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I might just have to wait for the end of may, I really like the iDrive 8 🥰 although I hate the new shifter or lack there of.
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03-24-2023, 02:27 PM | #16 | |
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03-24-2023, 03:01 PM | #17 | |
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03-24-2023, 03:04 PM | #18 | |
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03-24-2023, 03:07 PM | #19 | |
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03-24-2023, 03:31 PM | #20 |
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Haha I think I’m getting closer to 11 than 21
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03-24-2023, 03:32 PM | #21 | |
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03-24-2023, 03:33 PM | #22 | |
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If you decide to go with the 5 and are buying used then we can help you parse through the differences in model years (2021+ have some updated styling and features but also lost some options). Like the merino leather - not available on 2021+ (and difficult to find on prior years too) but the premium Nappa leather option is fantastic (I have Nappa in the 5 and merino in the X7).
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