Cross shopping for my wife between the X3 M50, X3 M40i and the X1 M35i. I understand that the X1 is a pretty different car but just wanted to get the communities thoughts on the comparison of these three models. Is it worth the price increase from the X1 to the X3. And how is the community feeling about the M50 after its been out for a year now versus a used M40i. At my local dealer a used version of both cars about the same price with the M50 being a year newer. Does this mean that the M40i is going to hold its value better in the longer term?

You need to test drive all of them. If your priority is performance, handling, suspension and steering you will clearly go for the M50. Also the seats are much better and it has the best fuel efficiency athought it has the most powerfull drivetrain of the three.

If you like fancy door handles and classic UI, you may want the M40i

After I test drove the X1 it was clear to me, that it's not an option. The 4 cylinder with the dual clutch gearbox was not even close to the B58 with the ZF8 transmission.

Ravenous666 wrote

You need to test drive all of them. If your priority is performance, handling, suspension and steering you will clearly go for the M50. Also the seats are much better and it has the best fuel efficiency athought it has the most powerfull drivetrain of the three.

If you like fancy door handles and classic UI, you may want the M40i

After I test drove the X1 it was clear to me, that it's not an option. The 4 cylinder with the dual clutch gearbox was not even close to the B58 with the ZF8 transmission.

Makes sense. We have an appointment on tomorrow to go try them all out. Just an overwhelming amount of information out there on each one and want to be prepared before we go in!

I recently traded my 24 X1 M35i for a 25 X3 M50, and I’ve also spent a good amount of time with a 18 X3 M40i—so here’s my take if you’re comparing these three.

X1 M35i:
Honestly feels like a jacked-up hot hatch. Super nimble, quick through traffic, and the front limited diff does a great job pulling you through corners under throttle. Even though it’s FWD-biased, you can still get a bit of power slide action in Sport mode (iDrive 9 shows up to 30–50% power going to the rear).
Space-wise, it’s compact but still fit everything I needed for a 3-day camping trip with my wife and 70 lb dog. Build quality felt solid (mine was built in Germany), and I didn’t run into any mechanical issues in 15 months. Downsides: the DCT can be jerky at low speeds, and you really need to rev past 4K to feel the power. Turbo lag and torque steer are there in Normal mode but much better in Sport mode.

X3 M40i:
Drove this one for a long time (2018 model). Super reliable, great engine/exhaust sound, and still no big issues years later. It holds its value really well, probably because of that reliability. It feels roomier than the M50—maybe due to the taller roof, but that might just be an illusion.

X3 M50:
Definitely sharper and more refined than the M40i, but the difference isn’t night and day. That said, I had some QC issues—my first one had suspension knocking and had to be replaced, and my current one still has some panel gap issues. Drives great though, and if you’re into the latest tech, it’s got everything.

X3 M40i = solid choice if you’re budget-conscious and want something reliable
X3 M50 = go for this if you want the newest tech and a bit more performance
X1 M35i = fun, compact option if you like that hot hatch feel with some utility

Didn’t dive into the idrive and design stuff since that really depends on personal taste. Hope this helps!

Luff9 wrote

I recently traded my 24 X1 M35i for a 25 X3 M50, and I’ve also spent a good amount of time with a 18 X3 M40i—so here’s my take if you’re comparing these three.

X1 M35i:
Honestly feels like a jacked-up hot hatch. Super nimble, quick through traffic, and the front limited diff does a great job pulling you through corners under throttle. Even though it’s FWD-biased, you can still get a bit of power slide action in Sport mode (iDrive 9 shows up to 30–50% power going to the rear).
Space-wise, it’s compact but still fit everything I needed for a 3-day camping trip with my wife and 70 lb dog. Build quality felt solid (mine was built in Germany), and I didn’t run into any mechanical issues in 15 months. Downsides: the DCT can be jerky at low speeds, and you really need to rev past 4K to feel the power. Turbo lag and torque steer are there in Normal mode but much better in Sport mode.

X3 M40i:
Drove this one for a long time (2018 model). Super reliable, great engine/exhaust sound, and still no big issues years later. It holds its value really well, probably because of that reliability. It feels roomier than the M50—maybe due to the taller roof, but that might just be an illusion.

X3 M50:
Definitely sharper and more refined than the M40i, but the difference isn’t night and day. That said, I had some QC issues—my first one had suspension knocking and had to be replaced, and my current one still has some panel gap issues. Drives great though, and if you’re into the latest tech, it’s got everything.

X3 M40i = solid choice if you’re budget-conscious and want something reliable
X3 M50 = go for this if you want the newest tech and a bit more performance
X1 M35i = fun, compact option if you like that hot hatch feel with some utility

Didn’t dive into the tech and design stuff since that really depends on personal taste. Hope this helps!

Oh, and forgot to mention—the M Sport seats in the X1 M35i are way nicer and more comfortable.

I like your comparison, thanks for sharing your experience.

I am in the market right now, with a test drive of an X2 M35 tomorrow (I want an X1 but the dealer can only get an X2 for testing).

I really wanted to like the X3 M50, and I am sure it drives fantastic with its 6 cylinder engine, etc. The centre console still has iDrive controller, and even a panel below the infotainment screen with some ventilation controls, demist and hazard warning controls. The central storage (glove?) box is neutral and lifts towards the back of the vehicle, whereas on the X1 it lifts to the right, not ideal for the RHD driver - I'm in the UK. The X3 sports seats felt really good/better than the same in the X1.

However, you have to like the living space, and the interior as a whole, we found the new X3 dash really 'bulges' into the passenger side, my wife thoroughly disliked it, let's say "it's a blocker". The windshield/windscreen also felt 'not as tall' on the X3, more pillar boxed, but I didn't take any actual measurements. The X3 interior did not feel 'premium' to us, and too busy. Each to their own.

So we are currently focused on the X1 M35, and I hope it drives well, or I'll have to consider something else entirely.

FYI if interested I'll be selling my 2022 X3 40i in about a month once I take ownership of my new X5. Let me know if you would like more info

x1/2 is just a fwd Mini

Mavus wrote

x1/2 is just a fwd Mini

True, I always said start with the 3 if you want that true BMW experience . That said I like my new x3. is it perfect?-
no. The cheap plastic pieces BWW has put into cabin creak with temp changes. Adjusting the air flow direction is a pain and the top of the steering wheel seems to get very hot easily. Also, even with the 19's and standard suspension the ride can be overly firm on certain rough pavement. Overall a great car with good build quality and top notch engines and transmissions but I personally would not pay 70k+ for this car even for the 50.

PGHBMW1 wrote

True, I always said start with the 3 if you want that true BMW experience . That said I like my new x3. is it perfect?-
no. The cheap plastic pieces BWW has put into cabin creak with temp changes. Adjusting the air flow direction is a pain and the top of the steering wheel seems to get very hot easily. Also, even with the 19's and standard suspension the ride can be overly firm on certain rough pavement. Overall a great car with good build quality and top notch engines and transmissions but I personally would not pay 70k+ for this car even for the 50.

I am impressed that Mazda CX-70/90 is now more bespoke vehicle than bmw. They are doing the same that bmw used to have with rwd platform, I6 and really good interior with switchgear and driver-machine interface. They will only get better as they continue to refine it and at a very competitive price.

PGHBMW1 wrote

True, I always said start with the 3 if you want that true BMW experience . That said I like my new x3. is it perfect?-
no. The cheap plastic pieces BWW has put into cabin creak with temp changes. Adjusting the air flow direction is a pain and the top of the steering wheel seems to get very hot easily. Also, even with the 19's and standard suspension the ride can be overly firm on certain rough pavement. Overall a great car with good build quality and top notch engines and transmissions but I personally would not pay 70k+ for this car even for the 50.

Went to test drive all 3 and would agree. I just couldn’t justify 70k for the vehicle especially because we weren’t in love with how it looked. Tried the M40i and just didn’t like the interior all that much compared to the newer cars and especially my M2. My wife loved the X1 though. She doesn’t need or care of the short comings in engine power that she will be giving up. It’s plenty fun enough. Plan on leasing it and reevaluating our size needs with probably an x5 or x7 in 3 years when it’s up and we actually have kids.

I see a lot of $70k M50 references. There’s a lot of discounting going on. Getting $5k-$7k off MSRP. I personally drive an M50 but also drive my wife’s X5 and this is my 3rd X3. I really enjoy each car for there unique characteristics, but the M50 is my favorite daily driver of all time and I always look forward to driving it. $65k for 400HP with the one of the best 6 cylinder based powertrains of all time with very good suspension, steering, seats, steering wheel and technology. And the one thing we all agree on is the bad plastics, all of which can be replaced with after market products soon to arrive.

Best is to test drive all 3 and let your true feeling do the decision

Mavus wrote

I am impressed that Mazda CX-70/90 is now more bespoke vehicle than bmw. They are doing the same that bmw used to have with rwd platform, I6 and really good interior with switchgear and driver-machine interface. They will only get better as they continue to refine it and at a very competitive price.

I noticed that and they look nice. Initially, the 90 had some transmission problems and they seem to be sorted out. Interior was ok. Sat in a 70 and it also has some cheap plastics but overall very well done. They can copy BMW all they want but in the end nothing beats the original recipe!

braxtynmd wrote

Cross shopping for my wife between the X3 M50, X3 M40i and the X1 M35i. I understand that the X1 is a pretty different car but just wanted to get the communities thoughts on the comparison of these three models. Is it worth the price increase from the X1 to the X3. And how is the community feeling about the M50 after its been out for a year now versus a used M40i. At my local dealer a used version of both cars about the same price with the M50 being a year newer. Does this mean that the M40i is going to hold its value better in the longer term?

I am in exactly the same boat as you are. I have a 240 myself so pretty familiar with the B58 (and really like). G87 or G80 probably next for me but that's not the point.
Have you made any decisions? There's a fair amount of time I get to drive this car too so I am slightly leaning towards the X3 but I haven't test-driven the new M50. The M35i was actually quite good. I didn't really notice any low speed DCT jerks. M40is are hard to find for a significant discount over M50 (just a couple grand for a whole year difference). And even M35is are rare used. Mainly MY25 new.

An X1 is just a POS in general on a cheap FWD platform... I'd stay miles away from that.

The X3 M40i is now an old car.... and the prices being asked for 23-24s are just not it...

at this point, the M50 which can be had with a huge discount is the right option... and this is coming from someone who doesn't even like the m50

M50 performance wise (unless you’re dying to use aftermarket performance parts.. in which case G01/M40i better option) is superior. It drives like a dream. I’d avoid X1 unless you’re trying to save money or love the smaller size.

If money is no issue I think you can’t go wrong w M50 provided you click w the styling (I personally do). I firmly believe G01 will start to feel dated in a year or two when more G45s are on the road. Also many of the issues people have w poor interior/plastics are helped a lot by the M50 interior trim.

Go w M50 if you can swing it financially right now I love mine!

ASAP wrote

An X1 is just a POS in general on a cheap FWD platform... I'd stay miles away from that.

The X3 M40i is now an old car.... and the prices being asked for 23-24s are just not it...

at this point, the M50 which can be had with a huge discount is the right option... and this is coming from someone who doesn't even like the m50

Hey, if I recall - you and I both got similarly spec'd M40i's around the same time in early 23. Do you own or did you lease?

Had my heart set on an X3M next but alas... Macan GTS probably not worth it for me as I don't drive enough to justify $1,600+/mo. 10%+ MSRP discounts on the M50 may keep me in the X3.

If you're looking later this year, where is your head at?

bmwforme wrote

Hey, if I recall - you and I both got similarly spec'd M40i's around the same time in early 23. Do you own or did you lease?

Had my heart set on an X3M next but alas... Macan GTS probably not worth it for me as I don't drive enough to justify $1,600+/mo. 10%+ MSRP discounts on the M50 may keep me in the X3.

If you're looking later this year, where is your head at?

Hey there!

I own my car outright... paid it off last month. It's only got 24k miles so far so it's like new.

To give you some background... I only got the X3 because M Cars during the Covid timeframe had serious allocation issues and I would have had to wait a year for an m3 Comp... I always loved the way the G01 X3 LCI looked and am very familiar with the B58 engine option... plus I was welcoming of the day to day practicality an SUV offered as I never owned one before.

To answer your question - I would not get the new X3... I'd prefer to keep my paid off car until it hits 100K miles and if anything buy an extended warranty for it... that being said, if I was replacing the car, it would be back into an M3 Comp and my head is still there.

I voted for the x1. The previous positive assessment above describes it perfectly. The m50 drives well but a little too refined for my tastes.