vicfei wrote

Greetings -

Long time BMW owner that is currently driving a 2019 X3. Looking to move into a new X3, but I am concerned about the strange and unusual problems that owners are reporting on the forum. Some of them seem to speak to the very different interior and its features, and some to speak to perhaps an unfortunate decline in quality control for the vehicle in general. If you had a do over, would you still buy a new X3 today and why, or would you steer entirely clear of the X3 today, or maybe wait for BMW to address your concerns with the car in the 2027 model and beyond. Looking forward to your opinions -

Thanks,

Vic

buze wrote

I think it comes down to what X3 you take. If you take the M50 you will smile and ignore the interior of the car because the engine makes up for it...

Because the interior and the infosystem will *certainly* be a letdown if you come from another X3. Damn, it is a letdown from my own 2013 F25 X3!

The interior is a mix of lack of practicality, lower quality materials all around, and absolutely tackiness.

So would I recommend it? No, unless you take the M50

vicfei wrote

Sorry I didn't mention it in my original post, but I am not interested in purchasing the M50 - just the turbo four.

Thanks!

Vic

Yobyot wrote

I traded a 2019 M40i for a 2026 M50.

It’s very different.

You need to sign up for a complete reset in your mind about how iDrive works. One could argue that a “commitment” shouldn’t be necessary to enjoy a new car. But think back to when you G01 was new: you had to learn it, too. The level of commitment here is greater but so is the satisfaction when you “get there.”

But even if you never delve into the intricacies of iDrive 9, you won’t ever regret the powertrain. At first I thought, “Hey, it’s gonna be like the M40i because the B58 is the best engine ever built.”

I was wrong: this version of the B59 with the mild hybrid is so much better. I don’t know how BMW did it.

DCBmwMD wrote

I Agree with Sportstick that if you have any interest in an EV, I would wait to see the iX3. I find it a very intriguing offering. It appears that it might address a lot of issues that people have with the ICE X3.

MassBimmer wrote

Having owned both a G01 X3 M40 and a G45 X3 M50 I will say the G45 is a much better car for me. It’s bigger, much more well rounded and much more comfortable. I find the interior complaints to be overblown and find the layout much more user friendly.

Dcioni wrote

Agree. There are definitely valid concerns over the interior but it’s overblown on the internet. The whole experience overall feels high tech and a good experience. Sure some annoyances here and there but it’s not a deal breaker and other auto manufacturers are in the same boat w recent models. Plus the M50 is just so fun to drive

minus.spire wrote

There's a lot more competition if you're not interested in the M50.

Volvo V60 and Lexus RX350h immediately come to mind.

JK479 wrote

Both nice and both no longer offer 6 cylinders…

markronnie wrote

I can’t weigh in to your question directly because I bought the 2024 x1 28i in late 2023 & it’s my 1st BMW. It has the sportier seats with heat but can’t get ventilation which I would have bought. It also has the Premium Package, with HUD. My wife is the primary driver. The x1 was the size she was comfortable with coming from a 10 year old Mazda 3 hatch.

I just had a 2025 x3 30 as a loaner for several days while the x1 was in for intergrated brake system recall.

In Comparing the x3 to x1 I found the following.
The x1 drives like my old go cart with a 12hp Tecumseh engine. (If your of my generation you know exactly what I mean) Steers great, wonderful turning radius, fast as all hel_ but you feel every bump. Not my favorite part of the experience because I like a smoother drive. But I understand it’s BMW driving dynamics & many BMW owners want it that way.

The x3 was much better in that regard. Responsive but not bumpy at all. And I think the advanced suspension system option would make a difference as well. Steering feel was not what I would call tight but definitely better than my 2019 Acura RDX advance. X3’s ASS system is fantastic compared to the X1. The mild hybrid battery makes the stopping & starting smooth as silk. I would never turn it off as I do in my X1 as soon as I get in every time.

Because I drive the x1 I’m familiar with the ID9. The x3 has several additional features available in the ID9 which the x1 does not.

Regarding the interior led lights. Way over done for my taste but the lights can be adjusted to be very low during the day & even low at night. So no biggy.

My initial experience as a test dummy with being the 1st to help debug the brand new ID9 was horrible. I felt like I was a beta tester. With under 1000 total miles in the 1st 3 months, it was at the shop so many times for a verity of ID9 reasons. Would I prefer more buttons. YES PLEASE. There are far to many steps to get to some features & adjustments than there should be. You can use the “Hey BMW” personally assistant for some things which helps. The bad thing is each time there’s a system update, whether OTA or those sent directly to vehicle, the Personal Assistant” gets turned off & has to be reset. Has happened every time the quarterly
OTA is sent & several several other times.

I’m glad to say it’s been much better since the winter of 2024 when it was in the shop a lot for system related headaches. An occasional hiccup now & then but most times a hard reset fixes the issue.

About the interior. Funny I think the new x1 gen (u10/u11) have a nicer looking & luxurious interior then the new gen x3, but that’s just my opinion. But the x3 can be had with ventilated seats. 👍which is a plus for me.

Last thing I would say is for past 50 years of driving I’ve always bought my vehicles. For the past 25 years they were all new vehicles. That said with all the tech that goes in to them these days I would definitely lease rather than buying my next vehicle. The tech is changing so fast I’m not optimistic on the longevity of the product.

With all that said I would keep the x3 on my list when I want to update from my RDX.

Janjohn wrote

Unless you’ve had a recent G45, you do have a lot of reading, viewing videos, and some “time in the drivers seat” to realize all the wonderful advantages as the ultimate driving machine it really is. I love mine.