[hz101]

Here's the situation:
I've had my M3C since I took delivery in July 2021. I love it and it puts a smile on my face everyday. Now though due to a change in personal circumstances I'm looking for something less sporty and more comfortable for living with on bad city roads, long drives, etc. I'd appreciate any input on alternatives that don't sacrifice the sporty aspect too much. Would prefer not to get an SUV as I don't need more room. Also open to exploring brands other than BMW. Thanks in advance!!

[BRAKE!]

If you’re looking for 4 doors, then some alternatives might be A4, A5 or maybe even their S variants which still have more comfortable damper settings compared to a M car). Another thought is to just get a BMW M-lite or its lesser siblings.

If it’s used primarily in a big city, a Tesla model 3 or a Prius Prime might not be a bad idea. Great mileage with plenty of access to chargers.

If you’re looking to swing the complete opposite way and thinking of getting a utilitarian car for the city, a Subaru Crosstrek. It’s lifted (yet not a SUV), so all of the high curbs, steep banks in parking garages, won’t scrap the hell out of the bumper, it’s low enough and short enough to allow comfortable parking on the streets or garages, and it’s discreet so it won’t be a target for break-ins and theft. Plus it’s reliable and good on long road trips.

[/ / / M3]

Originally Posted by hz101

Here's the situation:
I've had my M3C since I took delivery in July 2021. I love it and it puts a smile on my face everyday. Now though due to a change in personal circumstances I'm looking for something less sporty and more comfortable for living with on bad city roads, long drives, etc. I'd appreciate any input on alternatives that don't sacrifice the sporty aspect too much. Would prefer not to get an SUV as I don't need more room. Also open to exploring brands other than BMW. Thanks in advance!!

Do you really find the M3 uncomfortable on bad city roads and long drives? Because the whole purpose of the M3 is to be a comfortable daily driver without sacrificing performance. We have some pretty bad roads where I live and I find the M3 rather compliant over rough pavement (more so than my other car, Audi A5). If you find the ride quality too rough, you may want to check tire pressure or replace worn out tires.

[EatThatLunchBaby]

I’ve never driven one, but most of what I’ve read or seen leads me to think you might want to drive a M340i

[cozye]

I just sold my 2017 340i Msport before taking delivery of my M3C. The M3 is more comfortable and just as good as a daily driver as the 340. I bought it specifically as a daily driver that was fun to drive.

If you don’t think it’s a good daily and want something even more of a couch, then I think an SUV is what you need. And not a sporty SUV either. Sounds like you just want something to beat on and not worry about.

[SwankPeRFection]

If it’s not a money thing, you might be hard pressed to find something along the same lines and more comfortable…. The M isn’t at all bad for a sports sedan, unless you lowered the heck out of it or something.

[hz101]

Originally Posted by / / / M3

Do you really find the M3 uncomfortable on bad city roads and long drives? Because the whole purpose of the M3 is to be a comfortable daily driver without sacrificing performance. We have some pretty bad roads where I live and I find the M3 rather compliant over rough pavement (more so than my other car, Audi A5). If you find the ride quality too rough, you may want to check tire pressure or replace worn out tires.

I don't find it too uncomfortable, but my passengers do. I do however get nervous about damaging the wheels on potholes and bad roads. Maybe a less aggressive tire set up will do the trick?

[cozye]

Did you by chance get the carbon buckets and not the regular sport seats? That would explain things a bit.

2 years, no wheel damage? If you damage a wheel, repair or buy a new one. My 340 I put 147k miles on, and I had bent all 4 rims 2x and had them all straightened. The wheels on that car were soft and a lot of space between spokes. They were the 18” wheels too, not 19”. I did not run run flats after the first set. The only way you get out of the risk of rim damage is with big tires and steel rims.

[SwankPeRFection]

Originally Posted by hz101

I don't find it too uncomfortable, but my passengers do. I do however get nervous about damaging the wheels on potholes and bad roads. Maybe a less aggressive tire set up will do the trick?

Some 19”s with some not as sporty of a tire and put the suspension on comfort and see where you’re at. I personally wouldn’t give up a car I love on account of my “passengers”, but that’s just me.

[vbb]

Can you give a few more parameters other than "less sporty, more comfortable and preferably not an SUV?" What are your top three priorities? What price range are you looking for? Care to elaborate on the change in circumstances that has you thinking about selling the M3?

[forcefed]

Originally Posted by hz101

I don't find it too uncomfortable, but my passengers do. I do however get nervous about damaging the wheels on potholes and bad roads. Maybe a less aggressive tire set up will do the trick?

330i or 330e then? I did notice when i switched to winter tires that the ride was much softer.

[Needsdecaf]

Lambo Urus.

[SwankPeRFection]

^^^ Lol. RSQ8, flash and save some money and fly under the radar.

[sdengineer]

I would say something like a 5-series. If budget is less of a concern, Porsche Panamera or Taycan? I think there are a lot of options frankly (perhaps too many). The M3 is in a very optimized point of the solution space for high-performance luxury sedans. Coming out of that space will open up lots more options.

Also, FWIW, I have taken my family in the M3 and they seem pretty comfortable when I have everything on efficient/comfort mode. Its only when I go to sport of sport+ and harder driving that folks complain.

[nu2M]

M3 is too small to haul around 4 adults in comfort, IMHO. It is, after all, a 3 series on steroids, inside and out. If money is not an issue and want to stay with a Bimmer, why not a M5? The Panamera GTS or Turbo and AMG E or S class come to mind also. If you don’t want to spend that kind of money, I would think that a 540i is a good option. The Audi A6 is a nice car as well but the 2.0 won’t put a smile on your face. The 3.0 isn’t all that much more exciting either. I see that SUVs are not on your radar but if you want a nimble-smaller SUV with very good performance, take a look at the Macan GTS. If you want to go all out, the Cayenne TGT will surely keep a big smile on your face.
The M3 spoiled you and you won’t enjoy driving anything else with less performance. Just a fair warning. This is from my personal experience but mileage may vary with others.

[mjj]

Audi RS6
Porsche Cayenne GTS despite being an SUV

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by sdengineer

I would say something like a 5-series. If budget is less of a concern, Porsche Panamera or Taycan? I think there are a lot of options frankly (perhaps too many). The M3 is in a very optimized point of the solution space for high-performance luxury sedans. Coming out of that space will open up lots more options.

Also, FWIW, I have taken my family in the M3 and they seem pretty comfortable when I have everything on efficient/comfort mode. Its only when I go to sport of sport+ and harder driving that folks complain.

In all seriousness (Lambo Urus was not serious if people didn't figure it out), my suggestion would be Porsche Panamera with air suspension and 20" wheels.

[rowdydaoudy]

As others have mentioned, an M340i could be a good replacement that'll still give you the power and a bit more comfortability. My other suggestion would be an X3M. Yes, I know you said no need for an SUV, but its essentially the same size with a bit more trunk space and same engine, so you dont lose that aspect of it. I've been trying to find the right one to replace my tacoma I daily for 7 months out of the year in Ohio.

[/ / / M3]

Originally Posted by rowdydaoudy

As others have mentioned, an M340i could be a good replacement that'll still give you the power and a bit more comfortability. My other suggestion would be an X3M. Yes, I know you said no need for an SUV, but its essentially the same size with a bit more trunk space and same engine, so you dont lose that aspect of it. I've been trying to find the right one to replace my tacoma I daily for 7 months out of the year in Ohio.

If OP's passengers find the M3 uncomfortable, they would be suing him for intentional infliction of emotional distress if forced to endure a ride in the X3M.

[Berzerker]

Originally Posted by / / / M3

If OP's passengers find the M3 uncomfortable, they would be suing him for intentional infliction of emotional distress if forced to endure a ride in the X3M.

No kidding, suggesting an F97 after thinking the G8x is uncomfortable is pretty funny.

[LuvMyE92]

Cadillac Blackwing. Available either in the CT4 (V6) or the monster CT5 (V8) which is what I have.

I sold my M4, bought the BW and never looked back. Super comfortable, fantastic engine, drivetrain, handling, etc. The downsides are that the CT5 is hard to find, especially properly equipped with three pedals and often sells for over MSRP. And it's a GM product, so the quality is not quite what we are used to with our BMWs.

The CT4 are easier to find and if you want an automatic, you can generally obtain one with a discount.

[M3PGH]

less than 50 K golf R , sporty , comfortable , probably the best value
65-70 K RS3 , same platform like golf R but more luxury