2015-2018 BMW 50i - things to look for?

[Ad20058]

Strongly considering getting one. What are some things to look out for based on mileage? Likely won’t get anything over 60k miles.

Been a e90 guy, so this is a new world lol

Thanks in advance!

[Tomcat_F15_STL]

You should look for an X that does not have a V8 under the hood.

Widely considered a bad choice, that one - if you are going to attempt to keep it past warranty.

[Longboarder]

Massive difference in fun factor between the v8 and i6. Unless you are towing, no one really needs the v8 but we want it for fun. In addition to my current '16 50i mSport, I also have a '22 xDrive40i mSport it drives very nice and a great SUV for long family trips but feels anaemic in comparison.

I just sold my F95 X5M last month after trading it from my F85 X5M. I had a racechips on both of those and they were very entertaining. On the dragy GPS acceleromter the big F95 would pull 0-60mph in 3 seconds flat. On my current stock F15 50i, I did a 0-60mph just brake booking no launch control and it did 4.5 seconds but will get another racechips and fairly confident it will be perfectly reliable and dip into the high 3 second range.

But yeah everything is packed tight in the v8 engine bay that there is big labor costs for some work. I picked up my 50i with 68k miles on it 8 months ago. One owner with good maintenance history. No issues but I just did plugs, coils and cleaned injectors in preparation for the racechips install and while doing that, noted that one of my valve cover gaskets was leaking, which is a big job. I am prepared for other stuff along the way but content to do so as I really like the more analog nature of the F15 together with the big v8.

Nothing is certain but if you can get one with really low miles, it could end up being a lot more cost effective in the long run.

Good luck with your search.

[50iXman]

Im a relatively new F15 50i owner, but I love it so much. Hit the gas and you DISSPEAR.

get it checked over first, do the maintenance @ suggested intervals.

[Ad20058]

I found a 2014 F15 50i with 40k miles from Carmax. With their MaxCare warranty I feel super comfortable.

[50iXman]

Originally Posted by Ad20058

I found a 2014 F15 50i with 40k miles from Carmax. With their MaxCare warranty I feel super comfortable.

Ive got a 2014! 50i. LOOOOVE her so much!

[Ad20058]

Originally Posted by 50iXman

Ive got a 2014! 50i. LOOOOVE her so much!

I want to love toooo. My time is coming.

[zero2sixtyZ]

Originally Posted by Tomcat_F15_STL

You should look for an X that does not have a V8 under the hood.

Widely considered a bad choice, that one - if you are going to attempt to keep it past warranty.

Who are you speaking for?

The 50i with the N63TU is great, if you know what to look for. I posted in this fairly recent thread as well: https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2048843

[Edwardsc1]

I've got a 2015 50i that I've had since July 2022 and it's been an absolute blast. About 84k miles on it right now, and only thing I've had to do in the last year is replace a coolant tank. I've done plenty of preventative maintenance on it so far which I think is key to keeping these running well. Do plenty of research and find one that was well taken care of and you should be good. Change the oil frequently and don't drive it hard until it's fully up to temp. Good luck!

[Tomcat_F15_STL]

Originally Posted by zero2sixtyZ

Who are you speaking for?

The 50i with the N63TU is great, if you know what to look for. I posted in this fairly recent thread as well: https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2048843

Yeah. OK. Reliable BMW V-8?

How many miles on the odometer?

[tfunk88]

I bought mine in April with 93k miles on it. 116k miles on it now. Love it! Is it possible it’s a ticking time bomb? Sure…but it’s a damn FUN ticking time bomb lol

[Ad20058]

Originally Posted by tfunk88

I bought mine in April with 93k miles on it. 116k miles on it now. Love it! Is it possible it’s a ticking time bomb? Sure…but it’s a damn FUN ticking time bomb lol

I’m going get mine with a carmax warranty. So a covered ticking time bomb is fine with me. Plus I drive like 3k miles a year max

[jiggz]

Originally Posted by Ad20058

I’m going get mine with a carmax warranty. So a covered ticking time bomb is fine with me. Plus I drive like 3k miles a year max

It's not a ticking time bomb, they're great vehicles.

If you're set on the 50i then go for it, you won't be happy with the inline 6. As with any used BMW, find one that's been taken care of & has a documented service history. Which honestly isn't going to be at Carmax (meaning, doubtful it'll have maintenance records), though they do offer a great warranty. Finding one an enthusiast owned and maintained likely wouldn't come with a warranty, but would have a documented history.

Good luck with your search, prices have really fallen on the F15's in the last year, it's a lot of vehicle for the $ IMO.

[Ad20058]

Originally Posted by jiggz

It's not a ticking time bomb, they're great vehicles.

If you're set on the 50i then go for it, you won't be happy with the inline 6. As with any used BMW, find one that's been taken care of & has a documented service history. Which honestly isn't going to be at Carmax (meaning, doubtful it'll have maintenance records), though they do offer a great warranty. Finding one an enthusiast owned and maintained likely wouldn't come with a warranty, but would have a documented history.

Good luck with your search, prices have really fallen on the F15's in the last year, it's a lot of vehicle for the $ IMO.

So what I found was a single owner 50i w/ 45k miles. The fact it’s even on a carmax lot gives me peace of mind.

I had the car shipped to the nearest store and I was expecting to drive it today. They said they reinspect every car every time it switches locations, and found a repair they needed to do so it would pass. That’s super honest of them.

And I’m getting the MaxCare warranty. Just let’s me sleep easy.

[zero2sixtyZ]

Originally Posted by Tomcat_F15_STL

Yeah. OK. Reliable BMW V-8?

How many miles on the odometer?

Are you blanketing all BMW V8s or do you have claims on the N63TU?

If we’re talking about an E70 V8 or any other Pre-TU N63, that’s a different story.

2015 w/ 84k. Only issue specific to the V8 was a failed HPFP, very common with newer bmw engines. FCP for Bosch pumps + Easy 1hr fix to swap both. If you only go to the dealership, then owning a V8 might hurt your wallet quicker than a 6cyl. Those HPFPs would’ve cost 10x with labor if you don’t do your own research.

And 173k on a tuned N54. Should I state “Yeah. OK. Reliable BMW I-6?”

[tlow98]

Yeah, I’d say just check the timing chain (or maybe it’s the oil pump chain?) and adjust and you’ll be good to go. The n63 TU seems to be one of the more reliable non M v8 and that’s really saying something.

Gas mileage is def 30% worse than the 6. With that being said you can def still tow with the 6. I towed 5k lbs over mountains in the 6. Did surprisingly well. It’s not going to wow you like the 8, but hey, trade offs.