Looking to purchase pre-owned 2015/16 X5

[CommoN81]

Hi all,

The lease on my Infiniti QX60 is coming up(cant wait for it to be over) and my wife and I have narrowed down our search to a '15/'16 X5. We test drove 35i and she loved it but I want more power so I am thinking about the 50i. Either way I plan on tuning it and doing some mods.

There are tons of options on these cars so wanted to see what you guys recommend as must haves and which motor. Anything I should look out for buying pre-owned X5?

Car will be local commuter but mine on the weekends . my daily is slow and boring so I need something fun and exciting to look forward to.

Thanks all.

[The Libertine]

For me, the HK stereo is a must, and makes a huge difference over stock stereo.

I also wanted the accompaniment of Driver Assistance features/packages. Heads-up display, Active Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Blind Spot, etc., well worth the cost. (I had to search around a bit, as most dealers I encountered only seemed to have the basic Driver Assistance package.)

I didn’t really care about Apple Car Play; however, am now glad I have it.

You’ll love the X5. X5 is my first BMW, and am incredibly impressed by it. Handles exceptionally well for a vehicle of its size.

Good luck with your search!

[CommoN81]

Originally Posted by The Libertine

For me, the HK stereo is a must, and makes a huge difference over stock stereo.

I also wanted the accompaniment of Driver Assistance features/packages. Heads-up display, Active Cruise Control, Lane Assist, Blind Spot, etc., well worth the cost. (I had to search around a bit, as most dealers I encountered only seemed to have the basic Driver Assistance package.)

I didn’t really care about Apple Car Play; however, am now glad I have it.

You’ll love the X5. X5 is my first BMW, and am incredibly impressed by it. Handles exceptionally well for a vehicle of its size.

Good luck with your search!

Thanks Libertine. I had a 328xi which I loved, so looking forward to get back into a BMW. Lease is up in Jan, so I have time to find the right one but wont hesitate if I find it before then.

Does the Driver Assistance package come with around view cameras? When I test drove the dealer only mentioned rear camera. I could have sworn the X5M my buddy had a few years ago had around view...

[InsipidMonkey]

Originally Posted by CommoN81

Does the Driver Assistance package come with around view cameras? When I test drove the dealer only mentioned rear camera. I could have sworn the X5M my buddy had a few years ago had around view...

You need the Driver Assistance Package Plus (ZDB) to get the side and top view cameras (5DL).
Check out the options guide here: https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1144513

[CommoN81]

Originally Posted by InsipidMonkey

You need the Driver Assistance Package Plus (ZDB) to get the side and top view cameras (5DL).
Check out the options guide here: https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1144513

Thank you

[turboawd]

If reliability is a concern then stick with the 35i.

[CommoN81]

Thanks good to know. What are the V8 issues?

[Rotzy]

Originally Posted by CommoN81

Thanks good to know. What are the V8 issues?

None so far with the newer N63TU motor in the 2014+ models. Some can eat oil and all are very thirstly when it comes to fuel, but it's a fair trade off for the power!

The previous N63 motor had valve seal issues that were costly to repair but haven't yet seemed to crop up on the newer motor.

[Teufelshund]

Have owned:
'11 328i (sold)
'12 Z4 28i (sold)
'13 X5 35d (sold)
'14 228i (sold)
'15 X5 50i (current)
'17 X1 28i (current)
All of them were very capable of easily ruining a clean driving record.
However, none made me smile as wide as the sound and g-force produced by that twin-turbo V8.
EDIT: Traded the X1 for an '18 X1 M-Sport with the HUD.
Never realized HUD was so damn cool. Now I wish my X5 had it.

[Teufelshund]

Also - beware. Once you've parked using 360 bird's-eye view, you'll never be satisfied without it.

[CommoN81]

Thanks. The Infiniti has the around view and I would really like on the next car. I agree once you have it it spoils you a bit. shooting to test drive a 50i this Wednesday.

[alphaod]

People like to believe the 50i is a bad purchase because the motor is unreliable. I have yet to see any problems and I drive mine pretty hard. I've seen the 35i with their fair share of problems so it's not all perfect.

[M302_imola]

Originally Posted by Teufelshund

Also - beware. Once you've parked using 360 bird's-eye view, you'll never be satisfied without it.

This is so true!!!

[gqgambler]

35i would be the better sensible DD option but the 50i is so much fun, but don't listen to the F85 driver to make up your mind

Desirable options list, note some options have different names and inclusions depending on year and the 35i vs 50i, ie Driver assistance package vs driver assistance plus
MSport
20" wheels
Dynamic Handling
Cold Weather
Driver Assitance Plus
Executive
Lighting


https://www.kellybmw.com/used-Columb...KR6C33H0U12897

[M302_imola]

I'm sure the 50i is a beast in terms of performance but couldn't you slap a piggyback ECU on a 35i and be close to stock 50i performance? This being said, I haven't driven a 50i.

[Rotzy]

Originally Posted by M302_imola

I'm sure the 50i is a beast in terms of performance but couldn't you slap a piggyback ECU on a 35i and be close to stock 50i performance? This being said, I haven't driven a 50i.

Not unless that piggyback can add 145hp and 180ft/lbs of torque!

Seriously, the 50i is a beast. If you ever have some free time, go test drive one. Or better yet, if you really don't want to own that engine, never test drive it. It will corrupt you.

[M302_imola]

Originally Posted by Rotzy

Not unless that piggyback can add 145hp and 180ft/lbs of torque!

Seriously, the 50i is a beast. If you ever have some free time, go test drive one. Or better yet, if you really don't want to own that engine, never test drive it. It will corrupt you.

bahahahaha yeah I'll skip out on that test drive and ain't no way a piggyback alone is making those kind of numbers. My 35i still beats driving a minivan

[Rotzy]

Originally Posted by M302_imola

My 35i still beats driving a minivan

Absolutely!

I refer to BMW's straight 6 engines as "emotional". They are fairly smooth, but make wonderful noises and sweet power. I really enjoy driving them, as I have owned a 335i and now the M4.

The V8 is something very different. I refer to it as "effortless". The power is breathtaking, definitely effortless, but very quiet and smooth. It's a lot off fun and very rewarding to drive hard, but it doesn't have the same "emotion" or "soul" as the I6. The M versions (S63 & S63TU) bring back some more noises and emotion and I feel it's the best of both worlds, but admittedly I have only test driven them, not lived with them.

What really sets the V8 apart is the low RPM and part throttle torque. I never have to wait for the power with the 50i in the X5, whereas I frequently find myself pushing the M4 further than I want to just to get some low end grunt. Don't get me wrong: I'm not complaining... just pointing out some differences!

[M302_imola]

Originally Posted by Rotzy

Absolutely!

I refer to BMW's straight 6 engines as "emotional". They are fairly smooth, but make wonderful noises and sweet power. I really enjoy driving them, as I have owned a 335i and now the M4.

The V8 is something very different. I refer to it as "effortless". The power is breathtaking, definitely effortless, but very quiet and smooth. It's a lot off fun and very rewarding to drive hard, but it doesn't have the same "emotion" or "soul" as the I6. The M versions (S63 & S63TU) bring back some more noises and emotion and I feel it's the best of both worlds, but admittedly I have only test driven them, not lived with them.

What really sets the V8 apart is the low RPM and part throttle torque. I never have to wait for the power with the 50i in the X5, whereas I frequently find myself pushing the M4 further than I want to just to get some low end grunt. Don't get me wrong: I'm not complaining... just pointing out some differences!

Yes, my E46 M3 was the same way. Torque was pretty bad at low RPM's but once it revved up, hold on! I had full exhaust with no cats, so it screamed like an SOB at wide open throttle. The main difference between the S54 (E46 M3 motor) and the N55 is the N55 builds so much more torque in low RPM's which I like for daily driving. I know I would love the V8 but not the MPG.

[tkelley86]

HUD is a huge quality of life increase IMO

[Stev_chu]

Go with the 50i got the extra cash?..go for the M. Don't look back on the 35i! You'll know you made the right decision when you driving pass a 35i

[M302_imola]

Originally Posted by Stev_chu

Go with the 50i got the extra cash?..go for the M. Don't look back on the 35i! You'll know you made the right decision when you driving pass a 35i

Lol, yeah but the 35i will have the last laugh as you stop to refuel and it passes right by, middle finger in the air