[BDGJ]

I keep seeing posts about all the problems with the 50e (Drivetrain & CELs). Does anyone like their 50e? Do the people having problems still like their 50e?

[gsquare]

I’m still having problems (4th loaner in the garage), but love the vehicle. However, if they can’t get to the bottom of things with this visit, I’m going to explore all options including another 50e.

[porterM]

previous 40i owner, now 50e. the CEL issue obviously is of concern. i had it flash in the first few days of ownership which didn’t turn up anything. But despite this, I think 50e is a fantastic vehicle for what it is. I’ve put in 80 % + of electric driving since Dec. It’s pretty quick, more than enough for daily driving situations. I’m surprised how smooth it is in electric driving, and the acceleration off stop. I’m not so bothered by the switch between electric and ICE, as I think you can adjust your driving to somewhat make it seamless. i usually leave it on electric individual while driving in city, and hybrid for highways. Then there’s Sport mode, which is pretty insane for a hybrid vehicle. I’m also maybe in the minority that actually likes the current implementation of iDrive 8.5 and the removal of physical buttons. I have no trouble enabling functions i need quickly or navigating the system. I got the 50e primarily because of two reasons. First, my previous 21’ X5 xDrive 40i was a non-M Sport due to the having chose the running boards. The looks of that x5 absolutely nagged me for the almost 3 years that i had it. This time i did not miss 😆, completely loaded up the 50e. Second, i just hated driving the 40i in Comfort Mode, and could not bother myself to always select Sport. It was that little bit of hesitation off the line that bothered me. I could not be happier with the 50e in this regard. Even though it defaults to electric drive mode on start, it is actually my preferred mode as it is so smooth and quick off the launch. Anyways my two cents. Also curious to hear others about what they like about their 50e.

[apw2607]

Yea, the 50e drive train is a blast and I’.m just staggered each month how much i drive on e-miles. Last month hit 88% !

I haven’t had any of the drive train issues that others have had.

However, the X5 LCI introduction hasn’t being without issues. It’s mostly the vehicle software that’s being the issue. Other than a few gremlins now, the current software released last week seems pretty good.

[crackerjack15]

Love mine. So smooth. No issues. 7600 miles. Charges in around 3hrs from empty at the house. I drive to work and around town fully electric. Weekends use the gas for longer trips. I hope they make an X7 phev. As I will transition back to that vehicle.

[Major-Zebra]

Love my 50e! No CEL/HV battery issues. Only problems have been CarPlay connectivity (fixed with software update) & a rattle in backseat (replacement part on order).

So far so good!

6,554 miles since 10/27/23!

Took delivery at PCD.

[TexAg91]

No issues with mine, 2,557 miles since delivery. I have a Tesla Gen 3 , level 2 charger and can fully recharge it in 3 hours in my garage. The 50e been exactly what I hoped it would be. Absolutely zero buyers remorse.

[EscaladetoBMW]

Love my 50e. No problems at all. I love the technology. Like others I’m driving mostly electric. In December I used 5 gallons of gas for the entire month.

[cellarrat]

Originally Posted by BDGJ

I keep seeing posts about all the problems with the 50e (Drivetrain & CELs). Does anyone like their 50e? Do the people having problems still like their 50e?

Keep in mind that people tend to come here to ask others about problems they are having. The folks who are having no issues generally don't come here to say that. Not close to being a representative sample

[BDGJ]

I realize people are airing their problems and trying to find help with them. I’m just pleased that there are people out there that are not having problems and are enjoying their 50e. I’m also pleased that those that have had problems are still enjoying the car in spite of the problems.

[FastMarkA]

I have 3,000 miles on my 50e; I came from a 45e and 40i. The 50e is hands down the most fun while also being the most practical option.

Touch wood, but I haven't experienced any of the CEL/DT issues.

Driving the 50e is very enjoyable. I've been rather annoyed at the UI/UE of iDrive 8.5, but I also believe in giving credit where credit is due, and the two motors working together deliver excitement and efficiency.

Maybe someday BMW will hire some intelligent software developers who can implement some intuitive UE; until then, we'll just have buttons replicated on a screen with a bunch of senseless, rigid rules.

I'd absolutely shop the 50e again for the driving performance.

[DJDJR]

Nice to see a positive thread on 50e especially as someone waiting for one!

[krypttic]

The 50e is fantastic... when it works. That's the rub though.

[eluded]

This, amazing car but the CEL's cast a shadow over that.

Originally Posted by krypttic

The 50e is fantastic... when it works. That's the rub though.

[yunig05]

I love my 50e. No issues. It's a beast.

[mscot]

There are some minor things that bother me about my 50e but it's the most expensive car I've purchased (but looking at inflation, not by much) so I think that's a natural reaction.

Most of my complaints are the UX of the iDrive 8.5 - which is also natural as I consult on process design for a living. I think about UX constantly. And then there are some bugs. Software development isn't as easy as people think it is. However, BMW could invest in some more stringent QA and I'd be happy to consult with them on UX.

Overall, the car is terrific.
It is a very comfortable and super smooth vehicle. It handles great, especially for a 5.k lbs vehicle. It is one of, if not the, best looking of the X5s to date (subjective and maybe a bit of choice supportive bias at play).
It is (mostly) a very well designed and well built car. Example:
My friend was blown away at how smoothly the windows roll up and down and he was unable to get the helicopter sound you hear when a window is just barely cracked.

Could it be designed better? Probably.
Is there an SUV on the road that is designed better? Probably not.

[Francolargo]

Originally Posted by FastMarkA

Maybe someday BMW will hire some intelligent software developers who can implement some intuitive UE; until then, we'll just have buttons replicated on a screen with a bunch of senseless, rigid rules.

I'd absolutely shop the 50e again for the driving performance.

I agree on both counts.

In my perspective, the design of the digital user interface is very consistent with BMW's philosophy. However, apply that philosophy in a vehicle with two separate and intertwined power sources, then throw in the usual 'sport' performance focus, and let's not forget choices to optimize economy as well... The driver's control options are just mind-bending. I'm in month 4 and still making discoveries in how it works (and I haven't hitched a trailer to it yet ).

But I love driving the 50e. The air suspension, the impressive power reserve, the quiet interior in which everybody is comfortable, and let's not forget the fresh and good looking exterior - they all work for me.
...and I just knock wood that my trouble-free streak persists and that I got "a good one"!

[BlackDesertCanuck]

I love driving my 50e. I am about 50/50 electric to gas driving mostly because I have too much fun driving in sport mode.
I already had a Rivian wall box in my garage and can charge to 100% in about 3 hours. As a former Rivian driver, I also am used to having no physical buttons so the new software in the vehicle doesn’t bother me. I am just glad I have physical way of adjusting the air vents!
I have had my CEL come on twice, both after I drove on the highway and used assisted driving. The CEL resets itself on its own and I don’t have any other issues. Overall, I really enjoy driving my 50e.

[krypttic]

Originally Posted by BlackDesertCanuck

I love driving my 50e. I am about 50/50 electric to gas driving mostly because I have too much fun driving in sport mode.
I already had a Rivian wall box in my garage and can charge to 100% in about 3 hours. As a former Rivian driver, I also am used to having no physical buttons so the new software in the vehicle doesn’t bother me. I am just glad I have physical way of adjusting the air vents!
I have had my CEL come on twice, both after I drove on the highway and used assisted driving. The CEL resets itself on its own and I don’t have any other issues. Overall, I really enjoy driving my 50e.

Do you go to the dealer for the CELs or just ignore them since they go away on their own?

[Francolargo]

Originally Posted by krypttic

Do you go to the dealer for the CELs or just ignore them since they go away on their own?

Speaking only for myself, I preemptively bought an OBD port interface to read any error codes should they occur. It's useful for communicating with service providers and for setting expectations re: 'mission capability' when away from home. So far, only two programming-based alerts that resolved themselves have occurred.

[krypttic]

Originally Posted by Francolargo

Speaking only for myself, I preemptively bought an OBD port interface to read any error codes should they occur. It's useful for communicating with service providers and for setting expectations re: 'mission capability' when away from home. So far, only two programming-based alerts that resolved themselves have occurred.

I don't trust that a code just resolves itself. I'm probably being over-cautious, but I've taken mine to the dealer on each occurrence. I just can't take the chance that an error is erroneous when, if it's not, it can leave my family stranded on the side of the road.

[Francolargo]

Originally Posted by krypttic

I don't trust that a code just resolves itself. I'm probably being over-cautious, but I've taken mine to the dealer on each occurrence. I just can't take the chance that an error is erroneous when, if it's not, it can leave my family stranded on the side of the road.

Everybody should stay in their comfort zone. Knowing how software evolves (plus specific error codes), my zone might be different from others'. I wasn't expecting the 50e to be as buggy as it is based on the 45e precedents. But even in the area of sensor and control systems, the 50e seems to have evolved significantly from the 45e. The good thing is that the software can be expected to continue improving.