Recent X3 M40i purchase

335is-dct · 03-21-2021, 02:25 PM

Back in the bmw family after a long hiatus. Recently picked up a relatively low mileage 2018 m40i to fill the role of fun daily driver. It’s a pretty nicely spec’d model that only seems to be missing adaptive suspension and ventilated seats. Some thoughts so far:

Pros
-the car has great low end torque and the factory launch control works really well
-brakes are superb and the calipers look good
-the exhaust tuning and shift blips are rowdy and the pops/bangs are admittedly a guilty pleasure
-such a good looking car with great muscular lines, and phytonic blue is beautiful
-HK audio sounds very good to my ears
-loads of cool tech (cameras, gesture control, wireless CarPlay, etc)

Cons
-The ride is very firm and loud on these 21” run flats. I will be ditching them soon for some Michelin 4s. The adaptive suspension would have helped with this I’m sure
-seats are horribly uncomfortable for me. Also I find my back gets very hot and sweaty. I had the same problem with my old 335is. I don’t understand why bmw won’t use perforated leather or a design that breathes better. I’ve ordered various back cushions to try and remedy this so just waiting for those to arrive.
-miscellaneous rattles and squeaks no doubt from the firmness of the ride.
-I think bmw have too many different engine/trans settings without providing clarification as to how they are different. Sport, sport plus, shifter placed into sport... seems redundant and excessive to have all these variations, but that’s just my 2 cents.

I’ve already flashed a bm3 stage 1 map on the car and the car absolutely rips. 0-60 on the dragy was 4.2 in the afternoon heat. Lighter tires and cooler weather and the car will be sub-4 seconds for sure. Looking forward to having fun with this car!

chicagofan00 · 03-21-2021, 06:12 PM

Congrats on the new to you X3!

micnic3 · 03-21-2021, 07:26 PM

Agree on Michelin 4S. I wished I'd done it sooner.

335is-dct · 03-21-2021, 09:17 PM

This engine has incredible low and mid range torque. It surges away from low speeds so effortlessly and smoothly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by chicagofan00

Congrats on the new to you X3!

Thank you!

kingkongvon · 03-22-2021, 11:54 PM

Agree on Michelin 4S

zibbit · 03-23-2021, 04:42 AM

Just sold my '14 335 MPE and bought a '18 M40i in Phytonic as well. I agree on everything you've mentioned; except the seats. Maybe it's the Oyster leather vs Nappa in the previous car, but I find they're the most comfortable and soft seats I've ever sat in. I do agree that some of the tech is nice to have, however sometimes it seems a little excessive. I'm really glad that the example I picked up has adaptive suspension.

Previous owner installed non-runflats on the 21's. Unless you're in sport, the ride is VERY subtle.

335is-dct · 03-23-2021, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zibbit

Just sold my '14 335 MPE and bought a '18 M40i in Phytonic as well. I agree on everything you've mentioned; except the seats. Maybe it's the Oyster leather vs Nappa in the previous car, but I find they're the most comfortable and soft seats I've ever sat in. I do agree that some of the tech is nice to have, however sometimes it seems a little excessive. I'm really glad that the example I picked up has adaptive suspension.

Previous owner installed non-runflats on the 21's. Unless you're in sport, the ride is VERY subtle.

Congrats! Yea I’m sure the seats are a very subjective thing, some love some hate. Jealous of your adaptive suspension, I’ll be swapping the run flats out today. I really like this car thus far. Do you miss your 335?

JJJBlackSaph86 · 03-23-2021, 09:27 AM

I’ll admit the seats are not as comfortable as my Lexus but it’s not bad.

I haven’t experience my car with the Socal summer yet so I don’t know how it’ll be but I’m ready to press that ventilation button for the seats when the time comes.

zibbit · 03-23-2021, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335is-dct

Congrats! Yea I’m sure the seats are a very subjective thing, some love some hate. Jealous of your adaptive suspension, I’ll be swapping the run flats out today. I really like this car thus far. Do you miss your 335?

There's only two items I miss;

1. The thick M-Performance steering wheel. Might have to address that.. and,
2. Easily being able to wash the roof without having to use a stepping stool.

sbt007 · 03-23-2021, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zibbit

There's only two items I miss;

1. The thick M-Performance steering wheel. Might have to address that.. and,
2. Easily being able to wash the roof without having to use a stepping stool.

Yes, unfortunately the 2018s don't have the M Steering wheel (which I love). Not sure how much the part costs, but you should be able to replace it now.

335is-dct · 03-23-2021, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by micnic3

Agree on Michelin 4S. I wished I'd done it sooner.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kingkongvon

Agree on Michelin 4S

Did you both go with the x3m sized tires?

micnic3 · 03-23-2021, 06:53 PM

I did go with the X3M sized tires. Much happier now.

PostModernHero · 03-23-2021, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335is-dct

Also I find my back gets very hot and sweaty.

That's because you live in South Florida. No such problem here in the PNW

335is-dct · 03-23-2021, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by micnic3

I did go with the X3M sized tires. Much happier now.

I’m reluctant to go to a taller tire for fear of loss in acceleration. We are already on an immensely tall 21” wheel...

03-21-2021, 02:25 PM	#1
335is-dct Second Lieutenant 185 Rep 232 Posts Drives: 335is Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: south florida iTrader: (0)	Recent X3 M40i purchase Back in the bmw family after a long hiatus. Recently picked up a relatively low mileage 2018 m40i to fill the role of fun daily driver. It’s a pretty nicely spec’d model that only seems to be missing adaptive suspension and ventilated seats. Some thoughts so far: Pros -the car has great low end torque and the factory launch control works really well -brakes are superb and the calipers look good -the exhaust tuning and shift blips are rowdy and the pops/bangs are admittedly a guilty pleasure -such a good looking car with great muscular lines, and phytonic blue is beautiful -HK audio sounds very good to my ears -loads of cool tech (cameras, gesture control, wireless CarPlay, etc) Cons -The ride is very firm and loud on these 21” run flats. I will be ditching them soon for some Michelin 4s. The adaptive suspension would have helped with this I’m sure -seats are horribly uncomfortable for me. Also I find my back gets very hot and sweaty. I had the same problem with my old 335is. I don’t understand why bmw won’t use perforated leather or a design that breathes better. I’ve ordered various back cushions to try and remedy this so just waiting for those to arrive. -miscellaneous rattles and squeaks no doubt from the firmness of the ride. -I think bmw have too many different engine/trans settings without providing clarification as to how they are different. Sport, sport plus, shifter placed into sport... seems redundant and excessive to have all these variations, but that’s just my 2 cents. I’ve already flashed a bm3 stage 1 map on the car and the car absolutely rips. 0-60 on the dragy was 4.2 in the afternoon heat. Lighter tires and cooler weather and the car will be sub-4 seconds for sure. Looking forward to having fun with this car!
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03-21-2021, 06:12 PM	#2
chicagofan00 Major General 19314 Rep 8,109 Posts Drives: 2024 X5 M60i Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Phoenix iTrader: (1) Garage List 2024 BMW X5 M60i [10.00]	Congrats on the new to you X3! __________________ Instagram: @Phxrisingphotography Current - 2024 G05 X5 ///M60i in Java Green Past - 2005 E53 X5 3.0i in Titanium Silver; 2008 E92 335i in Montego Blue; 2019 G01 X3 M40i in Glacier Silver; 2022 G80 M3 Competition in Twilight Purple
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03-21-2021, 07:26 PM	#3
micnic3 New Member 5 Rep 5 Posts Drives: BMW M40i Join Date: May 2020 Location: Alabama iTrader: (0)	Agree on Michelin 4S. I wished I'd done it sooner.
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03-22-2021, 11:54 PM	#5
kingkongvon Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: G30 Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: LA iTrader: (0)	Agree on Michelin 4S
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03-23-2021, 04:42 AM	#6
zibbit Second Lieutenant 151 Rep 240 Posts Drives: '18 X3 M40i Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Victoria iTrader: (0)	Just sold my '14 335 MPE and bought a '18 M40i in Phytonic as well. I agree on everything you've mentioned; except the seats. Maybe it's the Oyster leather vs Nappa in the previous car, but I find they're the most comfortable and soft seats I've ever sat in. I do agree that some of the tech is nice to have, however sometimes it seems a little excessive. I'm really glad that the example I picked up has adaptive suspension. Previous owner installed non-runflats on the 21's. Unless you're in sport, the ride is VERY subtle.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-23-2021, 09:27 AM	#8
JJJBlackSaph86 Enlisted Member 60 Rep 40 Posts Drives: BMW X3 M40i Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I’ll admit the seats are not as comfortable as my Lexus but it’s not bad. I haven’t experience my car with the Socal summer yet so I don’t know how it’ll be but I’m ready to press that ventilation button for the seats when the time comes.
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03-23-2021, 06:53 PM	#12
micnic3 New Member 5 Rep 5 Posts Drives: BMW M40i Join Date: May 2020 Location: Alabama iTrader: (0)	I did go with the X3M sized tires. Much happier now.
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