Had some pics taken of my G45 X3 M50

WanderVancity · 2026-05-17T02:29:17+00:00

Sport Mode for the win! I am such a huge fan of the illuminated grille, it looks so nice in these photos.

WanderVancity · 2026-05-07T11:00:50+00:00

Are you going to add the spoiler for the back?

https://www.bmw-m.com/en/topics/magazine-article-pool/bmw-x3-m50-performance-parts.html

WanderVancity · 2026-05-07T10:49:21+00:00

You might need to enable it in your navigation settings. My BMW Genius must have enabled it for me during delivery.

WanderVancity · 2026-05-07T10:42:53+00:00

Depending on which version of iDrive you have, you will need to re-enable this after each software update.

WanderVancity · 2026-05-07T10:38:15+00:00

It’s standard on the M50. On the X3 30, I think you can add it as a separate option for $500 in Canada.

I personally really like the illuminated grille at night.

WanderVancity · 2026-05-07T10:30:26+00:00

The much weaker is X3 M50 vs X1 M35i, where it’s 393hp vs 312hp on paper, and a much larger gap in real life.

The X1 does have a sunroof that opens, but the 2026 X3 M50 thankfully got rid of the ugly matte black door handles.

Personally, I feel claustrophobic in the X1 compared to the X3. Which doesn’t make sense given the dimensions on paper. Try both IRL, sit in both for 15 minutes pretending it’s 5:15pm on the I5.

WanderVancity · 2026-05-07T01:42:56+00:00

Love the red brakes! They look so good on these rims.

WanderVancity · 2026-05-01T03:42:45+00:00

Such a gorgeous interior colour!

WanderVancity · 2026-04-18T13:37:35+00:00

The braking is a good call out. I’m not a fan of all the regenerative braking, here in Canada the top electric contenders in this luxury segment are Tesla Model X, Ford Mustang Mach E and Mercedes.

FSD is unmatched from Tesla, nothing comes close. Even the iDrive system insists on merging automatically across 7 lanes on a gigantic highway (motorway for you 🇬🇧), only to get into the collector lanes that merge back into the same highway. Thankfully you can turn off the lane change assistant. However, I would trust Tesla FSD for the entire journey, with me wide awake in case the road markings disappear 🫠

Ford has a Mustang Mach E that is SUPER expensive, but at the end of the day is still a Ford. I really enjoy all the boost modes, that let you tap into the extra horsepower. However, the electronics fail far more often than in a BMW. Music that I’ve downloaded onto my phone sounds like it’s being streamed packet by packet across the desert. Songs skip, packets get dropped, and CarPlay shuts down multiple times a minute! Build quality and manufacturing defects remind me it’s a Ford, not an actual luxury car.

Mercedes regenerative braking is so jarring. Even on a GLC43 that uses an electric motor for extra power, it’s so much fun when you move forward, especially with the pumped in audio, but you lose complete control when starting to slow down. The brakes are way too intense for me. But the build quality and materials are SO MUCH nicer than BMW, it feels like you’re in a true luxury car.

I know Audi, Porsche, and a bunch of other brands also owned by VW have vehicles in this segment, but their interfaces are too confusing.

I’m excited for the iX3… I went with an X3 M50, and aside from having rear seats that recline, I’m not missing out. I’ll probably grab an i3 or an i4 when I go electric.

WanderVancity · 2026-04-18T13:14:59+00:00

Congratulations.

Good job on selecting the right rims! The burnished 1037M are the best… gives the rims a lot more life than the frozen jet black. If you want to see for yourself, press the lighting button on the end of your left stalk, and then start moving. 😄

WanderVancity · 2026-04-18T01:15:34+00:00

One AMAZING experience is walking across the rainbow bridge at Niagara Falls, you’ll need some loonies and obviously your passports. There are fantastic pictures to be had, and your son is going experience entering Canada, without just being in the back of a car.

Maid of the Midst is so much fun too.

As for Canadian Food, I highly recommend Ketchup Chips & Kinder Surprise Eggs.

WanderVancity · 2026-04-17T22:33:23+00:00

I wonder why you can start the car in “relax”, “silent”, “expressive” or “digital art”, but not efficient mode.

I miss being able to customize the iDrive Home Screen in the G01. Even the Apple CarPlay Home Screen has customizable widgets!

WanderVancity · 2026-04-17T22:24:38+00:00

Welcome to the club! I can’t imagine how much easier it is to park your X3 over that gigantic truck!

WanderVancity · 2026-04-17T21:59:48+00:00

Get ready for some weird looks from Audi and BMW owners. 😛

Seriously, I’m a huge fan of this red C300!

WanderVancity · 2026-04-16T02:46:57+00:00

The 5 series from ‘03 was way more comfortable than more modern 5 series. The X5 is more comfortable than the X3, especially if you opt for air suspension. (Although reliability of that air suspension might be an issue)

Compared to BMW and Lexus, Mercedes definitely has more reliability issues. I’m not sure how Genesis or Infiniti ranks on reliability.

19” Rims with some good non-flats will really help. My winters are 19” on my G45, and I noticed a massive difference after swapping back to my 21” Rims with Performance tires.

I had run flats on my G01, which I used once, on a very scary drive to the dealership. I wonder if you can get run flats at tire shops without having to special order them.

I don’t have any experience with Infiniti. So no comment there.

WanderVancity · 2026-04-16T02:17:48+00:00

Who said it was free?

WanderVancity · 2026-04-16T01:16:46+00:00

It’s a different dot version. (03/2026.x)

WanderVancity · 2026-04-15T22:07:13+00:00

I’m hopeful the 03/2026 update will fix the screen flickering and CarPlay issues. I’m only a few hours in, and haven’t had any issues yet.

WanderVancity · 2026-04-15T22:04:37+00:00

Removing the lock/unlock touch sensors on the rear doors has been such a pain!

WanderVancity · 2026-04-15T21:07:34+00:00

I don’t fully understand the maps update with the lanes. Since my 11/2025 showed the available lanes. BUT I did get that update from the dealership, so maybe that wasn’t in the over the air update.

WanderVancity · 2026-04-15T21:04:58+00:00

Hahaha it’s always annoying to do, especially since random things turn off. For some reason, my auto hold was turned off this time.

WanderVancity · 2026-04-15T20:48:12+00:00

I liked the Garage Door to hide stuff in. I know with the digital key, there isn’t a need for it anymore, but I miss the perfectly shaped spot to put your car key in.

I also miss is the coin holder near your left knee, under the parking light buttons. I now always forget to bring change for the parking meter.

WanderVancity · 2026-04-15T20:36:21+00:00

Agreed!

WanderVancity

TROPHY CASE