xDrive50i or M?

[onfireX5]

Originally Posted by V8LIFE

Thanks bro.

Looks like the piggyback on the M is well worth it, and the 1 sec improvement is pretty impressive. So much potential with that engine.
But on the 50i, with only 0.3 sec difference, why? Is the stock hp already near the engine limits?

IMHO, the 50i had more left in it....JB1 was not sophisticated enough to extract it. 50i turbos are smaller than the X5M, but still makes good power and should mod well. It’s just going to run out of turbo sooner.

[V8LIFE]

Originally Posted by onfireX5

IMHO, the 50i had more left in it....JB1 was not sophisticated enough to extract it. 50i turbos are smaller than the X5M, but still makes good power and should mod well. It’s just going to run out of turbo sooner.

I thought with a piggyback tune, the 50i can reach M territory. Stock vs stock, only 1.3 sec difference with 0-100mph, not that impressive for $20k msrp difference.

But since it wont, I ll probably go with a 17 M, the local dealer has some stock with great discount.

Thanks.

[pachieh]

Originally Posted by V8LIFE

I thought with a piggyback tune, the 50i can reach M territory. Stock vs stock, only 1.3 sec difference with 0-100mph, not that impressive for $20k msrp difference.

But since it wont, I ll probably go with a 17 M, the local dealer has some stock with great discount.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by V8LIFE

I thought with a piggyback tune, the 50i can reach M territory. Stock vs stock, only 1.3 sec difference with 0-100mph, not that impressive for $20k msrp difference.

But since it wont, I ll probably go with a 17 M, the local dealer has some stock with great discount.

Thanks.

It may, but there's a lot more to a the M than just an engine tune... Suspension, brakes, chassis bracing, etc.

You'd have to do some serious upgrades to a 50i to get it close in all aspects. At that point, then $20k msrp difference is much smaller.

[iconoclast]

then the nearly complete loss on all the "mods" when you go to sell the car.

[Bogey4me]

Originally Posted by V8LIFE

I thought with a piggyback tune, the 50i can reach M territory. Stock vs stock, only 1.3 sec difference with 0-100mph, not that impressive for $20k msrp difference.

But since it wont, I ll probably go with a 17 M, the local dealer has some stock with great discount.

Thanks.

If straight line 0-60 is all you care about then maybe that's true. However having have both I can tell you the biggest difference is not the engine. It's the suspension, the brakes, the steering and how it is all highly upgraded and built around the awesome M engine. It's the way I can get on a deserted on ramp and the way the M corners and the very stiff steering and the always available power when I have everything turned up to sport plus. It's the Brakes which stop 20' sooner than the 50i. None of which comes with a tune. The M has all the upgrades that the 50i needs to handle even the 467 hp that car has...it's too much engine stock for the other components IMHO. Go with the M. You won't regret it.

[Ibiza]

The interior is also significant improved over the 50i with the M sport seats ordering full leather on the X5M. I had the mocha brown design interior on my previous 2015 X5 50i, and IMO the X5M full Sonoma Beige is a big improvement. The X5M has more control of the vehicle settings via steering, chassis and engine response. Also, MDM mode. Finally, the exhaust burbble when starting up on the X5M which the 50i doesn't have. I assume the M drive HUD view can be programmed.

[V8LIFE]

Originally Posted by pachieh

It may, but there's a lot more to a the M than just an engine tune... Suspension, brakes, chassis bracing, etc.

You'd have to do some serious upgrades to a 50i to get it close in all aspects. At that point, then $20k msrp difference is much smaller.

Yeah, I understand. I thought with 150hp difference, it can go even faster, not just 1sec difference....

But I guess if I need the absolute acceleration and handling, I should look at the new M5, which is a beast for sure.

Again, thanks guys, I ll shop around for my next car....

[DuSh]

For what it's worth, shot this video yesterday just for fun. Numbers shown don't mean anything, as dash speeds are known to be 2-3mph faster and in addition who measures that by a speedo on dash lol, but 50i does have some room for improvements compared to stock - that's for sure

Video is in my signature. That been said - X5M is so much more than just an engine. $20k difference is more than justified

[CT335xi]

Originally Posted by V8LIFE

Thanks bro.

Looks like the piggyback on the M is well worth it, and the 1 sec improvement is pretty impressive. So much potential with that engine.
But on the 50i, with only 0.3 sec difference, why? Is the stock hp already near the engine limits?

I think there’s a guy with screen name Droptop who ran a RC ultimate and knocked about 1 second 0-100 and .3 tenths in 1/4, but as you know all cars adapt or don’t adapt to mods

[R///MG]

For me and I know it's petty, but I'm in love with the alcantara headliner of the X5M. It just makes the interior look high end. That's something all the other X5's don't have and can't upgrade to at anywhere near a reasonable cost on the aftermarket. I would also imagine to upgrade a 50i to X5M specs in terms on engine, brakes and suspension would cost more than $20K. If your doing a 36 month lease it's basically an extra $300 a month more than a 50i.

[DuSh]

Originally Posted by R///MG

For me and I know it's petty, but I'm in love with the alcantara headliner of the X5M. It just makes the interior look head end. That's something all the other X5's don't have and can't upgrade to at anywhere near a reasonable cost on the aftermarket. I would also imagine to upgrade a 50i to X5M specs in terms on engine, brakes and suspension would cost more than $20K. If your doing a 36 month lease it's basically an extra $300 a month more than a 50i.

From a high end x5 50i you need to add:
1. Brakes MPBK will be about $3000 + $1000 drilled F85 rotors = $4k
2. 21'' rims and tires = $2k (given if you sell your 20'' new x5 50i wheels right away)
3. Front and rear bumper conversion = $5-6k
4. Engine swap will be game over (too expensive), so maybe instead x5 50i owner can do a flash tune $1300, M air filters intake $100, M exhaust $2k (with labor) to somewhat get at about stock x5m power level - total $3.5k
5. Suspension wise KW3 - $3.5k with labor
6. Interior swap for a sporty X5M seats = $4k (if you are lucky to even find X5M seats)
And you've already spent $22k and you got a Frankenstein that is still nowhere near X5M in any way imaginable (resale wise or further tuning wise etc)

In sum: X5M price is more than warranted and for those who want real deal AND have money - should get X5M. If you want M - there's no contest and choice is very clear.
On the other hand, if you want just a BMW SAV as a comfortable family transportation (maybe even a 7 seater) - 50i or even 35i is better choice that will allow you to put extra money for your child college fund

[iconoclast]

Originally Posted by R///MG

For me and I know it's petty, but I'm in love with the alcantara headliner of the X5M. It just makes the interior look head end. That's something all the other X5's don't have and can't upgrade to at anywhere near a reasonable cost on the aftermarket.

$850-1200 for an upholsterer to do this for you.
Headliner, pillars and visors.

[R///MG]

Originally Posted by iconoclast

$850-1200 for an upholsterer to do this for you.
Headliner, pillars and visors.

Have you had that done before? It seems like it would be a lot of work.

[iconoclast]

Not on an X5 but I have in the past. Long ago I had an Audi headliner done for $400 at a reputable shop while the dealership replaced the sunroof. The labor cost was absorbed by the dealership since they were replacing the sunroof under warranty i just came and grabbed the pieces and brought the back. I had custom door panels done on an RRS-SC back in the day too and it wasn't very much either. I am certain labor rates have gone up but I believe $1200 at a shop that has done this before would not be unrealistic.

[kanvas]

Originally Posted by DuSh

For what it's worth, shot this video yesterday just for fun. Numbers shown don't mean anything, as dash speeds are known to be 2-3mph faster and in addition who measures that by a speedo on dash lol, but 50i does have some room for improvements compared to stock - that's for sure

Video is in my signature. That been said - X5M is so much more than just an engine. $20k difference is more than justified

Good lord, what have you done to that 50i? It's so quick!

[DuSh]

Originally Posted by kanvas

Good lord, what have you done to that 50i? It's so quick!

I have Stage 1 from BPC (Bimmer Performance Center) - they hold current world record for fastest diesel BMW. IMHO they are #1 tuners currently in US/Canada - but I'm biased and it's just my opinion.

That been said - no sane owner will do to the x5 what I did: removed all seats, installed a Momo racing driver seat (20lbs), muffler delete, lighter rims and tires, lighter battery. I dropped about 400lbs
I can do that for now, since I'm living alone and I wanted to experiment pushing 50i (I can make it even faster by installing Downpipes and flashing Stage 2 from BPC - imagine what the 0-60 time will be, but I'm not going to do that - it will smell and I'll have emissions issues). So this is where I stop. I'll go back to stock soon, install all seats back etc. I'm getting old and I'm starting to see the fun in just staying stock and maintaining your vehicle, driving calmly in right lane while sipping your morning coffee - you know enjoying simple things in life

[Ibiza]

Originally Posted by R///MG

For me and I know it's petty, but I'm in love with the alcantara headliner of the X5M. It just makes the interior look high end. That's something all the other X5's don't have and can't upgrade to at anywhere near a reasonable cost on the aftermarket. I would also imagine to upgrade a 50i to X5M specs in terms on engine, brakes and suspension would cost more than $20K. If your doing a 36 month lease it's basically an extra $300 a month more than a 50i.

Going from a 2015 X5 50i M sport to a 2018 X5M lease payment went up only $110 per month. Same mileage of 12,000 per year, both with B&O, leather trim/dashboard (X5M with full leather), ZDH/2VF, all expect for night vision and rear entertainment package.

[R///MG]

Originally Posted by DuSh

I have Stage 1 from BPC (Bimmer Performance Center) - they hold current world record for fastest diesel BMW. IMHO they are #1 tuners currently in US/Canada - but I'm biased and it's just my opinion.

That been said - no sane owner will do to the x5 what I did: removed all seats, installed a Momo racing driver seat (20lbs), muffler delete, lighter rims and tires, lighter battery. I dropped about 400lbs
I can do that for now, since I'm living alone and I wanted to experiment pushing 50i (I can make it even faster by installing Downpipes and flashing Stage 2 from BPC - imagine what the 0-60 time will be, but I'm not going to do that - it will smell and I'll have emissions issues). So this is where I stop. I'll go back to stock soon, install all seats back etc. I'm getting old and I'm starting to see the fun in just staying stock and maintaining your vehicle, driving calmly in right lane while sipping your morning coffee - you know enjoying simple things in life

Good lord. Removing the seats. That's something I would never do on an X5 even if it would drop my 0-60 to 1 second. That's like something you would do on a M4 or GTR in my opinion. I used to mod my cars like the C55, C63, E55 and M3 I've had and then after over a decade of doing it I realized it's pointless. Enjoy it stock, save money and just put it towards the next model which will likely be faster stock then the previous gen you modded.

[R///MG]

Originally Posted by Ibiza

Going from a 2015 X5 50i M sport to a 2018 X5M lease payment went up only $110 per month. Same mileage of 12,000 per year, both with B&O, leather trim/dashboard (X5M with full leather), ZDH/2VF, all expect for night vision and rear entertainment package.

That's really good. Did you get one in stock at a dealership or order it? What was the sticker price difference?

[DuSh]

Originally Posted by R///MG

Good lord. Removing the seats. That's something I would never do on an X5 even if it would drop my 0-60 to 1 second. That's like something you would do on a M4 or GTR in my opinion. I used to mod my cars like the C55, C63, E55 and M3 I've had and then after over a decade of doing it I realized it's pointless. Enjoy it stock, save money and just put it towards the next model which will likely be faster stock then the previous gen you modded.

I agree all this modding gets old sooner or later (at least for some of us) - I'm going stock soon. Priorities change with time, I satisfied my hunger for power. I won't be looking for anything powerful in my next cars. I'm done with that part of my life. Next time I may buy a motorhome class B or C or some EV, but no more modding of ICE for me. Not sure if i grown up or what's happening with me?

[Ibiza]

Originally Posted by R///MG

That's really good. Did you get one in stock at a dealership or order it? What was the sticker price difference?

Both were ordered.

'15 X5 50i $94,050

'18 X5M $114,695

[DuSh]

Originally Posted by Ibiza

Both were ordered.

'15 X5 50i $94,050

'18 X5M $114,695

Wow, that was one nicely optioned 50i