Is the 50i V8 REALLY worth it?

[GoGetGriff]

Right to the point:

- I live in Beverly Hills, do about 90% city driving.
- I have an F80 M3 now & it's simply frustrating having such a fast car & not being able to go fast anywhere.
- MPG's don't matter too too much to me.
- The power of the 50i would be awesome, but is it that necessary?
- The exhaust note on the 50i is incredible.
- I don't know if theres a difference in ride quality.

The lease is about $200 less for the loaded 35i, I drove the two but they only had a base 50i, and an M Sport 35i so you could imagine the difference.
Is there any other significant difference?

[BMWboy]

It's been worth it to me; I love torque/power in city driving and that exhaust note!

[alphaod]

A number of options on the 35i/d are standard on the 50i, so the price difference isn't as big as BMW makes it seem. I find the V8 is good value.

[TRdanno]

If everyone could I bet they'd pick a 50i with DHP, but it all comes down to the price point, options that matter most, and if ordering is an option based on timing. I know what you mean about Beverly driving... I'm in Orange County and get up there once in awhile. Seems like 0-50 is all you get. I went into this only looking at the 35i due to my price point and not liking how a loaner Q7 diesel drove (I know, bad assumption thinking it's similar)... and was convinced to drive a diesel, as I was told BMW diesels don't compare. Bottom line, diesel m-sport is on order. I personally didn't like how the 35i drove regarding how it downshifted easily and the sudden turbo spike in power. If you love and live in the high RPMs then it's prob great. This is prob a non-issue in the 50i and was not an issue in the 35d. My challenge was convincing my other half that her X5 was going to be a diesel, lol.

[42pilot]

Another subjective question impossible to answer. Like TRdanno said, kinda, if money were no object, I would have bought a loaded 5.0. Actually, if money were no object, it would not have been an overweight SUV.

[GoGetGriff]

HAH! You guys are all awesome... I think it'll be better to get the 50i and not have the thought linger that I could be having more if I "settled" for the 35i. That's what my gut is saying.

[midlifecrisis]

I've been driving a 50i while my 35d is in for service. It's wicked fast from 0-60, no doubt about it. The exhaust rumble is impressive. That being said, I can't wait to get my 35d back. The power delivery is smoother in real world situations, and it doesn't need to downshift as much in typical commercial highway driving. The thrust seems to come on sooner in the 35d, although it doesn't reach the same level as the 50i. The 50i feels like a hyperactive kid compared to the relaxed but purposeful diesel.

[onfireX5]

Have both. Can't go wrong either way. 35 is a little more balanced in hard curves since it has 500lbs less on the nose. 50 is just plain brute force wot. Both are great to drive. We see about 2mpg less with the 50. Both have DHP which works very well in the dry and in the snow.

[Staszek]

I would say yes! I really wanted the 5.0 but this is my wife's car and she wanted fuel economy, we actually almost got the diesel, sometimes wish we did.

[elisiX]

Originally Posted by midlifecrisis

The 50i feels like a hyperactive kid compared to the relaxed but purposeful diesel.

It's amazing how different a petrol and diesel drive in the same car.

I've only had my M for a day but already I can feel how much more aggressive it is as a daily driver when in heavy traffic.

Comparing it to my outgoing M50d, which had ridiculous amounts of torque readily but smoothly available, it's like night and day.

The M50d (or diesel for the OP) would easily be the better commuter for a family.

[Nkbm82]

Live in Newport Beach and absolutely worth it to me! There are always opportunities to safely use the power every know and then for short bursts and passing is always a breeze. While the 35i is great and has adequate power it's no comparison to a 50i even with a tune or mppk.

[geroz1]

How about testing a 35i with some m performance accessories (MPE, MPPK, etc.) may be a good middle ground...

[spike5150]

I have the 50i and wife has the 35i with Dinan. Still no comparison - 50i is a fun, powerful beast. My biggest regret is not having DHP.

[MysticBlue]

My other car is also an M3. Besides being a winter vehicle, I wanted something nice enough that I would "want" to drive everyday, as opposed to driving the M3 every day. The 35i wouldn't have done it for me. Even though I have an M3 I can drive anytime, I still drive the X50i most of the time, going to work, shopping, etc.. I would have regretted getting the 35i and probably wouldn't drive it as much. I got the Msport with all the options and really enjoy driving it. Not the same as the M3 of course, but way more comfortable, and when I want to or need to, it's got as much power as I feel like using.

[niceman]

I've had both, '13 3.5m sport and a '15 5.0 m sport. Loved the 3.5 , but the 5.0 is definitely a whole different animal . That said , if you've never had the 5.0, the 3.5 is fine . Turbos, no lag . Plenty fast. If you are going for price point , you cannot go wrong with a loaded 3.5 msport

[M5Beast_NYC]

Originally Posted by GoGetGriff

HAH! You guys are all awesome... I think it'll be better to get the 50i and not have the thought linger that I could be having more if I "settled" for the 35i. That's what my gut is saying.

My thoughts exactly.. if you have the lingering thought of going with the 50 and money is no object, then i suggest you go for it. you will keep seeing 50 on the road will constantly have that 'I settled' feeling.

[Alan l.]

If the extra $150-200 more per month isn't going to impact your budget at all and you only plan on keeping it within warranty coverage then get the 50i. The 35i is plenty quick with the MPPK and piggyback systems but no matter what you do it will never be as fast as the V8. I had two F10's back to back (535 and 550) and the power difference was on another planet.

Alan

[Samurai of 2day]

Originally Posted by GoGetGriff

Right to the point:

- I live in Beverly Hills, do about 90% city driving.
- I have an F80 M3 now & it's simply frustrating having such a fast car & not being able to go fast anywhere.
- MPG's don't matter too too much to me.
- The power of the 50i would be awesome, but is it that necessary?
- The exhaust note on the 50i is incredible.
- I don't know if theres a difference in ride quality.

The lease is about $200 less for the loaded 35i, I drove the two but they only had a base 50i, and an M Sport 35i so you could imagine the difference.
Is there any other significant difference?

I know exactly what you mean.

Driving around the Boroughs of NY, traffic is always moving between 10 MPH to 30 MPH. That is typical highway speed for about 16 out of the 24 hours for the day. It can be quite frustrating when wanting to feel what the 50i is capable of.

When I had my 09 X6 35i, it was perfect for city driving at the time because of the slightly better gas mileage at the time when 93 octane was pushing 5 dollars a gallon. Then, when I picked up the 650 GC, I knew that I would eventually end back up in an X6, but the power of the V8 is captivating, even if it's only used a few times a year when I decide to venture past the city limits.

Now,i have my '16 X6. I know my X6 50i is WAY over powered for city driving so it is my humble opinion that a 35i or the diesel version will be enough for city driving. However, knowing that you have more than enough power available at your right foot (even in comfort this thing can move) that peace of mind is worth the extra couple hundred bucks a month.

My vote is, get the 50i if your budget allows it. The only thing you will be disappointed with is the limited amount of space around you for those horses to play. If you go for the 35i, you will not have peace of mind and probably sink slightly in your seat every time you see an MB SUV or Cayenne pull up beside you.

I know badges and numbers don't mean much when moving in heavy traffic at slow speeds, but I can almost guarantee the drivers of those vehicles will be sizing you up.

I for one, can't have them sizing me up, without holding my head up high knowing that even though we have no room to play, my 50i is ready for the competition, lol.

[GoGetGriff]

We are such stereotypical men.. Haha! Lastly, does anyone know if I can live with the m sport suspension or is DHP an absolute must?

[ano0oj]

The 35i is plenty fun, but it's a complete thrill to have a SUV that can really haul ass. Bought the 50i after driving a number of 35i engines....the car just feels so much more sturdy and in control.
I felt a bigger difference in handling when comparing a 28i vs a 35i engine as well.

[Samurai of 2day]

Originally Posted by GoGetGriff

We are such stereotypical men.. Haha! Lastly, does anyone know if I can live with the m sport suspension or is DHP an absolute must?

DHP is a must have if you plan on driving the 50i hard.

Power is nothing without control, and the DHP helps control all that power.

[scottjays]

Originally Posted by GoGetGriff

Right to the point:

- I live in Beverly Hills, do about 90% city driving.
- I have an F80 M3 now & it's simply frustrating having such a fast car & not being able to go fast anywhere.
- MPG's don't matter too too much to me.
- The power of the 50i would be awesome, but is it that necessary?
- The exhaust note on the 50i is incredible.
- I don't know if theres a difference in ride quality.

The lease is about $200 less for the loaded 35i, I drove the two but they only had a base 50i, and an M Sport 35i so you could imagine the difference.
Is there any other significant difference?

Feel the same as you. I did the a loaded 35i but added the BMW M Power Kit which adds HP and torque. Not alot but enough. More imp I added the BMW M Perf Exhaust. Sounds amazing and completes me!!