“When you need
to make a quick
exit, the BMW X3
M40i is a great
way to get away
in style.”
Robin TrajanoService life: 12 mo/30,800 mi
Avg Econ/CO2 19.9 mpg/0.97 lb/mi
Let’s start with the good stuff. I spend a
lot of time on the road, and the X3 made it
quite pleasant. The Bluetooth-connected
Apple CarPlay connects instantly and
reliably and allows me to start streaming
music or podcasts through the optional
Harman Kardon system. Seats are comfy,
and the cabin feels airy and spacious.
The ride is compliant enough in Comfort
mode, though I would forgo the $1,900
21-inch rollers. They made the rideBase price $55,295 As tested $68,670
*IntelliChoice data; assumes 42,000 miles
at the end of three yearsSPECS Options Premium ($2,950: heated
steering wheel/front seats, navigation
w/ real-time traffic, head-up display,
remote services); Executive ($2,550: auto
parking assist, gesture control, 12.3-in
digital instrument cluster, Vernasca
leather upholstery, F/R parking sensors,
surround-view cameras); 21 x 8.5-in front
and 21 x 9.5-in rear M double-spoke
wheels w/ 245/40R21 front, 275/35R21
rear run-flat performance tires); adaptive
cruise w/ stop ($1,200); active driving
assist ($900: front collision warning with
low-speed collision mitigation, rear
cross-traffic warning, daytime pedestrian
protection, speed limit info, blind-spot
warning, lane departure warning);
Harman Kardon surround audio ($875);
adaptive M suspension ($700); Phytonic
Blue paint ($550); wireless charging tray,
3G Wi-Fi hot spot, enhanced USB, and
Bluetooth ($500); ventilated front seats
($350); Apple CarPlay ($300); rear window
side shades ($350)
Problem Areas Front suspension tension
struts, sunroof drain
Maintenance Cost$0 (4-oil change;
3-inspection; 2-in-cabin filter; air filter)
Normal-Wear Cost $1,920 (Front brake
pads and rotors, replacement tires)
3-Year Residual Value* $49,900 (73%)
Recalls NoneVerdict: 2018 BMW X 3 M40i
T
he day I’ve been dreading has finally
come. BMW wants its X3 M40i
back, and I’m beyond bummed.
Even after approximately 12 months and
30,800 miles, I was still excited to start up
the burly B58 and take it for a quick trip to
the grocery store or across the state. When
did a year become so short?
Time flies when you’re having fun and
piling on miles, and I’ve thoroughly gotten
to know the X3’s characteristics, both
positive and negative.
choppier and, as per a previous update,
hindered performance. The Premium and
Executive packages include features I used
on a daily basis and made things like the
head-up display a must for me in every car
now. The 360-degree camera system made
parking anywhere a breeze. Another must
is the ventilated seats, $350 option.
The X3 is also easy on the eyes.
Proportions are just right, and adaptive
full LED headlights and LED foglights
give it presence at night. The hockey
stick–patterned puddle lights are also a
luxurious touch. After a year I still look at
it with desire and admiration, sometimes
looking back as I walk away, especially
when the sun hits the must-have Phytonic
Blue paint, a $550 option, just right.
My favorite aspect of our X3 has to be
the drivetrain. Like the MkV Supra with
which it shares an engine, it feels like it’s
packing more than the listed 355 hp. You’ll
surprise unsuspecting RT Chargers and
Challengers off the line and shame V-6
Mustangs, Camaros, and STIs all day.
The ZF-supplied eight-speed is also one
of the best in the business. It somehow
manages to ratchet off fast shifts like a
dual-clutch, yet it’s smooth and buttery
when left in Comfort mode. I—and other
staffers—didn’t hesitate to smash the right
pedal, which is reflected in our observedMT GARAGE
80 MOTORTREND.COM MAY 2020