[iconoclast]

If you were to do it all over again would you choose one over the other the second time around?

Anyone on here regret purchasing their M50i over X5M?

M50i with $106k MSRP versus X5Mc with $123k MSRP.

[GOLFFRR]

M vehicle will always be a M vehicle and will be in its own class over the other line ups IMO. with that said the M50 for a non M car is a beast! Interesting question, curious to see what people answer with.

[VTENGR]

if money were no object I would love to have an M car. With that being said, if money were no object I would probably have a 911 Turbo so maybe I wouldn't need the M car anymore - IDK.

I absolutely love my M50i. Was driving down the highway the other day and made an "aggressive" (what most BMW drivers would call routine) move and went from 65 to 105 before I even had a chance to realize how fast I was going. I'm not sure the X5M or X5Mc would offer $20+k worth of more enjoyment, to be honest. The M50i is overkill for an SUV - the X5M(c) are even more overkill - I bet most don't even utilize the top end of the performance spectrum that you're paying extra for - so it's mostly for notoriety, IMO.

My ideal BMW lineup would be the M50i with an M4 convertible.

[spyfish007]

Originally Posted by VTENGR

My ideal BMW lineup would be the M50i with an M4 convertible.

I almost agree with you. I would pick the M8 convertible instead. Also if they would offer an Alpina version of the X5/X6 that would be great.

[iconoclast]

The other variable is that through the same dealership I can have the M50i this weekend where the X5M will be available in a couple of months.

Originally Posted by VTENGR

if money were no object I would love to have an M car.

It isn't a matter of money not being an object but more so if the object is worth the money. In this case the difference between the two; is it tangible or simply bragging rights.

[VTENGR]

Originally Posted by iconoclast

The other variable is that through the same dealership I can have the M50i this weekend where the X5M will be available in a couple of months.



It isn't a matter of money not being an object but more so if the object is worth the money. In this case the difference between the two; is it tangible or simply bragging rights.

My opinion - I have known 2 ppl with an X5M - neither tracked them ever - it was their DD. So for them it was more about separating themselves from the dregs of society (TIC) that buy the "regular" X5s. When they pull up to the country club they don't get mocked by the Cayenne Turbo crowd, etc... Just my opinion based on my 2 buds who had them and how they typically drove them.

Fun story, my one bud let me drive his - he didn't even know how the M modes worked - if that tells you anything - so I took him for a spin and the whole time he was scared I was going to wreck his car. I was just trying to show him what he paid for, that's all... You paid for driving as fast as you can into a curve and slamming on the breaks as hard as you can to take the curve then accelerate through the curve - most people aren't programmed to drive that way unless you have taken some track days - completely counter intuitive - they think they're going to break the car. But that's what you paid for - that type of performance.

[GOLFFRR]

Originally Posted by iconoclast

The other variable is that through the same dealership I can have the M50i this weekend where the X5M will be available in a couple of months.



It isn't a matter of money not being an object but more so if the object is worth the money. In this case the difference between the two; is it tangible or simply bragging rights.

Why can't you get one from another dealer now? Tons of X5Mc on lots out there. We have a nice one as well, also your dealer can dealer trade Im sure to get one that you want.

[iconoclast]

Originally Posted by VTENGR

My opinion - I have known 2 ppl with an X5M - neither tracked them ever - it was their DD.

I've owned many variants of the X5 but most notable were the E70 X5M and two different F85 X5M both Dinan StageII. I never tracked them either but I loved them all on open roads.

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

Why can't you get one from another dealer now? Tons of X5Mc on lots out there. We have a nice one as well, also your dealer can dealer trade Im sure to get one that you want.

That is when my would be ready. I have shopped around and seems every local in stock unit is not optioned the way I would like. (At least at the time we searched.)

[VTENGR]

Originally Posted by iconoclast

I've owned many variants of the X5 but most notable were the E70 X5M and two different F85 X5M both Dinan StageII. I never tracked them either but I loved them all on open roads.



That is when my would be ready. I have shopped around and seems every local in stock unit is not optioned the way I would like. (At least at the time we searched.)

I'm sure they're a blast. I just wonder how fast you have to be going to really take advantage of the extra horsepower. The extra torque you feel every day just by punching it at a red light, but the extra HP probably doesn't come into play until you're trying to exceed some very high speeds (like 150+ MPH).

[MystroX5]

I am not sure money has much to do with it as they are close enough at this level of vehicle it really should matter. If you are already paying close to $100k and another $17k is a issue, then you are probably way over extending yourself in the first place.


There are members that have switched/traded in their new 2020 X5M for a 2020 X5M50i because of the X5M harsh ride. One member in the North East that I remember had his X5M for about 6 weeks and couldn’t live with the ride.

[elitex]

Wait for the M, it's worth it. X5M feels completely different than the regular X5's. it's not just about the horsepower.

[schaeffs888]

A couple of thoughts in no particular order as I have just had this dilemma:

- On the waiting front it's no different here in the UK if you want an M50i or X5MC timing wise.
- For me the main reason why I went for X5MC was the looks of the car. We are moving from an F15 M50d and made the decision to go petrol for the next car so that brought the X5MC into contention. I really like what they have done with the car particularly around the front end - it looks really mean and also the wheels for me (chose 818Ms) made the car. My thinking was I am never going to want to modify the car at all - its perfect as it is.
- For the M50i - I really like the idea of air suspension and you can't get that in the X5MC - in the end I went for ultimate grip over comfortable ride but there is real merit in the air suspension IMO.
- I agree with some of the comments on whether it will be used to its limits - I really don't think you will use either of them to their limits 99% of the time - but it is there if you need it!
- Ultimately, I was offered a good deal and took it but would have been completely and I mean completely happy with an M50i - you are really just talking about small degrees of awesome cars.

[bav29]

Originally Posted by schaeffs888

A couple of thoughts in no particular order as I have just had this dilemma:

- On the waiting front it's no different here in the UK if you want an M50i or X5MC timing wise.
- For me the main reason why I went for X5MC was the looks of the car. We are moving from an F15 M50d and made the decision to go petrol for the next car so that brought the X5MC into contention. I really like what they have done with the car particularly around the front end - it looks really mean and also the wheels for me (chose 818Ms) made the car. My thinking was I am never going to want to modify the car at all - its perfect as it is.
- For the M50i - I really like the idea of air suspension and you can't get that in the X5MC - in the end I went for ultimate grip over comfortable ride but there is real merit in the air suspension IMO.
- I agree with some of the comments on whether it will be used to its limits - I really don't think you will use either of them to their limits 99% of the time - but it is there if you need it!
- Ultimately, I was offered a good deal and took it but would have been completely and I mean completely happy with an M50i - you are really just talking about small degrees of awesome cars.

100% agree. I went the other way though with the M50i with 2 axle air. I've had 2 years of race hard suspension which is great fun but only accounts for 10% of my driving - the rest is all around town with the wife, gone for the luxury feel this time..

On the looks point, IMO, the X5MC is a true head turner, the M50i looks like any other X5...

[Thewolfbmw]

IMO the X5M is more than shear brut power. It's a lot of other things. Owning the M50, I agree the initial power is there but having come from a X3M, you quickly can see where the ///M has an advantage after 60 mph.

The steering and handling of a true ///M is unmatched compared to the M sport variants, at least in the SAV realm. It is the tip of the spear!

Is the ride stiffer, sure but set up that way. It's designed that way. Don't fool yourself into thinking otherwise. A lot of fellow owners said the X3M had a horrible ride. I don't agree and IMO, with the M50 set in stiffest setting, is worse than the X3M in efficiency.

With the difference in price on your 2 build options, it's too close to call. Money is cheap right now, .9 to 1.49% on financing or low money factors.

It comes down to what you want. If the feeling of missing out is something that bothers you,, get the///M. Trust me, when I see the new X5M, I'm like...crap....I should have just done that. lol

I used to think my F15 50i with DHP was a mountain rode carving machine, until I drove my X3M. I felt foolish for ever uttering the words....hehe

Buy the one that makes you look back at it when you walk away from it in the parking lot.

[MystroX5]

Reality check if anyone thinks the performance of the X5 M50i is not world class for a mid-size SUV. A under 4 second 0-60mph SUV is a freak show. The fact that its reliable with a factory warranty and you can travel across country in total comfort is spectacular.

Its way too easy to get sucked into the 1% tunnel vision of these enthusiast forums.
It becomes fairies dancing on the head of a pin.

[scotchy]

The X5M wasn't out yet when I ordered the M50i.

If I were doing it now, to purchase it outright I'd go X5M, like you said the price isn't too far apart once optioned and you're getting a lot for it in the upgrade.

On a lease, in Canada anyhow it's a little harder to justify. With an MSRP difference of about 30k, on a 4 year lease a similarly optioned X5M C would cost in the neighborhood of $50,000 more over the term (for less allowed mileage also) compared to what I'm paying for the M50i.

[iconoclast]

Outright purchase as per usual so the MF or APR do not sway the deal in either direction. It is more about the vehicles themselves. Wife says go drive both this weekend but she doesn't think the difference in price is justified for what she claims is "just different seats and bumpers". She isn't a BMW fan in general and prefers LR/RR because it is far more of a passengers car and comfort oriented than BMW in it's ///M regalia.

[jokerswld34]

Originally Posted by VTENGR

if money were no object I would love to have an M car. With that being said, if money were no object I would probably have a 911 Turbo so maybe I wouldn't need the M car anymore - IDK.

I absolutely love my M50i. Was driving down the highway the other day and made an "aggressive" (what most BMW drivers would call routine) move and went from 65 to 105 before I even had a chance to realize how fast I was going. I'm not sure the X5M or X5Mc would offer $20+k worth of more enjoyment, to be honest. The M50i is overkill for an SUV - the X5M(c) are even more overkill - I bet most don't even utilize the top end of the performance spectrum that you're paying extra for - so it's mostly for notoriety, IMO.

My ideal BMW lineup would be the M50i with an M4 convertible.

I've put about 6,000 miles on my X5MC and let me tell you, I often enjoy the top end performance of this vehicle. what this vehicle is capable of in terms of handling and sheer speed amazes me daily. it is a big SUV but once you understand how to drive it, and not be afraid of it, it is one of the best driving experiences I've had. I've even added a Racechip which has taken it to another level.

that said, it is much more performance focused. if you're not the type to push the limits regularly, then the M50I would be more than adequate. still a great performer, but missing that extra. again, it's not one car is "better" than the other but rather one is more focused than the other.

there are tradeoffs between the two, which is convenience and comfort. for example the air ride.of the M50 is certainly more compliant than the M and the adjustablility (raise and lower) is a bonus. also, the seat bolsters are much more pronounced so getting in and out of the seat is a bit more of a process. otherwise the interiors are probably very similar in fit and finish.

IMO the ride quality of the X5MC is surprisingly good, considering the wheel and tire dimensions, and I live in MA. but again, I knew what I was getting into, what ride tolerances I could bare, and how I wanted to drive this thing. it is significantly better than an x3m that's for sure. Ive not had one complaint on ride quality from any passengers or my children.

in the end, I have no regrets for choosing the M and will likely continue with M cars going forward. they suit my needs perfectly. but for others, the M50I is a much better fit

[FloridaM5]

They are so close in price. I would go x5mc. Neither is actually fast, but the x5 does handle pretty darn good for such a big vehicle.

[MystroX5]

Originally Posted by FloridaM5

They are so close in price. I would go x5mc. Neither is actually fast, but the x5 does handle pretty darn good for such a big vehicle.

Oh please. where do you drive in public that mid 3 second 0-60mph isn’t fast?? Let alone doing this in a midsize suv. These were 2 seater super car specs 10 years ago.

[FloridaM5]

Originally Posted by MystroX5

Oh please.

You and I define fast differently, and that's ok. Or maybe not, reading your response to my thoughts.

[FloridaM5]

Originally Posted by MystroX5

Oh please. where do you drive in public that mid 3 second 0-60mph isn't fast??

See you define fast by 0-60 times. I do not. But I respect you and your opinion.