RussB wrote

toddwalton wrote

I agree completely which is why I bought one.

This is a safe space for dads who bought their wives and children a truck for what they are- people and cargo haulers. If you've got an overweight family and/or a contracting business, get the bigger engine for its better handling of loads, definitely, but not as a sports sedan equivalent. It's not that.

You didn’t buy the M50.

Your comments about this car being for an overweight family or a contracting business are wildly inaccurate.

The yarn spinning is off the charts.

JoeyO wrote

minus.spire wrote

Firmly in the camp of M50. If you don’t want the nice engine and drive slowly anyway, then just get something more reliable that holds its value. Get a best seller like a RAV4 (budget) or a Lexus RX (luxury).

I don’t understand buying BMW if you don’t want an I6 engine.

I was thinking the same thing. Until I drove a RAV4, CRV, and Lexus Rx, right after driving the X30 30. Those models were a complete let down. The 4 cylinder in the X30 30 is definitely a better engine and the vehicle is a better driver as a whole. With the X30 30 selling 12% under MSRP and those other models not budging from MSRP, the price difference is there, but it’s not super huge as many think.

They just tick more boxes for more people, and hold their value a lot better too. The "I'm buying for my wife who doesn't drive fast or sporty" scenario just doesn't pencil out on an X3 30.

minus.spire wrote

JoeyO wrote

I was thinking the same thing. Until I drove a RAV4, CRV, and Lexus Rx, right after driving the X30 30. Those models were a complete let down. The 4 cylinder in the X30 30 is definitely a better engine and the vehicle is a better driver as a whole. With the X30 30 selling 12% under MSRP and those other models not budging from MSRP, the price difference is there, but it’s not super huge as many think.

They just tick more boxes for more people, and hold their value a lot better too. The "I'm buying for my wife who doesn't drive fast or sporty" scenario just doesn't pencil out on an X3 30.

It does when you enjoy BMW's and own two already. My original question revolved around if the 50 is worth the premium over the 30 for a wife who doesn't use the current 30 in sport mode or drive the Autobahn. She doesn't like the MB or Audi equivalent and doesn't want a Honda Toy, Nissan or Infiniti...we had those and they were great but prefer BMW. My current X3 was about $100/mo more vs a Pathfinder at the time and I have a connection at Nissan so been there done that. The rest of the "bloviating" was not or shouldn't have been aimed at anything specific to my question imo.

Janjohn wrote

toddwalton wrote

I don't understand buying an X3 if you do want a big engine.

It's a 40 year old soccer mom's minivan. If a grown man wants speed, he gets a sedan or a coupe, not a bloated truck.

A compact SUV with nearly 400 hp and BMW handling is cool for those of us that can’t make the jump to a Macan or Cayenne. SUVs are popular because you don’t have to climb up like a 4x4 truck and you don’t have climb in and down like a sports car. I can just get in. Easy to drive and easy to love.

Yes, and a good ride height for modern roads whereas lower coupes and sedans can't see the road ahead as well and scrape their front bumpers on every driveway and dip. I've heard industry rumblings of a sedan comeback, but that's cheap talk when most buyers still want the SUV shape - a wiser choice for resale no doubt.

Artdnj wrote

minus.spire wrote

They just tick more boxes for more people, and hold their value a lot better too. The "I'm buying for my wife who doesn't drive fast or sporty" scenario just doesn't pencil out on an X3 30.

It does when you enjoy BMW's and own two already. My original question revolved around if the 50 is worth the premium over the 30 for a wife who doesn't use the current 30 in sport mode or drive the Autobahn. She doesn't like the MB or Audi equivalent and doesn't want a Honda Toy, Nissan or Infiniti...we had those and they were great but prefer BMW. My current X3 was about $100/mo more vs a Pathfinder at the time and I have a connection at Nissan so been there done that. The rest of the "bloviating" was not or shouldn't have been aimed at anything specific to my question imo.

If it's emotional preference, and budgetary constraint - then there is almost no point asking though.

minus.spire wrote

Artdnj wrote

It does when you enjoy BMW's and own two already. My original question revolved around if the 50 is worth the premium over the 30 for a wife who doesn't use the current 30 in sport mode or drive the Autobahn. She doesn't like the MB or Audi equivalent and doesn't want a Honda Toy, Nissan or Infiniti...we had those and they were great but prefer BMW. My current X3 was about $100/mo more vs a Pathfinder at the time and I have a connection at Nissan so been there done that. The rest of the "bloviating" was not or shouldn't have been aimed at anything specific to my question imo.

If it's emotional preference, and budgetary constraint - then there is almost no point asking though.

It is a message board correct? You are free to ignore my question and those that have provided some great input is welcomed.

Artdnj wrote

minus.spire wrote

If it's emotional preference, and budgetary constraint - then there is almost no point asking though.

It is a message board correct? You are free to ignore my question and those that have provided some great input is welcomed.

You are right, I should have ignored it. You appear to have your mind made up already.

Artdnj wrote

minus.spire wrote

They just tick more boxes for more people, and hold their value a lot better too. The "I'm buying for my wife who doesn't drive fast or sporty" scenario just doesn't pencil out on an X3 30.

It does when you enjoy BMW's and own two already. My original question revolved around if the 50 is worth the premium over the 30 for a wife who doesn't use the current 30 in sport mode or drive the Autobahn. She doesn't like the MB or Audi equivalent and doesn't want a Honda Toy, Nissan or Infiniti...we had those and they were great but prefer BMW. My current X3 was about $100/mo more vs a Pathfinder at the time and I have a connection at Nissan so been there done that. The rest of the "bloviating" was not or shouldn't have been aimed at anything specific to my question imo.

Your wife will be just fine w/the 4 cylinder. The B48 is still the best 4 cylinder engine I've ever owned and makes quick work of the short entry ramps by me.

EWL5 wrote

Artdnj wrote

It does when you enjoy BMW's and own two already. My original question revolved around if the 50 is worth the premium over the 30 for a wife who doesn't use the current 30 in sport mode or drive the Autobahn. She doesn't like the MB or Audi equivalent and doesn't want a Honda Toy, Nissan or Infiniti...we had those and they were great but prefer BMW. My current X3 was about $100/mo more vs a Pathfinder at the time and I have a connection at Nissan so been there done that. The rest of the "bloviating" was not or shouldn't have been aimed at anything specific to my question imo.

Your wife will be just fine w/the 4 cylinder. The B48 is still the best 4 cylinder engine I've ever owned and makes quick work of the short entry ramps by me.

Going for a test drive in a 26 on Wed, i'll see how it goes

RussB wrote

toddwalton wrote

I agree completely which is why I bought one.

This is a safe space for dads who bought their wives and children a truck for what they are- people and cargo haulers. If you've got an overweight family and/or a contracting business, get the bigger engine for its better handling of loads, definitely, but not as a sports sedan equivalent. It's not that.

You didn’t buy the M50

Exactly. Because I don’t have an overweight family or run a construction business. It’s a truck, it can’t be a performance car.

The pushback I’m getting on this basic concept is bizarre.

JK479 wrote

EWL5 wrote

This and the crappy downsizing of the G65 (Neue Klasse X5) trunk space has me leaving the brand I think.

How is the GLE in comparison? I drove the SQ5 and the UX, terrible faux dash screen on models lesser than prestige is laughable. Even more so than our weird, cheap X3 window controls.

It’s larger but the Mazda CX70 and 90 offer better quality, similar power but less features for 55,000. A 3.3l turbo 6 with 350Hp and 370lbs of tq.

It’s a lesser car but the buttons are great and I’m finding while it’s not as fast off the line, a rolling 5-60 start is as fast as an x5. Mazda does not offer launch control and their hybrid is paired to a 4 Cylinder.

I just can’t seem to find quality at the moment unless I’m paying 100,000 for a Cayenne or Macan.

I meant to respond to this but forgot during the transition of the look of this site...

The GLE trumps the X5 in every way except for raw power and possibly handling. It's got:
more 2nd row leg room (it is assumed the G65 is closer to GLE leg room once it debuts)
Burmester audio > HK audio
it's possbile to spec w/acoustic glass

Believe it or not, I actually cross-shopped the CX90 against the GLS and X7. In the end, the CX90 was just too narrow and leg room too tight for 5-6 passengers for road trips. The GLS is highly recommended as a conveyance for a big family and MSRP for well under $100k when I got it in '23. Well equipped versions will probably break $100k now.

Artdnj wrote

fair enough, the cold starts and dual exhaust do make it tempting just not sure it's worth the extra 150 or so a month. As previously stated, wifes car so I drive it seldom.

I agree on the personal choice, but if we are looking at broader perspective M50 stands tall with the bullet proof engine B58, smooth transmission with those V6 and surprisingly great fuel efficiency. Car can glide on any terrain with no effort on the pedal, even on a efficient mode on, that is a cherry on cake on city drive. A car that you would love to keep for a longer time. Investment that goes longer, as we change our minds very quickly on these ever changing tech amd design era will be cheaper if you plan to change in another 3 yrs down the line. Reliability on newer model BMW have come a long way. This just few cents of my ownership on M50 m sure there a plenty to talk about this variant. Thats how is returned my X1 M35 with the 6 months the minute i drove M50.

EWL5 wrote

JK479 wrote

How is the GLE in comparison? I drove the SQ5 and the UX, terrible faux dash screen on models lesser than prestige is laughable. Even more so than our weird, cheap X3 window controls.

It’s larger but the Mazda CX70 and 90 offer better quality, similar power but less features for 55,000. A 3.3l turbo 6 with 350Hp and 370lbs of tq.

It’s a lesser car but the buttons are great and I’m finding while it’s not as fast off the line, a rolling 5-60 start is as fast as an x5. Mazda does not offer launch control and their hybrid is paired to a 4 Cylinder.

I just can’t seem to find quality at the moment unless I’m paying 100,000 for a Cayenne or Macan.

I meant to respond to this but forgot during the transition of the look of this site...

The GLE trumps the X5 in every way except for raw power and possibly handling. It's got:
more 2nd row leg room (it is assumed the G65 is closer to GLE leg room once it debuts)
Burmester audio > HK audio
it's possbile to spec w/acoustic glass

Believe it or not, I actually cross-shopped the CX90 against the GLS and X7. In the end, the CX90 was just too narrow and leg room too tight for 5-6 passengers for road trips. The GLS is highly recommended as a conveyance for a big family and MSRP for well under $100k when I got it in '23. Well equipped versions will probably break $100k now.

I'm also starting to back away from the G65. Need to see a final product obviously, but the appearance is not looking so good in "leaks" and I think the official 3 series was a formal let down. Doesn't have to look perfect, but this whole EV transition goal that is now currently defunct really screwed with the designs. May take a gen refresh or at least a mid cycle LCI fix to recover.

toddwalton wrote

RussB wrote

You didn’t buy the M50

Exactly. Because I don’t have an overweight family or run a construction business. It’s a truck, it can’t be a performance car.

The pushback I’m getting on this basic concept is bizarre.

Back on page 9 Janjohn said he likes a compact SUV with nearly 400 HP, and you replied “I agree completely which is why I bought one”

You didn’t buy a compact SUV with nearly 400 HP.

Your posts about the M50 being a ‘truck’ for an overweight family or a construction business is what is bizarre.

RussB wrote

toddwalton wrote

Exactly. Because I don’t have an overweight family or run a construction business. It’s a truck, it can’t be a performance car.

The pushback I’m getting on this basic concept is bizarre.

Back on page 9 Janjohn said he likes a compact SUV with nearly 400 HP, and you replied “I agree completely which is why I bought one”

You didn’t buy a compact SUV with nearly 400 HP.

Your posts about the M50 being a ‘truck’ for an overweight family or a construction business is what is bizarre.

The new site format and quoting function didn't do what I wanted it to do. Like I'd like to split your post into two and respond to each one seperately, but it won't let me- same thing with the other post you reference. i'll figure it out eventually.

BMW offers a significant amount of cars and a significant amount of SUV's for a reason. two different form factors for two different purposes. a) Light cars that are meant to look sleek and sexy and go fast and b) heavy trucks that are meant to look boxy and sturdy and carry a lot of stuff. Every BMW enthusiast should own one of each. Car for sexy-speedy time, SUV for grunty-cargo time. They shouldn't take the truck and try to make a sportscar out of it because they only want (or can't afford) to drive a truck.

That is a very broad generalization that is inaccurate for many folks. The X3 isn’t even a heavy truck. I’d imagine your analysis of the X5, X6, and X7 M products, along with the MB AMG SUVs, would be even more colorful.

RussB wrote

That is a very broad generalization that is inaccurate for many folks. The X3 isn’t even a heavy truck. I’d imagine your analysis of the X5, X6, and X7 M products, along with the MB AMG SUVs, would be even more colorful.

No, it’s simple. They’re all trucks. Utility vehicles whose optional bigger engines help them haul bigger stuff.

You can put a V8 and M badges all over a dump truck. It’s still a dump truck.

OP your wife is gonna faint! You bringing her home a truck, after all. Oh yeah, and then she gonna divorce you too.

toddwalton wrote

No, es sencillo. Son todos camiones. Vehículos utilitarios cuyos motores opcionales más potentes les permiten transportar cargas más grandes.

Puedes ponerle un motor V8 y emblemas M a un camión volquete, y seguirá siendo un camión volquete.

I'll just ask you one question... Do you really consider a BMW M3 a sports car? Well, that car did a 1:20 lap on the track of this channel I follow, while the X3 M50 did 1:26... a 6-second difference, or in other words... only 7.5% slower! And we're talking about track driving, not on the street!

7.5% slower in exchange for everything it gives you, like more ground clearance to clear bumps and potholes, easier entry and exit, more cargo space... well, I'm convinced.

But hey, you can keep calling it a truck while the rest of us enjoy it.

For those interested, here's the X3 M50 test (you can see the times at the end of the video, time 42:53):And here's the M3 test (it's the Touring, but the sedan did the same time, as you can see):

robertml wrote

toddwalton wrote

No, es sencillo. Son todos camiones. Vehículos utilitarios cuyos motores opcionales más potentes les permiten transportar cargas más grandes.

Puedes ponerle un motor V8 y emblemas M a un camión volquete, y seguirá siendo un camión volquete.

I'll just ask you one question... Do you really consider a BMW M3 a sports car? Well, that car did a 1:20 lap on the track of this channel I follow, while the X3 M50 did 1:26... a 6-second difference, or in other words... only 7.5% slower! And we're talking about track driving, not on the street!

7.5% slower in exchange for everything it gives you, like more ground clearance to clear bumps and potholes, easier entry and exit, more cargo space... well, I'm convinced.

But hey, you can keep calling it a truck while the rest of us enjoy it.

By your definition any EV is therefore a "sportscar". So when you see a Ford F-150 Lightning on the street, "Oh, that's a sportscar!" is the first thing that comes to mind?

Or is it "That guy must own a landscaping business"?

Listen, I love my G45, I think it's one of the most fun and engaging cars I've ever owned, I love driving the thing so much my G26 has practically been mothballed since November.

But it ain't no sportscar even if it had a V8 and Tyler Reddick behind the wheel. It's an SUV. A truck. A successor to the mom's minivan. A people mover. Yes, it's a fun people mover, but it's a people mover.

Artdnj wrote

Serious question, other than power, what does the 50 offer over the 30? I appreciate your input

It does not justify it self with an extra power by number that you see the difference on paper.

Inline 6 cylinder B58 is much more advanced and pleasure to drive at given any condition. U need speed, better handling response you name it u get it. At the end BMW are a driver oriented car , for some just the badge and for some performance that matters when you sit in the car and drive you feel the power.

Lists of this trim can go longer, but its worth every penny, surprisingly its fuel efficient for that massive 6 cylinder, ofcourse slightly consumes higher that regular, its still practical and a performance car. U will feel special every time drive, no lag. Mild hybrid smooths out the initial ignition to stop and go just like the breeze, steering response is precise. On a highway i enjoy this car every second, grounded on conering, great on overtaking . Its a all in all car is what i can end this with.

toddwalton wrote

robertml wrote

I'll just ask you one question... Do you really consider a BMW M3 a sports car? Well, that car did a 1:20 lap on the track of this channel I follow, while the X3 M50 did 1:26... a 6-second difference, or in other words... only 7.5% slower! And we're talking about track driving, not on the street!

7.5% slower in exchange for everything it gives you, like more ground clearance to clear bumps and potholes, easier entry and exit, more cargo space... well, I'm convinced.

But hey, you can keep calling it a truck while the rest of us enjoy it.

By your definition any EV is therefore a "sportscar". So when you see a Ford F-150 Lightning on the street, "Oh, that's a sportscar!" is the first thing that comes to mind?

Or is it "That guy must own a landscaping business"?

Listen, I love my G45, I think it's one of the most fun and engaging cars I've ever owned, I love driving the thing so much my G26 has practically been mothballed since November.

But it ain't no sportscar even if it had a V8 and Tyler Reddick behind the wheel. It's an SUV. A truck. A successor to the mom's minivan. A people mover. Yes, it's a fun people mover, but it's a people mover.

I can’t speak for anyone else but the magic of a Porsche or BMW SUV is that you can get a familiar hint of the 911 or M3 driving to work or picking up groceries. Also, I’d much rather do a cross country drive in a Macan GTS or an X3 M50. Having owned Ford and Chevy trucks for years, the X3 isn’t a truck, even with a trailer hitch.
SUVs have the charm with practicality of the original Jeeps. I had a blast with my first little Jeep Cherokee.