Opinions from F15 M50d owners

[BDO]

I am thinking about replacing my 640i with an M50d... basically just an itch, no real reason or need for an SUV - I have just never tried a fast(ish) SUV before.

The 6 is a very difficult car to replace, as it is so damn good at everything, so it's making this process hard.

Looking for comments/opinions from current M50d drivers, in the context of how much "fun" dailying the M50d is - i.e. is it a car which can provide some entertainment or a dad wagon with lots of torque?

Also, any reliability concerns or known issues? How advisable is running one out of warranty?

[X5M50D]

Morning BDO,
I was in the same position as you two years ago, as I had the Jaguar XFS with plenty of power.
So I was looking for something that had as much umph and touque with the added advantage of more space, high up driving and average mpg.
I was not disappointed in my purchase and now after two years of trouble free driving still love my M50d. On my 25 mile daily commute to the office on main roads with a little traffic, I'm averaging 31-35 mpg. On the motorway can get upto late 30s.
The one special thing about this SUV is the touque and acceleration especially in sport mode. Certainly competes well against the Porsche and Audi SQ7 stats but delivers better mpg.
I up spec mine to have the 21" alloys, M performance body kit and black grill and IMO the car looks stunning.
So don't hesitate, go buy one
I would recommend you testing out the three diesel variants (30d, 40d and M50d) to appreciate how good this SUV is.
Happy to address any further questions.

[BDO]

Thanks mate. How has the car been in terms of reliability?

I agree, the torque is intoxicating, and makes it feel hugely fast for a such a big thing.

What would you say are must-have options?

[Cranswick852]

Hi BDO, I'm currently in the reverse of your proposed position and have a new 630i GT loaner as replacement for my X5 40d which is awaiting parts for the EGR Cooler recall. I know the 630 4-pot is not the same as your 640, but my 40d is not the 50d either, so differences between 6 series and X5 May still be relevant.

BMW loaned me a car with 500 miles on the clock and I can't wait to get my X5, with 60k miles under its belt, back. Why? The huge torque with instant overtake ability wherever you are in the Rev range. The ZF transmission is great, but there is a lot more cog-swapping in the 630 when you ask to push on than there is in the X5. Visibility, is much improved and is a god send on country roads when looking for passing opportunities. I also find the more upright sitting position to be far more comfortable, more natural (you don't buy an armchair that lies you down - for good reason).

In terms of equipment, you know the marque, so have you own views on HUD, comfort seats, active cruise etc, but what do you want in an X5 that you don't in a 640? Dynamic Handling Package (DHP). As others have said, it won't turn your tall, heavy SUV into a sports car but it does an exceptional job of minimising body roll for such a large vehicle. If you're trying to avoid the dad-mobile then I'd say this is the option you need to seek out (plus whatever standard BMW extras you personally prefer). It's not common, I had to wait 4 months before my searches yielded a 40d with DHP and HUD, but I'm pleased I waited.

Best of luck with your searches and, if you do swap over, I doubt you'll be disappointed.

[steamroller]

BDO, I just bought an M50D last weekend and I'm in love. It's my daily commuter and delivers great MPG for something that weighs 2400kg and can put a massive smile on my face at the traffic lights or over some hill roads. Doubt you would regret it!

[BDO]

Thanks all. I'm pretty set on one at this point.

One problem is that I can't find much info on living with one out of warranty, and if there are any reliability issues (a la N63, N54 etc). Although BMW diesels have a good rep when it comes to reliability.

[ikheetleon]

I came from an e91 335d. I had to get used to the difference in speed experience (lower to the ground feels faster). Also I had the adaptive steering which I really loved. The f15 is a bit soft when it comes to steering. For the rest it’s a great car, very powerfull.

[alphaod]

I wish they sold the 50d in the US. I would jump on it in an instant!

[Googone20]

I would buy one in a second if they were here in the US. I have now owned a 2014 328d Msport, 2013 X5 35d Sport, and 2015 X5 35d Msport. Love me those BMW diesels. Great power, handling, and economy all in one good looking package.

[X5M50D]

Originally Posted by BDO

Thanks mate. How has the car been in terms of reliability?

I agree, the torque is intoxicating, and makes it feel hugely fast for a such a big thing.

What would you say are must-have options?

Can't really comment on reliability as mine is just two years old, but so far no issues apart from a small oil leak under the engine that was found during my service this week. Obviously this is being done under warranty. I think that after being a member of this forum for two years and reading alot of great topics and threads about the diesel X5, I have not come across any major reliability comments.
My car was heavily spec out but one of the only things I made the mistake in not going with were the LED adaptive headlights. I have the xenon adaptive lights but not as good. Things that I love is the HUD, comfort seats, M performance exterior pack and the Driver assist pack.
I attach some photos of my M50d

[BDO]

Your car is stunning mate, especially the interior. That colour would last maybe a week with my kids.

I have LEDs on my 6 and xenons on my wife's Q7, and yes, the difference is significant.

[X5M50D]

My boys have their own cars so no concerns there
As I have said let me know if you need any more help.
Best of luck with the purchase.

[sm1tty55]

Are yous filling up with premium diesel of just regular for the m50d? Cheers

[Mo5es786]

I suppose my car is the odd one out, head gasket failure at 150k KM

It really is an amazing drive though. The power is second to none. It's definitely not a "sporty" feel as it's a SUV but when you need to go fast, she goes fast