[toronto_m50i]

Hey guys so i have a 2020 M50i, and with a lot of help from friends at BMW I've been able to source out the upper strut brace and all the required parts to retrofit this on my vehicle.

For the upper strut brace, and most of the parts, there actually isn't a part number in the BMW system, so you'll need someone on the inside to help you out. In total it cost me about $800 Canadian.

Also, I track my M50i so for me it makes a noticeable difference, but if you're not tracking it then all it does is become a visible mod.

Parts Needed:
- X5M Intake Ducts
- X5M Front brace (Part above rad support
- X5M Rear Brace (Strut Tower to Firewall)
- X5M Brace Mount (Mounts on to firewall and connects the rear brace)
- X5M Oil filler neck (original won't clear front bar)
- You will have to cut your engine cover to clear the front brace

Here's some pics

[M_Sugi]

Thats awesome man! let me know if you notice a big difference in rigidity when you go to the track in the spring because I would be interested in doing this as well. Noob question but why did you heat shield the intakes? Is it more of a aesthetics thing or is it because of how hot these engines get during track use? Ive noticed it gets real toasty during aggressive driving and drag days for me but I didnt think it was that bad.

[toronto_m50i]

Originally Posted by M_Sugi

Thats awesome man! let me know if you notice a big difference in rigidity when you go to the track in the spring because I would be interested in doing this as well. Noob question but why did you heat shield the intakes? Is it more of a aesthetics thing or is it because of how hot these engines get during track use? Ive noticed it gets real toasty during aggressive driving and drag days for me but I didnt think it was that bad.

It's already a big difference on spirited driving around the city. I feel the rear end needs some attention now so i'll be looking to see what I can find from the x5m to retrofit.

As for the heat under the hood, i ended up doing downpipes and wrapped them in DEI exhaust wrap which helped considerably with heat. This was on recommendation from some friends to help lower some IATs. From other chassis doing this helped them considerably with the n63 so I could only hope that it helps on the g05

[Bearco]

That looks great. You’ll have to update us what you do for the rear!

[toronto_m50i]

Originally Posted by Bearco

That looks great. You’ll have to update us what you do for the rear!

will do... trying to figure out part numbers and cross referencing them between the m chassis is the hard part because these guys are always busy

there will be some developments in the next couple of months!

[PNWM50I]

Thanks for the write up! I too have wanted the X5M strut brace but didn’t know the complexity of it all. The Dinan carbon Fiber intake for the X5M will now likely fit your car . It’s pretty sweet looking but performance gains are not eye popping.

[PNWM50I]

Originally Posted by toronto_m50i

It's already a big difference on spirited driving around the city. I feel the rear end needs some attention now so i'll be looking to see what I can find from the x5m to retrofit.

As for the heat under the hood, i ended up doing downpipes and wrapped them in DEI exhaust wrap which helped considerably with heat. This was on recommendation from some friends to help lower some IATs. From other chassis doing this helped them considerably with the n63 so I could only hope that it helps on the g05

Which downpipes did you purchase?

[Outack]

Looks awesome! What is the motivation to doing this, vs trading for a full-fat M?

[vinibabs]

What if...I just wanted to swap out my M50 intakes for the X5M version. Is it just a difference in routing--is there a performance (even just a bit more noise) to be gained?

My M50 is just so... disappointingly quiet IMO. New exhaust setups are quite expensive, just curious if the M intake setup is any bit less restrictive.

[Burnt C6]

I've been wanting to do this to my X6 M50i. I knew replacing the intakes to the filter housing would need to happen. Wasn't sure what all else I was going to need. This helps me out a lot. Not real sure I want to cut my engine cover as I have had it painted. I sent a message to Dinan on their air intake to see if it would fit the M50i but no reply on that yet.

[toronto_m50i]

Originally Posted by PNWM50I

Thanks for the write up! I too have wanted the X5M strut brace but didn’t know the complexity of it all. The Dinan carbon Fiber intake for the X5M will now likely fit your car . It’s pretty sweet looking but performance gains are not eye popping.

oooh i'm going to look into that now

[toronto_m50i]

Originally Posted by PNWM50I

Which downpipes did you purchase?

i have the fi exhaust 200 cell catted downpipes. Bought it from a member her eon the forum. Sounds amazing

[toronto_m50i]

Originally Posted by Outack

Looks awesome! What is the motivation to doing this, vs trading for a full-fat M?

i bought my vehicle as a demo for 90k+taxes. A full fat M is 140k+taxes.

I've already surpassed the performance of the M with 5k (exhaust/stage 2 tune). So basically more money in my pocket.

This mod for me is actually very functional since i track my suv frequently.

[toronto_m50i]

Originally Posted by vinibabs

What if...I just wanted to swap out my M50 intakes for the X5M version. Is it just a difference in routing--is there a performance (even just a bit more noise) to be gained?

My M50 is just so... disappointingly quiet IMO. New exhaust setups are quite expensive, just curious if the M intake setup is any bit less restrictive.

little bit more noise, maybe an increase in flow but nothing you'd probaly notice. No routing differences.

Here's what I did initially, opened the exhaust valves and pulled the fuse, then high flow intake air filters and x5m air ducts. Everything sounded great.

[vinibabs]

Originally Posted by toronto_m50i

Here's what I did initially, opened the exhaust valves and pulled the fuse, then high flow intake air filters and x5m air ducts. Everything sounded great.

Any issues at all with the resonator delete/ fuse pull? Did you use the BMS filter?

I'm really trying to decide if the dealer can concoct a scheme where they get out of warranty work if they see these seemingly basic mods.

[toronto_m50i]

Originally Posted by vinibabs

Any issues at all with the resonator delete/ fuse pull? Did you use the BMS filter?

I'm really trying to decide if the dealer can concoct a scheme where they get out of warranty work if they see these seemingly basic mods.

none at all. I did use the BMS filter. The only thing that they could get out of is any warranty work related to the exhaust I would think

[toronto_m50i]

Originally Posted by vinibabs

Any issues at all with the resonator delete/ fuse pull? Did you use the BMS filter?

I'm really trying to decide if the dealer can concoct a scheme where they get out of warranty work if they see these seemingly basic mods.

https://x-ph.com/cg-precision-vsc-2-...nd-controller/

I ended up purchasing this to control my valves and put the fuses back in since its pretty loud right now.

Its plug and play, uses factory harnesses, doesn't need a separate ground or power wire, and comes with two remotes. I was actually able to program the remote to my homelink on my rear view mirror and i use that now to open and close my valves whenever i like.

[Scottdip]

Did you use the standard wiring option or the modified wiring option?

[toronto_m50i]

Originally Posted by Scottdip

Did you use the standard wiring option or the modified wiring option?

Standard with the extension

[DBV]

Wow! I love seeing projects like this take form, and to see someone realizing a vision with help of the forum.

Originally Posted by Outack

Looks awesome! What is the motivation to doing this, vs trading for a full-fat M?

He's already answered, but I was going to venture: pricing.

Aside from that, I'd love to get the comfort of the M50i in a package like the X5M. I drove a X5M when considering my order, and was shocked how much rougher the ride was. I know air suspension is the last thing you want when tracking, but I wouldn't want an X5 without it, for my needs at least.

[M_Sugi]

Sorry for the Delayed response but thats sick to hear! do you by any chance have any videos you could post of how much louder the downpipes made it, and have you had a chance to do a tune & dyno yet? Im on the fence with getting downpipes even though I know with the jb4 it'll have a nice bump in power

[BimmerBoy8403]

toronto_m50i I'm a noob here. Love what you're doing w/the mod. I have a G05 X5 40i w/M Sport. I'm dissapointed in how there's very little steering feeedback. If I do something like what you did, replacing front strut bar. Do you think it will improve steering feeedback? Thank you!