The BMW X3 xDrive35i M Sport is surprisingly fun (but out of my budget)

"Textured Soy Protein" (texturedsoyprotein) 04/29/2016 at 10:20 • Filed to: None

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Today I took my 135is to my local BMW dealer for a lease turn-in pre-inspection. BMW USA has already waived the replacement fee on 2 tires if they’re past the wear limit (thanks Takata airbag recall!) but I wanted to get confirmation from the dealer. I also test drove some new BMWs.

As of today, my rear tires have juuuuuuust enough tread to be ok for returning the car, and the fronts are comfortably within spec. With that waiver from BMW USA, I shouldn’t be charged anything extra for tires even if the rears get below the limit.

For my next car, since I’m selling my Jeep, I want something fun and awd. I’ve been looking to buy something used, but if I lease another BMW, they’ll waive my remaining payments and disposition fee, plus give me a $1000 loyalty bonus, a $1000 USAA credit, and some kind of credit for the super low miles on the 135is. So I figured I’d at least see what kind of lease options I had, and I checked out both an M235i xDrive, and an X3 xDrive35i M Sport.

I was a bit underwhelmed by the M235i compared to my 135is. The interior materials seem a little crappier, the windows are smaller because of a higher beltline, it’s a lot quieter even though this one had the BMW Performance exhaust (my 135is has the BMW Performance exhaust too but it’s much rortier), and the steering is nowhere close to as good. It’s a lot lighter and there’s not much feel. It still accelerates, stops and turns great, and the ZF 8-speed may actually be a bit better than the 7-speed DCT in my 135is. But the M235i is a lot less involving putzing around town. I found myself thinking that this car didn’t really appeal to me, because it’s got all of the same inconveniences as the 135is, but not the same sense of fun. It’s not silly enough to justify putting up with those inconveniences.

The X3 on the other hand, I really kinda liked. It’s nice and roomy and while it doesn’t perform as well as the M235i, it’s actually not all that far off. Also, the turbo whooshing and whistling noises were louder in the X3 than the M235i. Go figure. So no, it’s also not as exciting as a 135is. But it’s probably 85% of the M235i, and yet it’s this big tall crossover with a totally usable back seat, a panoramic sunroof, and power tailgate. To me, the X3 was the sillier car of the two because there’s no reason an upscale version of a Honda CR-V should drive like this car does.

Even with the incentives, leasing a brand new X3 xDrive35i M Sport with the options I want would be a lot more expensive than what I was trying to spend for my next car. This one didn’t have the Dynamic Handling package with the adaptive shocks and I’d really like those, and while I like red, my fiancee has expressed that she doesn’t really like red. Also, I think it kind of defeats the purpose of a car like this which to me is to be a sleeper.

So, I dunno. The sales lady who sold me my 135is said she’ll work up some lease numbers for me and email them to me. But I have a feeling I’m not going to end up being seduced into another lease, even though I really did like this car a lot.

UPDATE: Sales lady emailed me some numbers, and since BMW isn’t running any special lease programs on the X3, best she could do is $659/month for 36 months, 10k miles a year, $4000 down ($2000 of which would be paid by incentives). So...yeah no.

I called the sales guy with that stick shift 2011 335i xDrive coupe with the red interior and BMW Performance short shifter. I’m probably going to put a deposit on it. I told him that car is part of the Takata recall. He’s confirming they don’t have any liability concerns with selling it and then I’ll try to haggle on price some.

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > Textured Soy Protein 04/28/2016 at 17:41

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Fun and AWD? Sounds like a Subaru.

Textured Soy Protein > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 04/28/2016 at 17:42

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We just got an Impreza Sport Limited hatchback for my fiancee. It’s nice, but the only Subaru that appeals to me is the STI Limited. The cost to insure an STI Limited very much doesn’t appeal to me.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Textured Soy Protein 04/28/2016 at 17:43

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That’s our car, only ours doesn’t have the Msport package. It does, however, have that fantastic black and white interior like the one above. I can’t say enough good things about the X3 35i. It does fun and practicality very well indeed.

Steve in Manhattan > Textured Soy Protein 04/28/2016 at 17:45

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Does BMW still sell 3 series wagons? I’d probably go there ....

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > Textured Soy Protein 04/28/2016 at 17:45

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How is insuring a subaru more than a BMW?

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 04/28/2016 at 17:46

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The stereotypical owners.

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > Textured Soy Protein 04/28/2016 at 17:46

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Bee Emm Double-you Ex Three Ex Drive Three Five Eye Emm Sport

Holy mouthful Batman

Textured Soy Protein > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 04/28/2016 at 17:50

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True story: when I was looking to get a CPO Infiniti G37xS, I got an insurance quote, and it was within a few bucks of my 135is. I joked to the insurance agent,

“I guess these cars have a similar level of shitty driving. At least I’m not looking at a Subaru WRX or something.”

She laughed and said those and Mitsubishi Evos are both insanely expensive to insure.

Tripper > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 04/28/2016 at 17:52

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I saved $400/year on insurance when I traded my STi for an E46 M3.

Textured Soy Protein > Steve in Manhattan 04/28/2016 at 17:53

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They do, but only the 328i. I want to keep the I6, not go down to the turbo 4. Problem is, most of the new BMWs that would keep my payments where I want have the turbo 4.

Steve in Manhattan > Textured Soy Protein 04/28/2016 at 17:59

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Have you driven one?

pjhusa > Textured Soy Protein 04/28/2016 at 18:15

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Hey, a base wagon with the Track Handling Pack and VSS may not sound like much compared the burbly goodness of the 135is, but it should make for a fun car that can replace both.

Textured Soy Protein > pjhusa 04/28/2016 at 18:24

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At this point I’d rather buy the used 335i xDrive coupe stick shift I’m looking at than lease something with the 4 cylinder.

pjhusa > Textured Soy Protein 04/28/2016 at 18:25

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Have you driven a 4-cylinder before? I haven’t but they seem to be very enjoyable when equipped correctly.

Flyboy is FAA certified insane > Textured Soy Protein 04/28/2016 at 18:32

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Three series wagon? That turbo four is pretty amazing.

Do they still make the x1 35i? Try that.

B_dol > Textured Soy Protein 04/28/2016 at 18:44

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The back-n-forth what car should I get next debate is still dragging on?? Seriously man, pick a car or at least make up your mind!

I really liked the X3 loaner I had, enough for a second car and hauler. Is is snoozefest sedating and not at all engaging. You’re tacking on the Msport and dynamic handling package, ask yourself if you will even use those enough to merit the price. Seeing some price bloat otherwise.

If I had to dealer finance a car to “do-it-all” in a reasonable price range, GTI all day. Mazda CX-3 if I needed more utility.

FromCanadaWithLove > Textured Soy Protein 04/28/2016 at 19:12

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I’d give the non-xDrive M235i a shot, if your dealer has one. It’s a night and day experience (although your complaints about the belt line and interior will be the same). Biased opinion, my daily is a RWD M235i.

Quick question about the tires. Are the tires on your 135is staggered? I’ve got 225s on the front and 245s on the back. They’re Pilot Super Sports. I’ve hit nearly 21,000kms and the fronts are wearing a lot faster than the back, especially at the outside edges. I checked with my local dealership, thinking there was a camber issue, but they said that’s just how the cars are set up. It seems strange because theres so much tread on the inside, it’s not an even wear. The pressure and alignment is all fine.

FromCanadaWithLove > Flyboy is FAA certified insane 04/28/2016 at 19:14

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The current X1 is a FWD-based BMW. We don’t support those here.

Textured Soy Protein > FromCanadaWithLove 04/28/2016 at 20:55

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They’re staggered Bridgestone RE050A run flats that I kinda hate. I have 16k miles on them and the rears are down to 4/32" of tread.

I’m going for awd this time because I want it plus snow tires for the winter. I don’t want an open differential rear wheel drive car in the winter, even with snow tires.

I’m assuming you’re somewhere in Canada that has winter like me in Wisconsin, but I’m giving up my super beefy in winter Jeep and want some kind of extra winter capability.

Going to rwd wouldn’t fix the visibility, sound or steering of the M235i anyway.

Textured Soy Protein > B_dol 04/28/2016 at 20:57

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I looked at some new ones since I was at the dealer anyway and I qualify for a bunch of incentives. I’m very close to picking up a used stick shift 335o xDrive coupe.

Textured Soy Protein > Flyboy is FAA certified insane 04/28/2016 at 20:59

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There’s no more X1 35i. I wouldn’t get one anyway because the back seat is too small. Why get a wagon type thing if the back seat sucks?

I’m sure the turbo 4 is a nice enough motor but tough for me to step down to it from the N55.

GE90man > Textured Soy Protein 04/28/2016 at 21:25

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I wish they made a different exhaust setup for the 35i from the 28i, they’re both twin exhausts on the driver’s side. instead, they should’ve done with dual exhaust like on the 335i/340i imo

Textured Soy Protein > GE90man 04/28/2016 at 22:12

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One exhaust is fine with me. Dual outlets that aren’t a true dual exhaust to the front of the car are just for style anyway. My 135is with one muffler has the M Performance exhaust and sounds incredible. The M235i I drove also had its M Performance exhaust and was great from outside the car but too quiet inside. That’s a dual setup. It’s not worse sounding because it’s dual but dual isn’t necessarily better to me.

John Dyste > Textured Soy Protein 04/29/2016 at 00:53

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Do you want to get rid of the 135? I have a ‘13 X1 and because of the airbag recall BMW will extend my lease for a year and drop the payment by $150. If you want to keep driving it call BMW Financial and ask about the airbag program.

Textured Soy Protein > John Dyste 04/29/2016 at 08:34

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I like the car but I’m trying to downsize from both it and a Jeep Grand Cherokee to something fun and awd that I feel more comfortable driving year-round in Wisconsin.

So far all BMW offered me financial-wise was to waive the tire replacement fee on 2 tires if they’re too worn down at turn-in time. But I had this pre-inspection done and the tires are just barely within spec. My second-to-last lease payment just went through today but I’m going to ask them since the tires are still goof if they’d waive my final lease payment, maybe return the one that goes thru today, and the disposition fee.

Rico > FromCanadaWithLove 04/29/2016 at 09:12

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IIRC BMWs are set up with more aggressive camber from factory for tighter handling at the expense of increase wear. I think there are specs that exist that are less aggressive but you lose on handling.

Rico > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 04/29/2016 at 09:18

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You have to look into how insurance rates work but basically the demographics for STI owners are usually 20-30 years old, they get a lot of speeding tickets, they get wrecked often, etc. Meanwhile a BMW is usually driven by an older demographic and depending on your area may get less tickets, may get wrecked less often, probably not stolen often.

Example: I checked an insurance quote for an Acura TL Type S 2007 and it was $800 more per year than my Mercedes. And for basically all the reasons the STI is more expensive - young demo, many tickets, vandalized often, car accidents, how common it is etc.

It’s like with Honda Civics which can be more expensive to insure than a Hyundai Elantra because Civics are stolen on an hourly basis.

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > Rico 04/29/2016 at 09:45

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I didn’t think of that.

Rico > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 04/29/2016 at 09:53

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There are many many more factors that go into insurance rates, I am merely brushing the surface. It also depends on your neighborhood, others with similar policies in your county, the length of time you’ve had insurance, your own driving record, whether your area is a high crime or low crime area, and more.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > B_dol 04/29/2016 at 11:10

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You were clearly not hear two years ago when I was looking for a car. You would’ve wanted me banned within a week ;)

B_dol > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 04/29/2016 at 11:50

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Hah I know very well the internal turmoil and flip-flopping goes on. My most recent purchase was 2+ years in the making, however I avoided changing my mind on a daily basis :)

A friend of mine is perpetually looking at the next craigslist find or used car on the dealer lot... I won’t hold my breath, he’s still rocking the same car he had 2 years ago.

TheNeonDriver - Now with More BMW! > Textured Soy Protein 04/29/2016 at 14:34

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I have a very similar car (335xi) only, mine is black inside.
I love it, it’s great at everything. so far (1 year) it’s cost me ~500 for maintenance, and that mostly undoing the ignorance of the previous owner.