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      03-26-2020, 12:38 PM   #1
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M50i vs X5M/X6M Break-in schedule

I know the X5M/X6M requires a special 1200 mile service. Does this apply to our M50i's as well? The top of the engine does say BMW M Performance. If not, why?
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      03-26-2020, 12:57 PM   #2
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It's the same 1200 miles (300 miles for brakes) break-in period for ALL BMW's that I've owned over decades. Doesn't matter if it's M, M-Sport, or main-line series.

Last edited by Pictor; 03-26-2020 at 01:00 PM.. Reason: corrected from 400 miles to 300 miles for brakes
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      03-26-2020, 02:13 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pictor View Post
It's the same 1200 miles (300 miles for brakes) break-in period for ALL BMW's that I've owned over decades. Doesn't matter if it's M, M-Sport, or main-line series.
OP is inquiring about the 1200 mile service for genuine M models...oil/filter change, differential, software/limiter, etc...

M50i does not require a 1200 break in service....M Performance is just marketing.
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      03-26-2020, 02:43 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kief View Post
M50i does not require a 1200 break in service....M Performance is just marketing.
It’s not just marketing, it’s ///Marketing.
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      03-26-2020, 03:21 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kief View Post
OP is inquiring about the 1200 mile service for genuine M models...oil/filter change, differential, software/limiter, etc...

M50i does not require a 1200 break in service....M Performance is just marketing.
I encourage you to look at engine codes before stating erroneous info.

To the OP, BMW uses break-in oils on M-diff for sure, but there is some conflicting info if BMW uses engine break-in oil on the M. For sure, we know the diff is break-in, so it MUST be changed at 1,200 miles. We know BMW does not use break-in oil on the differential on the M-50i, so you do not need to do a service on the diff at 1,200 miles.

Since we cannot get firm info on the engine oil used on the M, one could argue whether it is needed or not on the M50i. Most enthusiasts believe the 1,200 mile engine oil change was because some small metal fragments can be produced during the break-in. That break-in oil change is then to remove that oil after those small fragments are produced. Many also argue that modern engines are broken in on a stand, so the 1,200 mile oil change isn't needed.

I changed mine because there is no penalty. New oil can never be a bad thing and the cost is low, so why not.
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      03-26-2020, 03:24 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 130FeetDeep View Post
I encourage you to look at engine codes before stating erroneous info.

To the OP, BMW uses break-in oils on M-diff for sure, but there is some conflicting info if BMW uses engine break-in oil on the M. For sure, we know the diff is break-in, so it MUST be changed at 1,200 miles. We know BMW does not use break-in oil on the differential on the M-50i, so you do not need to do a service on the diff at 1,200 miles.

Since we cannot get firm info on the engine oil used on the M, one could argue whether it is needed or not on the M50i. Most enthusiasts believe the 1,200 mile engine oil change was because some small metal fragments can be produced during the break-in. That break-in oil change is then to remove that oil after those small fragments are produced. Many also argue that modern engines are broken in on a stand, so the 1,200 mile oil change isn't needed.

I changed mine because there is no penalty. New oil can never be a bad thing and the cost is low, so why not.
Sure, you can change your oil how often you want, but the fact of the matter is, BMW doesn't require you to do it for the 40i, 50i or M50i. The X5M, and all M cars, require it at 1,200 miles. At this time they also remove the limiter and enable launch control.
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      03-26-2020, 03:30 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VTENGR View Post
Sure, you can change your oil how often you want, but the fact of the matter is, BMW doesn't require you to do it for the 40i, 50i or M50i. The X5M, and all M cars, require it at 1,200 miles. At this time they also remove the limiter and enable launch control.
Have we ever seen legit verification on the limiter? It could easily be tested in EsysX.

VT is accurate though. The oil change at 1,200 mile on the M50i is not required by BMW so it is owner's call.
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      03-26-2020, 03:31 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by AEC View Post
It’s not just marketing, it’s ///Marketing.
I wouldn't fully agree with this, just marketing. When I was at the engine plant in Munich the M models are done with completely different parts and at some stages a different assembly line. They told us the tolerances and parts are engineered with racing in mind and are recommended to be treated differently. This actual goes the same for suspension systems and drive train in general. They are not the same. Keep in mind I have not torn two vehicles down to compare and guessing no one on here has but the factory and the dealership are aligned on the differences between full M and the rest. The oil that goes into the engine at factor is also different "yes I asked". They couldn't show us because the oil is not on the floor but they did show us two differently colored hose lines hanging above the fill station.
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      03-26-2020, 04:34 PM   #9
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No regular BMW or M performance cars require any oil or dif oil change - it is not covered by BMW not recommended and not necessary. except for damage to environment it achieves nothing.

For M cars - they require 1200 mile service and change motor oil and dif. Since M cars are build with tighter tolerances and are driven much harder and are expected to perform on the track day 1.
Running cars at red line requires more often fluid changers.

There is no limiter or launch control limiter on M cars. You can race them day 1. 1200 mile service changes nothing.

If tracked - heavier oils are recommended
MOTUL 8100 5W-40 X-cess Synthetic Engine Oil - for engine at least. (10W60 on older models)
red line dif fluid
Motul600 or better brake fluid.
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      03-26-2020, 04:42 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 130FeetDeep View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kief View Post
OP is inquiring about the 1200 mile service for genuine M models...oil/filter change, differential, software/limiter, etc...

M50i does not require a 1200 break in service....M Performance is just marketing.
I encourage you to look at engine codes before stating erroneous info.

To the OP, BMW uses break-in oils on M-diff for sure, but there is some conflicting info if BMW uses engine break-in oil on the M. For sure, we know the diff is break-in, so it MUST be changed at 1,200 miles. We know BMW does not use break-in oil on the differential on the M-50i, so you do not need to do a service on the diff at 1,200 miles.

Since we cannot get firm info on the engine oil used on the M, one could argue whether it is needed or not on the M50i. Most enthusiasts believe the 1,200 mile engine oil change was because some small metal fragments can be produced during the break-in. That break-in oil change is then to remove that oil after those small fragments are produced. Many also argue that modern engines are broken in on a stand, so the 1,200 mile oil change isn't needed.

I changed mine because there is no penalty. New oil can never be a bad thing and the cost is low, so why not.
^^^This guy
You agree with others who repeated what I posted...
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      03-26-2020, 05:21 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ilyam5 View Post
No regular BMW or M performance cars require any oil or dif oil change - it is not covered by BMW not recommended and not necessary. except for damage to environment it achieves nothing.

For M cars - they require 1200 mile service and change motor oil and dif. Since M cars are build with tighter tolerances and are driven much harder and are expected to perform on the track day 1.
Running cars at red line requires more often fluid changers.

There is no limiter or launch control limiter on M cars. You can race them day 1. 1200 mile service changes nothing.

If tracked - heavier oils are recommended
MOTUL 8100 5W-40 X-cess Synthetic Engine Oil - for engine at least. (10W60 on older models)
red line dif fluid
Motul600 or better brake fluid.
Are you sure about that? I don't know first hand, but have heard from other M owners that bmw puts performance restrictions on M cars during their break-in period.
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      03-26-2020, 05:31 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VTENGR View Post
Are you sure about that? I don't know first hand, but have heard from other M owners that bmw puts performance restrictions on M cars during their break-in period.
Had many M cars. No restrictions. Look at the journalists testing the cars. they use launch control and cars are under 1200

On the other hand - launch control is a tough exercise on any car - brake in or not. I usually do not perform them on my cars.
repeated LCs are going to be blocked by car sensors because of overheating.
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      03-26-2020, 05:33 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ilyam5 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by VTENGR View Post
Are you sure about that? I don't know first hand, but have heard from other M owners that bmw puts performance restrictions on M cars during their break-in period.
Had many M cars. No restrictions. Look at the journalists testing the cars. they use launch control and cars are under 1200

On the other hand - launch control is a tough exercise on any car - brake in or not. I usually do not perform them on my cars.
repeated LCs are going to be blocked by car sensors because of overheating.
I stand corrected. Always thought they disabled launch control and limited RPM so you don't inadvertently blow your engine.
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      03-26-2020, 05:38 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kief View Post
^^^This guy
You agree with others who repeated what I posted...
Again, M-Performance is not just marketing. The 50i and M50i do not have the same engine code.

Quote:
The upcoming 2020 M50i versions of the X5 and X7 will be getting the 850i engine. Although both engines fall under the same N63TU3 engine code, more specifically, the current X5’s and X7’s is actually the N63B44M3 while the 850i uses the N63B44T3.

As documented in this article, the more powerful N63B44T3 adds high-pressure 5,000 PSI fuel injection, enlarged twin-scroll turbochargers, a redeveloped intake manifold and an additional upstream radiator, compared to less powerful the N63B44M3. The 2020 X5 and X7 M50i are expected to get the N63B44T3 engine.

Your statement that M-Performance is all marketing is utterly wrong. I am sorry that rubs you the wrong way, but it is an undeniable fact that the engine is different including different sized turbos, intake manifold, and FI are different.

Either way, I wasn't trying to be rude. I am just saying the M50i are indeed different.

Last edited by 130FeetDeep; 03-26-2020 at 05:54 PM..
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      03-27-2020, 04:26 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 130FeetDeep View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kief View Post
^^^This guy
You agree with others who repeated what I posted...
Again, M-Performance is not just marketing. The 50i and M50i do not have the same engine code.

Quote:
The upcoming 2020 M50i versions of the X5 and X7 will be getting the 850i engine. Although both engines fall under the same N63TU3 engine code, more specifically, the current X5's and X7's is actually the N63B44M3 while the 850i uses the N63B44T3.

As documented in this article, the more powerful N63B44T3 adds high-pressure 5,000 PSI fuel injection, enlarged twin-scroll turbochargers, a redeveloped intake manifold and an additional upstream radiator, compared to less powerful the N63B44M3. The 2020 X5 and X7 M50i are expected to get the N63B44T3 engine.

Your statement that M-Performance is all marketing is utterly wrong. I am sorry that rubs you the wrong way, but it is an undeniable fact that the engine is different including different sized turbos, intake manifold, and FI are different.

Either way, I wasn't trying to be rude. I am just saying the M50i are indeed different.
Let's come back to the original intent of the OP's question in relation to my reply...unlike a genuine M model, the M50i does not require a 1200 mile service...no one questioned the 50i vs M50i engine differences.

I'm taking a wild guess, but you have a M50i? No need to defend your purchase...I currently have a M50i in the garage too, and that was after owning an X5M for 1.5yr, but it was overkill for my wife, and we decided the M50i would be a nice compromise. Evidently, the M Performance marketing worked.
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      03-27-2020, 06:09 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 130FeetDeep View Post
Again, M-Performance is not just marketing. The 50i and M50i do not have the same engine code.


The M50i engine is different to the 50i engine in the same way that the 50i engine is different to 40i engine (obviously), and so on. I don't think the engine being different is the crux of the matter; all different models have different engines.

The point was only made that in relation to M cars that must have their oil changed at 1200 miles, M Performance models do not require this and in that regard, should not be conflated with M cars (the OP did ask "if not, why not?")

I think we can all agree on that.

I wouldn't say M Performance is just marketing. Its a name given to a level of performance that you can't get in a non M-Performance version of the same car. 'M' is also a name given to an even higher level of performance. Either its all marketing, or none of it is. Bottom line, if I see an X5 M50i, I know it has more HP than an X5 50i but less than an M5.
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      03-27-2020, 03:04 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kief View Post
Let's come back to the original intent of the OP's question in relation to my reply...unlike a genuine M model, the M50i does not require a 1200 mile service...no one questioned the 50i vs M50i engine differences.

I'm taking a wild guess, but you have a M50i? No need to defend your purchase...I currently have a M50i in the garage too, and that was after owning an X5M for 1.5yr, but it was overkill for my wife, and we decided the M50i would be a nice compromise. Evidently, the M Performance marketing worked.
Agreed on the answer to the OP post. We are on the same page there.

As far as what I own, it is an M50i. I was trying to decide between an Q8 and X5 when I realized a 523 hp version existed that wasn't a full blown M. The 50i hp was not going to be enough for me to justify the price difference, but the higher hp version made the decision for me. After researching the M50i and discovering a new engine code, different sized twin scrolls, larger injectors, different cooling, different intake manifold, etc. I was sold. This is not BMW just cranking the boost, but a legitimately different configured power plant.

As for the ///M badge stuff. I have never owned an M. I think a lot of the M guys are snobby and look down at the rest of the bimmer crew. I can't relate to that. I bought this vehicle because I wanted a fast SUV that I can DD. The M50i gave me the larger twin scrolls and injectors I wanted. I have that. When I am done with DP, tune, exhaust, and intake, I am confident this platform will put nearly 600 rwhp. That is my goal, not being a badge snob.
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      03-27-2020, 03:22 PM   #18
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Too much ego gets wrapped up into this badge chest-thumping. I own a full out M comp and a lite M Sport. My lite M, 50i M Sport does under 4 seconds 0-60mph. That is stupid fast for a luxury SUV regardless of the badge on the back. If I needed/wanted a faster people mover then forget the next level extreme SUV and just get a M5 Comp as neither a X5M or M5C is going anywhere near a dirt road let alone snow. It's all overkill in a SUV anyway. These are big heavy vehicles and going 3.7 seconds vs 3.9 seconds isn't going to matter or change my application of use even when really pushing it. I am already a dog on a chain frustrated on public roads now not using 1/2 the performance.

I’m have a friend in PCA that owns a Carrera GT and he actually drives it on club drives. Most of us 911 owners are in awe but he said a very interesting point when it comes to his cars performance. He said “Sometimes you get so much performance that you are really just putting a hat on a hat.”

Last edited by MystroX5; 03-27-2020 at 03:52 PM..
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      03-28-2020, 07:47 AM   #19
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I've an M50i coming and I'm coming from a decade of back to back M cars (mostly M3s and M4s). There is a HUGE difference between the M Lites and full Ms in the overall poise and feel of the car. I'm an M snob in that sense and an M340i comes nowhere near the M3 in looks or driving experience. Likewise the M240i is nothing like an M2 CP.

That's not to say the M lites aren't epic cars in their own right.

I agree with the post above that sometimes you don't need the additional M treatment. That's why I opted for the M50i vs the full X5M. I love the X5M but for me I didn't need the extra power (although it looks far more special).
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      03-28-2020, 11:34 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Unit View Post
I've an M50i coming and I'm coming from a decade of back to back M cars (mostly M3s and M4s). There is a HUGE difference between the M Lites and full Ms in the overall poise and feel of the car. I'm an M snob in that sense and an M340i comes nowhere near the M3 in looks or driving experience. Likewise the M240i is nothing like an M2 CP.

That's not to say the M lites aren't epic cars in their own right.

I agree with the post above that sometimes you don't need the additional M treatment. That's why I opted for the M50i vs the full X5M. I love the X5M but for me I didn't need the extra power (although it looks far more special).
Totally agree as a full M has completely different feel and is it’s own animal. That’s not a good or bad thing but rather a different priority of driving dynamics.
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      03-12-2021, 05:01 PM   #21
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I made an Apt to swap out Winter / Summer wheels and since I have 1,200 miles on the M50i wanted to do an oil change. The SA scheduled it for a Break-in service and claimed multiple times it was covered. I told him I don't have an "M" I have an M50i and asked to double check. He double checked confirmed he was looking at the M50i and said it's showing as covered. I said fine, put me down. Question is, why wouldn't you do this if it's covered? I don't see any negatives
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      03-12-2021, 06:07 PM   #22
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As I posted in the other thread, I chose to do an extra oil and filter change, and rear differential fluid change, on my M50i at 1,200 miles. Not required for non-M cars. I paid for it.

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