Is the 35i engine (inline six) enough?

[CarbonFibre]

A buddy of mine wanted to lease the new 2015 X6 and he can't seem to justify forking up the premium for the 50i V8 engine. Some reviews tell us that the inline six is enough:

http://www.canadianautoreview.ca/rev...xdrive35i.html

but for an SUV that weighs this much, do you think the premium for the 50i is worth it? And whats the fuel consumption you guys are getting for either of them?

I've searched through the forum but can only find comparisons on the older models. Thanks!

[capitalst]

35i is a great engine. Plenty fast stock. Now add the JB4 Stage 2 (from R33) which I did to my new 2015 X5 and WOW. Huge torque and rush down the road. All the power I ever needed. 50i would be nice but I couldn't justify the extra 10k for it plus loss 5 or so MPG's. How often are you doing 0-60 runs or better yet quarter miles?? Thats what I told myself. Trust me I love power and speed and the 35i with the JB4 Stage 2 is all I needed to feel happy with my purchase.

[turboawd]

Originally Posted by capitalst

35i is a great engine. Plenty fast stock. Now add the JB4 Stage 2 (from R33) which I did to my new 2015 X5 and WOW. Huge torque and rush down the road. All the power I ever needed. 50i would be nice but I couldn't justify the extra 10k for it plus loss 5 or so MPG's. How often are you doing 0-60 runs or better yet quarter miles?? Thats what I told myself. Trust me I love power and speed and the 35i with the JB4 Stage 2 is all I needed to feel happy with my purchase.

how's the fuel consumption with the tune? do you have a link where to buy?


as for the v8, i'd avoid it, especially if you're going to be owning the vehicle long term. bmw v8's are fast but they are not reliable. it's sad that to this day that something as simple as valve stem seals, fail on these motors. then the motor smokes, and then bmw wants $6000-$8000 to replace.

[lowlevelhell]

It depends who you ask. As you said, some reviewers say it's enough. Some say 300 hp is anemic in this sector anymore, given a nearly 5000-pound SUV. If depends what he's looking for. I've owned a V8 X5. Maybe I will again. I do love my diesel though.

He's buying an X6 which is sort of ludicrously impractical as a vehicle, so why try to be practical on the engine? If you're buying a toy, make it a toy!

[Taran.J]

If I were to buy again I'd buy the V8 or just straight in for the X5M

[Barbja]

I would have gotten a v8 if I had someone would would take it to Exxon for me every week. I only get about 14-15mpg out of my 35i, so I'd probably get single digits from a 50i. People who do have longer commutes and do more highway driving get better mpg out of their 50 than I do out of my 35. Gosh.

I'm considering doing a tune. I'm thinking of a Dinan just because I'm too lazy (or forgetful) to remove a box before service. If you have them apply the Dinan programming does it wipe out any custom programming you already have? I love my programming.

[RM707]

Most people when I tell them that my X5 50i has 445hp look at me like I'm crazy and say why any normal person would need that much power. So it's all relative. That's why out of 20-30 X5s on dealers lot only 2-3 are V8s.

[capitalst]

Reach out to R33 on here. You helped a lot and provide pictures and better directions. Great guy. JB4 stage 2 won't disappoint.

[capitalst]

One thing to consider 300hp and 300tq is not the same as a 300 hp natural inspired engine as performance goes. The TQ on these kick in early and hold throughout the rpms. My last suv the qx80 with a v8 NS engine with over 400hp and over 400tq didn't even come close to the power in the butt meter as this x5 35i with the tune. So getting what I would think is close to 380-400tq and around 350-360 hp at the crank with the stage 2 tune is more than enough. I always have power on demand. If you lived in Chicago I would show you the difference in stock and map 5. Both good but map 5 is insane.

[HMN]

Depends on your personal preference. Personally I've driven both the 35i and 50i for both the old and new versions. No comparison, but once again i'm a v8 freak. So maybe for some it's enough, for others not.

[Chapultepec]

I just upgraded my X5 35i with the M-Performance Power Kit, HP now around 325-330, plenty of power, live in Mexico City with many mountains/hills that are easily and fast climbed in Sports mode.

[kkakonn]

I would ask yourself what needs you are looking for this car to fill. As a 50i owner If I could go back and redo I would opt to go with the 35i. Don't get me wrong I love it to death but it has power that I don't use. The car devours gas and doesn't have a very big gas tank for an SUV. I constantly find myself at the pump with this being my daily driver. The acceleration on it is sometimes violent and jerky from a stop. Not to mention the premium you are paying for this car.

With that being said, if I could only have ONE car to drive that had to fulfill the duties of being a fun and daily car, I might still go with a 50i. But I have others =]

[r33_RGSport]

CarbonFibre , your friend pretty much answered his own question already. If he can't fork out the fund for 50i, just settle with 35i. There is plenty you can do to the car to make it fun to drive.
I personally would skip 50i all together since the X5M is out in the market already.
If you gonna go bad, go all out.

[kolosy]

Why not pay an extra 3k and get a diesel? Definitely not anemic, and better mileage than the 35i.

[turboawd]

Originally Posted by kolosy

Why not pay an extra 3k and get a diesel? Definitely not anemic, and better mileage than the 35i.

no diesel x6 option in usa

[kolosy]

oh. lame.

[r33_RGSport]

Maybe someone is up for an engine swap.