[r33_RGSport]

Hope you all have a great first post-COVID summer.
As you guys know, I just picked up a 2023 BMW G09 XM in Marina Bay Blue Metallic. If you don't know, well, I did.
Yes, the loved and hated, sat on the lot, overpriced, heavy, not so fast, BMW G09 XM PHEV Sport Activity Vehicle.

First, let's do a quick review after a month of ownership.

• Exterior: Truth, I was skeptical at first with what I've seen on the internet and magazines. Pictures don't really do justice. The body line and design language is very different than any current BMW.
• But.. here is the kicker, went to the dealership to burn time while waiting for my wife to take care something nearby, originally to see and talk about X5MC LCI current deal.
• First thing my sales rep mentioned to me, "Hey, do you want to check out the XM". So, walked to the Mineral White XM on the lot, walked around it while he gets the key since he offers me for a test drive.
• Loved the big front end and the body lines. Wasn't liking the rear end, even until today, still not 100% into the rear end. Growing on me, but not fully there yet. Something missing from the rear end, will need to sit and figure out what can be done to make it better.
• Split headlight looks better on the XM than G07 X7 LCI, with the shadowline trim connecting the headlight, it becomes one and seamless.

• Interior: No big surprise here since all new LCI G05/G06/G07 F95/F96 are came with the same screen and iDrive8.
• I don't have any hate against the interior except the AC vent controls (the silver nipples) and iDrive8.
• Something that impress and caught my eye right away is the Matte Carbon Fiber trims. Liking it very much.
• After a week or two, I got used to the iDrive8, especially the HVAC controls which was confusing at first and things changed and moved around.
• I do have my HVAC set at Auto, so I don't need to change the setting much, just the temp and fan speed sometime (because "extra low" is too low during summer heat, and "low" is too high). Also, seat ventilation, heating, steering wheel heating all pre-set and will turn on automatically whenever needed).
• Seats wise, no surprise on this too. Front seats are the same seats as F95/F96 X5M/X6M, except less stiff. While the rear seats, its is the same comfort and softness as iX seats.

• Engine: Very happy with the torque, slightly disappointed with hp, but it is due to its weight. For the price, BMW should've just unleashed the power of a Label and scrap the Label series.
• After break-in period, I did punch it whenever possible, loves the combination of electric motor and S68 V8TT setup. That instant torque on the low end does help this tank to move.
• A few owners have reported the transmission hesitation at full throttle or transition from electric to gas, I only noticed it at the first couple hundred miles and it just getting better and better. Or maybe I just got lucky.
• Also, the beauty on this PHEV, I can leave home super early and come home pretty late in electric mode without bothering anyone.

• Suspension / Ride Quality: Same as my '20 F97 X3MC where most are saying that it rides stiff/harsh, while it has been perfect for me except the wheel gap, it is no difference with this XM. While the one that I test drove equipped with 23", mine with 22" is slightly has less sharp jolt on sharp bump and dips on the road. But, again, it doesn't bothers me. This tank is very planted and stable. Just the weight transition on corners is noticeable and disrupt the stability.

Now the fun part. Mods.

Edit: First of the first mod was IND-Distribution painted front reflector. Small and easy mod since this car can access the front reflector through the front bumper air ducting. 15mm most I would say.

First mod that I've done is wheel spacer. BMW threw some curveball on the PCD change from 5x112 back to 5x120 while keeping the Center Bore at 66.5. I managed to fabricate a set of wheel spacers while in process of producing of my own, RG Sport, wheel spacer. Unfortunately, I didn't take a picture of it at stock height.

Second mod, lowering kit for looks, handling, and better ride quality.
After few weeks with great help of MSS UK on R&D, I am able to put together MSS Urban Adjustable Lowering kit with triple rate spring system that fix the sharp jolt while lowering the center of gravity to allow this tank to handle corners and have better stance.
It has a lowering range of 0.5" to 2.0".
Here how it looks at 2.0" drop all around.

Stock Weight




On Prototype MSS lowering kit at 2" drop with prototype 15/20 spacer.










Third mod. More power.
RaceChip Germany just recently posted their development on the GTS Black for G09 XM. As always, RaceChip USA have to double check the map on US car with US gas, since North American specs is different than RoW and we (especially California) have different gas quality than European. Since I also work closely with RaceChip, I helped them in confirming a US map which we just finalized it yesterday. I will make another thread about this once I dyno-ed it and have the result.
So far, I can feel the additional power and this tank feels lighter than before.

Mods that I skipped are:
• Coding, since BMW changed iDrive8 to Coding 2.0 and so far there is no way to do anything about it yet.
• Drop-In Air Filter, I do know that BMC for F95/F96 X5M/X6M do fit, but I am currently waiting for Eventuri.

Next few mods will follow. I will try to get every possible power out of it with other mods, safely. Will discuss this separately once completed.

For now, enjoy and feel free to ask question.

PS: Will update this thread / post if I miss something.

Update: 09/03 - Vossen Wheels 23” and Eventuri Carbon Fiber Air Intake

[mikerx5]

Sits SOOO nice. Planning on anything with wheels? Swapping or painting.

Color is really great - congrats

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by mikerx5

Sits SOOO nice. Planning on anything with wheels? Swapping or painting.

Color is really great - congrats

Yes, got a set of 23” on order.

[Stealth_BMW]

Thanks for this post. I have my GTS RaceChip from the X6 M50 I traded for the XM and was waiting for a map to be produced.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by Stealth_BMW

Thanks for this post. I have my GTS RaceChip from the X6 M50 I traded for the XM and was waiting for a map to be produced.

Did you purchase the GTS Black from me?

[padrino]

Originally Posted by Stealth_BMW

Thanks for this post. I have my GTS RaceChip from the X6 M50 I traded for the XM and was waiting for a map to be produced.

One step ahead of me, been driving my XM for a few months now but no GTS in hand… I was buying a JB4 since I am a long time BMS user, can you share how your GTS performed with your X6, easy install?

[XM Label]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

Hope you all have a great first post-COVID summer.
As you guys know, I just picked up a 2023 BMW G09 XM in Marina Bay Blue Metallic. If you don't know, well, I did.
Yes, the loved and hated, sat on the lot, overpriced, heavy, not so fast, BMW G09 XM PHEV Sport Activity Vehicle.

First, let's do a quick review after a month of ownership.

Exterior: Truth, I was skeptical at first with what I've seen on the internet and magazines. Pictures don't really do justice. The body line and design language is very different than any current BMW.
But.. here is the kicker, went to the dealership to burn time while waiting for my wife to take care something nearby, originally to see and talk about X5MC LCI current deal.
First thing my sales rep mentioned to me, "Hey, do you want to check out the XM". So, walked to the Mineral White XM on the lot, walked around it while he gets the key since he offers me for a test drive.
Loved the big front end and the body lines. Wasn't liking the rear end, even until today, still not 100% into the rear end. Growing on me, but not fully there yet. Something missing from the rear end, will need to sit and figure out what can be done to make it better.
Split headlight looks better on the XM than G07 X7 LCI, with the shadowline trim connecting the headlight, it becomes one and seamless.

[list][*]Interior: No big surprise here since all new LCI G05/G06/G07 F95/F96 are came with the same screen and iDrive8.
I don't have any hate against the interior except the AC vent controls (the silver nipples) and [...]

Hope drivetrain can handle extra power?

[Stealth_BMW]

Originally Posted by padrino

One step ahead of me, been driving my XM for a few months now but no GTS in hand… I was buying a JB4 since I am a long time BMS user, can you share how your GTS performed with your X6, easy install?

With the X6 M50i, the RaceChip GTS really delivered some much desired performance. I can also vouch that for the 1.5 years I had it, I didn’t have any mechanical issues with the vehicle. Also the install was so much easier than when I had it on my ‘21 X4M Comp. I believe it will be just as easy to install in the XM.

[Stealth_BMW]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

Did you purchase the GTS Black from me?

I’m not sure. I did buy it way back when I had my ‘21 X4M Comp. Is there a way for you to check?

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by Stealth_BMW

I’m not sure. I did buy it way back when I had my ‘21 X4M Comp. Is there a way for you to check?

Sure, can you PM me your detail? I'll check with my book.

Originally Posted by BMWXMBlack

Hope drivetrain can handle extra power?

If it can't handle it, BMW better stop making the Label.

[XM Label]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

If it can't handle it, BMW better stop making the Label.

But think I saw Racechip post recently it will make more than XM label 748 vs. 829HP….hope drivetrain holds!

[Infernis]

I need those lowering springs. When will it be ready for order?? The car looks amazing with that stance. Wow.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by BMWXMBlack

But think I saw Racechip post recently it will make more than XM label 748 vs. 829HP….hope drivetrain holds!

Based on RaceChip track record, they always do it safely.
I have helped them since 2015 for product development and US market development.
I always remind them that higher number than competitor doesn't mean anything, reliability is the most important.
So far, I have yet to see one that causing drivetrain to fail.
I would say, if it come to it, there are other components that will fail first.

Guys with S58 on flash tune been twisting drive shaft, killing transmission before toasting the engine. While guys on S63tu on flash tune and other piggyback tune, known to blow the motor by going aggressive.

Originally Posted by Infernis

I need those lowering springs. When will it be ready for order?? The car looks amazing with that stance. Wow.

It is ready to purchase through me. But, I am still waiting on material.
I should have some ready in 2-3 weeks.
PM me your email address if you are interested and I'll put you on my note and contact you once they are ready to ship.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by Infernis

I need those lowering springs. When will it be ready for order?? The car looks amazing with that stance. Wow.

Oh, just realized that you are in OZ.
I can have it shipped directly from MSS. PM me, and I'll find out when they can get a set ready to ship.

[rundeyvoo]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

Hope you all have a great first post-COVID summer.
As you guys know, I just picked up a 2023 BMW G09 XM in Marina Bay Blue Metallic. If you don't know, well, I did.
Yes, the loved and hated, sat on the lot, overpriced, heavy, not so fast, BMW G09 XM PHEV Sport Activity Vehicle....

This looks so good Ben! Congrats! I've always loved MBB and can't wait to see the wheels you put on it! Lowering it along with the spacers will make it look mean

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by rundeyvoo

This looks so good Ben! Congrats! I've always loved MBB and can't wait to see the wheels you put on it! Lowering it along with the spacers will make it look mean

Thank you.
I don’t want to spoil it. I am still crossing my finger for the wheel to arrive for BimmerInvasion Los Angeles.
Big reveal will be there.

[rundeyvoo]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

Thank you.
I don’t want to spoil it. I am still crossing my finger for the wheel to arrive for BimmerInvasion Los Angeles.
Big reveal will be there.

I hope it'll arrive before BimmerInvasion too. Can't wait to see how it'll look after you install them. Btw - How does the ride feel after you've lowered it?

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by rundeyvoo

I hope it'll arrive before BimmerInvasion too. Can't wait to see how it'll look after you install them. Btw - How does the ride feel after you've lowered it?

It rides much better than stock IMO.
Still comfortable and sporty.
Otherwise, MSS UK nor I will approve it.

[ipeefreely]

Please pm me when the lowering kit is available. Need to fix this horrible ride quality asap.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by ipeefreely

Please pm me when the lowering kit is available. Need to fix this horrible ride quality asap.

Will do, got you on my list.

[r207]

Originally Posted by Infernis

I need those lowering springs. When will it be ready for order?? The car looks amazing with that stance. Wow.

Ive got my workshop ordering the MSS for the XM for me here in Australia. If only i lived in the US RG would be my workshop for sure.

I think they are about a month off.

Thanks to RG Sport for being an amazing resource.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by r207

Ive got my workshop ordering the MSS for the XM for me here in Australia. If only i lived in the US RG would be my workshop for sure.

I think they are about a month off.

Thanks to RG Sport for being an amazing resource.

Glad I can help the car enthusiast community.