2017 X5 35i or 2018 X3 M40

[harrywashy]

Hi,

I'm torn.

2018 X3 M40 or 2017 X5 35i.

Sell me.

[lht5059]

What are you looking for? Size, power, speed, cosmetic, tech, mod-ability (idk if that's a real word lol), family/pet car, cargo hauler, towing? Also, why only these two options? Give us more context and I am sure someone will come back with a full list of pros and cons

[harrywashy]

Originally Posted by lht5059

What are you looking for? Size, power, speed, cosmetic, tech, mod-ability (idk if that's a real word lol), family/pet car, cargo hauler, towing? Also, why only these two options? Give us more context and I am sure someone will come back with a full list of pros and cons

Sure.

Need something bigger than my 2 door convertible now that a second kid is on the way. Wife's car is a loaded Pacifica, so I don't *need* tons of room. That being said, I'm 6 foot and will have 2 car seats in the back. In the trunk, I'll mostly just have my golf clubs a few times a week.

I had a loaner x3 M40 a few years ago and LOVED it. Love the sound, power, etc. If money were not an issue, I would go with this.

The X5s with the specs I want are around $36k. The X3s are 43k+.

Thats where the question lies. X5 is more in budget, but will I still enjoy it.

[RED_Y_]

If your main car for kinds is going to be Pacifica and BMW would be used only for occasional family trips I would go with X3, if you plan to drive with kids around twice a week go with X5, more room, bigger trunk etc. .

[tokyodrift]

Let me tell you, with a 6mo old baby I feel like the X5 is the way for me to have a second one. Eventually two car seats and the wife upfront.

I go fishing so my tackle gear and rods are usually in the cargo. Plus we bring a stroller when we take the baby out and the area gets filled up, you can still stack things. That said, a weekend trip will easily fill up the trunk. Maybe get a 5.0 instead of the 3.5?

[harrywashy]

Originally Posted by RED_Y_

If your main car for kinds is going to be Pacifica and BMW would be used only for occasional family trips I would go with X3, if you plan to drive with kids around twice a week go with X5, more room, bigger trunk etc. .

Based on my research, "more room" is only in the trunk yes? Only a 0.2 cubic inch difference in rear leg room.

[RED_Y_]

Originally Posted by harrywashy

Based on my research, "more room" is only in the trunk yes? Only a 0.2 cubic inch difference in rear leg room.

Correct, trunk is bigger, rear seat is slightly bigger and car sits higher so easier to get kids in and out the child seat. You should ask for feedback from X3 forum and see if anyone is running two child seats in the back.

[lht5059]

Originally Posted by harrywashy

Based on my research, "more room" is only in the trunk yes? Only a 0.2 cubic inch difference in rear leg room.

While I can't comment much on the X3's interior space discounting the trunk, I can tell you for a fact that, without the trunk (and that's a big difference), the GF's X5 is very very roomy vs my F16 X6, albeit our cars look to be nearly the same size outside.

If I were you, considering your use cases, I think the X3 is borderline sufficient as RED_Y_ suggested for short-distance drives. But then when you do want to take the car out with the whole family on longer trips (which also translates to putting more stuff in the car), the X5's extra practicality and comfort win, hands-down. Also, I am biased of course, I think the X3's sizing and styling seem a bit off...

If I were to just want a smaller SAV/SUV (whichever term people prefer) that isn't a primary driver with all of the extra cargo, that I only drive around the city with, I would consider a wagon instead. A coupe, a wagon, and a mini-van seem to make up a well-rounded garage, no?

[astonishingmatt]

Originally Posted by harrywashy

Hi,

I'm torn.

2018 X3 M40 or 2017 X5 35i.

Sell me.

I've a 2018 x5 and had a loaner x3 for 3 months. 1 kid. 2 dogs but they don't travel too much.


I cannot recommend the 5 over the 3 enough. The 3 was surprisingly small.

[marseille82]

Originally Posted by RED_Y_

Correct, trunk is bigger, rear seat is slightly bigger and car sits higher so easier to get kids in and out the child seat. You should ask for feedback from X3 forum and see if anyone is running two child seats in the back.

I drive a 22 M40i so the same interior space as the 18.

I have 2 car seats in the back (one rear facing and the other front facing). I am 6.3ft tall and sit pretty comfortable and so does my front passenger.
I had an occasional rear passenger once or twice between the car seats and it looked very tight for them.

Trunk space on the X3 is less than I would like especially with the raised floor of the ones equipped with a spare.

[jmack123]

Originally Posted by harrywashy

Sure.

Need something bigger than my 2 door convertible now that a second kid is on the way. Wife's car is a loaded Pacifica, so I don't *need* tons of room. That being said, I'm 6 foot and will have 2 car seats in the back. In the trunk, I'll mostly just have my golf clubs a few times a week.

I had a loaner x3 M40 a few years ago and LOVED it. Love the sound, power, etc. If money were not an issue, I would go with this.

The X5s with the specs I want are around $36k. The X3s are 43k+.

Thats where the question lies. X5 is more in budget, but will I still enjoy it.

I actually just drove a 2016 X4 M40i, and have driven a standard 2018 X3 and I would prefer my 2016 X5 35i. I'm not sure how much more luxurious/comfortable the G01 M40i is than the G01 30i, but I feel the balance of driving capability and comfort/luxury in the F15 chassis is greater than the G01. No doubt the X3 M40i will be the better performer, but it will also be smaller and less comfortable. With a decent tune (I have the M Performance Power Kit personally) and even an upgraded exhaust (I have the M Performance Exhaust - sounds comparable to the M40i), you can get a good amount closer to the M40i in terms of driving enjoyment. Of course if you have the fortune of finding an X5 with the Dynamic Handling Package and added the MPPK/MPE, you would have a pretty capably performing SUV. Just my 2 cents.

[HDEddie1]

Originally Posted by harrywashy

Hi,

I'm torn.

2018 X3 M40 or 2017 X5 35i.

Sell me.

Post #11 has some good points. I'd like to add. I have a 2016 35i S Drive M-Sport and I have a 2023 X3 M40i on order. I've driven the 2019 and 2021 versions of the M40i and it never fails to impress me with its acceleration and sportier handling. My 2016 X5 has the MPPSK and as such is a little peppy and sounds a bit better but no where as near the M40i in acceleration...I would guess there's a least a second difference in 0-60 time. The M40i always feels "ready" to rev, no matter if your in comfort or sport mode. The 2016, even with the MPPSK, does not come awake unless you mash the throttlle...but not like the X3 M40i. Dimensions? Not that far off as many say but it just feels roomier when I sit in both, back to back. The interior finish (materials) is notch up from the X3. If you find an X5 with a spare tire fitted, the floor still lies flush...not like the X3 with will have a 3" rise making cargo storage awkward. My 2016 has adustable rear axle air suspension and long highway trips are very comfortable And if you anticipate long trips, know that the X5 has a 21 gallon tank vs the X3's 17 gal. For me, that's about 400 mile range and easily makes my trips long highway trips with few fill ups. In a word- X3M40i is sportier, nimble. The X5 M Sport with the 3.5i is less sporty but a tad roomier, better interior finish, comfortable, and has a large tank.
But I'm not selling you one way or the other as I'm keeping the X5 (for long trips) and daily driving my new M40i. The choice will depend on your priorities. Good Luck