M3 Stablemates: What else do you have in the garage?

[LSB4Me]

Just took my daily X3M on a road trip up to Laguna Seca to watch IMSA weathertech racing up there. This thing never ceases to amaze me.

The X3M really is amazing. Yours is beautiful.

It is interesting—albeit, sad—that more and more of the “best” cars these days are actually SUVs. Load em up and haul ass. When 6000lbs behaves like 3000lbs, you have to smile.

[Mayan-Viking]

Nice! We just picked up a 2017 (non performance) a couple months ago, definitely enjoying the magnetic suspension the most, just got it wrapped:

Nice man, car looks great! Love the wrap. I don't know if you've looked into it yet, but I would definitely at least consider the Fidelity Platinum warranty for these cars. The A/C compressor is an engine out job and totals over $15K. It would also cover your suspension which is a huge plus. I was able to get a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty at what I think is a fair price. Let me know if you need the connect and I'll put you in touch with the guy who took care of me.

Cheers and congrats!

[siamkazi]

Oh man, I totally forgot about this thread. Glad to see it again as I enjoy seeing everyone's rides. I picked this up about 1.5 years ago. 2015 R8 V10 Competition. 1/57 ever produced. I purchased it with 4,400 miles on the clock. Just turned past 5,000 miles last week. It's a hoot to drive and the 8,900 rpm redline is pretty impressive for a V10.

I just realized, as an added bonus you can see my daughter's 2006 330ci ZHP in the reflection on the bumper...

Nice! We just picked up a 2017 (non performance) a couple months ago, definitely enjoying the magnetic suspension the most, just got it wrapped:

[powerbait]

I jumped on the e90 bandwagon

[Keith_MN]

This one's time is coming soon, but I'm in no rush to move on. Was my attainable dream vehicle for many years.

[Gearhead55]

R33 update. Still surprises me how nimble and capable this is on the twisties. These are much more than drag machines.

The R33 has a special place in my heart. I feel like they are seriously slept on. Yours looks like a clean example.

[Gearhead55]

Nice, it seems like 295/40 is about the limit on the rear in terms of tire widths. I do read a lot of complaints about the ride quality and comfort with the x3m on stock suspension. It is good to know the KW v3's help out in that department. Everything I read says the x3m handling 100% better then the x5m in sport/sprinted driving scenarios.

That is a primary concern of mine, the interior size. I don't want to lose a lot of interior size compared to my e70 x5. I never owned an e53 x5 so not sure if that is only marginally smaller then say a e70 interior.

How is rear passenger space and comfort?

Some guys run a 315 in the rear but you would need higher offset wheels to make that fit. But very possible. And yea the stock suspension is quite stiff. The comfort mode is too bouncy and the full stiff is not compliant enough, resulting in skipping/less grip IMO. KW does a better job at both comfort and ultimate handling grip, but they're not cheap. IMO it's worth the expense.

This guy Brock has a great build and he has tried a million different wheel/tire setups:

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1910236

I would just go to a dealership and sit in any X3 to feel out the size for yourself. For us there is sufficient rear space for my wife and the baby seat for road trips. Adult dudes fit back there without complaint as well. Plus two 45lbs dogs can still go in the trunk area with no complaints. It is as much space as we need.

[T-Rex]

Really thinking about grabbing one of these as a daily driver, I love the spec on yours. 🤩[/QUOTE]

I picked one up in January to replace the E34, and I absolutely love it. Never thought an SUV could do the things this car does - it's truly an M3 trapped in an SUV body. I haven't had time to properly detail it since I bought it, so a random driveway picture will have to suffice for now.

[bmw m3 s50]

I've got a classic combo I'm sure other have here - E46 M3 and E39 M5.

This looks great. This is on my list of future M collection cars for sure. It is either this or an e92 m3 as my next long term M car purchase.

[bmw m3 s50]

20x9.5 +15 and 20x10.5 +20 with 275/40 and 295/40 Nitto Nt555 G2. The ride is better with the 20s for sure. I also have KW V3s which improved the ride tremendously. They really transformed the vehicle, I highly suggest going that route. I don't miss the EDC at all.

I love the size of the X3M. It feels exactly the same interior size as my old E53 X5. I haven't driven the newer X5s but I can imagine they feel bigger. The S58 is amazing. You do have to wind it up a little to get the power but once it's in boost it's a rocket. I haven't tracked it yet but it's as fast as just about anything in the canyons.





Thanks man! You should get one

Nice, it seems like 295/40 is about the limit on the rear in terms of tire widths. I do read a lot of complaints about the ride quality and comfort with the x3m on stock suspension. It is good to know the KW v3's help out in that department. Everything I read says the x3m handling 100% better then the x5m in sport/sprinted driving scenarios.

That is a primary concern of mine, the interior size. I don't want to lose a lot of interior size compared to my e70 x5. I never owned an e53 x5 so not sure if that is only marginally smaller then say a e70 interior.

How is rear passenger space and comfort?

[bmw m3 s50]

The X5M and X3M are very different cars, despite looking similar on paper.

The X3M feels more like a G80 M3. The S58 is very, very good.

The X5M on the other hand, feels much larger. You can really feel the weight going around turns and stuff. The V8 also gives a way different experience. MUCH more torquey.

Depends on what you need and how big, but I sold my X5M and picked up a X3MC and I have no ragerts.

Your assessment is pretty much what I have been reading regarding the differences between the two.

In terms of handling the X3M wins hands down and feels more nimble like a g80 m3. In terms of amenities and size the f85 X5M wins, although with x3m being newer some of those amenities are included.

Is the interior size difference between the two substantial? What about overall comfort when driving?

As I mentioned, my biggest concern about the f85 X5M is the reliability and absurdly high repair costs that I read about.

How is rear passenger space and comfort?

[BlueBimmers]

I've got a classic combo I'm sure other have here - E46 M3 and E39 M5.

[9kracing]

Does it do the G turn thing??

[LSB4Me]

Also, the SVR has moved along. Sadly. I loved that thing.

Its replacement is below. New option for ‘25 adds active suspension to eliminate roll. You’ve never seen a brick with this much front end grip.

[LSB4Me]

R33 update. Still surprises me how nimble and capable this is on the twisties. These are much more than drag machines.