[micmitch]

We've been X owners for many years...x1, x3, x5.

The X3 M50 is where we are heading for our next X.

In normal highway driving - is it a quiet ride?

My wife has some hearing issues and it's important to us.

Thanks!

[JoeyO]

What a coincidence. Just today I test drove a M50 with my main focus being its sound level. Before today I was concerned about the noise possibly being too excessive. Someone warned me I might not like the continuous drone of the 6 cyl on the highway.

However, surprisingly, on the highway, I found the engine and exhaust noise to be perfectly fine. If anything, I found the high-speed wind noise (coming through the glass side window) and the tire/road noise to be louder than any mechanical noise. I purposely drove the M50 at high speed (approx 80-90 MPH). I wish the side window had acoustical glass because that would likely reduce exterior wind and road noise. Naturally, when I rev’d the engine up, the noise level rose up. But it wasn’t anything shocking. It sounded like a 6 cyl being rev’d up.

FYI, just before my M50 test drive, I test drove a X3 30 version. It surprised me how loud that that 4 cly gets when fully reved it up. I would even argue that the 4 cyl is perhaps louder than the 6 cyl when both are rev’d up.

Also, just you know, I purposely did my M50 test drive with the interior induced “fake” sound-speakers turned off. And I mainly drove in both Personal and Efficient modes. I told my client advisor my goal was to make my test ride as “quiet” as possible, and that’s just what I did. I did play around with Sport mode a little bit, but even that mode wasn’t overly loud.

Of course your opinion may vary. Especially if you’re used to a X5 which probably is quieter. If you do a test drive, then I recommend you tell your client advisor to set all your settings so you get the most quiet ride possible. Just like what I did.

[crackerjack15]

We just picked up a new X3 M50. We only have about 300 miles on it, but I think it's decently quiet. (Much quieter than the XC60 we also have) But not as quiet as our X7 since it has double pane acoustic glass. When I get the chance I will have to check the db levels at highway speeds between the X7 and X3.

[micmitch]

We test drove the M50 today - it's not as quiet as our X5 was, but my wife was comfortable with it.

The car does feel substantial, though we too felt the interior wasn't as nice as the X5.

[crackerjack15]

Originally Posted by micmitch

We test drove the M50 today - it's not as quiet as our X5 was, but my wife was comfortable with it.

The car does feel substantial, though we too felt the interior wasn't as nice as the X5.

Yeah, the X3 seams cheap inside. Too many smooth synthetic materials. The x5/x7 has them too, but something is different. And they don't seem to be as "soft touch". But, my wife doesn't like cars bigger than X3 so there's that. We almost bought the glc350e, but the dealer wouldn't discount more than $1k so walked out and bought the X3. I'm glad we did. The merc had a way nicer interior but, I didn't really want the 4cyl hybrid crap anyway. So win for me. Lol

[Mcssls]

Coming from an M240i and not having the best hearing I’d say is near silent

[Zirnitra]

My wife and I both have new X3s and think they are pretty quiet. If you have the M50 I would suggest you turn off the iconic noise.

[IAmSpeed]

For me, BMW is never a quiet car without dual panel glasses on all windows.