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      06-05-2015, 03:03 AM   #1
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X5 basic comparison for those trying to decide!

Which X5 should you buy?

As a recently retired BMW salesman in Australia, the following should give you a quick idea of the different models, and my opinion on the pros and cons of each, as I have driven almost all X5's extensively over the years:
(different regions have different models available, but this should still give you some idea!)

Sdrive25d VS Xdrive25d.
These are the most affordable X5's in most of the world, (not available in North America) and if you're looking at these, price is important to you.

I would recommend the Sdrive25d.
It is at least $5k cheaper to buy, slightly quicker, about 80kg lighter, and uses less fuel.

If you really need Xdrive ,
then consider moving up to the Xdrive30d, as for the price difference over the Xdrive25d, you get the 6-cylinder 3.0d, a much more powerful motor, and it's almost as economical in the real world, especially on the highway, as the 30d has a taller final drive (3.15 to 1) vs the 3.358 to 1 of the 25d, so the 30d is lower revving at highway speeds.
(all 6-cylinder and V8 X5's use 3.15 diff gears.)

If you don't want diesel then the 35i is smooth and quiet, and quicker than the 30d;
If you want even faster, AND great economy, enter the 40d!

M50d vs 50i .

The M50d is a beast, but it's very expensive ($161,000 in Oz).

If you're going to buy one, take this advice: at least test drive a 50i after driving the M50d.
The 50i is $15,000 less, yet blows the M50d away.

I've read people write that the "M50d is only 0.3 seconds slower from 0-100km/h) .
I've read one magazine where they got the M50d 0-100 km/h in 5.5 secs.

From a standing start is the only time the M50d can stay with the 50i... until the M50d reaches the end of 1st gear at around 4800rpm and it's power falls off a cliff !
Whilst the 50i with it's twin power turbo V8 and 330kw just continues to build power and speed right up to around 6800 rpm!

Two German mags have tested the 50i, 0-100km/h in 4.8 secs,

and Car and Driver magazine tested the 50i , 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds!

Behind the wheel, the 50i when placed head to head with the M50d,
the 50i just streaks away!

And passing acceleration is where the 50i is even better-

Both the 50i and M50d have identical transmission gear ratios and diff ratios,
but the much higher rev limit of the 50i,
translates to the 50i being able to drop down at least an extra gear ratio, when kicking-down, multiplying the torque, and powering away from the diesel effortlessly.

All this phenomenal power of the 50i comes at a cost, however at the fuel pump!
But at this price range does economy really matter?
And how much fuel can you buy for the extra $15,000 you paid for the M50d?

The X5M.
I have not driven one, but it uses the S63 Twinpower Turbo V8 which is based on the N63 TwinPowerTurbo V8 of the 50i, so I can imagine it's similar to the 50i, -
Only more insanely powerful!

Hope my brief thoughts and opinions help someone contemplating acquiring one of these fine machines!
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      06-05-2015, 06:21 AM   #2
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Very thoughtful review
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