Is the 50i V8 REALLY worth it?

[GoGetGriff]

Originally Posted by Samurai of 2day

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.

I don't plan on driving TOO too hard, but will I be fine with the less expensive Adaptive M Suspension? $4,500 is insane

[F15GorDe]

Spent more than enough time in all 3 offerings to confirm that the diesel, for my needs, would provide everything that was important. While the V8 is a lot of fun to play with it just was not going to work for us.
The fully optioned 35d that we have had for 16 months has exceeded our expectations. With the addition of a piggyback you have more than enough torque for just about all needs, and mid 30s for MPG is the norm out on the road mid 20s the norm in city stop and go.
DHP, added to whatever choice you make enginewise, really binds eveything together to create a total package the competition has a tough time competing with. YES $4500 IS worth it!

[Samurai of 2day]

Originally Posted by GoGetGriff

I don't plan on driving TOO too hard, but will I be fine with the less expensive Adaptive M Suspension? $4,500 is insane

I totally understand.

I have the DHP and adaptive M suspension on my car. When I put the car in sport mode, the suspension visually lowers the car, making it more agile in corners.

To be honest, I'm not sure which suspension package or option allows this visible change happen, but I do know that the unmistakable change in how the car feels and handles when switching driving modes is very noticeable and helps with assuring me this car can handle my temperamental driving habits.

There are days when I just want to cruise and listen to the music while traveling at 20 MPH on a 3 lane highway (because I accepted the driving environment for what it is around here). That's why my car is in comfort mode 80% of the time.

Then, there are days where I want to get my money's worth out of this thing, so I switch to sport, (traffic patterns permitting) watch the cluster change an angry red, and step down. With the change in suspension at this point, it's like this car is on tracks. I still get impressed with how nimble such a big car feels.

I understand that options can get pricey so I chose to forego the B&O sound system, because at the end of the day, I wanted the best driving dynamics I could get out of this thing, for the days I get to have a little fun behind the wheel.

[Kzang]

If money was not an issue, I would definitely get the 50i with DHP... Actually I would get the X5M and call it a day... On second thought, I would get a Mclaren P1 and a completely decked out Jeep Rubicon

Since money is an issue, I got the 35i with a Adaptive M suspension. DHP does some incredible things with our SUV, but not enough to pay $4,500 for. I compromised by getting the 2VF instead and I am completely happy with the sports car like handling.

[Samurai of 2day]

Originally Posted by Kzang

If money was not an issue, I would definitely get the 50i with DHP... Actually I would get the X5M and call it a day... On second thought, I would get a Mclaren P1 and a completely decked out Jeep Rubicon

Since money is an issue, I got the 35i with a Adaptive M suspension. DHP does some incredible things with our SUV, but not enough to pay $4,500 for. I compromised by getting the 2VF instead and I am completely happy with the sports car like handling.

Well said.

Of course, I would have loved to get the X6M, but the I couldn't justify the price tag because I would not be using that thing for what it's designed for.

Ultimately, whatever model we choose, once the individual makes it their's by taking steps to bond with it and making subtle or drastic mods... the key is to be happy with what you got!

[Can Drive 5.0]

I have a 5.0 with DHP, adaptive susp, and active steering. The acceleration from zero to highway speed is very good. The handling in the twisties is also very good. I feel that acceleration at highway speeds is a bit lacking. That is probably because I am coming from an E55 AMG which had very good acceleration at any speed. Also my car just turned over 1,000 miles and I have been driving it rather conservatively. My opinion might change after a few more miles if I still own it. Right now I feel that the driver's seat is so uncomfortable that I am ready to get rid of it. I have yet to find a position that doesn't actually cause leg and back pain after an hour or so of driving. It is quite a shame for me and a good fortune for the next guy, for he will get a great vehicle at a depreciated price. Such is life as Willie Nelson would say.

[MattBianco]

For my preferrence 50i or 35d, or if you have the money M. This thread is a poll of personal preferences as this is a great car even in the 25d engine (which I sat in last week).

[Joshhleee]

5.0 all the way!! SUVs are meant to have v8s.. this one just comes with turbos attached

I commute in Los Angeles and having that extra power is very useful, cause you know how people drive in LA .

[Can Drive 5.0]

Originally Posted by MattBianco

For my preferrence 50i or 35d, or if you have the money M. This thread is a poll of personal preferences as this is a great car even in the 25d engine (which I sat in last week).

I got distracted when the nurse came into the room to administer more pain med. I had a knee replacement surgery yesterday and I am having some thought difficulties. Thanks for pointing it out and I apologize for getting off topic. Now the comparison. I test drove both and there was a noticeable difference in the two. I liked the additiOnalaska power enough to spring for the additional cost. I would definitely recommend the 5.0 if cost is not an issue. I might add that I drove the X5 on a 200 mile road trip and got a little over 22 mpg. I would think it will improve as it gets more miles on it. It had 800 at the beginning of the trip. So, with that in mind the highway mileage difference is not great enough for me to prefer the 3.5.

One thing to keep in mind if the M is a consideration, ACC is not available.

[bjcarls]

I drove a 35i exclusively for 9 months and on/off for 3 years (wife's car) after driving a 1M and M3 for 3+ years and I hated it. The plan was to run it at least 5 years and I couldn;t stand it. I ordered a 50i in Oct and I won't go back to an i^ again. The 35i always seemed slow off the line and lacked the "fun" I gave up with the M cars. BUT if I had a M3 as a second car I would get a 35i. I enjoy driving the 50i, I never really enjoyed the 35i.

^as someone said above, the 35i is a lot smoother in the city, it doesn't have the power off the line. If I had my druthers I wish I could have the transmission programming of the 35i (always started in 2nd gear) in my 50i and vice versa. The 35i was a dog at the stop light, the 50i jumps off the line. Sorry for the rant and repeating myself.

[geroz1]

Not to change subject but did you also look at RR sport? At the 5.0 price you may be in range for that too... Not sure if it is to your liking.

[kanvas]

I own a LaFerrari and still love the V8TT of the X5.









P.S. No, I don't own a LaFerrari..

[twelve535i]

It really depends what kind of driver you are. If you're at a red light and the path is clear ahead, are you going to stomp on the pedal when the light flashes green? If so, you're going to be let down by the 35i, coming from a M3.
If you're looking for a quick, comfortable SUV, the 35i will cut it for you.

For me, my last few cars have had similar power/weight ratios so I'm fine with the speed of a 35i.

If you're worried about power, you may have buyers remorse after you get a 35i.
If you get a 50i, you're never going to look back and say DAMN, I really wish I would have gotten a 35i instead.
If you get a 35i, you'll always wonder.

You already like the 50i exhaust. That's at least $1500 you save on an aftermarket muffler for the I6.

[lowlevelhell]

Originally Posted by geroz1

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

For all the money you throw at that, you might as well get the 50.

[GoGetGriff]

Originally Posted by geroz1

Not to change subject but did you also look at RR sport? At the 5.0 price you may be in range for that too... Not sure if it is to your liking.

Going to lease. Is the sport still less than the 50i for a lease??

[geroz1]

Originally Posted by GoGetGriff

Going to lease. Is the sport still less than the 50i for a lease??

Don't think it's less but probably around the same price a month $1100-$1200

[MysticBlue]

Given that your other car is an M3, so that is what you're used to, the DHP will help a lot. If your other car was a lexus or a pickup or whatever, you wouldn't notice the difference as much going from one car to the other, but your butt is calibrated for stiffer and more responsive handling, so I would recommend the DHP. I'm glad I got it. I test drove one without it and could definitely tell the difference. Anyone that rides in mine, almost always they say how they are amazed at the lack of body lean, how it corners so flat.

[alphaod]

Originally Posted by scottjays

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!!

You see my problem with the MPPK and the MPE is that it adds what $4000-$5000 to the cost of the 35i/d right? That's almost the price difference to the 50i...

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by alphaod

You see my problem with the MPPK and the MPE is that it adds what $4000-$5000 to the cost of the 35i/d right? That's almost the price difference to the 50i...

MPPK is $995, MPE is $1,350 = $2,345 Source: http://www.getbmwparts.com/partlocat...subcat1=215189

As per BMW website 35i starting MSRP is $57,000 and 50i is $71,500 difference of $14,500. Source: http://www.bmwusa.com/standard/conte...aspx?Series=X5

So in regards to my car with the added M performance kits... if I had gotten a 50i and added a M performance front lip and rear diffuser it would have cost me additional $2,440... total cost difference minus the exhaust and tune by getting a 50i is $16,940...

[alphaod]

Okay I apologize. I got my numbers wrong. Seemed more expensive when I was getting quotes.

[lowlevelhell]

Originally Posted by alphaod

Okay I apologize. I got my numbers wrong. Seemed more expensive when I was getting quotes.

You do have to look at what options you're getting. As other posters pointed out, there are included options on the 50i. When I build a 50i for with the same options as a 35i, the MSRP difference is about $7k. Those parts quotes from getbmwparts.com are nice, but they don't include installation. If you want to put your own MPE on, good on you. I'm not the type to pay a man to wrench on my car unless it involves proprietary software. If you want it installed...double that exhaust price.

I'm gun-shy about Bimmer V8s. They're notorious for problems. Ask anyone with a 4.4i E70...

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by alphaod

Okay I apologize. I got my numbers wrong. Seemed more expensive when I was getting quotes.

Not looking for apologies but I wanted to correct the numbers.

Originally Posted by lowlevelhell

If you want to put your own MPE on, good on you. I'm not the type to pay a man to wrench on my car unless it involves proprietary software. If you want it installed...double that exhaust price.

Apparently lowlevel can't do math either... installation cost for MPE is $140.00