BMW X5
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      02-11-2020, 12:04 PM   #1
Multimodal
Lieutenant Colonel
2857
Rep
1,855
Posts

Drives: 2019 X5 50i, 2018 911 T
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Annapolis, MD

iTrader: (1)

Car and Driver Calls the X5 M50i a Beast in Instrumented Test and Review

BIMMERPOST
     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com
Published today: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...y-the-numbers/

Quote:
BMW X5 M50i Is a Beast without Bragging Rights

Excerpts:

BMW's twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 comes in several states of tune in the X5. The M50i's version has 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, which is slightly more than in the lesser xDrive50i but well short of the X5 M, which for 2020 flexes up to 617 horses in Competition trim. We can't really say the M50i left us wanting more power. Its scant 3.9-second zero-to-60-mph run and a quarter-mile pass in 12.4 seconds at 112 mph are impressive numbers for any 5336-pound behemoth. And they're just a touch slower than those of the outgoing X5 M. (We've yet to test the new 2020 X5 M.)

The sensory experience of this V-8, however, is even better than its prodigious output. Throttle tip-in is progressive, and the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission executes smooth and perfectly timed upshifts as you dip into the seemingly endless supply of power. A throaty exhaust note provides just enough auditory excitement without going overboard with extraneous crackling and popping. Just don't expect it to be that thrifty at the pump. The M50i averaged a mere 15 mpg while in our care and posted 20 mpg in our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test—2 mpg less than its EPA estimate.

A tall, upright seating position has been one of the X5's traits since its first generation. That setup initially makes it a little disconcerting to hustle the M50i through a set of corners. But once you get used to the feeling of sitting on a barstool, the X5's handling inspires confidence. There's little body roll, and the steering is direct and precise—if a little heavy in its sportier drive settings. This Bimmer's ride-and-handling balance is commendable in any of its available driving modes, which is a testament to its supple damper tuning and inherently good body control.

Read the full article: https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...y-the-numbers/
C/D test results:

Name:  BMW X5 M50i Performance Figures.png
Views: 20720
Size:  206.8 KB
__________________
Current garage: 2018 Porsche 911 T Carrara White Metallic/Black, 2019 BMW X5 50i M Sport Mineral White/Full Black, 2019 Ram 2500 Big Horn Diamond Black/Diesel Gray
Archived: 2019 Ford GT350 Ford Performance Blue/Dark Slate, 2012 BMW X5 50i Alpine White/Black, 2014 BMW 320i M Sport Melbourne Red/Black, 2009 BMW DINAN3 Alpine White/Black, 2008 BMW 335xi Alpine White/Black, 1998 BMW 328is Avus Blue/Tan
Appreciate 8
radmjk238.00
scotchy210.00
screamace303.50
clee1982796.00
dezzracer1173.50
Shane550X127.50
      02-11-2020, 12:13 PM   #2
MystroX5
Major General
MystroX5's Avatar
6243
Rep
5,291
Posts

Drives: 2020 X7 M50i/ 911
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Central Pa.

iTrader: (0)

It's perfect for a SUV.
Appreciate 2
Ilyam5888.50
      02-11-2020, 12:51 PM   #3
Multimodal
Lieutenant Colonel
2857
Rep
1,855
Posts

Drives: 2019 X5 50i, 2018 911 T
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Annapolis, MD

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MystroX5 View Post
It's perfect for a SUV.
I'm going to sound like a broken record if you've seen any of my other posts on this question but the X5's tragic flaw as an SUV may be its small payload capacity (849-871 lbs on the "tire and loading information" sticker on the door jamb across several 40i, 50i and M50i that I've looked at). An 849 lb payload capacity means the X5 can only carry 4 people plus luggage - or, if you're towing something at the 7,200 lbs capacity with a typical 10% tongue weight, then the driver can't weight more than 129 lbs! For context, every one of the X5's competitors has a payload capacity around 1500 lbs. (Range Rover Sport is 1,521 to 1,951 lbs, Q7 is 1,552 to 1,750 lbs, GLE is 1,434 to 1,532 lbs, Explorer is 1,433 to 1,815 lbs, etc.)
__________________
Current garage: 2018 Porsche 911 T Carrara White Metallic/Black, 2019 BMW X5 50i M Sport Mineral White/Full Black, 2019 Ram 2500 Big Horn Diamond Black/Diesel Gray
Archived: 2019 Ford GT350 Ford Performance Blue/Dark Slate, 2012 BMW X5 50i Alpine White/Black, 2014 BMW 320i M Sport Melbourne Red/Black, 2009 BMW DINAN3 Alpine White/Black, 2008 BMW 335xi Alpine White/Black, 1998 BMW 328is Avus Blue/Tan
Appreciate 5
JustChris17423.00
Poodle64.50
K-M390.50
      02-11-2020, 12:55 PM   #4
Ilyam5
Major
889
Rep
1,072
Posts

Drives: 06 M3
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: ma

iTrader: (0)

We have been saying it on this board for a while.
I recently made a post in X5m forum - that did not sound as eloquently as "Car and Driver" article but says the same thing.

Those M performance models are so good by BMW now - that unless you are tracking the car non stop - one does not need a full M on the street.

I'm having a hard time persuading myself that i want an upgrade to x5M.
It will loose some practicality and features but will it gain enough to compensate for it?

Scary part - it is similar with M340 - it is that good. I definitely do not need a new M3 for the street after driving M340 for a year..

Aggressively driving M340 - am sideways in that car on every roundabout. My kids cal lit drifting car.. And then i can hand it over to my wife and she can commute to work in comfort without me worrying that she will spin out on every corner in the rear wheel drive M3.
Since I have the track car - M performance is really where its at for the street.
Appreciate 9
NYAWE60645.00
G8rGrl568.50
JustChris17423.00
BimmerFix1356.50
ubchariot101.50
Poodle64.50
      02-11-2020, 12:59 PM   #5
Ilyam5
Major
889
Rep
1,072
Posts

Drives: 06 M3
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: ma

iTrader: (0)

Also - that M50 engine is a monster

Underrated as expected, 501 WHP and 549 TQ! Stock

https://f92.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1640319
Appreciate 1
      02-11-2020, 01:13 PM   #6
MystroX5
Major General
MystroX5's Avatar
6243
Rep
5,291
Posts

Drives: 2020 X7 M50i/ 911
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Central Pa.

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ilyam5 View Post
We have been saying it on this board for a while.
I recently made a post in X5m forum - that did not sound as eloquently as "Car and Driver" article but says the same thing.

Those M performance models are so good by BMW now - that unless you are tracking the car non stop - one does not need a full M on the street.

I'm having a hard time persuading myself that i want an upgrade to x5M.
It will loose some practicality and features but will it gain enough to compensate for it?

Scary part - it is similar with M340 - it is that good. I definitely do not need a new M3 for the street after driving M340 for a year..

Aggressively driving M340 - am sideways in that car on every roundabout. My kids cal lit drifting car.. And then i can hand it over to my wife and she can commute to work in comfort without me worrying that she will spin out on every corner in the rear wheel drive M3.
Since I have the track car - M performance is really where its at for the street.
I agree. I don't want a hard/edge ride in a luxury SUV. In a car you have the right full "M" platform. It's fun to have a sub 4 second SUV now. I don't want or need anything more extreme, especially in a long distance cruiser in mixed weather.
Appreciate 0
      02-11-2020, 02:05 PM   #7
wtwo3
Major General
wtwo3's Avatar
17864
Rep
5,462
Posts

Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: IL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ilyam5 View Post
Aggressively driving M340 - am sideways in that car on every roundabout. My kids cal lit drifting car.. And then i can hand it over to my wife and she can commute to work in comfort without me worrying that she will spin out on every corner in the rear wheel drive M3.
Funny thing is my wife hates my M340. Says it's too uncomfortable and bumpy

Can't imagine how she'd react to an M3.
__________________
2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i
2023 BMW M3 6MT
2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible

'20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima
Appreciate 0
      02-11-2020, 03:27 PM   #8
ND40oz
Major
ND40oz's Avatar
397
Rep
1,342
Posts

Drives: M2 CS
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Denver/Frankfurt

iTrader: (0)

But why doesn't the US get the option of the 3rd row in the M50i? It's available in other markets with the 3rd row and would make this a perfect option. I'm guessing it's been done solely to push X7 sales...
__________________
21 BMW X5 xDrive40i
20 BMW M2 CS
19 Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4 6MT
Appreciate 1
Ftpohyeah283.00
      02-11-2020, 06:08 PM   #9
buckybadger
BMW forever!
buckybadger's Avatar
United_States
1374
Rep
2,417
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: San Diego, CA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by wtwo3 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ilyam5 View Post
Aggressively driving M340 - am sideways in that car on every roundabout. My kids cal lit drifting car.. And then i can hand it over to my wife and she can commute to work in comfort without me worrying that she will spin out on every corner in the rear wheel drive M3.
Funny thing is my wife hates my M340. Says it's too uncomfortable and bumpy

Can't imagine how she'd react to an M3.
She's quite right. The 3 series suspensions are horribly tuned. The E90 generation was the best.

I drive an M2 competition and the suspension is taut. It makes you feel good going over bumps and keeps the car balanced and in control. Not like 3 series, shakes up the whole chassis and feels like the car is not on rails. M3 competition will be very good and your wife might actually like gliding the car over bumps.
__________________
2020 BMW X5
2019 BMW M2C
2014 BMW 335i
2009 BMW 328i
Appreciate 0
      02-11-2020, 08:22 PM   #10
wtwo3
Major General
wtwo3's Avatar
17864
Rep
5,462
Posts

Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: IL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by buckybadger View Post
She's quite right. The 3 series suspensions are horribly tuned. The E90 generation was the best.

I drive an M2 competition and the suspension is taut. It makes you feel good going over bumps and keeps the car balanced and in control. Not like 3 series, shakes up the whole chassis and feels like the car is not on rails. M3 competition will be very good and your wife might actually like gliding the car over bumps.
well.... i'm not complaining. My last car was a Q50 which floated through corners in comparison and the steering wheel literally wasn't even connected to the wheels.
__________________
2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i
2023 BMW M3 6MT
2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible

'20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima
Appreciate 0
      02-11-2020, 09:40 PM   #11
LexxM3
Colonel
LexxM3's Avatar
Canada
1698
Rep
2,609
Posts

Drives: E46M3, G05X5
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Waterloo, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2019 X5  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by wtwo3 View Post
well.... i'm not complaining. My last car was a Q50 which floated through corners in comparison and the steering wheel literally wasn't even connected to the wheels.
FYI, G05 X5 steering wheel is also literally not connected to the wheels.
__________________
G05 X5 x40i (04/2019 mfg, Canada) on S18A-19-11-540
Appreciate 0
      02-11-2020, 10:36 PM   #12
wtwo3
Major General
wtwo3's Avatar
17864
Rep
5,462
Posts

Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: IL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by LexxM3 View Post
FYI, G05 X5 steering wheel is also literally not connected to the wheels.
you know what i meannnnnnn.....

There was no steering shaft that connects to a pinion gear that moves the rack to mechanically convert the rotational movements of the steering wheel into linear motions necessary to turn the wheels.

Better?
__________________
2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i
2023 BMW M3 6MT
2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible

'20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima
Appreciate 0
      02-11-2020, 11:04 PM   #13
LexxM3
Colonel
LexxM3's Avatar
Canada
1698
Rep
2,609
Posts

Drives: E46M3, G05X5
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Waterloo, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2019 X5  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by wtwo3 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by LexxM3 View Post
FYI, G05 X5 steering wheel is also literally not connected to the wheels.
you know what i meannnnnnn.....

There was no steering shaft that connects to a pinion gear that moves the rack to mechanically convert the rotational movements of the steering wheel into linear motions necessary to turn the wheels.

Better?
I believe G05 X5 does not have a mechanical link from steering column to steering rack, but I could be wrong. The steering rack is definitely electrical, but I am having trouble finding full diagrams and/or description.

Or maybe it does, that thing above the 2 in the diagram?
Attached Images
  
__________________
G05 X5 x40i (04/2019 mfg, Canada) on S18A-19-11-540
Appreciate 0
      02-11-2020, 11:38 PM   #14
Multimodal
Lieutenant Colonel
2857
Rep
1,855
Posts

Drives: 2019 X5 50i, 2018 911 T
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Annapolis, MD

iTrader: (1)

Does the M50i have heavier steering than the 50i M Sport? I've driven a 40i (which I did not like) and an M50i (which I found acceptable relative to my E70 50i). I would hate to buy a 50i M Sport and be disappointed with the steering...
__________________
Current garage: 2018 Porsche 911 T Carrara White Metallic/Black, 2019 BMW X5 50i M Sport Mineral White/Full Black, 2019 Ram 2500 Big Horn Diamond Black/Diesel Gray
Archived: 2019 Ford GT350 Ford Performance Blue/Dark Slate, 2012 BMW X5 50i Alpine White/Black, 2014 BMW 320i M Sport Melbourne Red/Black, 2009 BMW DINAN3 Alpine White/Black, 2008 BMW 335xi Alpine White/Black, 1998 BMW 328is Avus Blue/Tan
Appreciate 1
Germanauto9665.50
      02-12-2020, 05:53 AM   #15
Auricom
Brigadier General
Auricom's Avatar
United_States
4350
Rep
4,246
Posts

Drives: 2020 X5 xDrive40i M Sport
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: DMV

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Maboomba View Post
Does the M50i have heavier steering than the 50i M Sport? I've driven a 40i (which I did not like) and an M50i (which I found acceptable relative to my E70 50i). I would hate to buy a 50i M Sport and be disappointed with the steering...
I could tell a perceptible difference in steering weight due to the engine size difference and more when both (40i M Sport and M50i) were driven in Sport mode.

You're option on X5 with M Sport appearance (ZMP) is X5 xDrive40i or X5 M50i.

ZMP package on xDrive50i was discontinued when X5 M50i was launched. 2020 xDrive50i is ONLY available in xLine.

There maybe some leftover new or used 2019s xDrive50i with ZMP on dealer lots though rare depending on market.
__________________
Current BMWs - '20 X5 xDrive40i M Sport, '20 BMW M550i | Past BMWs - '03 E39 540iT M Sport, '06 E53 4.8is, '11 E70 M Sport LCI

Appreciate 0
      02-12-2020, 06:58 AM   #16
wtwo3
Major General
wtwo3's Avatar
17864
Rep
5,462
Posts

Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: IL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by LexxM3 View Post
I believe G05 X5 does not have a mechanical link from steering column to steering rack, but I could be wrong. The steering rack is definitely electrical, but I am having trouble finding full diagrams and/or description.

Or maybe it does, that thing above the 2 in the diagram?
That diagram is of the integral active steering system that you can option the X5 with ($1,150 USD for the xdrive40i or "free" standalone option on the M50i.... or part of the DHP package) here in the US, not sure about the packages for Canada.

Even with the IAS option, that's simply referring to an additional planetary gear and electric motor attached to the traditional rack and pinion setup. So you still have a physical, mechanical connection to the front wheels.

That autoblog article is simply referring to the feeling, which according to them is close to the feeling you get in a steer-by-wire setup in the sense that road feel is minimized (or in steer-by-wire's case, completely non-existent).

All that aside though, I was comparing my Infiniti's steer-by-wire setup to my M340i for my non-complaints about the 3 series when responding to buckybadger. My G05 is for comfort family hauling anyway
__________________
2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i
2023 BMW M3 6MT
2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible

'20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima
Appreciate 0
      02-12-2020, 08:46 AM   #17
LexxM3
Colonel
LexxM3's Avatar
Canada
1698
Rep
2,609
Posts

Drives: E46M3, G05X5
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Waterloo, Canada

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2019 X5  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by wtwo3 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by LexxM3 View Post
I believe G05 X5 does not have a mechanical link from steering column to steering rack, but I could be wrong. The steering rack is definitely electrical, but I am having trouble finding full diagrams and/or description.

Or maybe it does, that thing above the 2 in the diagram?
That diagram is of the integral active steering system that you can option the X5 with ($1,150 USD for the xdrive40i or "free" standalone option on the M50i.... or part of the DHP package) here in the US, not sure about the packages for Canada.

Even with the IAS option, that's simply referring to an additional planetary gear and electric motor attached to the traditional rack and pinion setup. So you still have a physical, mechanical connection to the front wheels.

That autoblog article is simply referring to the feeling, which according to them is close to the feeling you get in a steer-by-wire setup in the sense that road feel is minimized (or in steer-by-wire's case, completely non-existent).

All that aside though, I was comparing my Infiniti's steer-by-wire setup to my M340i for my non-complaints about the 3 series when responding to buckybadger. My G05 is for comfort family hauling anyway
Hm. I've started a new thread about G05 steering system to try to get to the bottom of it. Apologies to all for spreading likely inaccurate info in a couple of posts over time ... but that's what I like about such discussions — it forces one to question unintended assumptions and figure out the reality.
__________________
G05 X5 x40i (04/2019 mfg, Canada) on S18A-19-11-540
Appreciate 2
wtwo317864.00
RVAGuy166.00
      02-14-2020, 02:01 AM   #18
Ninefourteener
Major
Ninefourteener's Avatar
1272
Rep
1,201
Posts

Drives: 2020 X5 M50i
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: American in Belgium

iTrader: (0)

I actually have my car in my possession now, so I can speak intelligently about it.

The REASON I bought an M50i was because I'm a car enthusiast, but I also needed a "softer" car than my 340i MPPSK (Bad neck/back)... and more family space is always good too. The roads in Belgium are worse than any country I've ever been to... and I've been to a lot. (over 30).

The X5M "looks" amazing... it performs amazing for an SUV, no doubt. But, the suspension is hard as a rock. All M cars are.

Why buy a "luxury SUV", only to have all the luxury removed with a harsh suspension?

Why buy a "Track SUV".... when it's not EVER going to perform like a sportscar on the track, due to simple physics?

The M50i is the best of both worlds.... and it's VERY good at both.

I absolute LOVE the air suspension. I don't find it "floaty" at all. I've been reading comments about all the hate toward the air suspension, because it doesn't "handle corners" as well. Well.... Duhh... it's an SUV. It's not supposed to. In dynamic mode, it handles corners and curves MUCH better than I expected it to. Absolutely ZERO complaints from me.

If the X5M and the X5M50i were the exact same price... I would STILL get the X5M50i. It's just a better, more useable, more purposeful vehicle.
__________________
2020 X5 M50i, Alpine, B&W, Air Susp, anthracite, coffee, **CD player**:
12+ PAGE BUILD THREAD:https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1694019
690HP / 928nM Dynotune:https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1729813
6-Piston X5M Big Brake Kit:https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1779038
Appreciate 4
wtwo317864.00
sahajesh2290.00
      02-14-2020, 05:53 AM   #19
Resjudicata
Colonel
Resjudicata's Avatar
United_States
1598
Rep
2,935
Posts

Drives: M850i convertible
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Dulles Virginia

iTrader: (0)

track

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ninefourteener View Post
I actually have my car in my possession now, so I can speak intelligently about it.

The REASON I bought an M50i was because I'm a car enthusiast, but I also needed a "softer" car than my 340i MPPSK (Bad neck/back)... and more family space is always good too. The roads in Belgium are worse than any country I've ever been to... and I've been to a lot. (over 30).

The X5M "looks" amazing... it performs amazing for an SUV, no doubt. But, the suspension is hard as a rock. All M cars are.

Why buy a "luxury SUV", only to have all the luxury removed with a harsh suspension?

Why buy a "Track SUV".... when it's not EVER going to perform like a sportscar on the track, due to simple physics?

The M50i is the best of both worlds.... and it's VERY good at both.

I absolute LOVE the air suspension. I don't find it "floaty" at all. I've been reading comments about all the hate toward the air suspension, because it doesn't "handle corners" as well. Well.... Duhh... it's an SUV. It's not supposed to. In dynamic mode, it handles corners and curves MUCH better than I expected it to. Absolutely ZERO complaints from me.

If the X5M and the X5M50i were the exact same price... I would STILL get the X5M50i. It's just a better, more useable, more purposeful vehicle.
also most tracks here on the east coast, will NOT allow you to take any SUV to the track. most tracks near me require a sedan or coupe, and depending on events, a roll cage and helmets gear.

So you're not going to track a 6 figure car and you're surely not going to track an SUV. So who is buying the full "M" SUV ?
Someone in Texas racing their kids down the highway?
Appreciate 0
      02-14-2020, 08:40 AM   #20
scotchy
First Lieutenant
210
Rep
336
Posts

Drives: 2020 X5 M50i
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Resjudicata View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ninefourteener View Post
I actually have my car in my possession now, so I can speak intelligently about it.

The REASON I bought an M50i was because I'm a car enthusiast, but I also needed a "softer" car than my 340i MPPSK (Bad neck/back)... and more family space is always good too. The roads in Belgium are worse than any country I've ever been to... and I've been to a lot. (over 30).

The X5M "looks" amazing... it performs amazing for an SUV, no doubt. But, the suspension is hard as a rock. All M cars are.

Why buy a "luxury SUV", only to have all the luxury removed with a harsh suspension?

Why buy a "Track SUV".... when it's not EVER going to perform like a sportscar on the track, due to simple physics?

The M50i is the best of both worlds.... and it's VERY good at both.

I absolute LOVE the air suspension. I don't find it "floaty" at all. I've been reading comments about all the hate toward the air suspension, because it doesn't "handle corners" as well. Well.... Duhh... it's an SUV. It's not supposed to. In dynamic mode, it handles corners and curves MUCH better than I expected it to. Absolutely ZERO complaints from me.

If the X5M and the X5M50i were the exact same price... I would STILL get the X5M50i. It's just a better, more useable, more purposeful vehicle.
also most tracks here on the east coast, will NOT allow you to take any SUV to the track. most tracks near me require a sedan or coupe, and depending on events, a roll cage and helmets gear.

So you're not going to track a 6 figure car and you're surely not going to track an SUV. So who is buying the full "M" SUV ?
Someone in Texas racing their kids down the highway?
I don't know if it's the same on the east coast, but the west coast tracks/clubs I've spoken with will allow suvs on a case by case basis. My GLC43 was allowed for a couple of events I've inquired about.

That said if you've the means to own an X5M, you've probably something a little more car like that would be better suited to driving on the track. As for someone tracking a $100,000 car, go out to a PCA track day, more than a few at that value there.
Appreciate 2
      02-14-2020, 10:50 AM   #21
Resjudicata
Colonel
Resjudicata's Avatar
United_States
1598
Rep
2,935
Posts

Drives: M850i convertible
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Dulles Virginia

iTrader: (0)

rule 1

Quote:
Originally Posted by scotchy View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Resjudicata View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ninefourteener View Post
I actually have my car in my possession now, so I can speak intelligently about it.

The REASON I bought an M50i was because I'm a car enthusiast, but I also needed a "softer" car than my 340i MPPSK (Bad neck/back)... and more family space is always good too. The roads in Belgium are worse than any country I've ever been to... and I've been to a lot. (over 30).

The X5M "looks" amazing... it performs amazing for an SUV, no doubt. But, the suspension is hard as a rock. All M cars are.

Why buy a "luxury SUV", only to have all the luxury removed with a harsh suspension?

Why buy a "Track SUV".... when it's not EVER going to perform like a sportscar on the track, due to simple physics?

The M50i is the best of both worlds.... and it's VERY good at both.

I absolute LOVE the air suspension. I don't find it "floaty" at all. I've been reading comments about all the hate toward the air suspension, because it doesn't "handle corners" as well. Well.... Duhh... it's an SUV. It's not supposed to. In dynamic mode, it handles corners and curves MUCH better than I expected it to. Absolutely ZERO complaints from me.

If the X5M and the X5M50i were the exact same price... I would STILL get the X5M50i. It's just a better, more useable, more purposeful vehicle.
also most tracks here on the east coast, will NOT allow you to take any SUV to the track. most tracks near me require a sedan or coupe, and depending on events, a roll cage and helmets gear.

So you're not going to track a 6 figure car and you're surely not going to track an SUV. So who is buying the full "M" SUV ?
Someone in Texas racing their kids down the highway?
I don't know if it's the same on the east coast, but the west coast tracks/clubs I've spoken with will allow suvs on a case by case basis. My GLC43 was allowed for a couple of events I've inquired about.

That said if you've the means to own an X5M, you've probably something a little more car like that would be better suited to driving on the track. As for someone tracking a $100,000 car, go out to a PCA track day, more than a few at that value there.
Rule number one at my local track is no SUVs. Summit Point WV is one of the premier tracks around DC. see rules:

Vehicle Eligibility

1. Street cars on street tires. No SUV’s, Minivans, or Truck’s.

2. Roll bars are mandatory for all convertibles.  Removable Hard Tops are not approved for rollover protection. Retractible Hard Tops,  Targa Tops, T-Tops and Sunroofs must remain in place while on track.
Appreciate 0
      02-14-2020, 11:16 AM   #22
wtwo3
Major General
wtwo3's Avatar
17864
Rep
5,462
Posts

Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: IL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Resjudicata View Post
1. Street cars on street tires. No SUV’s, Minivans, or Truck’s.
Not even.... the Renault Espace F1??
Attached Images
 
__________________
2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i
2023 BMW M3 6MT
2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible

'20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima
Appreciate 3
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:55 AM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST