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      09-16-2023, 03:49 PM   #1
Teddycoop27
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2018 F15 X5 50i Purchase Thoughts

Curious on opinions regarding the V8 for a 2018 X5 50i. Currently have a E92 335xi (2012 coupe), and an X3 M40i (2018). Second kid was just born and our M40i isn't too space friendly with a second car seat now. Moving to a bigger car purely for the space. Would like to have similar to the M40i performance, V8, and power, which is why I'm fixated on the 50i.

Reading too many conflicting messages around issues with the '18 50i, and not quite sure what to make of the pattern. Keep seeing that '18 isn't a year to be as concerned about considering the care packages and the fixes made on the earlier gens.

Anyone willing to share their experience or opinion on a purchase of an '18 X5 50i?

VIN 5UXKR6C55JL069676 for referrence. 37k miles. M sport. Two owners. I'd be purchasing an extended warranty as well for context sake.

Last edited by Teddycoop27; 09-16-2023 at 03:57 PM.. Reason: wrong year in title
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      09-16-2023, 04:12 PM   #2
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I bought a 2017 X6 M50i in Feb 2022 with 19k on the clock. It's now at 33k and the only issue so far was a badly leaking rear shock absorber which was identified when it went for it's annual MOT in August (I'm in the UK). Luckily I have extended warranty so only had to pay the excess which was £250. I believe one shock absorber is around £900 and they are changed in pairs so definitely dodged a bullet there.

Other than that, I've stuck to changing oil every 5k miles. Had the spark plugs changed at 30k and will change again as well as ignition coils at around 60-65k.

It is lowered with ACS Springs and a few other mods but have left the engine and transmission alone - i.e. no engine remap or xHP transmission flash.

It's my daily driver and I don't rag it. Always being it up to temp before I put the pedal down (which is rare).

Plenty of threads on here around preventative maintenance, etc which will be a good starting point around what to do and look after and what to expect.

You're better off reading those than people posting horror stories about how their engine grenaded etc.

All the best!
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      09-16-2023, 09:48 PM   #3
Teddycoop27
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Very helpful. Greatly appreciate the response. I'll struggle with driving the 50i any different than I drive our M40i or 335i. Have the X5 home for 2 nights to test the feel/practicality for our daily lives.

Had an e92 '13 M3 that I drove for a few years, and I'm very impressed with how similar of a feel this X5 has with the power, given the overall weight and size. Just can't beat these V8 twin turbos, imo. It's going to be hard to pass on this X5, and thank you again for the response. The maintenance makes sense, and it's something we already do with our two current cars which neither have had any issues with the engines.

Thank you again!
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      09-16-2023, 10:33 PM   #4
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2017 X5 50i owner here. I love these twin turbo V8's, there's really no substitute. I had an E70 50i which was a maintenance nightmare (too long of a story to tell), but the N63TU in the F15 is exponentially way more reliable. Even after the E70 50i nightmare, I still wanted the V8 when it came time for replacement. Nothing wrong with the inline 6, really awesome motor (especially the B58 on the G05 platform), but once you have a TT V8, you're not going back to an inline 6.

At 37K miles you should be good to go for a lot of miles. I agree with you on the M40i X3, really quick little SUV, but the X3 feels so small inside compared to an X5.

I decoded the X5 you're looking at, and it's nicely optioned. Not completely loaded, but few are... but it has M Sport with 20's, executive package, LED headlights, parking assistant, ventilated front seats, 3rd row, Apple CarPlay, etc.

There's really good value in the F15 platform right now, it's a lot of car for the $.
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      09-16-2023, 11:00 PM   #5
Teddycoop27
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Thank you for digging in here! Definitely not loaded as our X3 M40i, and it's a noticeable difference in tech. However, I thought the M40i was fun to drive, and my lord, this V8 TT had me getting out of that car with goosebumps. When you say good to go for a lot of miles, can you share subjectively what you're thinking in terms of a lot of miles?

We'll probably have the car for 3-5 years, and I generally put on ~14k miles a year. I'm curious if you've had to do any major maintenance outside of regular oil changes? Did you do the typical 60k maintenance (if so, how much did it cost)? We do our oil changes every 5k, typically try to do them at 4500 at the most. So, I'm not concerned about the people who've had issues who apparently think waiting 10k for an oil change with any BMW is a good idea....
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      09-17-2023, 05:29 AM   #6
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I bought a 2016 50i in April with 93k miles on it. I’ve put 20k miles on it since. Absolutely love it. Only issues were it needed transfer case recalibration (super easy fix) and I did spark plugs and ignition coils due to misfire. Runs amazing now. So comfortable, practical, and quick!

I’ve made some changes, namely I’ve put F85 brakes on, Eibach lowering springs, and Bilstein B6 sport dampers. Handles great now without being too firm
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      09-17-2023, 10:22 AM   #7
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with a 3rd row you have rear air bag suspension. these tend to prematurely go out based on what i've read and my own experience. 38k miles and i've replaced the rear bags due to a leak. it's an easy diyer but still something to keep in mind.

maybe this will motivate you to jump in!
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      09-17-2023, 01:56 PM   #8
Teddycoop27
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Those mods you made are absolutely perfect. Black kidney grill and the M side caps. Let alone that front diffuser... Solid taste.

If I pull the trigger on this purchase, I'd have the car for maybe 2-3 years. Given that context, with the mileage and the options on this car. Would you feel relatively good about buying it or still quite a bit of risk with the known issues?
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      09-17-2023, 02:38 PM   #9
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Thanks for the response - hard to not fall in love with the F15. Feel like this is the e92 of the BMW SUV line. Still love to drive my e92 to this day. It just doesn't get old and the engine is perfect for what I need in a car.
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      09-18-2023, 12:14 PM   #10
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I have a 2018 50i with ~65k on it with no mods. So far no issues and its a great ride. That being said there is not a ton of interior space especially with 2 kids, but unless you want to go up to the X7, the X5 i50 is the way to go!
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      09-18-2023, 09:29 PM   #11
Teddycoop27
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That's what we thought too - no way I was going with an X7. The X5 is massive for us coming from a 2 door 335 and then an X3 M40. Love the ride and the engine is something you cannot not fall in love with. Appreciate your response and sharing your experience! I was set on going with the one we found and just passed on it today. Couldn't quite swallow re-tiring all 4 wheels and doing brakes in less than 3k miles (potentially rotors bc I noticed an ever so slight pulsating feel when really getting on the gas and braking hard). It was 45k before tax/title/fees and we were going to get the extended warranty. Price is non negotiable bc it's carmax.

Shout out to jiggz for the call out on tread measurements and brake life left - immediately both showed that they were due to be replaced. Can't track down service records either and I'm having a hard to finding any reported. Continuing my hunt bc the 50 is definitely the only way I'm getting in an X5. Not willing to compromise the performance for reliability or fuel economy or that V8.
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      09-18-2023, 11:44 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Teddycoop27 View Post
That's what we thought too - no way I was going with an X7. The X5 is massive for us coming from a 2 door 335 and then an X3 M40. Love the ride and the engine is something you cannot not fall in love with. Appreciate your response and sharing your experience! I was set on going with the one we found and just passed on it today. Couldn't quite swallow re-tiring all 4 wheels and doing brakes in less than 3k miles (potentially rotors bc I noticed an ever so slight pulsating feel when really getting on the gas and braking hard). It was 45k before tax/title/fees and we were going to get the extended warranty. Price is non negotiable bc it's carmax.

Shout out to jiggz for the call out on tread measurements and brake life left - immediately both showed that they were due to be replaced. Can't track down service records either and I'm having a hard to finding any reported. Continuing my hunt bc the 50 is definitely the only way I'm getting in an X5. Not willing to compromise the performance for reliability or fuel economy or that V8.
Yikes, I didn't realize it was $45K + tax. Guess I shouldn't be surprised, Carmax has pretty outrageous prices IMO, and like you said there's no negotiation. Glad you walked, $45K is too much for an F15 50i in nearly every scenario. If you still really want one there's many others out there that are similarly optioned to this one you were looking at, for less $.

What about this one below? Very similar spec - in addition to the Carmax X5 this one has ceramic controls, leather dash, & rear comfort seats, but no 3rd row or rear heated seats. And it's Alpine White, not Mineral White. $7000 less, and 3000 less miles. And no holes drilled in the front bumper

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing
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      09-19-2023, 09:43 AM   #13
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Man, that is WAY too much for that one…good thing you passed! I bought mine for $22k…I know mine has a bunch more miles, but mine was totally loaded, including Mocha “design interior” and B&O sound system…I’d think you could find a loaded 2018 50i in the low 30’s.

I actually prefer the non-heated seats like the one mentioned above. That means it doesn’t have the headlight washer system, which I’m not a fan of.
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      09-19-2023, 12:33 PM   #14
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jiggz - big ups to you for the call outs! Love the one you shared. Only challenge has been finding the third row, even if that third row is a complete joke lol. That was the only piece my wife asked that we have now with two kids and frequent visitors. Idk if Carmax priced that one at 45k bc how much of a challenge it's been finding a third row, but it was bonkers knowing i was walking in to a new brake job and tire replacements.

Makes me feel way better that there's a mutual consensus on deciding to pass, appreciate everyone contributing to this thread bc god damn I wanted that car badly.
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      09-19-2023, 12:35 PM   #15
Teddycoop27
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tfunk, thanks for the reply. I think that damn third row is part of whats driving the pricing. Good old supply and demand.... I loved the M sport 20's on that alpine white too with the all black trim. Wish it wasn't a challenge to find this third row with BMW, bc no way i'd ever entertain the idea of buying a x7....
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      09-19-2023, 01:46 PM   #16
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Great move. Added a 50i (2015) to a garage with an E92 as well. I would say even with the N63TU, there are areas to keep an eye on and be proactive with.

- Sparks + coils
- Rear airbags (if equipped)
- PCV hoses
- Oil pump tensioner - https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1847537
- Transmission / TC fluids

Here's a great thread on 50i maintenance by Dan_Q:
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2009120
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      09-19-2023, 02:28 PM   #17
Teddycoop27
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Incredibly helpful. Thank you zero2sixtyZ!
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      09-19-2023, 02:49 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tfunk88 View Post
I actually prefer the non-heated seats like the one mentioned above. That means it doesn’t have the headlight washer system, which I’m not a fan of.
Fair point, many don't like the headlight washers, though 2018's don't have them as BMW scrapped the cold weather package this model year only (and the lighting package, that was merged into the executive package). Heated rear seats became a standalone option.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Teddycoop27 View Post
Idk if Carmax priced that one at 45k bc how much of a challenge it's been finding a third row, but it was bonkers knowing i was walking in to a new brake job and tire replacements.
IMO 3rd row doesn't command extra $ - most people don't want 3rd row as it's useless to most buyers, and you lose the rear storage area where the spare tire goes. I think Carmax prices everything high, this X5 is a perfect example of that.
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      09-20-2023, 05:20 PM   #19
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Oh, heated rear seats without the headlight washers would be cool…it’s too bad that wasn’t an option prior to 2018!
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      11-20-2023, 06:08 PM   #20
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Appreciate the helpful feedback here. Also shopping for something similar. Any thoughts on this particular 50i? What stood out to me is the Drive assist Plus in addition to SV2A/SV2F suspension options and low’ish— 47k miles. Just under 40k OTD.

https://www.mdecoder.com/decode/5uxkr6c55jl069368
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      11-20-2023, 09:27 PM   #21
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This was like my situation to the T and same concerns (without the kids part lol)

I was so concerned with repair costs and all that jazz. My e92 is so easy to work on for most stuff but I don’t have the time anymore to pour it into learning the intricacies of the f15.

What I decided to do is buy one from Carmax and even got the MaxCare warranty through 100k miles.

Long story short, I have such peace of mind than what I normally would have had had I gone private or another dealer.

I got a 2014 50i with 45k miles. Love it. The itself was 29k (maybe 2-3k over other dealers or private). Around 4k for the warranty and 2k for tax and title.

If you have the extra 5k laying around, I would recommend going that route and not have to worry.
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