F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > 2012-2019 BMW 3 and 4-Series Forums > Regional Forums > UK > 24 hr test drive of X3 30d M Sport
GetBMWParts
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-19-2018, 07:39 PM   #1
Lux700
Captain
Lux700's Avatar
United Kingdom
551
Rep
980
Posts

Drives: X3 M40d - Black Sapphire
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: The forest of Epping

iTrader: (0)

24 hr test drive of X3 30d M Sport

As I type, it’s on my driveway, but have to return it tomorrow. I have to say, I like it a lot more than I thought I would. It’s very civilised and refined, is packed with tech and, for an SUV, it looks good. It’s a black sapphire with the red and black Merino leather. I wasn’t a fan when I first opened the door to be in when collecting the car, but having now driven it around for over half a day, I think it makes the interior of the car look a bit special and not so mainstream. Each to their own, but I now like it.

Engine develops 620NM of torque despite its 265bhp, so that torque enables it to waft along effortlessly. It’s torque is only very slightly lower than my 335d (630NM) even though the bhp is over 40 less! 0-62kmh is 5.8, which is a second slower than I’m used to but this X3 does it in extremely refined fashion.

I’m going to be very reluctant to return it tomorrow and also need to be reserved and have my poker face on so the salesman won’t see me as any easy catch. I’ll probably negotiate some thinking time and have a think about it. My main reservation is should I wait for the M40d next month?
Appreciate 1
LobB5109.00
      06-19-2018, 11:32 PM   #2
goodbyalfa
King of the North (living in the east...)
goodbyalfa's Avatar
United Kingdom
1053
Rep
2,153
Posts

Drives: M340i mineral white
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Suffolk

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lux700 View Post
As I type, it’s on my driveway, but have to return it tomorrow. I have to say, I like it a lot more than I thought I would. It’s very civilised and refined, is packed with tech and, for an SUV, it looks good. It’s a black sapphire with the red and black Merino leather. I wasn’t a fan when I first opened the door to be in when collecting the car, but having now driven it around for over half a day, I think it makes the interior of the car look a bit special and not so mainstream. Each to their own, but I now like it.

Engine develops 620NM of torque despite its 265bhp, so that torque enables it to waft along effortlessly. It’s torque is only very slightly lower than my 335d (630NM) even though the bhp is over 40 less! 0-62kmh is 5.8, which is a second slower than I’m used to but this X3 does it in extremely refined fashion.

I’m going to be very reluctant to return it tomorrow and also need to be reserved and have my poker face on so the salesman won’t see me as any easy catch. I’ll probably negotiate some thinking time and have a think about it. My main reservation is should I wait for the M40d next month?
I had one very similar loaned over a service day, same leather colours. I had exactly the same reservations and after quite a short period really loved it. ETO I know some don't.
Generally I thought the car was great, refined. It would be a great change over a f30/31
__________________
2021 M340i in mineral white, options galore
Previously
2018 440i GC in MG
2015 330D F30 MSport EBII
2012 Alfa Guilietta 2.0d Veloce
2009 Fiat bravo sport
2000 ST Mondeo
Appreciate 2
Rbrown2758.00
LobB5109.00
      06-19-2018, 11:49 PM   #3
Rbrown
Brigadier General
Scotland
2758
Rep
4,574
Posts

Drives: X3 M40i
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Glasgow

iTrader: (0)

Guys, if you liked the 30d...you should try the M40i.....

When I ordered mine, there was only about £10 a month difference to get the M40.

Last edited by Rbrown; 06-20-2018 at 12:48 AM..
Appreciate 2
LobB5109.00
      06-20-2018, 01:17 AM   #4
Steces
First Lieutenant
United Kingdom
95
Rep
326
Posts

Drives: G31 530d
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

What kind of deals are achievable on the M40?
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2018, 02:30 AM   #5
Rbrown
Brigadier General
Scotland
2758
Rep
4,574
Posts

Drives: X3 M40i
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Glasgow

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steces View Post
What kind of deals are achievable on the M40?
Discounts of about 10% and high residual value were available late 2017. Coast2coast now offers discount of 4% and I’ve heard some dealers aren’t giving anything off. There does now seem to be quite a long wait time for them.

I ordered mine through TRL and got a build slot he had pre booked. So, in hindsight looks like I got a good deal. Was a gamble at the time.

If you are looking at one, PM me and I will share figures. To respect TRL, wouldn’t want to put them on open forum.
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2018, 02:52 AM   #6
teaston
Banned
No_Country
10991
Rep
32,881
Posts

Drives: X3 M40d
Join Date: May 2012
Location: The High Seas

iTrader: (1)

It's a great car isn't it! My day with one has really stuck in my mind, but I will definitely hope to get an M40d, the power and amount of extra standard equipment make it a much more appealing choice!
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2018, 09:08 AM   #7
dopper99
Lieutenant General
3511
Rep
11,285
Posts

Drives: Golf R Mk8
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: UK

iTrader: (1)

Isn't the M40i getting a downgrade of power shortly? Which is a shame.
__________________

Current:
Golf R Mk8
Previous:
Golf R Mk7.5
Mercedes AMG C63 S Coupe
F80 M3 Competition Pack
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2018, 09:42 AM   #8
JD6
Major General
JD6's Avatar
United Kingdom
4215
Rep
6,922
Posts

Drives: 840i GC + Mini Electric L3
Join Date: May 2014
Location: United Kingdom

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steces View Post
What kind of deals are achievable on the M40?
13% off is a reasonable starting point

Target Price £44,767.40
Man Rec. OTR £51,670.00
You Save
£6,902.60

http://www.broker4cars.co.uk/Buy/New...+5dr+Step+Auto
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2018, 09:43 AM   #9
ZigmundUK
Lieutenant Colonel
ZigmundUK's Avatar
United Kingdom
436
Rep
1,963
Posts

Drives: I20 IX M60 Oxide Grey
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: NCL - UK

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Which engine is it?
__________________
Running: G30 530d M Sport (B57) Mediterranean Blue
Running: I20 IX M60 Oxide Grey
Gone: F15 X5 40d M Sport (N57) Glacier Silver, E61 520d SE Auto (N47D20) Titanium Silver, F31 330d M Sport (N57D30A) Estoril Blue, E87 120d SE Auto (M47TU2D20) Sparkling Graphite
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2018, 10:02 AM   #10
dopper99
Lieutenant General
3511
Rep
11,285
Posts

Drives: Golf R Mk8
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: UK

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ZigmundUK View Post
Which engine is it?
The diesel is a B57 by the looks of it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_B57
__________________

Current:
Golf R Mk8
Previous:
Golf R Mk7.5
Mercedes AMG C63 S Coupe
F80 M3 Competition Pack
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2018, 10:10 AM   #11
dopper99
Lieutenant General
3511
Rep
11,285
Posts

Drives: Golf R Mk8
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: UK

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by LobB View Post
Yes. It loses 20bhp because of concerns on meeting the new emissions measures.
Thats very rare to see BMW downgrade the power out of their engines. I dont recall this before.
I'm sure the salesmen will still claim "it makes no difference". In fact, most salesmen probably wont even know about the power decrease.
__________________

Current:
Golf R Mk8
Previous:
Golf R Mk7.5
Mercedes AMG C63 S Coupe
F80 M3 Competition Pack
Appreciate 1
LobB5109.00
      06-20-2018, 11:41 AM   #12
ZigmundUK
Lieutenant Colonel
ZigmundUK's Avatar
United Kingdom
436
Rep
1,963
Posts

Drives: I20 IX M60 Oxide Grey
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: NCL - UK

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by dopper99 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by ZigmundUK View Post
Which engine is it?
The diesel is a B57 by the looks of it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_B57
Awesome. Same as my 530d.
__________________
Running: G30 530d M Sport (B57) Mediterranean Blue
Running: I20 IX M60 Oxide Grey
Gone: F15 X5 40d M Sport (N57) Glacier Silver, E61 520d SE Auto (N47D20) Titanium Silver, F31 330d M Sport (N57D30A) Estoril Blue, E87 120d SE Auto (M47TU2D20) Sparkling Graphite
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2018, 11:46 AM   #13
Rbrown
Brigadier General
Scotland
2758
Rep
4,574
Posts

Drives: X3 M40i
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Glasgow

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ZigmundUK View Post
Which engine is it?
If you were asking about the M40i....

...its just 360hp...

https://www.bmw.co.uk/bmw-cars/m-performance/x3-m40i
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2018, 11:58 AM   #14
ZigmundUK
Lieutenant Colonel
ZigmundUK's Avatar
United Kingdom
436
Rep
1,963
Posts

Drives: I20 IX M60 Oxide Grey
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: NCL - UK

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rbrown View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by ZigmundUK View Post
Which engine is it?
If you were asking about the M40i....

...its just 360hp...

https://www.bmw.co.uk/bmw-cars/m-performance/x3-m40i
No sorry I was curious about the 30d. I've got the n57 in the x5 which I think they're phasing out. The b57 is a fantastic engine. Couple with a lower chassis it's a joy to drive really.
__________________
Running: G30 530d M Sport (B57) Mediterranean Blue
Running: I20 IX M60 Oxide Grey
Gone: F15 X5 40d M Sport (N57) Glacier Silver, E61 520d SE Auto (N47D20) Titanium Silver, F31 330d M Sport (N57D30A) Estoril Blue, E87 120d SE Auto (M47TU2D20) Sparkling Graphite
Appreciate 1
Rbrown2758.00
      06-20-2018, 01:39 PM   #15
dopper99
Lieutenant General
3511
Rep
11,285
Posts

Drives: Golf R Mk8
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: UK

iTrader: (1)

I wonder if these newer engines are lighter these days? The diesel would benefit from that.
__________________

Current:
Golf R Mk8
Previous:
Golf R Mk7.5
Mercedes AMG C63 S Coupe
F80 M3 Competition Pack
Appreciate 0
      06-20-2018, 06:26 PM   #16
Lux700
Captain
Lux700's Avatar
United Kingdom
551
Rep
980
Posts

Drives: X3 M40d - Black Sapphire
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: The forest of Epping

iTrader: (0)

I returned the X3 today and handed the key (display type) back.

Beforehand, I dropped my wife off to a business meeting and agreed to collect her later on. I then thought just morning traffic was easy and effortless, and slowly, which it does with no drama at all. It was comfortable just tootling around and in places where traffic was light it was nice to feel the very smooth delivery of power.

Went to pick my wife up and the meeting was running over, so I took the opportunity to play with the idrive for 20 mins. The car ticked far more boxes than I imaged it would; there were a few boxes it ticked less than, say, a 440 F32 or F36, but on the whole it was very positive.

Anyway, handing it back was more of a wrench than I thought it would be, especially after I drove my 335 again - it felt small, dated and quite unrefined in comparison... wasn’t expecting that! It’s now whether I wait for M40d or will the 30d M Sport satisfy my long-term need?
Appreciate 1
Rbrown2758.00
      06-20-2018, 11:48 PM   #17
Rbrown
Brigadier General
Scotland
2758
Rep
4,574
Posts

Drives: X3 M40i
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Glasgow

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lux700 View Post
I returned the X3 today and handed the key (display type) back.

Beforehand, I dropped my wife off to a business meeting and agreed to collect her later on. I then thought just morning traffic was easy and effortless, and slowly, which it does with no drama at all. It was comfortable just tootling around and in places where traffic was light it was nice to feel the very smooth delivery of power.

Went to pick my wife up and the meeting was running over, so I took the opportunity to play with the idrive for 20 mins. The car ticked far more boxes than I imaged it would; there were a few boxes it ticked less than, say, a 440 F32 or F36, but on the whole it was very positive.

Anyway, handing it back was more of a wrench than I thought it would be, especially after I drove my 335 again - it felt small, dated and quite unrefined in comparison... wasn’t expecting that! It’s now whether I wait for M40d or will the 30d M Sport satisfy my long-term need?
Did the car you have have adaptive suspension? I have it on mine and think it improves the ride. Its not a lot extra to include - maybe something to consider if you go for it.

PS - really glad to hear how much you liked it. It’s not the car for everybody - but certainly meets my needs and expectations.
Appreciate 0
      06-21-2018, 01:44 AM   #18
Lux700
Captain
Lux700's Avatar
United Kingdom
551
Rep
980
Posts

Drives: X3 M40d - Black Sapphire
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: The forest of Epping

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rbrown View Post
Did the car you have have adaptive suspension? I have it on mine and think it improves the ride. Its not a lot extra to include - maybe something to consider if you go for it.

PS - really glad to hear how much you liked it. It’s not the car for everybody - but certainly meets my needs and expectations.
It was reasonably well spec’d but didn’t have adaptive. My 335 has adaptive, so I’d definitely select it as an option. I’ve never liked X3’s, but this latest one is a good shape, and it’s a better size. I actually prefer the size of the X5 but the negative side of that would be it’s bulk when driving on twisty roads. The X3 is a now a good balance. I’ve got used to the practical aspects of the Touring and during the time I’ve had it, I’ve utilised it’s load space quite often. I still like the Coupe but can’t bring myself to buy another car with an interior that’s the same as the one I’ve been looking at for the past 3½ years, and one that will soon be replaced. The X3 is all new, which I like. My reservation now is will the 30d be quick enough for me, or will I regret not waiting for the M40d.
Appreciate 0
      06-21-2018, 01:50 AM   #19
ZigmundUK
Lieutenant Colonel
ZigmundUK's Avatar
United Kingdom
436
Rep
1,963
Posts

Drives: I20 IX M60 Oxide Grey
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: NCL - UK

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lux700 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rbrown View Post
Did the car you have have adaptive suspension? I have it on mine and think it improves the ride. Its not a lot extra to include - maybe something to consider if you go for it.

PS - really glad to hear how much you liked it. It’s not the car for everybody - but certainly meets my needs and expectations.
It was reasonably well spec’d but didn’t have adaptive. My 335 has adaptive, so I’d definitely select it as an option. I’ve never liked X3’s, but this latest one is a good shape, and it’s a better size. I actually prefer the size of the X5 but the negative side of that would be it’s bulk when driving on twisty roads. The X3 is a now a good balance. I’ve got used to the practical aspects of the Touring and during the time I’ve had it, I’ve utilised it’s load space quite often. I still like the Coupe but can’t bring myself to buy another car with an interior that’s the same as the one I’ve been looking at for the past 3½ years, and one that will soon be replaced. The X3 is all new, which I like. My reservation now is will the 30d be quick enough for me, or will I regret not waiting for the M40d.
If you're coming from a 335d it should be quick enough. If like me what matters is handling around corners rather than straight line speed, then why waste money on a larger engine- it's not magically gonna be able to corner faster anyway!
__________________
Running: G30 530d M Sport (B57) Mediterranean Blue
Running: I20 IX M60 Oxide Grey
Gone: F15 X5 40d M Sport (N57) Glacier Silver, E61 520d SE Auto (N47D20) Titanium Silver, F31 330d M Sport (N57D30A) Estoril Blue, E87 120d SE Auto (M47TU2D20) Sparkling Graphite
Appreciate 0
      06-21-2018, 01:59 AM   #20
SkyJawa
Major General
SkyJawa's Avatar
3688
Rep
8,616
Posts

Drives: F10 530d
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Hampshire

iTrader: (1)

Let’s be honest if you have the 335 now, you will want the M40d.
Appreciate 0
      06-21-2018, 02:13 AM   #21
Tengocity
General
Tengocity's Avatar
Scotland
8562
Rep
19,982
Posts

Drives: 911, Cayenne Turbo, Disco 4
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland

iTrader: (0)

I'd wait, or perhaps even have a look at the new X4. I had a good look over it at Geneva and it's more practical than the F31, only marginally less so than the X3, so only an issue of you really need maximum boot volume?

It's also a much more coherent design than the previous one, and it seems that BMW are trying to make the "sportier" versions handle better than the standard cars, so the M40d version could really be quite excellent.
__________________
Current: Porsche 911 991 C4S, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Land Rover Discovery 4. Gone...G01 X3 M40i, Cayman S 987, F31 340i, Cayman GT4, F82 M4 CP, Lotus Exige V6, G20 330e, F30 330e, Boxster S 987, F31 335d, Mini Cooper SD, E89 Z4, E90 330d 320d, E60 520d, E46 330d 320d, MX5s, E30 325i
Appreciate 0
      06-21-2018, 02:46 AM   #22
teaston
Banned
No_Country
10991
Rep
32,881
Posts

Drives: X3 M40d
Join Date: May 2012
Location: The High Seas

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lux700 View Post
I returned the X3 today and handed the key (display type) back.

Beforehand, I dropped my wife off to a business meeting and agreed to collect her later on. I then thought just morning traffic was easy and effortless, and slowly, which it does with no drama at all. It was comfortable just tootling around and in places where traffic was light it was nice to feel the very smooth delivery of power.

Went to pick my wife up and the meeting was running over, so I took the opportunity to play with the idrive for 20 mins. The car ticked far more boxes than I imaged it would; there were a few boxes it ticked less than, say, a 440 F32 or F36, but on the whole it was very positive.

Anyway, handing it back was more of a wrench than I thought it would be, especially after I drove my 335 again - it felt small, dated and quite unrefined in comparison... wasn't expecting that! It's now whether I wait for M40d or will the 30d M Sport satisfy my long-term need?
M40d!
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:53 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST