elisiX's Sapphire Black/Mocha Nappa F15 X5 m50d

[elisiX]

I need to do some more driving before I can provide some detailed comments on the drive of the M50d, however first impressions are fantastic. Very smooth delivery and a much more sophisticated drive than the SQ5 I've come out of. In saying that, the weak points are probably the steering and shortcomings due to the weight increase over the SQ5 (which essentially handles like a big sedan). Still, a fantastic car with incredible power and speed for such a weighty machine. Quality is also as you might expect, very impressive.

[Kzang]

Off to a good start elisiX!! Looking forward to what else you do to your ride

[Wing Co]

The steering I got used to after my X5 E70 where it was always firm. The handling I think is superb for its size and weight. When on the autobahn, at speed, I find that any blustery wind and I get nervous as it must be the height as you feel the car move and when you are using the full power of an M50d that can make your heart beat more. I also can't really tell the change, if any, with the steering and suspension, the gearing and throttle response very much so. Linear is the best way to describe the power delivery and it is very, very deceptive and you have to look at the mph/kph to see how extremely quick these M50D's are.

[elisiX]

Spent some more time driving today and it really does get better the more I get used to the car. I must admit getting used to the size on the road is one thing, but pushing it a little and knowing your boundaries is very interesting. Taking it relatively slow while I still get used to the car, but very much enjoying things so far.

Had a local offer me a set of ADV 5.0's in 22" today for a good price. One day late though it seems - really love the look of the 599M's. Funnily enough, until they were fitted I was still unsure about them from picture alone.

[elisiX]

Quick update and some carpark shots now that the tints have been installed.

[kanvas]

I'd say keep the titanium grills. Changing to black grills will make the car look way to black with not enough contrast.

[elisiX]

Personally I don't mind the matte finish of the titanium slats on the grill, but it's the chrome surround that I am not so keen on.

I don't hate it, but I don't think it will sit as well once the carbon pieces are installed.

Looking at other examples on this forum where the owners have fitted black grills with silver fins in the lower bumper, the black look works with a touch of silver.

This is perhaps the most impressive example of what I am aiming for;




The lack of contrast around the grill gives a stealth look which I like.

I don't think I'll go as far as blacking out the roundels, but the grill seems to fit nicely. Perhaps I should fit the carbon splitter first and then decide.




.

[elisiX]

Car spent a little time with my detailer this weekend and received the full GYEON treatment inside and out.

My car came from interstate with about 400km on it, so I expected the odd stone chip or mark here or there. It's been a long time since i've owned a black car, so I have mentally prepared myself for the odd mark to show up over time.

Over time seems to have come quickly lol. I noticed a small nick on the front edge of the drivers door yesterday. Figured a tiny bit of touch up would do the trick and it did - very well. The mark is invisible now unless under very close inspection.

The worst part however is that while there, I accidentally opened my door into a paint tin which was nearby and made a new mark on the lower section of the door. DAMN! Thankfully we managed to buff about 90% of it out and it's on the lower edge.

It's funny though, only when the car is cleaned to this degree can you see everything. By the time a 'new' car gets to you, it's probably been washed 2-3 times and that's enough to cause enough damage to require some paint correction.

A few shots he sent me.










And a couple of my own.

[sssmokie]

Your ride looks awesome. Congratz

[denniss]

Awesome car. You are like me. Can't wait to mod

[geroz1]

Car looks hot! Definitely getting these wheels for the summer too

[elisiX]

Thanks guys. Slowly coming along.

Loving this angle of the car. This from my carpark at work.

[elisiX]

Well after considering a number of grill options, including the X5M OEM M Performance grill, I decided this morning to go with the OEM M Performance grill for my M50d.

After doing some research I fkund some pictures of M Sport (not X5M) X5's with the double slat grill and it doesn't work as well. I think they suit the X5M perfectly however.

Really love how it blacks out the front of car. Not much chrome left (Roundels basically).

I've read a number of threads on DIY figment of these grills. Some found it easier than others, but everyone more or less explained that it's a bit of a pain to get the existing grills out.

What blew me away however was watching the service dept at BMW quite aggressively rip out the titanium grills. I questioned this as it just looked so wrong. However upon inspection I can't find any damage at all. To the car or the existing grill.

They told me it's basically the only way to get them out!




Just noticed that the dealer fitted my license plate off center. Now I can't unsee it!

Thankfully I'm about to switch states and order new plates. I guess I'll realign it then.

.

[elisiX]

Dumping some more shots i've taken in here.

[kanvas]

That's one lucky X5. It takeS in the ocean view everyday. Great shots.

[vladberca]

Lovely truck you have there!
What about some CF mirrors cover and Performance Brakes?
Have you done the interior with CF trim?
What sound system do you have?
Keep up the good work!

[elisiX]

Unfortunately I don't wake up to that view everyday. Though it is our holiday house so I get to enjoy it often.

I did consider the CF mirrors though the Ferric grey are what make the M50d stand apart from other X5's. Performance brakes are a good option however it's harder to justify. The M50d comes with bigger rotors by default already. I'm still considering the CF interior. As far as sound system, I'm just running the default Harmon Kardon.

To be honest, I'm seriously considering switching it up for the X5M (see F85 sub forum). As much as I love the M50d, it's comfortable and goes incredibly well, it's just missing some of the theatre and atmosphere. So with that in mind nc I've paused mods until I decide.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by elisiX

To be honest, I'm seriously considering switching it up for the X5M (see F85 sub forum). As much as I love the M50d, it's comfortable and goes incredibly well, it's just missing some of the theatre and atmosphere. So with that in mind nc I've paused mods until I decide.

I was waiting for this... based on your first initial comments and concerns prior to and receiving your car. Diesels are great if you like the gas economy and the torque that makes it "feel" like your going fast but it stops there. The exhaust note is also very important when it comes to a performance car.

[elisiX]

I'm only getting about 700km out of a tank with the M50d. If the X5M does 500, I'll be happy.

The torque from the triple turbos is massive in the M50d. It does feel similar to a V8, and with the stereo on, you can't tell the difference at most times. However it still does miss that overall sound and additional control that the true M has.

Ultimately the M3 is what I wanted and have lusted after since I was a kid. The X5 M50d was a compromise to be practical, I just didn't dig further enough to understand the numbers for the X5M. It's a very different proposition here in Australia.

For example;

50i with a few options and a good discount is still $145k (retail $160k+)
50d with a few options and a good discount is about $155-$160 (retail $185k)

Due to a mistake by the dealer, I paid under $140k for my M50d however and that puts me into a position to potentially move out of it with little loss if at all.

The X5M however retails for $210k with a few options and no discount. However I've seen a few recently dipping into the $175k/$180k range new, which while more expensive, is doable.

Getting firmer trade numbers on my car tomorrow. I'll push hard and see if I can absorb as much of any shortfall (minimal) while keeping the new car price under control. Otherwise I'll happily stick with the M50d and do a couple cosmetic mods and be done with it.

[Kzang]

I'd say screw practicality and give it the middle finger. You are only here in this life once.. if you are able to afford it then just get exactly what you want and desire.. get the M3/M4 and just enjoy your life!

[elisiX]

If I could afford it id go with the M50d and M3, but I can't justify it.

M3 and a base model X5 still pushes it past the X5M cost, and then there's the extra costs of running 2 cars.

The best scenario is a good deal on an X5M basically.

I'm at the dealer now - the pressure has been applied. It may not happen, but if it does I'll be sure to update you guys.

This particular car has a few options;

Alcantara headliner
TV function
Internet (in addition to connected drive)
Full two tone Silverstone leather
Soft close doors

None of which are standard on our X5M's.

[kanvas]

What tire size do the 599s run on?