The BMW F97 X4M and F98 X4M occupy a unique position in the performance car world. They combine the power and capability of BMW's S58 trin-turbo straight-six engine with the practicality of an SUV platform, creating a vehicle that can genuinely perform like an M car while still handling everyday life.
Also, BMW announced there will be no X3M or X4M based on the new generation G45 BMW X3, making these vehicles truly unique in the BMW marketplace.
Since production has now ended and these cars are no longer available new, many enthusiasts are turning to the used market. Whether you're considering buying one or already own one, understanding the real ownership costs, practicality, and day-to-day experience is key.
This guide covers everything from purchase prices and depreciation to fuel economy, servicing costs, tyres, and practicality to help you decide whether the X3M or X4M fits your lifestyle.
BMW X3M & X4M Purchase Prices
With production now finished, both the X3M and X4M are only available on the used market, and prices vary significantly depending on mileage, specification, and condition.
UK Price Range
In the UK, early examples have become increasingly accessible.
Typical used market prices:
- £30,000 – £40,000 – Higher mileage or earlier cars
- £40,000 – £50,000 – Well-maintained mid-mileage examples
- £50,000 – £65,000+ – Low-mileage LCI models
Interestingly, X4M models tend to be slightly cheaper than X3Ms in the UK, largely due to their coupe-style roofline reducing practicality slightly compared to the more traditional SUV shape.
USA Price Range
In the United States, pricing generally sits slightly higher due to market demand.
Typical used market prices:
- $40,000 – $50,000 – Higher mileage examples
- $50,000 – $65,000 – Mid-mileage cars
- $65,000 – $80,000+ – Low mileage LCI models
Specification, service history, and ownership history have a major influence on value, so buying a well-maintained car is always more important than chasing the lowest price.
Running Costs
Like most high-performance vehicles, the X3M and X4M carry higher running costs than typical SUVs, but they remain surprisingly manageable considering their performance.
Fuel Economy
The S58 engine delivers exceptional power, but fuel consumption reflects the performance potential.
UK MPG (Real World)
- City driving: ~15–18 mpg
- Motorway driving: ~24–28 mpg
- Combined average: ~20–23 mpg
USA MPG (EPA Estimates)
- City: ~15 mpg
- Highway: ~20 mpg
- Combined: ~17 mpg
Driving style has a significant impact. On longer motorway journeys the cars can be reasonably efficient, but spirited driving will naturally increase consumption.
Fuel Tank Size
Both the X3M and X4M use a 65-litre fuel tank, which equates to roughly 17.2 gallons in the US.
In real-world driving this typically provides:
- 300–350 miles of range during mixed driving
- Less during aggressive driving or city traffic
Servicing and Maintenance
BMW recommends servicing the X3M and X4M approximately every 10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on usage.
Typical service costs in the UK:
- Oil service: £250 – £400
- Major service: £600 – £900
Typical service costs in the US:
- Oil service: $300 – $500
- Major service: $700 – $1,100
Keeping up with regular servicing is important for maintaining long-term reliability and resale value.
Tyre Costs
Tyres are one of the most significant running costs due to the car’s wide performance tyre setup and 21-inch wheel options.
Typical Tyre Prices
UK (per tyre):
- Front tyres: £250 – £350
- Rear tyres: £300 – £400
USA (per tyre):
- Front tyres: $300 – $400
- Rear tyres: $350 – $450
A full set of tyres can therefore cost £1,200 – £1,500 in the UK or around $1,400 – $1,800 in the US depending on brand.
Depreciation
One of the biggest advantages of buying an X3M or X4M today is that a significant portion of depreciation has already occurred.
These vehicles originally retailed for £80,000+ in the UK and around $80,000–$90,000 in the US, so early owners experienced the steepest depreciation.
Buying Newer, Low-Mileage Cars
If you purchase a low-mileage, newer example, depreciation may still be relatively noticeable, particularly as the market continues to stabilise after production ended.
Buying in the £30,000–£40,000 Range
For many buyers, the sweet spot lies in the £30,000–£40,000 range.
At this price point:
- Most depreciation has already occurred
- Performance per pound is exceptional
- Financial losses are less severe
However, the key is buying a well-maintained example with full service history. Choosing the wrong car at this price point could lead to unexpected maintenance costs that quickly outweigh any initial savings.
Practicality
One of the biggest strengths of the X3M and X4M is how well they balance performance with everyday usability.
Both vehicles offer:
- Five seats
- Large boot space
- High driving position
- Good ground clearance
Boot Capacity
- BMW X3M: 550 litres
- BMW X4M: 525 litres
The X3M is slightly more practical due to its traditional SUV shape and larger cargo area, while the X4M sacrifices a small amount of space for its coupe-inspired design.
For many owners, the ability to carry passengers, luggage, and daily essentials while still enjoying 500+ horsepower performance is what makes these cars so appealing.
Suspension and Ride Quality
One of the most commonly discussed aspects of the X3M and X4M ownership experience is ride quality.
From the factory, the suspension is very firm, particularly on early pre-LCI models (2019–2021). Some drivers find the setup overly harsh for daily road use.
BMW addressed this slightly with the 2022+ LCI models, which feature improved suspension calibration that makes them more compliant.
For owners who want to refine the setup further, several suspension upgrades are commonly used:
- Lowering springs
- Height adjustable spring kits
- Coilover suspension systems
Interestingly, many aftermarket springs are less stiff than the factory springs. Because they lower the vehicle’s centre of gravity, the suspension does not need such aggressive spring rates to control the vehicle’s weight.
As a result, many owners find that suspension upgrades can actually improve how the car behaves on the road while also improving handling.
For a deeper dive into suspension options, see our full guide:
BMW X3M & X4M Suspension & Ride Quality Guide
Reliability
The S58 engine used in the X3M and X4M has proven to be extremely robust when properly maintained.
Compared with previous BMW M engines, the S58 benefits from:
- Forged internal components
- Improved cooling systems
- Modern engine management
Importantly, the S58 does not suffer from the rod bearing or crank hub concerns associated with some earlier M engines.
For a deeper overview of reliability and what to look for when buying, see our dedicated X3M/X4M Buyer’s Guide and FAQ.
Summary – Who the X3M or X4M Is Perfect For
The BMW X3M and X4M remain some of the most exciting performance SUVs on the market.
They are ideal for drivers who want:
- Genuine M-car performance
- Practical daily usability
- Space for passengers and luggage
- All-weather capability
While running costs are higher than typical SUVs, the combination of performance, practicality, and used-market value makes them one of the most compelling enthusiast vehicles available today.
For many owners, they deliver something few cars can:
supercar-rivalling performance in a practical everyday package.
