[kolosy]

Been waiting to post this until after the new ride was broken in. After 18 months of my '20 X3MC, I jumped ship into an X5M50. A big part of the driver was just the need for more space (we've got a toddler, and yes, we probably take more stuff than we should, but even a weekend trip with the wife, the kid, and the dog + the accouterments meant I couldn't see out the rear window), but the biggest issue for me was ..... the ride on Chicago streets.

Now, before you go flaming me for rehashing the ride issue, I'm going to disclaim it as follows:
- I'm in the city proper. That means paved over rail lines, giant potholes and general terribleness that a lot of people don't have to contend with
- I'm not looking for a 1-car solution so I don't need to compromise as much as someone who is (I've got an E93 weekend toy)
- Assume everything else I say below starts with a giant "FOR ME"

So, FOR ME, the X3 was just too oversprung. The throttle response and the overall speed was awesome. The brakes were fantastics. Bouncing off the ceiling any time I hit a larger imperfection (or having to focus intently on avoiding them) was not awesome, and at speed felt downright unsettled. Also, the turbo lag was fun on the highway but kind of annoying in stop sign traffic. You're either an a-hole at every stop sign trying to wind it out to get some power, or you're limping along.

Fast forward to the X5, and I think I've hit the sweet spot (remember that FOR ME disclaimer). I ordered it so I could get DHP (only one in the country that had it otherwise). It's just the right amount of softer on the suspension to make it a non-issue where I drive, while the DHP keeps it from feeling it's actual size and the TTV8 is just downright silly.

So -- moral of the story -- if you're at all on the fence about the suspension on the X3MC (and I know plenty of people are), it's worth it to find an M50 to test drive and compare.

[BrockDM]

Best of luck with the new ride. Any parts from the X3MC for sale? I'm local!

[harperium]

Besides the suspension/ride, how does the X5 M50i feel? It's a lot bigger...

I'm in the city proper also. The X3MC is a real joy on Lake Shore Drive with all those road seams.

[kolosy]

Originally Posted by BrockDM

Best of luck with the new ride. Any parts from the X3MC for sale? I'm local!

Yes actually! I've got the original MPS4s with <500 miles on them if you want them. Everything else was stock or went with it (I wasn't gonna pull off the tow hitch )

[kolosy]

Originally Posted by harperium

Besides the suspension/ride, how does the X5 M50i feel? It's a lot bigger...

I'm in the city proper also. The X3MC is a real joy on Lake Shore Drive with all those road seams.

I mean it _is_ bigger, and feels as much. The rear steering helps it handle like a smaller car, and DHP keeps it flat through turns, but there's a bit more pitch when you floor it. But when you do floor it, having your max torque at 1800 RPM is a lot of fun

And yeah, LSD is bad, but try going down Canon off of Diversey. Damn minefield.

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by kolosy

Been waiting to post this until after the new ride was broken in. After 18 months of my '20 X3MC, I jumped ship into an X5M50. A big part of the driver was just the need for more space (we've got a toddler, and yes, we probably take more stuff than we should, but even a weekend trip with the wife, the kid, and the dog + the accouterments meant I couldn't see out the rear window), but the biggest issue for me was ..... the ride on Chicago streets.

Now, before you go flaming me for rehashing the ride issue, I'm going to disclaim it as follows:
- I'm in the city proper. That means paved over rail lines, giant potholes and general terribleness that a lot of people don't have to contend with
- I'm not looking for a 1-car solution so I don't need to compromise as much as someone who is (I've got an E93 weekend toy)
- Assume everything else I say below starts with a giant "FOR ME"

So, FOR ME, the X3 was just too oversprung. The throttle response and the overall speed was awesome. The brakes were fantastics. Bouncing off the ceiling any time I hit a larger imperfection (or having to focus intently on avoiding them) was not awesome, and at speed felt downright unsettled. Also, the turbo lag was fun on the highway but kind of annoying in stop sign traffic. You're either an a-hole at every stop sign trying to wind it out to get some power, or you're limping along.

Fast forward to the X5, and I think I've hit the sweet spot (remember that FOR ME disclaimer). I ordered it so I could get DHP (only one in the country that had it otherwise). It's just the right amount of softer on the suspension to make it a non-issue where I drive, while the DHP keeps it from feeling it's actual size and the TTV8 is just downright silly.

So -- moral of the story -- if you're at all on the fence about the suspension on the X3MC (and I know plenty of people are), it's worth it to find an M50 to test drive and compare.

That's why BMW offers something for everyone and if X5 M50 works for you - the community at large can only be happy for you. I am also a big fan of the current X5 model.

[SearsTurnSix]

Congrats on the X5M50i. In many regards, that's an upgrade.

As someone with an order in for 22 X3MC about to go into production, these issues you point out are real concerns of mine.

Question for you: Did you update the software on your car? I understand an update in 2021 retuned the dampers for a more compliant ride in comfort mode.

[kolosy]

Originally Posted by SearsTurnSix

Congrats on the X5M50i. In many regards, that's an upgrade.

As someone with an order in for 22 X3MC about to go into production, these issues you point out are real concerns of mine.

Question for you: Did you update the software on your car? I understand an update in 2021 retuned the dampers for a more compliant ride in comfort mode.

I did not -- wasn't aware that was an option. Did they offer that on the '20 model year?

[KayTees]

I've driven a handful of cars like Cayenne GTS / Macan GTS / F-Pace SVR each for a good week and I've still stuck by my X3MC but I've gotten really used to the rough ride and anything too comfortable just doesn't feel right to me (lol) but yea X5M50i is a sweet ride, considering it is a BMW, if ya need more power, a lot easier to mod than other most manufacturers.

Originally Posted by SearsTurnSix

Congrats on the X5M50i. In many regards, that's an upgrade.

As someone with an order in for 22 X3MC about to go into production, these issues you point out are real concerns of mine.

Question for you: Did you update the software on your car? I understand an update in 2021 retuned the dampers for a more compliant ride in comfort mode.

I did have a dealer update my iDrive and everything else when they were replacing my instrument cluster for the 3rd time and transmission and ride wise, it did make it a difference within a few minutes of driving the car. This is also while riding on 30 profile tires on lower PSI.

[BrockDM]

Originally Posted by kolosy

Yes actually! I've got the original MPS4s with <500 miles on them if you want them. Everything else was stock or went with it (I wasn't gonna pull off the tow hitch )

Ahh nice. I have a like new set on mine now so no use for me. Best of luck though!

[STi from DSM]

I will also be getting rid of my X3MC on Friday. Going back to an Audi. RS5 Sportback for me. (2019)

[Mike02z]

Congratulations. As long as you are happy that’s all that matters. Personally, I’ve read far too many horror stories with the 4.4 but as long as it’s under warranty it should be fine.

I really don’t find the X3 MC suspension too stiff and I live in SC known for the horrible roads. I found the M40i was certainly a softer ride but I want to relive my youth with Sports car that I can no longer get into so I want the sporty feel that the X3 MC provides.

Anyway, enjoy your new ride!

[f80NJ17]

Originally Posted by SearsTurnSix

Congrats on the X5M50i. In many regards, that's an upgrade.

As someone with an order in for 22 X3MC about to go into production, these issues you point out are real concerns of mine.

Question for you: Did you update the software on your car? I understand an update in 2021 retuned the dampers for a more compliant ride in comfort mode.

I had my 22' X3MC delivery Christmas eve 21'

So at the dealer I had them swap the MPSS tires to a complete set they had on the floor ( I live in NJ so we had snow that day and temps were low 40 degrees
So I decided to just have them mount the Scorpion winter on 20' M wheels

So from Dec-March 22'
I ran scorpion. I live in NJ and potholes are everywhere. Running scorpions it was terrible even going 10mph it felt like a rollercoaster.
Then I swapped to Comp wheels MPSS, I was expecting a smoother ride. Tbh it was slightly better but still. Coming from 2 different sets of tires the ride didnt change much. So be ready for a rough ride when driving local. Other than that its a beautiful machine. You are going to love it
Just have music on while going over bumpy roads it will help distract you from the rollercoaster ride you are about to embark in 😂😂

[kolosy]

Originally Posted by Mike02z

Congratulations. As long as you are happy that’s all that matters. Personally, I’ve read far too many horror stories with the 4.4 but as long as it’s under warranty it should be fine.

I really don’t find the X3 MC suspension too stiff and I live in SC known for the horrible roads. I found the M40i was certainly a softer ride but I want to relive my youth with Sports car that I can no longer get into so I want the sporty feel that the X3 MC provides.

Anyway, enjoy your new ride!

yeah, that's one of the reasons i lease -- always stay under warranty

[Dev1985567]

Originally Posted by kolosy

Yes actually! I've got the original MPS4s with <500 miles on them if you want them. Everything else was stock or went with it (I wasn't gonna pull off the tow hitch )

Where are you located ? Are the mps4 still for sale ?

[jturboawd]

Congratulations! I was on the fence between the two for similar reasons. I needed a one car solution, which weighted my choice towards the x3mc. Both amazing machines. that trunk space and tailgate are great!