https://www.bmwofaustin.com/inventor...ts0c08m9f39531

:eek:

That is the "real" M version, not the b58 "m4.0" version. Everything I've read suggests it is a miserable real world auto. Super stiff & rough riding. It's not what i want for our highway hauler.

Interestingly the e63 wagon you started with the thread with 2 months ago is still for sale, the linky still worky.

It's pretty awful. There are hopes that BMW will improve it with the LCI.

even if they do, the difference between $55k for 380hp vs $80k for 470hp is hard math to justify. Plus you can't put a hitch on the M.

Indeed. I really see no reason for an M-level SUV. I only drove one because, for awhile, they weren’t selling and there were demos for the same price as an X3 M40i—at a time when those were hard to find.

Driving the X3M and the Macan S disabused me of the notion that an SUV could be enough fun to replace a truly fun car. They have varying levels of competence and fit and finish—and certainly lots of utility. But they are not fun to drive.

I am super happy with the CX-5....and the 2.

Completely agree, 380 hp is beyond enough power ... still ridiculously fast.

I have driven one and I totally concur with those sentiments. Better off with the M40i for daily use.

Fingers crossed. Centers do not seem to be optimistic that will happen though.

I'd 100% do a couple year old e63 before I'd do the X3M. They both have the same issue of being too much / too harsh for the primary use case and too nice to be a hauler / winter vehicle. I have a huge aspirational desire for the e63 where I could convince myself to get one because I've always REALLY wanted one even if it wasn't smart. On the other hand, over wrought SUVs do nothing for me so the x3M is not even interesting.

85% of the miles will be going back and forth to Western NY, and the goal for that is to have a car that can cruise comfortably at 85mph with 3 people a dog and a bunch of stuff for 4 hours with enough additional power to get quickly around left lane sitters, tractor trailers and other annoyances while surviving the road hazzards of 4 seasons.

Add to that desire to tow and all the normal outdoorsy family hauler duties and this just seems like the way to go.

And maybe it will be nice to have a new car with a warranty for a change? :)