M3 e90 to X5M

[bimmergoat]

Has anyone made the switch from M3 to X5M, or own one? Thoughts, regrets?

[THE TECH]

Unless you need a bigger vehicle, I don't see the reason to trade.

[bimmergoat]

Originally Posted by THE TECH

Unless you need a bigger vehicle, I don't see the reason to trade.

Actually I do need a bigger vehicle. I'm tired of my 4 year old using the back of my seat as her footrest. LOL.

[mswaz]

Originally Posted by bimmergoat

Has anyone made the switch from M3 to X5M, or own one? Thoughts, regrets?

I am on my second X5M and also had a 2011 E90 M3 manual. Really two different cars but while having both I found myself wanting to drive the X5M more than the M3. Handling is better in the M3 but in my limited opinion not by much. Overall comfort factor is far tilted to the X5M. My boys 7 and 10 loved the sound of the M3 and were comfortable but far preferred the X5 for going long distances.

[Longboarder]

Anyone who isn't in love with the X5M just hasn't put it through the test. It is amazing. Handling is amazing and acceleration is brutal. Bests the Cayenne Turbo and costs $60K less. Is it comparable to an M3? Not at all it's a totally different class of car.

I'm going to pick one up in about a year.

[jaehshim]

we are talking two different cars here.
If I had the money to make a change from M3 to X5M, I would keep my M3 and probably buy an affordable, reliable 30~40K suv for the family and DD winter drives, I like the 4 Runner these days; very reliable and even more rugged than before.

If you don't see much fun+use of the E90 M3, then making a change to whole new SUV field makes sense.

Considering that the current X5 is pretty outdated (~6 yrs old), I wouldn't choose the current X5 lineup.

[Aquariu///M]

Yep I love the x5 M..was going to trade the m3 but said to myself I'll just wait till next year and own both.
Can't really compare the two, I wouldn't see why someone with kids like me not love the X5M more than the M3..vise versa, I don't know why any single guy would want an X5M over an M3 either
I only love it because I have a family, otherwise I am satisfied with my M3 coupe

[jlee]

yeah i think thats it. if you have a family the X5M is the ultimate daddy mobile.

I bought the M3 once my kids were old enough to ride in the front seat or in the rear without anything ... its a convertible so they love it.

but if I had to get rid of one car it would be the M3, its just not practical enough for the day to day. this is probably specific to the E93 M3 since trunk space is so limited

jeff

[pbonsalb]

The X5M probably goes around some tracks as fast or faster than the M3 due to its massive torque and AWD grip.

[ilya335]

I once got a X6M as a loaner. The car is an absolute BEAST! It can make everyone in the backseat giggle like little school girls in about 4 seconds.

The M3 can as well but the feeling of such a big car pull so aggressively and effortlessly is ridiculous. The amount of torque available is insane.

The X6M is also a lot easier to do drive. I didn't have to worry about dips, potholes, or speed bumps. The steering is the same servotronic system as on the M3 which I enjoyed. You don't get the incredible M3 sound, but you do have the potential of tuning it for an extra 100hp/100tq.

[C4S4SS]

Seats in the m3 are way more comfortable than the X5M.

[Liberation]

I have an E46 and my girlfriend has an X5 M and like most have said...its two completely different experiences. First and foremost, the X5 M is a BEAST! Its just unreal how quick it is off the line and how well it handles. Its really hard to put in words and you need to experience it yourself. However, it's really heavy (obviously) and you can really feel that weight when you're throwing it around.

Is it more enjoyable to drive fast and through the twistes than my M3? No way! My M3 is more precise, raw, tossable, and that N/A inline 6 is just to much fun! But for what it is and its size.....that X5 M is amazing!

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by Longboarder

Anyone who isn't in love with the X5M just hasn't put it through the test. It is amazing. Handling is amazing and acceleration is brutal. Bests the Cayenne Turbo and costs $60K less. Is it comparable to an M3? Not at all it's a totally different class of car.

I'm going to pick one up in about a year.

Actually, it doesn't best the current Cayenne Turbo overall, but for the price, it is certainly a much better value.

Just curious, what kind of gas mileage do you actually get in the X5M?

[aintME]

The X5M is the wife's DD; the M3 mine. I get to drive the X5M on the weekends as it also serves as the family car. The M3 definitely feels more raw and in my opinion sounds better. The power delivery on the X5M just feels smooth and effortless. They are different cars but equally enjoyable. They both leave me with a stupid grin on my face after a spirited drive. If I HAD to sacrifice one, it would probably be the M3.

[adc]

Originally Posted by jlee

yeah i think thats it. if you have a family the X5M is the ultimate daddy mobile.

I bought the M3 once my kids were old enough to ride in the front seat or in the rear without anything ... its a convertible so they love it.

but if I had to get rid of one car it would be the M3, its just not practical enough for the day to day. this is probably specific to the E93 M3 since trunk space is so limited

jeff

Jeff, let's swap for a day.

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

Actually, it doesn't best the current Cayenne Turbo overall, but for the price, it is certainly a much better value.

Just curious, what kind of gas mileage do you actually get in the X5M?

One of the car magazines just tested the X5M and Cayenne Turbo and the Jeep SRT8. The issue is within the last couple of months and it would R&T or C&D or MT. My recollectionw as that the X5M won overall, but barely.

[slicer]

I have not driven the X5M but I have driven a Cayenne Turbo. My reaction to the Cayenne was - wow this thing is fast... BUT.... I have no interest in going this fast in a massive SUV. Money no object I would gladly have an X5M but I would never trade it for an M3. It is an impressive truck but at the end of the day it's a heavy, lumbering SUV. I know some of you will say it "feels light". I personally get 1/3 of my driving enjoyment from the power / acceleration of the car and 2/3 from the feel / handling. The M3 wins over in the handling dept every time over an SUV. You can't hide 2000 lbs.

[mdosu]

If financially, you can keep the M3, I would, and just buy or lease a standard X5. Really, how fast will you be driving the X5 with your family inside? I hope not too fast. If this is the case, then what's the point of having a 500 hp SUV? A 300 hp SUV would be sufficient.

When I have kids, that's what I'll do. Keep the M3 as my daily, X5d as wife's car and kids-mobile. No reason to drop 80k on an X5M when you can spend alot less on a standard X5.

[Liberation]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

Actually, it doesn't best the current Cayenne Turbo overall, but for the price, it is certainly a much better value.

Just curious, what kind of gas mileage do you actually get in the X5M?

Well, actually, it does. I've seen at least two separate comparisons and both picked the X5 M.

As far as MPG goes, it almost makes the M3 seem fuel efficient!

[bimmergoat]

Thanks for the replies. I'm thinking X5M with a tune, KW V3, and 21" HRE wheels!!! Then maybe add the new 2014 M3 in a couple of years

[Lorde]

I'd pick up a used Cayenne GTS 6MT.

[Endless619]

Originally Posted by jaehshim

we are talking two different cars here.
If I had the money to make a change from M3 to X5M, I would keep my M3 and probably buy an affordable, reliable 30~40K suv for the family and DD winter drives, I like the 4 Runner these days; very reliable and even more rugged than before.

If you don't see much fun+use of the E90 M3, then making a change to whole new SUV field makes sense.

Considering that the current X5 is pretty outdated (~6 yrs old), I wouldn't choose the current X5 lineup.

I disagree as an owner of the current bodystyle X5 and M3. The current X5 navi and body is current and looks better than about 85% of current 2013 SUVs on the market. Thats a fact and I wont argue this.

To be more correct the outdated X5 is the E53, not the E70. Once the 2014 or 2015 X5 comes out then you can call the CURRENT X5 outdated.

Now since I got that out of the way I can say its apples to oranges comparing the two. While I like comfort and interior of the X5 I must say I like the exterior of the M3 (modified, not stock). I have both because I have a weekend/nice weather car and snow/rain foul weather SUV.

I know as I get older the nicer X5M or X6M are looking great but so is a 2009 Lamborghini Gallardo. Its all about what you need and want.

But if its a stock X5M or stock M3 then I would go stock X5M, because the E92 and E90 M3 in stock form looks bad. This car needs a lot of work to get it to a decent looking status, at least for me.