The X3 M40i weighs only 70 pounds more than the preceding M40i, at 4378 pounds, even with the electric powertrain and its battery.
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Not Exactly an M340i, but That’s All Right
We don’t get cool, quick BMW wagons in America. Cool wagons are available if you purchase an Audi or Volvo, but not a BMW (hear that, BMW? We receive wagons from your rivals…” So, if we want something swift but also more useful than a sedan, we must purchase SUVs. Even if contemporary performance SUVs like the BMW X3 M40i have improved remarkably, they still can’t compete with the best sedans or even wagons in terms of driving dynamics. Since the X3 M40i isn’t nearly as good as the M340i sedan, this is also true of it.
But it’s all right. When you take into account what the X3 M40i is, it’s a pleasure to drive. The X3 M40i transforms into a startlingly enjoyable package when its size, weight, and height are taken into account. It rides pretty well, has superb body control, and steers better than you may expect. Although it is not nearly as agile as an M340i, it is not far off. And to be perfectly honest, I’d prefer to drive this X3 M40i over a BMW 340i that is even older, an F30.
The BMW X3 M40i won’t be mistaken for a true sports vehicle, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t entertaining. On the plus side, it boasts a spacious trunk, a nice back seat, and plenty of headroom for all passengers.
In North America, the best all-purpose BMW is the X3 M40i.
The 3 Series Touring and 5 Series Touring are among the greatest all-around vehicles on the market, according to our European colleagues who like test-driving them and especially the former. The BMW 3 Series Touring is arguably the world’s most versatile vehicle, with the capacity to be fast and efficient, stylish and functional, fun and comfortable, and fuel-efficient. There isn’t much that it does poorly. Unfortunately, because the 3 Series Touring is not sold in North America, we cannot purchase one. So which Bimmer can do everything the best? The BMW X3 M40i is the only option.
Because it excels at so many areas and never seems to screw up, the BMW X3 M40i is the 3 Series Touring of North America. A 3.0 liter turbocharged I6 engine with the codename B58 is located under the hood and now produces 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds and does so while projecting power with the coolness of a Guy Ritchie bad guy. In addition, it creates a badass roar that sets it apart from the sea of uninteresting suburban crossovers.
The fact that it’s cozy and roomy makes the deal much more appealing. Thanks to its surprising front and back passenger room, good cargo volume, and solid chassis, the X3 is a great foundation on which to grow. This means that in addition to having enough space, the car is also comfortable. Even the sharper-edged BMW X3 M40i is flexible and enjoyable to regularly commute in. The X3 M40i is a superb luxury family car when combined with a stylish, well-made cabin.
But don’t believe it’s flimsy. Like an athlete, the X3 M40i moves. I still recall being astounded by how nimble and maneuverable it was for an SUV the first time I ever drove one. I anticipated it to be a dull, soccer mom-style crossover with a powerful engine, but the M40i has some serious maneuverability. Due to being heavier and taller than a BMW M340i Touring, it is not quite as sharp, although it is close. To be completely honest, its steering is among of the most accurate and precise that BMW now offers. It’s so peculiar almost.
It costs $56,600 before destination, which is a fair price. The M340i, which is smaller and has substantially less cargo room, costs only two grand more than that. Thus, the X3 M40i becomes rather affordable.
The fact that the BMW X3 M40i isn’t a BMW M340i Touring is really the only thing holding it back. But that notion is irrelevant because we can’t buy the car in North America. While great wagons are available in Europe, our practical automobiles must make do with crossovers. Fortunately, one of the crossings that we do have is fantastic.
All Glossed Up
It is obvious that the X3 formula works. As a whole, the compact transporter from BMW is simple to endorse, and even at its $57,800 beginning price, the M40i model offers just as much value as one may expect in the luxury market when compared to its comparably priced rivals.
Since marketing has ingrained expectations of sport into the middle tier of its model portfolio, it is now hard to completely avoid the M division with the majority of BMW cars. The X3 M40i avoids the over-the-top, crash-bang suspension of its burlier X3 M sibling, which also swaps out the engine for a rocket-propelled grenade, but it still asks for a concession in terms of overall composure by favoring a sporty profile that seems out of step with how most of its owners will actually use it. Overall, it’s a compromise I can live with; however, I wish there were a way for people to purchase an X3 that is better than base but hasn’t been subjected to as many gym repetitions.
Review of the BMW X3 M40i by CarExpertas
The engine is a vintage BMW inline-six with more than enough power to make you smile, but that added power doesn’t come at the expense of comfort or day-to-day usability.
Although it lacks the most cutting-edge, eye-catching interior features seen in the electric iX SUV, the cabin is among the most useful in the mid-sized SUV class and has the kind of room that X5 buyers have come to anticipate.
How is it propelled?
You’ve heard me complain about the M3’s lack of adjustment, but this X3’s settings are more similar to those of my 335. Both a comfort mode, which closely resembles the 30i, and a SPORT mode are available. The M40i’s steering, throttle mapping, shocks, and exhaust sound can all be adjusted, and switching to SPORT makes the car come to life.
X3 M is more comparable to it than 30i. It sounds like a miniature S58 while shifting up because of the small BRAP from the exhaust, which is accurate. The steering input is fairly decent, and the SPORT option increases the weight in a manageable way. The suspension is first-rate; it is strong enough for aggressive driving but not so hard as to cause bone-crunching vibrations. Remember that this is a tall SUV, so be aware of how well it handles. I regret not specifying the optional rear M differential because it is that excellent.
All of this is possible in a vehicle that still “babies” well, transports my camera equipment, and keeps all the features that I cherished about the 30i model.
What should I expect to pay for a BMW X3 M40i?
Consider the BMW X3 M40i ($58,795), which lies between the X3 xDrive30i and the X3 M. This SUV accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and has a 382-horsepower turbocharged inline-six as its powertrain.
Are BMW X3 vehicles dependable?
With a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5, the BMW X3 is ranked 10th among luxury small SUVs. Poor ownership expenses are indicated by the $1,034 average yearly repair cost. You might make a few more trips to your BMW shop than usual because X3 repairs are more common.
The speed of the BMW X3 M40i.
According to the tire specification selected, the X3 M40i’s 382-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine can accelerate the vehicle from zero to sixty miles per hour in under 4.4 seconds.
What is the horsepower of the 2020 BMW X3 M40i?
BMW has improved the M40i engine for 2020; it now produces 382 horsepower, up from 355 horsepower in 2019. The xDrive30e, a new model for 2020, has a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Why is the BMW X3 so well-liked?
It gives a typically pleasant ride, has a variety of powerful powertrains, and gets good gas mileage. Few other luxury small SUVs are as entertaining to drive as the BMW X3, which offers excellent handling. The X3 features a nice interior and plenty of space for both passengers and baggage. It also includes user-friendly technological elements.
Does the BMW X3 have issues?
The majority of the frequent issues with the X3 are frequent with many other BMW models. The X3s are generally quite dependable automobiles. However, as these vehicles approach 100,000 miles in mileage, timing chain guide issues, coolant leaks, and oil leaks become much more common. Long-term reliability must be maintained by preventative maintenance practices such regular oil changes, the replacement of spark plugs and ignition coils, and gasket replacement.
These automobiles’ drivetrains and transmissions are incredibly dependable and very rarely have any problems. Above 150k miles, transfer case issues might arise, but otherwise, these parts are rather indestructible. These vehicles also have exceptionally dependable brakes, steering, suspension, and electronics systems.
The most typical X3 issue is one that is connected to the engine. To find out more about the individual engine in your X3, look through the guides to engine-specific issues we have listed below.
When properly maintained, they are dependable like any BMW. Just be ready in case something does break because BMW repair costs are typically not cheap.
Be aware that keeping an X3 will cost more than maintaining, say, a Jeep or a Japanese crossover. But bear in mind that you won’t experience the same level of luxury, flair, or sophistication as you would in a BMW.
X3 M40i BMW Twin Turbo?
energy and effectiveness. For more efficient operation, the 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine features 48V mild hybrid technology.
How durable are the brakes on a BMW X3 M40i?
Depending on your driving habits, the BMW X3 brake pads typically last between 30,000 and 70,000 kilometers. You’ll need to have an examination more frequently if you commute in heavy traffic and use your brakes frequently.
Does the BMW X3 come from Germany?
The X3 is BMW’s top-selling vehicle both domestically and internationally. In 2010, BMW Spartanburg, the company’s first assembly factory outside of Germany and currently its largest production unit internationally, began producing the luxury small crossover SUV.
The BMW X3 and its coupe-like brother, the X4, will receive a mid-cycle facelift for 2022 after being last redesigned for the 2018 model year. The improvements are necessary, especially in the design area, to better visually match the X3 with other recently upgraded BMW vehicles.
The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid model will no longer be available in the 2022 X3 portfolio, which is another significant change (PHEV). The X3 sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the incredibly fast X3 M, which is in a completely other class, are the remaining trims.
A 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder powers the sDrive30i and xDrive30i, while the M40i gets a new mild-hybrid powerplant. The base sDrive30i variant is the only one with rear-wheel drive. The rest of the X3 lineup for 2022 exclusively comes with all-wheel drive (AWD).
What’s the average lifespan of a BMW X3?
The BMW X3 can travel between 150,000 and 200,000 miles on average with routine maintenance, good care, and cautious driving techniques. With an annual mileage of 15,000 miles, it will last for 10 to 14 years before needing significant repairs or breaking down.
What does 40i in a BMW mean?
The 6-cylinder versions are represented by the 40i series. The sDrive is rear-wheel drive, whereas the xDrive is all-wheel drive, and this is the key distinction. Jan 26, 2021