Switching to a non-M, xDrive BMW

[BigSky702]

M4 Lease is ending soon and I'm contemplating moving to a non-M xDrive (Ohio winters) 5 series (540i, MAYBE M550i), or 340i. Would love to jump to an M5, but can't swing the monthly payment, yet.

Can someone enlighten me on their experience switching to a non-M vehicle? I'm already dreading the turn in day!!

[bimmerfrk]

They still make non-M models? Every BMW I see has an M badge on it these days - you should be good. Good luck.

[THEROK]

I'm left rather astounded that so many LA people spend a not insignificant monthly sum on such a heavily depreciating piece of vapid engineering that is a non-M BMW.

Whenever I get a loaner, I just thank myself that I'm not such a lemming to want the propeller badge for the sake of having one.

I'd rather get a Toyota truck and ride it out for tens of thousands of carefree miles.

[minn19]

Originally Posted by BigSky702

and I'm contemplating moving to a non-M xDrive (Ohio winters) 5 series (540i, MAYBE M550i), or 340i.... Would love to jump to an M5, but can't swing the monthly payment, yet.

Can someone enlighten me on their experience switching to a non-M vehicle???
I'm already dreading the turn in day!!

My wife and I test drove a 540 xDrive a few times. Very cush/comfy with cool tech etc. Quick enough, but as you would expect not the most dynamic thing ever. I'm guessing the 550 would just be a quicker version of this. I would prefer not to make the switch, but I get it if you want something bigger and better for winter it would be a nice car, just not very fun.

[mkoesel]

You may want to strike the 340i off the list since it goes out of production in just over a month. You'll still be able to find them for months after that of course, but the new M340i should be available next spring with 20% more power at a relatively small increase in price.

That being said, I'd probably be thinking X3 M or X4 M instead. I'm pretty sure I'd take an X3/X4 M over an M5, nearly positive I'd take an X3/X4 M over an M550i or M340i, and 100% sure I'd take an X3/X4 M over a 540i. The downside is they won't be on sale until the second half of next year, so it would require a lease extension or interim solution of some kind.

Or, going off topic a bit, I'd also strongly consider ditching BMW and heading toward an RS5 Sportback or Tesla Model 3 Performance. I'd certainly at the very least test drive those before blindly grabbing another glass of the KoolAid.

[minn19]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

You may want to strike the 340i off the list since it goes out of production in just over a month. You'll still be able to find them for months after that of course, but the new M340i should be available next spring with 20% more power at a relatively small increase in price.

That being said, I'd probably be thinking X3 M or X4 M instead. I'm pretty sure I'd take an X3/X4 M over an M5, nearly positive I'd take an X3/X4 M over an M550i or M340i, and 100% sure I'd take an X3/X4 M over a 540i. The downside is they won't be on sale until the second half of next year, so it would require a lease extension or interim solution of some kind.

Or, going off topic a bit, I'd also strongly consider ditching BMW and heading toward an RS5 Sportback or Tesla Model 3 Performance. I'd certainly at the very least test drive those before blindly grabbing another glass of the KoolAid.

^This, if I was going away from RWD (and manual) for a better more practical winter car etc, the RS5 or even the S5 sportback is a great choice and definitely worth a look.

[sandwi54]

If going for a xDrive, I'd stick with the X M models: X5/X6M and the upcoming X3/X4M. BMW's passenger car platform wasn't really designed for all-wheel drive so the performance is compromised. If you want an AWD sedan, I'd go to Audi.

[itsTwigs]

You're already dreading the day which means you're not going to appreciate the purchase. Cars are expensive... Get a different brand if you can't swing the M5. It's all about smiles per gallon and there are many AWD vehicles to put a smile on your face.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by THEROK

I'm left rather astounded that so many LA people spend a not insignificant monthly sum on such a heavily depreciating piece of vapid engineering that is a non-M BMW.

Whenever I get a loaner, I just thank myself that I'm not such a lemming to want the propeller badge for the sake of having one.

I'd rather get a Toyota truck and ride it out for tens of thousands of carefree miles.

+1

If it's a winter beater, get the ground clearance and reliability.

Or if you can get a super cheap lease on an awd 3er, go for it. 330xi wagon would be interesting

[JibSTir13]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

+1

If it's a winter beater, get the ground clearance and reliability.

Or if you can get a super cheap lease on an awd 3er, go for it. 330xi wagon would be interesting

If winter driving is the focal point I would get something with ground clearance and 4WD or AWD.

If the car is new(ish) then reliability should be solid for a while. If older then I would get a Toyota if you don't want to spend money and time on repairs.

[Ian1973]

Hate to say it, but if I was going with AWD, I'm going Audi. Non M models, I would probably consider a Merc now. The F series just isn't that good in non M guise.

[RickFLM4]

I would also prefer to go back to Audi if I wanted AWD. I like their S models if you don’t want to spend the money on an RS5. Unfortunately, Audi leases tend to suck particularly for highly optioned cars.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

I would also prefer to go back to Audi if I wanted AWD. I like their S models if you don’t want to spend the money on an RS5. Unfortunately, Audi leases tend to suck particularly for highly optioned cars.

Aren't Audi awd setup with open front and rear diff and a lot of understeer unless you get the Rs models?

Not my cup of tea, and I'd go for a used evo or sti to hammer on in the snow before going to an Audi if I wanted a fun car.

[Ian1973]

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Aren't Audi awd setup with open front and rear diff and a lot of understeer unless you get the Rs models?

Not my cup of tea, and I'd go for a used evo or sti to hammer on in the snow before going to an Audi if I wanted a fun car.

I don't think it's the diff's, it's more the chassis architecture, the engine hangs out over the front axle, so it pulls the thing off the road. I think the optional sport diff does help that a bit.

I think even the STI and Evo understeer more than other cars. Look at the GTR also.

[seis-speed]

M4 Lease is ending soon and I'm contemplating moving to a non-M xDrive (Ohio winters) 5 series (540i, MAYBE M550i), or 340i. Would love to jump to an M5, but can't swing the monthly payment, yet.

Can someone enlighten me on their experience switching to a non-M vehicle? I'm already dreading the turn in day!!

I couldn’t have a car w/o a 3rd pedal, but this car in the video is similar to what you had, but more road clearance and Xdrive.

If you like 6MT’s you can still find A4’s new, and 340xdrive gets you four doors and 6MT. Audi needs to offer the S3/4 in manual.
Try the X3 340i as well. GL

[uniqueMR]

I would prefer and recommend M550i over 340xi.

[Fuller]

You could get a shorter lease if possible, or take over someone's 340xi lease for now, and then consider the x3M when it's available. I'm not a big fan of suvs, but if you want something with awd and as much power as your m4, but cheaper than an f90.

[hilld]

Originally Posted by seis-speed

I couldn’t have a car w/o a 3rd pedal, but this car in the video is similar to what you had, but more road clearance and Xdrive.

If you like 6MT’s you can still find A4’s new, and 340xdrive gets you four doors and 6MT. Audi needs to offer the S3/4 in manual.
Try the X3 340i as well. GL

Audi has already said that for MY 2019, they will not bring a single manual to the US. Not enough people are buying them unfortunately.