Someone talk me out of this - or maybe not?

[LeopardM3]

So, I've had my F15 50i M-Sport for just over two years now.

Absolutely in love with it. Do not like the new X5 AT ALL.

In addition, my 50i is LOADED with options (see original thread here: https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1562410) and only has about 45k miles on it still, despite being a 2015 car.

That said, I'm already considering trading it in for a 2018 X5M or a 2020 X3M Competition.

Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't love my car, I absolutely do. And the light mods I've done so far have been subtle, but perfect. But I'm finding myself wanting the power, speed, seats (oh god, the seats are so sexy) and extra goodies (exhaust, rear end, front end, mirrors, etc, etc) that come with having an M. Moreover, and this is a minor thing, but I'd love to have the newer infotainment system BMW released in 2018 for the F15 (and, of course, even newer and better in the 2020 X3M) - mine feels crappy & dated at this point. Not to mention lack of wireless charging for the phone.

Additional benefits to the X3M Comp are newer tech everywhere, and about 700lbs lighter, so much improved handling (not to mention the suspension upgrades that go along with that).

Pros to keeping my car: I love it, it's low mileage, is almost paid off (I now owe less than $10K on it), nothing whatsoever wrong with it, and of course easy to mod to get to the power of an X5M.



What to do.....

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by LeopardM3

Pros to keeping my car: I love it, it's low mileage, is almost paid off (I now owe less than $10K on it), nothing whatsoever wrong with it, and of course easy to mod to get to the power of an X5M.



What to do.....

There’s your answer.

[ponytuning]

Originally Posted by LeopardM3

So, I've had my F15 50i M-Sport for just over two years now.

Absolutely in love with it. Do not like the new X5 AT ALL.

In addition, my 50i is LOADED with options (see original thread here: https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1562410) and only has about 45k miles on it still, despite being a 2015 car.

That said, I'm already considering trading it in for a 2018 X5M or a 2020 X3M Competition.

Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't love my car, I absolutely do. And the light mods I've done so far have been subtle, but perfect. But I'm finding myself wanting the power, speed, seats (oh god, the seats are so sexy) and extra goodies (exhaust, rear end, front end, mirrors, etc, etc) that come with having an M. Moreover, and this is a minor thing, but I'd love to have the newer infotainment system BMW released in 2018 for the F15 (and, of course, even newer and better in the 2020 X3M) - mine feels crappy & dated at this point. Not to mention lack of wireless charging for the phone.

Additional benefits to the X3M Comp are newer tech everywhere, and about 700lbs lighter, so much improved handling (not to mention the suspension upgrades that go along with that).

Pros to keeping my car: I love it, it's low mileage, is almost paid off (I now owe less than $10K on it), nothing whatsoever wrong with it, and of course easy to mod to get to the power of an X5M.



What to do.....

I'm griping with the same dilemma each time I finish paying off car loans and if I were in your shoes and knowing me, then I'd go for it
I have less than 6k on my x6 50i and contemplating on going electric for the next one, but the M is definitely very compelling. Sorry, I'm the worst person to answer this... My old 435i was an impulse buy just happening to be close to the dealership that day

[jiggz]

After owning an M car and many non-M cars, I'd almost always say 'yes' in moving from a non-M car to an M car.

With that said, I don't see the value in moving from your well optioned F15 50i to an F85 X5M at this point. F85 prices are still quite high, especially a 2018 - they've barely dropped much in the last 1.5 years since I was looking. Meanwhile the 50i (and every other non M X5 model) is plummeting in value. It's going to take a large chunk of money to go 2015 F15 -> F85 (especially a newer one with the updated iDrive and wireless charging), and you've already got your F15 dialed in just the way you want it.

As for the X3M, have you sat in/driven one yet? They're pretty small inside after being in an F15. And while I haven't driven one, I've read the ride is pretty harsh. I do think they look really good though for a smaller SUV, and are obviously very quick.

And FWIW, the 2017 F15/F85 will also have the updated iDrive & optional Apple Car Play and wireless charging - it's not just the 2018.

[jmack123]

Originally Posted by LeopardM3

So, I've had my F15 50i M-Sport for just over two years now.

Absolutely in love with it. Do not like the new X5 AT ALL.

In addition, my 50i is LOADED with options (see original thread here: https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1562410) and only has about 45k miles on it still, despite being a 2015 car.

That said, I'm already considering trading it in for a 2018 X5M or a 2020 X3M Competition.

Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't love my car, I absolutely do. And the light mods I've done so far have been subtle, but perfect. But I'm finding myself wanting the power, speed, seats (oh god, the seats are so sexy) and extra goodies (exhaust, rear end, front end, mirrors, etc, etc) that come with having an M. Moreover, and this is a minor thing, but I'd love to have the newer infotainment system BMW released in 2018 for the F15 (and, of course, even newer and better in the 2020 X3M) - mine feels crappy & dated at this point. Not to mention lack of wireless charging for the phone.

Additional benefits to the X3M Comp are newer tech everywhere, and about 700lbs lighter, so much improved handling (not to mention the suspension upgrades that go along with that).

Pros to keeping my car: I love it, it's low mileage, is almost paid off (I now owe less than $10K on it), nothing whatsoever wrong with it, and of course easy to mod to get to the power of an X5M.



What to do.....

Regarding your tech issues, you can (of course it could be expensive if you go with BimmerTech -$1700 for example) of upgrade to the Evo MMI system. Even with that heavy cost, it would likely save you in the long run over upgrading. Just a thought, although obviously the decision comes down to far more than that.

[KRS_SN]

A second shaved off in 0-60 a harsher ride some tech gimmicks and a shed load of money extra for the new x5m. No from me.

[M3_Dust]

Lol Dan we are too much alike

I drove the X3M comp at a bmw event a few months ago, it was ok but seems unnecessary when the M40i is available. I love the way the X3 drives but in every other aspect I prefer the X5, better materials and cozier interior especially.

The sensible thing to do is just keep your current one until you've driven all of the value out of it, but the yolo thing to do is trade it now for exactly what you want. I could support either choice.

[imtheant]

Get the 2018 X5M and be done with it. Both my old 50i are jokes compared to the M. Get the M, a nice flash tune and zoom away. You really gonna tell your buddies: "Hey check out my new X3?" Come on now.

[NYBulldog]

X5M is violent, I love it. The X3M is a pocket rocket. I’m going to tell you to go ///M. Either is a great choice. I hope you’ve test driven both. If you don’t need the space on the X5, the X3M should be fine.

[CatalinP]

Swapping a 2015 F15 50i for a 2018 F85 is pointless for me. While the infotainment is newer, it is still outdated when compared to the Gxx models.
I would keep the F15 until I can afford a well spec'ed Gxx.

[FCX5]

Originally Posted by LeopardM3

So, I've had my F15 50i M-Sport for just over two years now.

Absolutely in love with it. Do not like the new X5 AT ALL.

In addition, my 50i is LOADED with options (see original thread here: https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1562410) and only has about 45k miles on it still, despite being a 2015 car.

That said, I'm already considering trading it in for a 2018 X5M or a 2020 X3M Competition.

Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't love my car, I absolutely do. And the light mods I've done so far have been subtle, but perfect. But I'm finding myself wanting the power, speed, seats (oh god, the seats are so sexy) and extra goodies (exhaust, rear end, front end, mirrors, etc, etc) that come with having an M. Moreover, and this is a minor thing, but I'd love to have the newer infotainment system BMW released in 2018 for the F15 (and, of course, even newer and better in the 2020 X3M) - mine feels crappy & dated at this point. Not to mention lack of wireless charging for the phone.

Additional benefits to the X3M Comp are newer tech everywhere, and about 700lbs lighter, so much improved handling (not to mention the suspension upgrades that go along with that).

Pros to keeping my car: I love it, it's low mileage, is almost paid off (I now owe less than $10K on it), nothing whatsoever wrong with it, and of course easy to mod to get to the power of an X5M.



What to do.....

My 2 cents:

2018 X5M > 2018 50i (IMHO that you don't have DHP on the 50i is big deal, my 2018 50i has everything including DHP and I'd give up almost any other option rather than DHP) so this is your option to right a big wrong 😊

2018 50i = 2020 X3M (Again, I'd do the swap because you don't have DHP)

If you had DHP, I would do neither and instead wait for the G series X5M. Since you don't, you'll be happy with the upgrade. I have the B&O in my X5, I also have a lot of other B&O gear in my home and honestly the B&O in the X5 is the least impressive B&O system I have ever owned. So you won't miss much with the X3M (which I don't believe has the B&W audio option)

[jmack123]

Originally Posted by Jaffrey

My 2 cents:

2018 X5M > 2018 50i (IMHO that you don't have DHP on the 50i is big deal, my 2018 50i has everything including DHP and I'd give up almost any other option rather than DHP) so this is your option to right a big wrong 😊

2018 50i = 2020 X3M (Again, I'd do the swap because you don't have DHP)

If you had DHP, I would do neither and instead wait for the G series X5M. Since you don't, you'll be happy with the upgrade. I have the B&O in my X5, I also have a lot of other B&O gear in my home and honestly the B&O in the X5 is the least impressive B&O system I have ever owned. So you won't miss much with the X3M (which I don't believe has the B&W audio option)

I'm curious - do you have any experience with KW V3s? How would the ride quality/handling etc. compare to DHP? Not too many on here with DHP, so wondering if you possibly have personally experienced both. Wondering for the above poster's purposes (and mine as well) if a new set of coilovers would be a worthy alternative.

[LeopardM3]

Originally Posted by CatalinP

Swapping a 2015 F15 50i for a 2018 F85 is pointless for me. While the infotainment is newer, it is still outdated when compared to the Gxx models.
I would keep the F15 until I can afford a well spec'ed Gxx.

This is the only thing I will NOT do, since I hate the Gxx. It's too big, it's ugly, it's boring, it's literally everything I don't want. I can afford it now, actually, just have 0 interest in buying it.

[LeopardM3]

Originally Posted by The Libertine

There’s your answer.

This, without a doubt, makes the most financial sense. I can certainly afford either way, so that's not an issue for me - though we are also building a second house so, if I did make a move, it may be best to wait till that's done.

Originally Posted by jiggz

After owning an M car and many non-M cars, I'd almost always say 'yes' in moving from a non-M car to an M car.

With that said, I don't see the value in moving from your well optioned F15 50i to an F85 X5M at this point. F85 prices are still quite high, especially a 2018 - they've barely dropped much in the last 1.5 years since I was looking. Meanwhile the 50i (and every other non M X5 model) is plummeting in value. It's going to take a large chunk of money to go 2015 F15 -> F85 (especially a newer one with the updated iDrive and wireless charging), and you've already got your F15 dialed in just the way you want it.

As for the X3M, have you sat in/driven one yet? They're pretty small inside after being in an F15. And while I haven't driven one, I've read the ride is pretty harsh. I do think they look really good though for a smaller SUV, and are obviously very quick.

And FWIW, the 2017 F15/F85 will also have the updated iDrive & optional Apple Car Play and wireless charging - it's not just the 2018.

I've definitely owned multiple M cars (and still have one as we speak, the M3), so I know that feeling. Your point re. depreciation is a good one though. Right now F15 X5 is depreciating fast, and I still have a looooot of miles I can put on it. Plus, since I have 4 cars & a 2.1 mile commute to work, I really don't put much mileage on it at all. Which means I won't deal with super expensive maintenance for a long time.

You're right that going to a 2018 F85 is certainly a jump given their value. But it's really not that bad, you can get a very nicely optioned, low mileage one for about $70K - $75K.

Originally Posted by M3_Dust

Lol Dan we are too much alike

I drove the X3M comp at a bmw event a few months ago, it was ok but seems unnecessary when the M40i is available. I love the way the X3 drives but in every other aspect I prefer the X5, better materials and cozier interior especially.

The sensible thing to do is just keep your current one until you've driven all of the value out of it, but the yolo thing to do is trade it now for exactly what you want. I could support either choice.

Ha, thanks Mike! I've driven them all. I honestly don't mind that the X3 is a bit smaller - it makes it better to drive and more efficient, and I don't need the size of the X5 for anything at all, the X3 will haul my dogs just fine (and pretty much anything else I need). You do make a good point that the X5 is more comfortable though.

Originally Posted by imtheant

Get the 2018 X5M and be done with it. Both my old 50i are jokes compared to the M. Get the M, a nice flash tune and zoom away. You really gonna tell your buddies: "Hey check out my new X3?" Come on now.

Best response, really. There is no counter to this.

Originally Posted by NYBulldog

X5M is violent, I love it. The X3M is a pocket rocket. I’m going to tell you to go ///M. Either is a great choice. I hope you’ve test driven both. If you don’t need the space on the X5, the X3M should be fine.

I have driven both, no need for the extra space. The only point of contention to me is that it's universally known the X5 is a better ride whereas the X3 is harsher - but being smaller and lighter, it also handles better.
Of course, there's the engine to consider. Turbocharged V8 vs. Turbocharged I6 with smaller displacement. But that I6 motor is really what BMW has been best at for decades, so I kind of like it. X5 M V8 is a total monster though.

[LeopardM3]

Originally Posted by Jaffrey

My 2 cents:

2018 X5M > 2018 50i (IMHO that you don't have DHP on the 50i is big deal, my 2018 50i has everything including DHP and I'd give up almost any other option rather than DHP) so this is your option to right a big wrong 😊

2018 50i = 2020 X3M (Again, I'd do the swap because you don't have DHP)

If you had DHP, I would do neither and instead wait for the G series X5M. Since you don't, you'll be happy with the upgrade. I have the B&O in my X5, I also have a lot of other B&O gear in my home and honestly the B&O in the X5 is the least impressive B&O system I have ever owned. So you won't miss much with the X3M (which I don't believe has the B&W audio option)

I appreciate the input on this - I was really pissed when BMW went away from B&O, so that's another reason I was leaning 2018 X5M vs 2020 X3M Comp. I just don't think HK does a great car sound system. Your point is well taken still, the B&O in the X5 is nothing like a home system - though it does still sound really nice in the X5.

I honestly haven't listened to the new HK system in the 2020 X3M at all, I need to do that. Also really interesting to hear your point re. DHP. I was of the opinion for a long time that I don't care, since I have an M3, but now I kinda think it would be fun for my giant SUV to be even better handling (hence, frankly, the consideration of the X3M Comp, which will obv be the best handling of all the options).

[FCX5]

Originally Posted by LeopardM3

I appreciate the input on this - I was really pissed when BMW went away from B&O, so that's another reason I was leaning 2018 X5M vs 2020 X3M Comp. I just don't think HK does a great car sound system. Your point is well taken still, the B&O in the X5 is nothing like a home system - though it does still sound really nice in the X5.

I honestly haven't listened to the new HK system in the 2020 X3M at all, I need to do that. Also really interesting to hear your point re. DHP. I was of the opinion for a long time that I don't care, since I have an M3, but now I kinda think it would be fun for my giant SUV to be even better handling (hence, frankly, the consideration of the X3M Comp, which will obv be the best handling of all the options).

The interesting part is that originally I didn't even realize my X5 had DHP. But I noticed that handling the X5 handled flat on curves and was comfortable over bumps. I attributed it to the M Adaptive suspension, then when I checked the build noticed I have it. In your case you have the 3rd row, so DHP was not an option.

My friend with an M50i felt my X5 with DHP handled better than his car. Although, the overall refinement in the new M50i is great in terms of the engine and the interior. Like you, I prefer the exterior design on the F15 over the G20. Also, with the 2018 F15, iDrive has everything I need now that I have wireless full screen Apple CarPlay.

You'll not regret DHP if you want a sporty ride. However, it looks like you optioned your car really well so if you haven't driven an X5 with DHP you should be fine. Also, you're at a point that you are much better off driving your car as long as you can.

To be honest, with neither the X5M of X3M, unless you intend to drive them hard, you are not talking night and day difference. Yes, it'll be a more sporting ride and the fit and finish on the M series is great but you already have a car for it. Your X5 is now set for maximum comfort, I'd just enjoy it. That would be my best advice.

[turboawd]

How much more will it cost you to go to an x5m?

[LeopardM3]

Originally Posted by turboawd

How much more will it cost you to go to an x5m?

Haven't looked up the trade-in value on mine in a bit - but likely another $45K or so.

[turboawd]

Originally Posted by LeopardM3

Haven't looked up the trade-in value on mine in a bit - but likely another $45K or so.

Oof. Keep the 5.0

[FCX5]

Originally Posted by LeopardM3

Haven't looked up the trade-in value on mine in a bit - but likely another $45K or so.

Totally not worth it IMHO. I would not do it since yours is perfectly set up as a DD.

[NYBulldog]

I want an X3MC with MSS Springs

[jmack123]

Originally Posted by LeopardM3

Haven't looked up the trade-in value on mine in a bit - but likely another $45K or so.

My take for what it's worth - you have a car that was your perfect car a couple tears ago. It's about to be paid off. Ride it till the wheels fall off and stack up for when the next refresh of the G series X5 drops or wait and get an X3M down the road. I think many of your wants can be accomplished via retrofitting here and there.