discussion X3 m40i vs m340i

70007

Active member
Hi. I’m almost at the point of pulling the trigger on a 2021 m340i but I’m afraid of missig the space of my F15 X5 m50d. So I’m also looking at x3 M40i’s as an alternative. Does anyone know when the X3 m40i’s went over to the 285kw engine from the 265kw engine. From oversea reviews it seems in 2020, but most of the cars I see in autotrader states 265kw (even 2021 models). Is it only from the late last year LCI models that gets the new 285kw version, how can one tell, not too familiar with the latest X3 range.


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Yulz9081

Honorary ///Member
I stand to be corrected but I think it was uprated to 285kw in the LCI models. I have an 11/2020 build and it is the 265Kw version.
 
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70007

Active member
I stand to be corrected but I think it was uprated to 285kw in the LCI models. I have a 11/2020 build and it is the 265Kw version.

Thanks. Yes, I suspected as much. Currently looking at a 10/2020 model.


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70007

Active member
I stand to be corrected but I think it was uprated to 285kw in the LCI models. I have an 11/2020 build and it is the 265Kw version.

Seeing that you have a similar build date than the one I’m looking at, why do some of the X3’s have the model numbers fixed above the rear lights and some below the rear lights just above the bumper. It appears as if this change happened in 2020.


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Yulz9081

Honorary ///Member
Seeing that you have a similar build date than the one I’m looking at, why do some of the X3’s have the model numbers fixed above the rear lights and some below the rear lights just above the bumper. It appears as if this change happened in 2020.


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You are correct. The earlier models (2017-2019) had the badge above the rear lights.

The 2020 models seem to also come with a higher spec than the earlier ones. You won’t find one without BMW Live Cockpit, pro nav, electric tow bar, HUD etc.
I could be wrong but when I was shopping around the later models were much better spec’d.


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MR_Y

Well-known member
Have you considered the X3 M40d instead of the M40i?
Should be closer in spirit to your X5 M50d...
 

70007

Active member
You are correct. The earlier models (2017-2019) had the badge above the rear lights.

The 2020 models seem to also come with a higher spec than the earlier ones. You won’t find one without BMW Live Cockpit, pro nav, electric tow bar, HUD etc.
I could be wrong but when I was shopping around the later models were much better spec’d.


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Yes, most of them are properly specced.


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70007

Active member
Have you considered the X3 M40d instead of the M40i?
Should be closer in spirit to your X5 M50d...

Yes, my search started with that but somehow ended up with the 40i’s.

I know the m340i will satisfy all my performance needs and far exceed them in fact, I’m just afraid I’ll miss the high seating position and space (not that I need it at all, just got used to it). I might get seller’s remourse, my car is going tomorrow, will surely be missed!


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Yulz9081

Honorary ///Member
I too started with the 40d search but after driving them back to back, the 40i just felt so much more lively and ‘sports car’ like. It’s practical enough for daily life but has that added fun factor when conditions allow for it.

Personally I didn’t get that thrill driving the 40d, however if it were for daily duties I think I would have opted for the diesel.

I think coming from a 320d daily, the 40i felt like the one for me since I no longer needed a daily driver.


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Quick///M

Well-known member
Yes, my search started with that but somehow ended up with the 40i’s.

I know the m340i will satisfy all my performance needs and far exceed them in fact, I’m just afraid I’ll miss the high seating position and space (not that I need it at all, just got used to it). I might get seller’s remourse, my car is going tomorrow, will surely be missed!


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The performance makes up for it, the G20 cabin is quite roomy the car itself has a very long wheel base. The height aspect though is a bummer
 

70007

Active member
The performance makes up for it, the G20 cabin is quite roomy the car itself has a very long wheel base. The height aspect though is a bummer

Thanks, I just told my SO the height issue is the only draw back at this stage, but it is not supposed to be an issue at all. Not like we’re doing gravel roads or stuff like that really. I told her the new X3 40i really ticks all the boxes, for her and me. She’s actually the one liking the higher seating position. But ja, I’m using the car 80-90% of the time with only me in the car. So I’m not far off final decision towards the m340i. My order comes Monday next week. Will then take a spin and see what all the fuss is about. The car is like fully loaded and looking forward to the new ID7 and laser lights.


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AshG108

///Member
Thanks, I just told my SO the height issue is the only draw back at this stage, but it is not supposed to be an issue at all. Not like we’re doing gravel roads or stuff like that really. I told her the new X3 40i really ticks all the boxes, for her and me. She’s actually the one liking the higher seating position. But ja, I’m using the car 80-90% of the time with only me in the car. So I’m not far off final decision towards the m340i. My order comes Monday next week. Will then take a spin and see what all the fuss is about. The car is like fully loaded and looking forward to the new ID7 and laser lights.


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First world problems bro ha ha ha! I think either cabbie is great, I raced the X3 M40i though...I can definitely say the M340i handles itself much better due to the ergonomics of the shape and things HOWEVER for an SUV....it kicks ass like a Mule on Red Bull, make no mistake :) I was not pleasantly surprised because the chick driving it said the first pull was in comfort LOL
 

70007

Active member
First world problems bro ha ha ha! I think either cabbie is great, I raced the X3 M40i though...I can definitely say the M340i handles itself much better due to the ergonomics of the shape and things HOWEVER for an SUV....it kicks ass like a Mule on Red Bull, make no mistake :) I was not pleasantly surprised because the chick driving it said the first pull was in comfort LOL

Thanks for the comment. Was the X3 you mentioned here the 285kW jobbie or 265kW one?


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Quick///M

Well-known member
Thanks for the comment. Was the X3 you mentioned here the 285kW jobbie or 265kW one?


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Highly unlikely its the 285kw variant, only the new facelifts come with 285kw not sure if they have been launched in SA yet
 

70007

Active member
the 265kw, It was last year sometime and not a facelift version bud.

Thanks. I just test drove one (the 265kw one), they are VERY nice!! It doesn’t feel like the power would be an issue for me compared to the m50d I had. It does pick up and go properly!

Going for a spin in the m340i this afternoon. The one they ordered for me arrived this morning. Looking forward to that but at the moment leaning towards the X3. I think it will be much more practical over the years. Will see later today


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Quick///M

Well-known member
Thanks. I just test drove one (the 265kw one), they are VERY nice!! It doesn’t feel like the power would be an issue for me compared to the m50d I had. It does pick up and go properly!

Going for a spin in the m340i this afternoon. The one they ordered for me arrived this morning. Looking forward to that but at the moment leaning towards the X3. I think it will be much more practical over the years. Will see later today


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Nice let us know your thoughts after the test drive
 
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