[///MPIRE]

Just curious if anyone has made the switch from an M2 to an X series? in particular an X3. Going to be a expecting a child soon and was considering making a switch to a larger vehicle for practicality.

I wanted to read anyone's feedback if they have made a switch for the same reason or another and what your experience has been? Was it worth the switch? Any reason it might not be worth it?

Thanks

[happyjack]

we own both, and obviously there's simply no comparison that makes sense. you either want a sports coupe or a family vehicle.

that said, our X3 has the base engine which it definitely a bit lacking given the vehicle's size. i mean it's fine for day to day driving around town, but coming from an M2 you will likely be disappointed with that configuration. we actually ended up with an X3M40 as a rental vehicle for a week earlier this summer, and i must say that i was really impressed with the power and handling in that configuration. if my wife wants to stay with an X3 for her next vehicle, then we'll definitely upgrade to the X3M40

[switzerr]

I haven't made the switch . . . but I helped a dear friend buy an 2018 X3 last year -- it's an X drive with the turbo four and the M-Sport package. It is a fantastic vehicle. It reminds me of my 2018 GTI. The 8 speed ZF is a terrific transmission, and works beautifully with that small turbo motor.

Obviously you are comparing apples to oranges with the switch, but the X3 is lovely.

[W///]

As others said, there's no comparison, and even the full blown M versions will not compare to a baby M.

Having said that, I've got a bunch of experience with G01's and I think they're wonderful vehicles. It's the right size, right price and when equipped with the B58, it's one heck of a do it all car that even gets half decent MPG.

As I said, if you go in with the right expectations, you'll be really happy.

[DanG]

Don’t trade. Do what we did. For a lot less money you can get a Mazda CX-5 turbo. Lots of power and a Car and Driver’s top ten automobiles. Own both.

[MONSTAR]

Have not driven an x3 (or any X) but I have previously owned an f30 328i with the n26 motor...which the x3 now has the newer version of - b48.

The 328i at a curb weight of 3300 lbs was "sporty" if not anemic at times.

I drove an f series 528i loaner for a few days, also with the n26, and at a curb weight of of about 3700 lbs the 4 cylinder turbo was severely lacking and the power to weight ratio was very apparent.

I understand the b48 is a nice engineering upgrade from the n26 but still pretty lacking in power. I think if you stuff that motor into now an SUV with a curb weight of 3,931 to 4,317 lbs, you will be sorely disappointed.

I would look at the X3M40i or X3M if considering that vehicle. Or how about a gently owned LCI m3 comp? 4 doors for your baby seat and easy access and still the same amount of fun when you aren't on dad duty.

[jkoral]

Originally Posted by DanG

Don’t trade. Do what we did. For a lot less money you can get a Mazda CX-5 turbo. Lots of power and a Car and Driver’s top ten automobiles. Own both.

Ha, I also own a M2 and a CX-5 Turbo.

When we had our first child, my wife bought a new (at the time) E46 sedan. Everyone asked her why she didn't buy a minivan!

[davidk]

I own both a 2018 M2 and a 2018 X3 M40i. Although the X3 is not an M2, it has more performance than you would give an SUV credit for. I do prefer driving the M2, but the X3 has surprising handling and performance when pushed. If you decide to go with an X3, get the M40i over the four cylinder. You will not be sorry.

[KevinC]

Had a new X3 as a loaner when my M2c was in for its 1200-mile service. I hadn't driven one in about a decade. It was a thoroughly underwhelming experience. Nothing about it seemed particularly "premium" or would cause me to choose it over something like a Honda Passport or even a domestic, even without the BMW price premium.

I would keep an open mind and consider everything that's out there before blindly going with an X3 because of a positive experience with an M2, especially if value is a prime concern.

[carchrism5]

I have an M2 and X3 M40, also have a 1.5 yr old that I take everywhere. The M2 is way more practical than you think. No comparison with the M2 and X3 M40, the X3 is fun...for an SUV, and it really isn't a big one at that. If you have another car that can fit your family comfortably don't trade, if the M2 would be your main mode of transport for your family I could understand the trade but you'll miss the M2.

[DFW_M]

My wife has an X3 s3.0, I have an M2C.
No comparison, however, I find the X3 base engine more than adequate for every day use SUV. Very economical, great pickup for family vehicle. The X3 is very practical, and roomy for the family of 4 (or 5 when our college kid visits).

[414bhp]

Do you have any cars with four doors already? If yes, keep the M2 and shop car seats not cars. With careful car seat shopping I was able to keep my E90 M3 when my first kid arrived.

With the M2 might not be able to fit rear-facing infant seat in the back. But once your kid is in a front-facing car seat (legal at 2 years old in CA) you'll certainly be able to find a seat that lets him/her ride with you in the M2.

[414bhp]

@///MPIRE I was thinking about this a lot more...

If you still have the Tundra, maybe you could trade for a four-door crew-cab truck and keep the M2? That's what my brother did when his first kid arrived.

If that fails and the M2 must be replaced by a four-door vehicle, it really is possible to make that vehicle a sedan. This is how Europe worked for a very long time! A sedan like a M340i or M3 will be much more fun (and similar to the M2) than the X3 M40i. I use the Cybex Aton 2 compact infant seat and YoYo 2 compact stroller in my Tesla Model 3 and Cadillac CTS-V wagon.

When your infant stops needing the snap-in carrier gets shuttled between the car and stroller, get a Chicco Nextfit. This car seat is compact and worked fine in rear-facing configuration in my M3.

When the kid can ride front facing, the Chicco Nextfit works great in the back of an two-door sports coupe like the M2. (I used it in a Mustang GT and Camaro SS.)

And if you are a real nutter like me, you can get a Diono Radian 3R for use in the front seat of a two-seat car like a AMG GT S like I did when the finances allow.

Of course, it is completely possible that you won't be able to talk your spouse into any of the above! In that case the X3 M40i is a great ride, if nothing like the M2. If you are shopping sporty SUVs, I'd recommend you check out the Audi SQ5 too. If offers an air suspension that is much more comfortable over bumpy roads than the X3 M40i's jittery suspension. (The X3 M40i is too firm for me!)

[414bhp]

Originally Posted by ///MPIRE

Just curious if anyone has made the switch from an M2 to an X series? in particular an X3. Going to be a expecting a child soon and was considering making a switch to a larger vehicle for practicality.

My @///MPIRE failed. Using quote instead. See above!

[MVista]

I went from a 2011 335IS > 2017 X3 35i XDrive M Sport > M2C.

The X3 35i X Drive was actually a really nice car. Handled quite well, the 35i is mandatory.
I wouldn't mind having the new X3 M40i or X3 M, would rather see it as an addition not a replacement for the M2.

[buckybadger]

Get a Honda or Kia for the family. Make sure it has highest safety ratings on IIHS.

Keep the M2C if you can.

But if you really wanna go the luxury route then for sure get the X5. It's just better in every way.

[sharpmoney]

Originally Posted by happyjack

we own both, and obviously there's simply no comparison that makes sense. you either want a sports coupe or a family vehicle.

that said, our X3 has the base engine which it definitely a bit lacking given the vehicle's size. i mean it's fine for day to day driving around town, but coming from an M2 you will likely be disappointed with that configuration. we actually ended up with an X3M40 as a rental vehicle for a week earlier this summer, and i must say that i was really impressed with the power and handling in that configuration. if my wife wants to stay with an X3 for her next vehicle, then we'll definitely upgrade to the X3M40

exact same setup here, M2 for me, and X3 3.0 for her, going to get her M40 next one or X5 40.

[canadianbimmerlover]

Originally Posted by ///MPIRE

Just curious if anyone has made the switch from an M2 to an X series? in particular an X3. Going to be a expecting a child soon and was considering making a switch to a larger vehicle for practicality.

I wanted to read anyone's feedback if they have made a switch for the same reason or another and what your experience has been? Was it worth the switch? Any reason it might not be worth it?

Thanks

Have both - X3 is an M Comp. Love it, but it's not my M2. They are not comparable.

[contented]

We have a 2019 X3 M40 and 2020 M2C. The X3 is a lease due to go back next May. M2C is not a lease. Our X3 is pretty well loaded. It's fast and handles well. and the tech is nice on longer trips. As others have said, its not an M2 but it is certainly fun. I'll miss it, but mama wants something smaller. The M2 is staying w/ me until I die.

[ypk]

FWIW, the M2C is a perfect family sports car . Fits the infant car seat just well until they are big enough to be front facing.
Really depends how much you rely on your car, we only travel with the little one a couple times a week.

[.Slug]

I realize this was posted over a month ago and you've probably made a decision. I have a family of 4, including one child who is in a car seat. We roll in the M2C together on the weekends in the M2C without any issues. We put the car seat behind the passenger seat. We have to move the passenger seat forward a bit but there is still plenty of room for my wife.

Also, our secondary car is a Mazda CX-5 2021. It has just about the same amount of leg room AND trunk space (although slightly more verticle trunk space in the CX-5). Go figure. I'd keep the M2.

[jkoral]

Originally Posted by jkoral

I also own a M2 and a CX-5 Turbo.

Since this thread was created, sold my CX-5 Turbo (CarMax) and bought a 2022 X3 xDrive with base engine.

Still in break in period but turbo 4 will be fine for my wife. M40i was too much of a jump in price to rationalize (only considered new due to ridiculous inflated used prices).

M2 will remain my garage queen.