[TJNies]

Since buying my M40i in late May, it has really only been driven for daily errands and short hops.
I finally drove it from the Pittsburgh region to visit my family in Erie. That involves some higher-speed side roads and interstates.

I was shocked that I got 29.5 mpg on the highway portion! Being a bit skeptical, I also calculated the full trip when I filled up. It made sense as the full trip got 26.8 mpg (which included the side roads and leasurly drive around Presque Isle state park.
Highway speeds were around 80 mph, sides variable. I am thrilled about this, as my former 2.8i X3 got no better highway miles (but perhaps a bit better in city driving). Given this, and the far better acceleration, handling, amenities, I can’t think of a reason to buy a 4-cylinder model.

But to each their own, I guess.

[Aaaaaaaaa]

Congrats I'm getting around 18 mpg

[sinbad4]

Nice to know, @[TJNies] .

I have had my M40i for a couple months. I drive a bit fast.. even faster now in the M40i (more on that later). On recent trip 70 mile trip, I averaged 28.5 MPG. Mostly cruise control @ 80mph.

In general, I average around 22 MPG combined city/hwy. I try to be good, but I love the acceleration and exhaust pops. So, while I try to be good, I am not. I think if I was well behaved and dropped by cruise speed to 65MPH.. or even 70, I'd average closer to 25 MPG per take city/hwy blended.

[TJNies]

Originally Posted by sinbad4

Nice to know, @[TJNies] .

I have had my M40i for a couple months. I drive a bit fast.. even faster now in the M40i (more on that later). On recent trip 70 mile trip, I averaged 28.5 MPG. Mostly cruise control @ 80mph.

In general, I average around 22 MPG combined city/hwy. I try to be good, but I love the acceleration and exhaust pops. So, while I try to be good, I am not. I think if I was well behaved and dropped by cruise speed to 65MPH.. or even 70, I'd average closer to 25 MPG per take city/hwy blended.

Thanks! I'm sure my prior short trips got far fewer mpg, as expected. New engine never gets great mpg's, and city driving no better.

That's why I wanted to determine the highway mileage. I am quite happy!

[bmtespar]

Not bad on the mpg. I get between 32-34mpg with my 4cyl turbo. So I guess that and saving $10k might be one reason someone would get the 4cyl.

[TJNies]

Originally Posted by bmtespar

Not bad on the mpg. I get between 32-34mpg with my 4cyl turbo. So I guess that and saving $10k might be one reason someone would get the 4cyl.

I never got close to your mileage on my 2.8i; perhaps terrain has something to do with that.

By the time you outfit the 4 and 6 cylinder models the same, it's far less than $10k difference. For me, I wanted all those amenities.

[Zembla]

Originally Posted by TJNies

By the time you outfit the 4 and 6 cylinder models the same, it's far less than $10k difference. For me, I wanted all those amenities.

I'd wager the difference in base model price remains the same? Percentage wise it might start to converge more

I personally went with the 30i, for financial reasons. In Holland (which is where I bought mine) the base price for an M40i (base base, i.e. no options except for what is standard, which isn't too much) is $116k. You can get a nicely optioned M5 for that price in the US. So yeah, there is definitely a reason to get the 4 cylinder.

[yllwwgn]

OP, a trip from Pittsburgh to Erie would be great right now! I grew up in Erie and then moved to Pittsburgh after college for a bit myself... and Presque Isle this time of year is the best... thanks for the walk down memory lane 😎.

[Aaaaaaaaa]

Originally Posted by bmtespar

Not bad on the mpg. I get between 32-34mpg with my 4cyl turbo. So I guess that and saving $10k might be one reason someone would get the 4cyl.

Meh when you lease similarly equipped 30i and M40i the difference is only about $100/month

[Ragnarkov]

Similar spec M40i vs what I'm getting in my 30i (as similarly specced as you can get) is about 12k diff in price.

Which is why I didn't even consider it. I plan on owning this for a while, and since I don't ever plan on racing or doing track days, I took the lesser of two evils and just gone a 30i that LOOKS like a m40i. haha.

[TJNies]

Originally Posted by yllwwgn

OP, a trip from Pittsburgh to Erie would be great right now! I grew up in Erie and then moved to Pittsburgh after college for a bit myself... and Presque Isle this time of year is the best... thanks for the walk down memory lane 😎.

Of course, if you are a local, it's "the Peninsula", not Presque Isle!

[bmtespar]

Originally Posted by Ragnarkov

Similar spec M40i vs what I'm getting in my 30i (as similarly specced as you can get) is about 12k diff in price.

Which is why I didn't even consider it. I plan on owning this for a while, and since I don't ever plan on racing or doing track days, I took the lesser of two evils and just gone a 30i that LOOKS like a m40i. haha.

I agree. The price difference is substantial. If the need ever arises for me to drag race my suv or put it on the track I will promptly trade it for a proper sports car. Until then, Racing Honda Civics from stop light to stop light doesn’t hold much appeal. To each their own, I guess.

[kamek]

Originally Posted by bmtespar

I agree. The price difference is substantial. If the need ever arises for me to drag race my suv or put it on the track I will promptly trade it for a proper sports car. Until then, Racing Honda Civics from stop light to stop light doesn’t hold much appeal. To each their own, I guess.

To me, the M40i is the perfect balance between fun and practicality. It's not all about racing or 0-60 times, but more for having the utility of an SUV with the enjoyment of sporty driving that used to only be available in road cars.

To each their own!

[bmtespar]

Originally Posted by kamek

To me, the M40i is the perfect balance between fun and practicality. It's not all about racing or 0-60 times, but more for having the utility of an SUV with the enjoyment of sporty driving that used to only be available in road cars.

To each their own!

I think the x3 m40i is a wonderful vehicle. It just may not be the best choice for everyone. My x3 handles beautifully as many reviews have co firmed. What I don’t get is why the guys with the bigger engine are so quick to put down the smaller engine which has consistently proven to be fun to drive to drive ample power whie remaining fuel efficient. It’s a volume leader for a reason. Other people’s decisions dont have to be wrong in order to make your’s right. Enough with the snobbery.

[TJNies]

Originally Posted by bmtespar

I think the x3 m40i is a wonderful vehicle. It just may not be the best choice for everyone. My x3 handles beautifully as many reviews have co firmed. What I don’t get is why the guys with the bigger engine are so quick to put down the smaller engine which has consistently proven to be fun to drive to drive ample power whie remaining fuel efficient. It’s a volume leader for a reason. Other people’s decisions dont have to be wrong in order to make your’s right. Enough with the snobbery.

Perhaps a little context is needed here. I had a 2014 X3 2.8i, and was convinced it was a great option, given its 50-50 balance and decent output.

But I always realized the lack of high-end output with this engine. You tromp the pedal and get *nothing* for a moment until the turbo kicked in. My Saabs had no such lag, and it caused a few moments of concern.

So I auditioned the 6 cylinder engine; no comparison at all if you value acceleration.

Now, if good value and reasonable acceleration is what you seek, I'd say go for the 3.0. It may well work for you. But if you have any amount of sporting driving in your blood, the M3 40i is definitely the way to go.

[TJNies]

For fun and science, I intend to test the hypothesis of the price points of a 3.0 and M40i given the same level of equipment. This is based on my current M40i equipment (which I would have specified in either case).
I heard both sides, and will report back with either winner.

[bmtespar]

This is my 8th BMW, two of which were M cars (M roadster and an e39 M5). I have also owned a Porsche. I have also rode sport bikes for a number of years attending numerous track events and clinics. I feel pretty well qualified to say that I have some sporting blood. Again, I’ll say the M40i is a wonderful vehicle. Part of that reason is because it is based on a wonderful platform. The 30i x3 car is fun to drive and has ample power for most people. The car is well balanced for daily driving and still fun to take through the turns. The 4cyl turbo makes for one of the quickest suvs around (better than a Macan). It hauls all of my stuff, a trailer, a spouse and dog in great comfort technology while still getting great mpg.

You guys have a wonderful performance suv. I have wonderful sport suv.