Review: 2018 BMW X3 M40i

I review the new 2018 BMW X3 M40i! Based on the all-new X3, this faster M40i version has a fantastic sound and lots of fun for an SUV! What do you think of these? Huge thanks to BMW for providing this vehicle to review and to the Automotive Video Association for arranging it!
Shirts and other merch: teespring.com/stores/matt-mar...
Camera gear used: www.amazon.com/shop/mattmaran...
You can follow me on Twitter @mattmaran, on Instagram @mattmaranmotoring, and on Snapchat as 'thesubaruwrxfan'.
"Like" the Facebook page for more updates! / mattmaranmotoring
Business inquires can be directed to mattmaranmotoring (at) gmail (dot) com
Matt Maran Motoring is a participant in the Amazon Influencer Program.
Track: Alex Skrindo & Miza - Thinkin' [NCS Release]
Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds.
Watch: • Alex Skrindo & Miza - ...
Free Download / Stream: ncs.io/ThinkinYO

[@00117064]

Had mine a year ago, it is an amazing SUV, it put a smile on my face everytime I floor it. IMO the B58 engine sound better than the S55 or the new X3M engine.

[@Combat556]

Bought one of these and absolutely love it. The hp at the flywheel is actually 445 and 335 to the wheels according to Dinan’s dyno In sport + it’s a monster. The X3M is coming next year, can’t wait.

[@martinharman574]

I have had mine since March and it puts a smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel. I had the previous model before in the X3 35 but this blows it away in so many ways. Brilliant car.

[@jojowaterloo]

My wife has one of these and I can tell you that the M340i X3 is fast as hell, especially for a compact SUV. I chose the X3 M40i over the Audi SQ5 because the BMW is just sooooo much more sporty and dynamic vs the SQ5, which was seriously underwhelming and a disappointment IMO. SQ5 is way too soft and numb, even in dynamic or Sport mode, whatever Audi calls it. Barely could tell the difference between comfort vs sporty mode. It did absorb bumps and offer a more comfortable ride. But the X3 M40i... Good lord it's so much quicker and handles so well. And the sound of the M40i is just untouchable, for a SUV. I've been an Audi guy for over 20 years and this is my first BMW. So far, zero regret and seriously considering getting a 440 M Performance for myself. But I'll still look at the S4 or a RS3, but Audi didn't work nearly as hard trying to sell me a car so I don't know, BMW and myself may be looking at a much longer term relationship!

[@aidenp5768]

clay008 X3 was a compact SUV now it’s Midsize SUV.

[@alexspeaker3057]

5 months later but...How is it in comfort mode? Can you take it on long trip without hearing the drone of a performance exhaust and be reasonably comfortable

[@hascodelavega3098]

The best and honest KZbinr, your opinion is always true, you're the only one I'm following since many months and keep always your authenticity

[@MaxSpeedMike]

I actually reviewed one of these. It crackles like crazy! It was a blast to drive. Super comfortable but also very sporty. It packs a punch, looks menacing, sounds great, and is the perfect daily driver. I couldn't help but to get on and off the throttle in 3rd gear for those crisp crackles and pops

[@eden20111]

MaxSpeed can you use regular gas on this?

[@MaxSpeedMike]

@@eden20111 I would run premium on the m40i. The higher performance bmws seem to run better on 93

[@handlealreadytaken]

Got one in Artice White as a daily driver and love it. The one thing the video didn't show is how aggressive the exhaust gets in Sport Plus. Even revving it in neutral will crack and pop like crazy. Overall, I'm really impressed with the entire package, even if BMW hasn't made significant changes to interior design. It just works and is comfortable without being audacious.

[@jimmywhite3590]

Good for you ،be so grateful for what you have...

[@mauricebrown9795]

How is fuel consumption

[@handlealreadytaken]

Maurice Brown after a year, I have a 20 mpg average. Unless you do 100% highway driving, it’s hard to get above 20mpg even in a 50/50 mix.

[@zekethecat1]

Great review, thanks Matt. Completely agree with you regarding the sound (both engine and exhaust) and it’s the primary reason why I bought the M40i. LOVE it, no regrets. PS. never noticed the number get bigger in the RPM dial until you mentioned it. Thanks! Haha

[@zackeryjones2314]

that engine sounds so good imo and great review Matt your videos are entertaining

[@wilhelmtaylor9863]

Bought one June 1st. Just drove it Boulder CO - Bristol TN and back, 3180 miles. On long stretches I used ECO mode - 29mpg. In town I use sport mode. What a ride!!! This is a keeper.

[@UpstateBreezy]

Doug also has over 2 mil subs guys. If this dude stays consistent with these videos like he has been. The channel will blow up eventually. It’s all about patience and building a network.

[@SteveRunciman]

are you so confident of Matt's ultimate success that you would front him a large sum of cash to grow his channel?

[@UpstateBreezy]

SteveRunciman if I had a large chunk of cash to invest. Maybe. I don really know the kid.

[@randahlbeach]

Hey Matt, Great review. TY. I took this bad boy out and was pleasantly surprised by the quickness and fun factor in this X3. I drive spiritedly as often as I can and 95% of the time I am by myself. I need an AWD (It rains often in Vancouver, Canada) and this X3 is a contender for me. The size is not big and I can easily zip in/out of traffic, U turn radius is good, carry my bike in the rear, drive 3 friends to the game/dinner/events and 4 sets of golf clubs when needed. Hoping to test a GLC 63S soon. Cheers from Vancouver!!

[@Gr34ters]

9:40 What you came here for

[@coyoteplane4885]

Once again another freaking good review Matt ur legit the best car reviewer out there no lie

[@Gametheorycollege]

Just got this car a few days ago. Love it! Interesting that other reviewers seem to think the HP is downrated. I’d like to see a dyno run on a stock set up.

[@bmx687]

I am at odds end with the KZbin algorithm. The view counts on your videos do not reflect your sub count. KZbin continues to put my favorite content creators in a bind! I don't receive updates on the videos you upload at all despite bring a long time "bell clicked" subscriber. I even resub at times to see if it sends your content to the top of my recommended. I definitely do my part by searching you channel daily. Hopefully KZbin takes our complaints into consideration. Love the channel and your personality Matt! - Mike. P.S. Recently passed my final pharmacy licensing exam! I'd like to personally thank you for the company that you provided through the channel. I've faced some tough times over the years and your channel has always been one thing I look forward to on a day to day basis. Thank you for all that you do for an unknown sub like myself matt.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Congrats on passing your pharmacy exam! And thanks, your kind words mean a lot and comments like yours are what keep me motivated even when the view counts are discouraging sometimes. Hopefully KZbin fixes itself someday, if not, I’ll enjoy the ride as long as it lasts. Thanks again!

[@coolvideo28]

I took one for a test drive an love it I am probably going to get one. Good review I do strongly disagree with you on one point the brakes seem to have bearly no travel and bite extremely fierce to me. I was seriously considering stepping down to a lower X3 over the too aggressive breaks but I am sure I will get use to them need to get the 40i due to the acceleration and that amazing exhaust note

[@792bnz]

Wow!! The "engineering explained" guy is a giant. I never noticed that

[@SychicGamer]

Bmw almost always underrates their hp numbers

[@lmac7636]

To go through the radio functions it is alot easier use the console dial and use that to enter what you want.

[@2006gtobob]

Wow, it actually sounds pretty ok at start up!

[@ericuh14]

Excited to order new x3M can’t wait

[@wave640]

Is the exhaust note pumped through the stereo at all?

[@nc.detail]

We cross shopped that same spec but couldn't justify the money. I couldn't justify the 60k tag. My wife was stuck on the levante, which wasn't my first choice but it's been going strong for 6k miles now ;)

[@carlosandleon]

Oh wow the new X3 looks cool

[@mr.2cents.846]

Nice tan enterior. Some Fieros have that too.

[@binnhoc0705]

Maybe next time we should edit a small speedometer at the corner of the video to have an idea of how fast Matt is going in an out of corners.

[@md8744]

Your review is best but next time review more about the seats and back seats too for people have family they will have experience it. You and Redline channel are best.

[@yadvindergakhal4294]

Why aren't you getting views? You have over 350k subscribers and your videos are amazing. Somethings wrong with KZbin

[@tdade13]

Yad Gakhal he deserves to have over a million subscribers like i don’t get it. Works very hard, superb quality content and never biased to one brand.

[@ashishparmar5314]

@@tdade13 superb quality is the exaggeration of the century, he needs to update his camera, his microphone, and he says umm way too much. This is all coming from someone who watches his videos consistently

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Yeah I wish I knew what the problem is. It’s not video quality, Doug films on an old iPhone. The algorithm just doesn’t like me I guess.

[@tdade13]

A P i don’t hear the umm nor care if he says it a lot. He’s a top 5 car KZbinr hands down

[@tdade13]

Matt Maran Motoring don’t pay attention to those simple minded people Matt. Keep doing the fantastic work! Been a fan and subscriber since the “how to drive manual” videos

[@AveGuy1]

Best car ever. I feel bad for most drivers who will never know what it's like to drive a car like this.

[@DucatiDiaries]

Love those grilles. Pretty cool to have adjustable bolsters. Nice legs Matt! hehe. Matt, you didn't respond to my callout yet!! I love the nice touches with the gauge cluster they did. Aaand. Gesture controls. Awesome. But... $500 for the charger... :o/ Weak.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Hey man, sorry I must have missed the video! I’ve been super slammed the past month so I haven’t been keeping up.

[@LiiV_p.g]

I like some much your videos. I love BMW. 🖒

[@supernt100]

I like you Matt you’re original and I’m not a doug fan boy I like him but you ACTUALLY DO STARTUPS and you shouldn’t try to be like other people I like you just how you are

[@randomuploads1015]

You know its fast when someone says it feels more then 355hp.Let forget it pulls the same 0-60 times as a 467hp lexus rcf which is super impressive as a huge rcf fan

[@Notsure00700]

It has been independently Dino tested stock at 401hp and 416hp. Hence why it’s the same 0-62 as a Porsche Macan turbo

[@MrJake9998]

Mr. Regular isn't there so is it really the automotive awards?

[@gboladeatekoja2931]

It will be great to know how tall you are. Helps with the interior dimensions

[@eilbron]

He said 5.9 right before he sat in the back

[@thecentralman]

Hey Matt have you driven the Hyundai Veloster N? We'd love to see you review it.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I’d love to but unfortunately Hyundai didn’t invite me on the Veloster N media drive. Hopefully I’ll get to drive one eventually, just don’t know how soon :/

[@thecentralman]

@@MattMaranMotoring I see. Thanks for your phenomenal reviews btw

[@jimmywhite3590]

Why every bmw advertises in America are on New Jersey plate???

[@jasonmartineau6441]

Their USA headquarters is located in Woodcliff Lake, NJ. Since their headquarters is located in New Jersey, they send out their press vehicles with NJ license plates.

[@mrwafflez000]

South Carolina made 👌

[@supernt100]

MrWafflez000 really?

[@mrwafflez000]

@@supernt100yeah all the big BMW SUVs (X3, X4, X5, X6) are made in the Upcountry of South Carolina.

[@kevs2good133]

Less than 500 views in 2 hours something isn’t right here.

[@marshallwilliams6405]

No m steering wheel

[@JJnoey]

x3m 도 해줘요 ㅋㅋㅋ

[@reqqwrq24]

Matt should be getting more views instead Douggie getting views

[@CarsAndZebras]

Does anyone else wonder if Matt wears a diaper during these reviews?

[@mr.2cents.846]

No. A tampons. 😂😂😂

[@joeljeffrey9139]

Isn't the new Supra going to be using this engine?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

It’ll be very similar.

[@Notsure00700]

The exact same engine, with a different lower tune.

[@williamchanchan7845]

He was the Stories of Tintin😆👶😹

[@kevinli9126]

bmw had to use the engine from in the M2, in something..

[@Notsure00700]

It’s not an M2 motor. Entirely different as the m40i uses a new B58

[@serkanister3620]

Softyan happy to see someone shorter them him haha

[@Mike-om7dz]

Uncle doug getting views instead of matt and redline reviews. Doug reviews are more viral oriented, filled with useless information, and generally less pragmatic than the other reviewers which is why he get 1Kviews in 5 mins.

[@Csl74csl]

Do you ever not like cars/leave a critical note?

[@jasonmartineau6441]

He usually leaves a few, dude. You really have to pay attention to see them because you have to remember that this is a brand new vehicle, and there is very little to be critical of. What would you criticize in this vehicle? Matt noted how the infotainment was a bit over--the-top, a bit heavy in corners, longer than ideal brake travel and such. What's not critical, here? I see good journalism skills, here.

[@jondoe1310]

GLC43 AMG 0 to 60 in 4.2 seconds!

[@EJChevy]

Car is almost paid off I do want a suv for traveling🤔🤔🤔

[@BRIANBOBCHAPMAN]

Review: 2018 BMW X3 M40i

[@vladyslife6211]

If you want to compare the best cars for that is Audi qs5 and Mercedes glc43

[@ashishparmar5314]

Ya all you have to do is double the price 😂😂😂

[@MattMaranMotoring]

That’s why I linked those reviews at the end of this video.

[@jondoe1310]

GLC43 AMG is faster than the BMW. I tested both and ended up with the Mercedes.

[@TheCompyshop]

Matt I think it's time you took a long hard look at your channel and take a deep look at what's going on. The channel is dying, you aren't getting views. Something has to change, you aren't doing something right. If I may make a suggestion: Your production quality is very low. You need to script these videos. You try to just do everything on the fly. You can record everything and talk during the video, but I think you should rewatch it during editing, and do a voice over. You use a lot of "uhh" and "uhmms". It would look more professional if it was edited and you re-recorded your voice over the footage. There's also parts of the video where you talk super super fast, and then others where you talk at a more normal speed. This is something that could be fixed if you did voiceovers, you will be more consistent. The video quality is also pretty low. You should take a look at some of Jonathan Morrison's videos. Use his videos as a benchmark. Ever since he boosted his video quality, the views just rolled in. You should also engage the audience more. Get us to interact with you more! It makes the videos more exciting, more comments, more buzz, more views. I know this might sound like I'm beating on you, but it comes from someone who's been subscribed a long time. I think you can do much better so you can grow your brand! And potentially make you more money in the process.

[@TheCompyshop]

Also the camera you're using is pretty bad. It's just so fuzzy for an HD camera. It's weird. Wouldn't hurt to replace that too

[@briannacc3983]

His videos don't come across well prepared. It's like he is winging it through the whole piece. It's a car and he rambling about different features. The exception is the back road piece. That's a keeper.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I appreciate the constructive criticism. I’d agree with you on production quality if guys like Doug Demuro didn’t get millions of views using only an old iPhone to film with. As for voiceovers, there’s plenty of very polished, scripted review channels. What makes my channel unique is that I keep things casual and informal. I agree I use too many filler words and that’s something I continue to work on along with expanding my vocabulary. But voiceovers with B-roll would just make my channel blend in with the rest in my opinion, and they have high budgets, film crews and professional drivers, so I’ll always lose that comparison. The channel continues to grow and views are average for me this time of year and hold steady. A higher growth rate would be nice but outside of vlogging or doing project cars, it’s tough to have huge growth these days.

[@TheCompyshop]

Doug is low production quality, but a very well spoken and very well scripted type of guy. He is very clear, and that's what sets him apart for sure. I definitely don't expect you to go balls to the wall and do crazy levels of editing, but I think it wouldn't hurt to just try something a little different to your current style for 2-3 videos and see how the audience responds! Then calculate if the extra 3-4 hours of editing is worth it for you. Would be nice to see your channel back in the hundreds of thousands of views like I remember it being back in the day. Ultimately it's all up to you, at the end of the day it is your channel. I'd just like to see you do something different in your reviews

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Honestly I’m stressed even keeping up with this upload schedule. It already takes me 12 hours to edit a review. I’d love to be able to afford to hire an editor since I’m just a self-taught amateur. Even my polished videos like my ceramic coating video don’t do well, and that one I actually paid a pro to film for me. As for view counts, the videos never got hundreds of thousands of views in a day, they actually have always been very similar. It’s just that my old videos have been up longer and people continue to search and watch reviews of those cars, which is how a lot of the older ones have super high view counts. Historically, 12-30k views in the first week has always been pretty standard for me. I will continue to try to make improvements though and hopefully the changes are the right ones to improve growth someday.

[@user-cj7dv2kc6d]

Too much focus on exhaust noise in general on all the reviews imo.

[@jaredrenta6245]

First

[@planetfabulous5833]

uh - uh - uh - uh -- uh

[@theexterminator]

Really subpar video quality... Sound quality is poor too. Review is OK.

[@daverr8163]

why are cars today such rolling garbage cans ?

[@aracelimoreno3454]

Daverr sounds like You Cant afford them!

[@Notsure00700]

Sounds like you live in a garbage can

[@ganuv]

The steering is not an M steering , the M steering is way nicer

[@xX8Devil3Xx]

Bla,bla…..🫨🫨🤫🤮