2018 X5M Black Sapphire Edition Delivery

[Maxx2]

Picked up a 2018 X5M Black Sapphire Edition on Dec 26th and have been enjoying every minute of it. Below are some initial impressions…

Black Sapphire Edition:
A limited edition appearance package for 2018 X5M/X6M with only 200 available in the U.S. When it was first announced to the world as the “Black Fire Edition Package” I thought BMW had completely gone off the deep end desperately looking to move F85 X5’s in their final model year. I started looking at some pictures online from dealer websites once they began arriving and was intrigued by the unique interior and decided I wanted to see it in person. Big mistake! One of the nicest interior combinations I have seen in a very long time. Seats with Mugello red leather center section which hints at the very sporty nature of the vehicle without overwhelming your senses like a full red interior would. Two red leather stripes start on the sides of the center console and wrap around the dash onto the door panels to create a cohesive and very sporty theme. The Mugello red contrast stitching on every seam creates the necessary contrast on the vast sections of black leather to push it over the top. The alcantara headliner is the final touch and completes this truly special interior. Black 21in 612M’s are included as standard and immediately set the car apart from a standard X5M. Obviously BMW created this “limited edition” to boost sales in the final year of F85 sales, but to dismiss it as a simple marketing effort would be a shame. Whatever their motives were the end result is a success and has received praise from everyone that has seen it in person. Outside the U.S. this limited edition includes additional content which is not included in the US. Not sure why they decided to offer this alternate toned down version for the U.S., but the additional accessories can be added later on if desired.

iDrive 6.0 with Touch screen:
The iDrive system has been comprehensively overhauled for 2018 and is the greatest iteration I have experienced since I was first exposed to it in my 2006 E60 M5. The graphics have improved significantly with much more detail and higher resolution. Processing power has been increased and computing directions is significantly faster. System menus and submenus are clearly labeled and organized. The addition of a touch screen now makes this feel like a whole new system. Overall this is one of the best systems available in any car on sale today.

Driving experience:
So far I have only accumulated 100 miles on it, but it is very clear that it is built for a very specific purpose… going fast! The countless settings for throttle, steering, suspension, transmission, etc. really transform the car at the push of a button. There are quite a few legitimate competitors in this segment, but no one executes it quite like BMW. Such a high performance and well sorted package that it is hard to believe at times. The fact that it is also very practical makes it a no brainer if you are looking for an all in one high performance vehicle for family and track duties. Well done BMW M!!!

[onfireX5]

Love the color combo. Now get to modding !

[Maverik259]

Best color combo. Just the right amount of red.

[r33_RGSport]

Congratulation!!!

[davidlg16]

I got one in December too, now 400 miles, shame BMW didn't put all the black fire edition components on these.

[E30toF30]

Wow! Gorgeous!

[Alberta]

Beautiful X5M ! Congratulations !!

[bmwx3805]

Congrats on the stunning new M! From a proud production worker I hope you truly enjoy this M! The fire edition is one of my favorites

[moutso]

Congrats! I LOVE my 2018 x6m Black Fire!! I tinted the windows, replaced all BMW “logos” with “black outlines” logos (no solver) on the rims, front and back of the car as well as a black “x6m” logos. I also smoked out my tail lights as well as front and back reflectors. I put on 21” Yokohama winter tires and they grip amazing.

[Salottox5m]

very cool car!

[Maxx2]

Thanks everyone!

Weather has been horrible of late so haven't driven it in over a week. Can't wait to get it out again...

A few more pics from the photo shoot...

[BradBinNY]

One sweet ride! Many miles of smiles....

[J///MJ]

Congrats man and welcome to the team, I picked mines up two months ago and actually made it to Bimmerpost news. Love it, it's a blast

[Chadmatic]

Originally Posted by Maxx2

Picked up a 2018 X5M Black Sapphire Edition on Dec 26th and have been enjoying every minute of it. Below are some initial impressions…

Black Sapphire Edition:
A limited edition appearance package for 2018 X5M/X6M with only 200 available in the U.S. When it was first announced to the world as the “Black Fire Edition Package” I thought BMW had completely gone off the deep end desperately looking to move F85 X5’s in their final model year. I started looking at some pictures online from dealer websites once they began arriving and was intrigued by the unique interior and decided I wanted to see it in person. Big mistake! One of the nicest interior combinations I have seen in a very long time. Seats with Mugello red leather center section which hints at the very sporty nature of the vehicle without overwhelming your senses like a full red interior would. Two red leather stripes start on the sides of the center console and wrap around the dash onto the door panels to create a cohesive and very sporty theme. The Mugello red contrast stitching on every seam creates the necessary contrast on the vast sections of black leather to push it over the top. The alcantara headliner is the final touch and completes this truly special interior. Black 21in 612M’s are included as standard and immediately set the car apart from a standard X5M. Obviously BMW created this “limited edition” to boost sales in the final year of F85 sales, but to dismiss it as a simple marketing effort would be a shame. Whatever their motives were the end result is a success and has received praise from everyone that has seen it in person. Outside the U.S. this limited edition includes additional content which is not included in the US. Not sure why they decided to offer this alternate toned down version for the U.S., but the additional accessories can be added later on if desired.

iDrive 6.0 with Touch screen:
The iDrive system has been comprehensively overhauled for 2018 and is the greatest iteration I have experienced since I was first exposed to it in my 2006 E60 M5. The graphics have improved significantly with much more detail and higher resolution. Processing power has been increased and computing directions is significantly faster. System menus and submenus are clearly labeled and organized. The addition of a touch screen now makes this feel like a whole new system. Overall this is one of the best systems available in any car on sale today.

Driving experience:
So far I have only accumulated 100 miles on it, but it is very clear that it is built for a very specific purpose… going fast! The countless settings for throttle, steering, suspension, transmission, etc. really transform the car at the push of a button. There are quite a few legitimate competitors in this segment, but no one executes it quite like BMW. Such a high performance and well sorted package that it is hard to believe at times. The fact that it is also very practical makes it a no brainer if you are looking for an all in one high performance vehicle for family and track duties. Well done BMW M!!!

Now that's a spicy meatball!!!

[Maxx2]

When I picked this car up a few months ago I told myself it was absolutely perfect and needed nothing...

Upgrades - Round 1

Wheels/Tires:
Vossen VFS-1 22x10.5 Fr & 22x12 Rr
Pirelli Scorpion 285/30 Fr & 335/25 Rr

Engine:
RaceChip GTS Black (App equipped)


Round 2 coming soon...

[pachieh]

Nice wheels! I just got the same in 21" but with Michelin PSS.

How is the RC GTS tune? I just ordered mine from Ben @ RGSport.

[Maxx2]

Originally Posted by pachieh

Nice wheels! I just got the same in 21" but with Michelin PSS.

How is the RC GTS tune? I just ordered mine from Ben @ RGSport.

Thanks. Excellent choice!

The Race Chip is performing exceptionally and gives a very noticeable performance boost. Significantly more power at all revs and absolutely effortless passing in any gear at any speed. There was more than enough performance on tap in stock form, but having a little extra is always nice! You will be very happy with your purchase and Ben always provides top notch customer service!

[pachieh]

Originally Posted by Maxx2

Thanks. Excellent choice!

The Race Chip is performing exceptionally and gives a very noticeable performance boost. Significantly more power at all revs and absolutely effortless passing in any gear at any speed. There was more than enough performance on tap in stock form, but having a little extra is always nice! You will be very happy with your purchase and Ben always provides top notch customer service!

Good to hear. It makes me wonder if anyone has done a dyno yet on the RC GTS Black yet to see if you get close to the 101HP/107TQ it claims...

[atxgt3]

Anyone know how the RC compares to Dinan? I had the Dinan stage 1 on my X5M, and I always hated the lack of power down low. I finally relented and got an ECU tune, and it was a night and day difference. So much more low end power and much better driveability. Does the RC have the same problem with no power below 2500 rpm?

[J///MJ]

Sick!! Welcome to the club

[iconoclast]

What does the "Rest of World" receive that the NAR does not?

[Maxx2]

Originally Posted by atxgt3

Anyone know how the RC compares to Dinan? I had the Dinan stage 1 on my X5M, and I always hated the lack of power down low. I finally relented and got an ECU tune, and it was a night and day difference. So much more low end power and much better driveability. Does the RC have the same problem with no power below 2500 rpm?

I haven't tried Dinan on the X5M, but I did a head to head between Dinan and RaceChip on my xDrive 35i and the Dinan felt more refined but less powerful. I don't think any piggyback will ever outperform a well calibrated ecu flash, but it is a great little boost with very low risk.

Originally Posted by J///MJ

Sick!! Welcome to the club

That interior is a show stopper!

Originally Posted by iconoclast

What does the "Rest of World" receive that the NAR does not?

ROW gets:
Black kidney grilles
Carbon Fiber mirror caps
Alcantara Performance steering wheel (No cost option)
Black Fire limited edition badge on dash