Carbon Black M50d

[schaeffs]

Has been great getting to know and understand the F15 over the E70 LCI I had previously - so thought I'd do a little write up on the car and compare and contrast it to the 40d M-Sport we had previously.

This is the third X5 we have had:

- First up was an 2008 E70 3.0sd M-Sport - it really opened our eyes to the fact that BMW were making great 7-seater cars for families and with a 286bhp twin-turbo diesel and excellent handling it was also good fun to hustle down our twisting country roads.

- Then we updated it with a 2012 E70 40d M-Sport - even better handling and punchier engine at 306bhp - but the biggest difference for me was the amazing 8-speed ZF gearbox. It really made the car and was a joy to drive - perfect for the school run or taking the family out on a weekend jaunt or covering continents for a ski or summer holiday.

- Finally - we upgraded to the 2015 F15 M50d - 376bhp, upgraded ZF box and most importantly M-Adaptive suspension. It's been exemplary so far and redefines what a good diesel should be like in this day and age.

So to the comparison E70 40d M-Sport vs F15 M50d:

- Suspension - this is one of the big differences between the two cars. We had passive dampers on the E70 and while they were good and the car handled very well for a big truck - it was one (admittedly well judged) attempt at handling all eventualities. For the UK however you go from relatively smooth Motorway and A-roads to battle scared and lumpy B-roads and country lanes. The M50d handles these changes with aplomb and the difference between comfort setting and sport is perfect for when you want to cruise on crappy roads and let the car cosset you, or when you want to press on on smoother surfaces and have the car really bite into the road and fling you around the corner.

- Engine - another of the big changes. The new tri-turbo diesel is quite the monster. The 40d was a great engine but the M50d is something else entirely. Love the change from comfort to sport as well as it changes the throttle settings and a lovely snarl emanates from the chrome black tipped exhaust (and elsewhere!). Yuo can see why its won awards this engine and the MPG is the same as the 40d was - some achievement.

- Steering - the 40d shades the M50d here - the new car can't quite cut it for steering feel and knowing where you are going to place the car as you go down a twisty road. Yes it stiffens up in sport mode but that just makes the direction changes firmer - no extra feel on what is happening at the front.

- Interior - a big step up in the F15. Its quite something inside now and a match for some of the ultra luxurious cars from other makes. The other BIG step up from E70 to F15 is the electronics. The car now just works with all the new gadgets. Before in the E70 there were things that frustrated like the iphone wouldn't always sync - but now on the F15 it all works with no fuss!! Fantastic effort BMW and bang up to date on all the gizmo's too including connected drive. HUD is also a must - simply awesome and you can change songs, look at the Nav and know how fast you are going against speed limits all without having to take your eyes off the road!

Overall then the new F15 is for me a bigger leap forward than I was expecting. The looks have also grown on me to the point where the E70 is looking a bit jello mould and dated. I really like the sharper look of the car and its delivered on the E70s promise of making all the interior party tricks integrate properly into the car. Looking forward to a good few years of motoring in the new M50d!!

Some pics for you all below!

[patrikr]

Great looking X5 and thanks for posting the review. Really wish we could get the M50d in the US.

[schaeffs]

Originally Posted by patrikr

Great looking X5 and thanks for posting the review. Really wish we could get the M50d in the US.

It's criminal actually - just like they don't bring the M135i in. Crazy from BMW...

[Baunton]

@schaeffs Monster! Great review and pictures to match.......what's your average mpg like? Do you ever drive in Eco Mode

[schaeffs]

Originally Posted by Baunton

@schaeffs Monster! Great review and pictures to match.......what's your average mpg like? Do you ever drive in Eco Mode

Haha - yes it does get driven in Eco Pro!

Funnily enough I was commenting to my wife that the car is the first one I enjoy driving slowly - testament to the little dial on Eco Pro which tells you how many miles of fuel you have saved!

MPG (English) is 25 at the moment - hoping when the engine loosens up a bit it goes to 27. That's mainly city and small country road driving. On a continent cruise it should be in the mid 30s...

[fooit]

Looks amazing!

Did it come with these wheels (BMW Style 300M, if I am not mistaken) or was it your choice?

[schaeffs]

Originally Posted by fooit

Looks amazing!

Did it come with these wheels (BMW Style 300M, if I am not mistaken) or was it your choice?

Thanks!

They are one of the option 20" wheels - 468M - in the UK. They look good with a black car I think.

[Kzang]

Beautiful write up comparison between the older models and I would echo your thoughts on the suspension and steering. I understand that in Europe the debadged look is very common. You even took off the rear M50d... whereas most 50i and X5M owners here are too proud to take off their badges.

[Wing Co]

Many thanks. I concur having gone from 3.0d to M5.0d F16. Steering does not go stiff enough when going into Sport for me. MPG is 31 UK after 3000 miles. Route is 10k journey to work at 30-70 MPH. Have been on the autobahn a few times and when conditions permit and really clear car easily gets to 150 mph on the digital gauges with ease and seems to have more left. Very stable and quiet as well. Very pleased with M50d engine as well.

[schaeffs]

Originally Posted by Kzang

Beautiful write up comparison between the older models and I would echo your thoughts on the suspension and steering. I understand that in Europe the debadged look is very common. You even took off the rear M50d... whereas most 50i and X5M owners here are too proud to take off their badges.

Yes most Euro guys keep the badges - but for me the one on the back just looks ugly so decided to go the whole hog and rebadge the lot. Was thinking of adding a subtle m logo on the side but really like it debadged now that it's here. Only the real BMW officiondo's know what it is and that's just fine by me!

[charlietangobravo]

Have you had the grill/kidneys painted black or are they aftermarket? No nightvision?

[Baunton]

Originally Posted by schaeffs

Yes most Euro guys keep the badges - but for me the one on the back just looks ugly so decided to go the whole hog and rebadge the lot. Was thinking of adding a subtle m logo on the side but really like it debadged now that it's here. Only the real BMW officiondo's know what it is and that's just fine by me!

+1 Less = More

[schaeffs]

Originally Posted by fredstral

Have you had the grill/kidneys painted black or are they aftermarket? No nightvision?

They are the M-Performance grills in gloss black - dealer put them on for me when I picked the car up!

Pretty sure it doesn't matter whether you have night vision or not as you can get them to suit. I have collision avoidance but not night vision

[charlietangobravo]

Originally Posted by schaeffs

They are the M-Performance grills in gloss black - dealer put them on for me when I picked the car up!

Pretty sure it doesn't matter whether you have night vision or not as you can get them to suit. I have collision avoidance but not night vision

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately they don't fit with night vision. At least not any of the ones I´ve found.

[Ninjaoz]

Excellent write-up. We have gone through the similar process and upgraded from E70 3.0d to F15 xdrive30d. Agreed with your comments about the improved handling and interior.

Thanks for sharing the photos!

[schaeffs]

Originally Posted by fredstral

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately they don't fit with night vision. At least not any of the ones Ive found.

Yes looking through posts on it - it seems the ones are all for grills for non-nightvision cars. Perhaps it's one where you buy the std grills for the nightvision car and paint it gloss black? Or ask BMW to sort something for you!

[stewy604]

Great write-up...well done. I too wish we could see the M50d across the pond. Love the clean look, de-badging was the first thing I did to my F15.

[Doanster]

Speaking of a clean look... best thing is --> no ugly amber reflectors at the front like we have to deal with in the U.S.!

[schaeffs]

Originally Posted by Doanster

Speaking of a clean look... best thing is --> no ugly amber reflectors at the front like we have to deal with in the U.S.!

Yes that is definitely a mini styling disaster!