[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by mbd_int

@rainMaker5000 thank you for sharing your impressions.

- how did you like steering feel? Does it have a tight on-center feel or pretty vague? When I test drove gas x5 ‘24 noticed that until I get >50 mph the steering felt very loose/numb on center and was not precise. Does hybrid behave better with extra weight and air suspension?

- are standard brakes sufficient or M performance brakes recommended for car this size?

Thank you!

Welcome to the forum. The front brakes of the 45e/50e are upgraded from the 40i. They are identical to the MSport brakes except they are silver. The discs are also up upgraded but not quite as large as MSport discs. There is no need to upgrade to MSport due to performance or lack thereof.

[915M]

Originally Posted by Cooperpalooza

Ordered the 2024 BMW X5 50e with 21" wheels. I live in Colorado and want a sporty all season tire and a solid winter tire. Not a fan of the run flats on BMWs. Does anyone have any suggestions on non-run flat tires for X5? Do you think I'll regret going with 21" vs 20"? I do like to off road from time to far camping and push my vehicles in the snow etc. Do you think I will regret going with the more "conservative not so fresh" 20"

You can go with 275/45/21 and 315/40/21 size with MICHELIN PRIMACY TOUR A/S.

Only fact that bothered me was rear is slight larger than front(0.2" which is 0.7% difference). But X5 Comp even use larger rear tires stock(0.3" 1% difference) and also if you look at the spec sheet for MICHELIN PRIMACY TOUR A/S with those size, difference is only 0.1"(30.8" and 30.9").

Speedo will be showing 82.7mph at 80mph actual but I don't think it does not matter much. It's not like using different sized front and rear damaging x-drive system.

[eelnoraa]

Originally Posted by mbd_int

@rainMaker5000 thank you for sharing your impressions.

- how did you like steering feel? Does it have a tight on-center feel or pretty vague? When I test drove gas x5 ‘24 noticed that until I get >50 mph the steering felt very loose/numb on center and was not precise. Does hybrid behave better with extra weight and air suspension?

- are standard brakes sufficient or M performance brakes recommended for car this size?

Thank you!

Extra weight can only make handling worse, not better. The vagueness of steering is main because of the electric assist, and probably due front suspension geometry in x5. I notice the caster angle is the front is a lot less positive than say in a 3 series

As for brake, for normal street use, there isn’t difference in braking performance between standard brake or M brake. After all, both can lock up and trigger ABS in single panic braking. Now if you do 10 back to back 60-0 brakes, then larger brake will be better, but why in this usage case??

[jad03060]

While weight matters, the CG of it can make a big difference on how the vehicle feels...there's a lot more weight low in the PHEV versus the ICE.

[SwissBeemer]

Originally Posted by 915M

It's not like using different sized front and rear damaging x-drive system.

Not in width but in circumference. Having a different wear pattern front/rear is a classic issue leading to damaged xDrive systems. There's companies in Germany specialising on rebuilding those. BMW in Germany actually asks you to only buy tires with a * on them, meaning "they are tested to higher standards" basically saying they are closer to the intended circumference, if you want them to swallow the costs of your broken xDrive when slightly out of warranty because allegedly these * tires lead to fewer damaged xDrive systems because they have closer tolerances, while I personally believe it's just a trick to get more people to buy the BMW branded tires.

[jad03060]

AT least in the US, tires from a BMW dealer are often competitive from the parts department, but maybe not if you have the dealer install them as their labor rates tend to be higher.

[Doolerr]

Just checked out a new x5 50e in uk, it was showing 950 miles covered about 350 miles of that total on battery , and finally 42mpg (uk).

[IS350]

Originally Posted by 915M

You can go with 275/45/21 and 315/40/21 size with MICHELIN PRIMACY TOUR A/S.

Only fact that bothered me was rear is slight larger than front(0.2" which is 0.7% difference). But X5 Comp even use larger rear tires stock(0.3" 1% difference) and also if you look at the spec sheet for MICHELIN PRIMACY TOUR A/S with those size, difference is only 0.1"(30.8" and 30.9").

Speedo will be showing 82.7mph at 80mph actual but I don't think it does not matter much. It's not like using different sized front and rear damaging x-drive system.

TireRack says the 275/40/21 from the front will also work on the staggered rear, even though it’s a little less of a weight rating, 107 rating versus 111, this opens up many more tire sizes, and shouldn’t impact speedo.

[juliew]

Originally Posted by javapro

No, that’s the wrong part number. Here is a nice summary about the flexible fast charger that comes with 50e that someone posted in the 50e Facebook group:

“Flexible Fast Charger (FFC) info from 50e bimmerpost forum.
There are 2 versions. The 50e FFC is version 2 and the 240v NEMA pigtail is different between v1 and v2. I spent a great deal of time with the dealer trying to get Level 2 (240v) charging working for the included FFC, including getting the wrong cable (which will fit, but throws a fault), reordering it since it was assumed bad, even dropping the car off at the dealer so they could check out the FFC.

This was more a minor annoyance since I got a $239 EVSE from Amazon made by WorkersBee that has worked great and successfully charges the car in about 3+ hrs.

So here’s the part number info for the Facebook group.
Cable BMW #61905A13A61 is NEMA 14-50 cable for v1 of the FFC and will
NOT work with the FFC v2 included with the 50e
Cable BMW #61448490525 is the correct NEMA 14-50 cable for the 50e FFC v2. I believe it is just entering the ordering systems and there are supply issues and they are back ordered. That may clear up quickly (personal speculation)

Hope this saves some people time. It’s been a frustrating issue for me to get the correct answer and part number.”

Cost aside, is there any reason it is better to wait for the backordered Nema 14-50 cable for 50e (part #61448490525) vs just getting a full Nema 14-50 Level 2 charger on Amazon that will work as well? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I will say that I see reviews on products like the charger above in Amazon that say they die after 1 year of use (i.e., after the warranty expires)
Thanks,
Julie

[jad03060]

I've been using a Clipper Creek unit since 2014...still working fine.

Personally, I much prefer to hard wire in an EVSE versus plugging it in. Throwing in extra connections on a high current device is not without its risks.

[ghanvass]

Originally Posted by Bhuvi

Fellow 50e owner. Does the car come standard with a 14-50 NEMA adapter to connect with the flexible charger or do you need to buy it ? I only got the 10A wall socket 3 pin adapter. I wonder if the dealer missed it ?

I think your dealer missed it. My charger came with both; a standard 3-prong adapter and a NEMA 14-50 adapter.

[jad03060]

Originally Posted by ghanvass

I think your dealer missed it. My charger came with both; a standard 3-prong adapter and a NEMA 14-50 adapter.

While a dealer might supply the level 2 cable, it is not part of the stock EVSE from what I have seen...might have changed.

[gadgetfreak2024]

Originally Posted by jad03060

While a dealer might supply the level 2 cable, it is not part of the stock EVSE from what I have seen...might have changed.

I got one too, but certainly had to ask for it -- and the dealer acted as if they did me a favor throwing it in for nothing. So generous! But better than having to pay for it, so I won't complain too much. That being said, he did make it seem like it was NOT automatically included in the purchase.

When I was trying to source one before my car arrived, I called some dealers around the country who supposedly had stock. One told me they had 8 or 9, but they were reserving them for their customers buying vehicles. That sounds like a customer service move, instead of an obligation.

Just another of those little obfuscations that will make some buyers of new 80-90k vehicles more frustrated than they need to be. Hopefully going forward it is just a standard inclusion.

[jad03060]

My take is this...the vehicle can be recharged with the included, level 1 cord adapter. Pretty much everyone will have that capability as stock in their home in the USA. There are many people who will NOT have a suitable socket to plug in the level 2 cord, which, IMHO, makes it much more reasonable to make that an option.

Second, you will find that regularly plugging in and removing the EVSE from a level 2 capable socket is asking for problems. That socket is more typically used for things like a stove or electric drier that get plugged in once and left for years, not regularly removed and reinserted. The typical socket is not designed for that and the high current, with associated heat and loss of tension on the connector pins can result in problems. It is much better to hard-wire high current devices. AT least an industrial 120vac receptacle is pretty cheap, a heavy duty one for level 2 is 4-5x more expensive than the ones you'll typically find installed and readily available in a big box store.

A word of caution, if the plug slides in easily, it's time to replace the receptacle...the spring tension has degraded and the loose(r) connection may overheat and melt things. Worst case, it starts a fire.

[KT_OH]

Originally Posted by gadgetfreak2024

I got one too, but certainly had to ask for it -- and the dealer acted as if they did me a favor throwing it in for nothing. So generous! But better than having to pay for it, so I won't complain too much. That being said, he did make it seem like it was NOT automatically included in the purchase.

When I was trying to source one before my car arrived, I called some dealers around the country who supposedly had stock. One told me they had 8 or 9, but they were reserving them for their customers buying vehicles. That sounds like a customer service move, instead of an obligation.

Just another of those little obfuscations that will make some buyers of new 80-90k vehicles more frustrated than they need to be. Hopefully going forward it is just a standard inclusion.

Mine did not come with one. At first I was contemplating buying or asking for it (and I may still ask for it out of principle). I have a 40A level 2 set up at home. I may instead though just buy the Tesla adapter. That would seem to have more applicability. When I am away from home, will I really have many instances where there is a NEMA 14-50 plug available? The Tesla adapter would give me more options if I am at a hotel, etc. and the included level 1 for other instances. Just my perspective - the included EVSE could certainly work as a "permanent" wall mounted unit at home, but to me it seems better suited when away from home. Given this is a PHEV, will I really want to/need to charge when away home? Maybe if I am going to be at a vacation rental for a week and can recharge and use electric when there. I am sure there are other use cases, but the Tesla adapter seems like a good addition to expand options.

[javapro]

Originally Posted by KT_OH

Mine did not come with one. At first I was contemplating buying or asking for it (and I may still ask for it out of principle). I have a 40A level 2 set up at home. I may instead though just buy the Tesla adapter. That would seem to have more applicability. When I am away from home, will I really have many instances where there is a NEMA 15-40 plug available? The Tesla adapter would give me more options if I am at a hotel, etc. and the included level 1 for other instances. Just my perspective - the included EVSE could certainly work as a "permanent" wall mounted unit at home, but to me it seems better suited when away from home. Given this is a PHEV, will I really want to/need to charge when away home? Maybe if I am going to be at a vacation rental for a week and can recharge and use electric when there. I am sure there are other use cases, but the Tesla adapter seems like a good addition to expand options.

NEMA 14-50 adapter does NOT come with the flexible fast charger supplied with 50e!

[jad03060]

Originally Posted by javapro

NEMA 14-50 adapter does NOT come with the flexible fast charger supplied with 50e!

Some dealers tend to 'throw' it in, but no, it is not standard equipment.

[BMWFantastic85]

Will cross bars on roof have any material impact on EV only range?

[jad03060]

Originally Posted by BMWFantastic85

Will cross bars on roof have any material impact on EV only range?

Drag will increase, efficiency, however powered will go down. Now, how much of an impact, I don't have enough experience as I rarely use mine.

[jad03060]

On the original version of the Flexible Fast charger EVSE sold with the some BMWs, there was over a dozen different power cables to account for different voltages, plugs, and current ratings. So far, in the USA, there are two viable options, the level 1, 10A cord, and a 40A, level 2 cord. It might be useful to have a 30A cord/plug that could be used at say an RV park. I've not seen the user's manual for the latest, version 2 unit, but it might be interesting to see what options are actually available. It appears that there are some 'extra' pins in that adapter that program the EVSE to adjust its pilot signal, to then tell the vehicle the maximum current it can support based on the cord attached.

[blME]

Received my 50e. Owned multiple BMWs and this one is great.

Purchased adapter for Level 2 with included fast charger and it works great, mounted to wall with new NEMA 14-50 outlet installed by electrician with dedicated GFI breaker. It works very well. So far, 7 days in, consistently over 40 miles on charge; 48 one day. Electric to gas is seamless while running.

Driver Assistance Plus is good on the highway, although on a road split it got confused once… Also some videos indicate to push a button when the display says it is “ready” to engage, that is inaccurate. Instead at that point just remove your hands.

CarPlay is the only problem. It has failed to connect three times, showing it is connected on the phone side while showing an error in the vehicle. I have a fully updated, modern phone with updated vehicle software. So, there is definitely a software issue there somewhere. Three starts and stops running errands and it failed to handshake 1 out of 3 times, for instance. That is likely going to be a software update from BMW. Seemed to be most acute when I chose a destination on the BMW app prior to leaving which fully engaged the BMW map and CarPlay did not seem to like that.

Also, recorded path for parking seems to only work off and on. When pulling up to path location it has only realized it was there once, the remaining times it does not show the path exists.

Wish the tiles on the left side of the home screen could be customized based on all of the available apps. Seems that would be a somewhat easy software upgrade with everything else in there. They are a bit clunky and many provide limited value.

It is a highly complex vehicle with loads of technology. Information seems to be limited, like the various engineers and departments have a hard time translating what they have created for the marketers.

With the vast amount of engineering and technology these are limited issues.

[cobramite]

Originally Posted by jad03060

FWIW, most BMWs tend to beat their factory spec acceleration times in the real world.

Generally by about .5 second which is huge especially when BMW's sandbagged #s here are already well under 5 seconds.