[PBECC]

Hi Everyone,

I am generally modest to a certain degree with my daily driver which is a 2021 BMW X3 M40i (right before the LCI) with very available option at the time.

I really like the exact model and year. Very last year with no mild hybrid. Has a shifter with a leather (ish) backed grab area. This was was/is important to me as I grew up driving manual and that’s where my hand rests plus I use the tap left to rev higher and also shift frequently. I LOVE heads up display, no more games with cops behind you and trying to figure out what the speed limit is, just keep an eye on the windshield and say goodbye to tickets in that scenario. lol

I’m in Palm Beach so it’s truly hot here. With the chip shortage I could not get ventilated seats and as I know many don’t understand but it’s HOT here and it may not be helpful in your neck of the woods, but here it’s worth any help you can get. It was not offered due to chip shortage and even it it was not “good” even the perforation is good for me and I’m sure the (I believe it to be suction ) ventilated seats would be nice for me.

So, why so t I keep a car I’m happy with? Well, I’m not old but I’m not really looking for this exact setup anymore. I sat in the new 7 series and the seat comfort (and width) was so luxurious, I think that’s simply where I am at in my personal lifestyle at the moment. Not to say I wouldn’t keep an exotic in the garage for weekend drives lol.

Why oh why … is BMW first making cheap plastic shifters and now no shifters at all? BMW has an audience of driving enthusiasts. Or so we all thought. Sorry to even think this way but at least Mercedes has a nice hand rest. Also, it’s also absurd to not achieve a 6 cylinder engine in cars that closely or do approach six figures.

My dream concept is basically a 7 coupe with a proper gear shifter. Or, I could go SUV but not for the length but the height. And with the softness and padding of the 7 sedan seats.

Even outside of BMW, I just don’t think this exists anymore. I almost went to my dealer to order an m550i with nice plush seats and the car literally dropped off the configurator the same week.

What’s the move out there to buy now? I even thought about classic cars but that may not be such a smart idea. Crazy thought but would my truly ICE X3 M40i be worth keeping as maybe the value could spike as electric is forced on the USA????????

Why in the world is BMW so lost in design and product offering for their enthusiasts? Are soccer practice vehicles all they care about now? It’s really sad and I’m truly confused what to buy next. Or just keep the x3 m40i and spice it up with Dinan and new wheels/tires etc.

I’m sure I’m not the first to feel this way and post. But this is my first post so take it easy on me team. I know “there is a search bar” etc and have searched! lol. Thanks for your advice!!

[Burrcold]

Since you are a bit all over the board, I would say keep the X3 (don't spend anything on it because it's not going to make you fall in love when you are already looking for something else). Wait for something from BMW, or another brand, that you could really see yourself in. Don't bet on the "ICE factor" for keeping depreciation of your X3 a reality, but also keep in mind that you've already absorbed the biggest hit. Watch the market, watch new vehicle intros, and spend some quality time making a decision...part of the fun of a new car is the time spent researching! Good luck!

[PBECC]

Thank you for your response burrrcold!

I know you are right. I just need to wait. Something I love will come up most likely. I feel like the Covid and chip stuff pushed design and plans for manufacturers all over the place.

I just have that itch to get a new car. Probably best to relax. I do need new tires however at the stock original run flat tires are looking sparse for now.

Thanks again. I’m new to the boards here.

[DanG]

Do you have kids you need to transport. If not you should look at a G87 M2 with a standard transmission.

[tturedraider]

Keep your X3 M40i

[celsdogg]

Originally Posted by PBECC

BMW has an audience of driving enthusiasts. Or so we all thought.

Latter is true in reality. Its just a badge for most.

[86Zed]

I think it is time for a Porsche... Panamera or an SUV variant.

If that exceeds the budget, perhaps a quick little Dinan tune and modifications is enough to make the car new again. No sense waxing poetic on the X3 and dreams of appreciation. Tremendous vehicle (I own one), values may depreciate slower but appreciation is not in it's future.

[PBECC]

Thank you all!! I have been in the Panamera and sort of forgot. It could be a good idea. Maybe I get one and the X3 M40i I can give to my wife as a “gift” and still get to use it. Lol!! Thank you again all!!

[BMthusiast]

I've been in BMWs only since 2010 but these new Benz designs are impressing the hell outta me & got me thinking. Personally, if I were to change, I'd go with the MB CLS 450.

[Houranimd49]

I tried the SUV route when I got my wife the F25 X3 35i… cool car and it’s pretty quick and sporty but the SUV life isn’t for me.

Coming from an F10 535, I somehow found myself in an F06 650i M sport. Has nearly every single option except massaging seats. It’s still 4 doors so I’ll figure a way out to put a kid in the backseat IF I had to (that’s why the X3 is there.)

From my observation, I couldn’t fathom buying any car made post COVID at the moment without feeling like a room temperature IQ moron. There’s always an issue whether it’s chip shortage or Hyundai engines blowing up, or Kia’s batteries failing basically right out of the factory. Car manufacturers such as these examples where pre covid you’d never hear of these things. I picked something a little older which had nearly every possible working option that most of these news cars don’t even get.

But it wouldn’t be a bad idea to hold off until you find exact what you want. My brother in law gave me that advice and then I found the 650 by chance.

And I’ll even give you better advice… you’ll find the car you want when you’re not looking. Speaking from experience!

[MJBO]

Originally Posted by PBECC

My dream concept is basically a 7 coupe with a proper gear shifter.

So an M850i?

Originally Posted by PBECC

Crazy thought but would my truly ICE X3 M40i be worth keeping as maybe the value could spike

Sorry yes, that's a crazy thought. It's not going to happen.

Originally Posted by Houranimd49

I picked something a little older which had nearly every possible working option that most of these news cars don’t even get.

I'm curious what these options are.