[BlkGS]

It's about a year since I got my M50i, so here's my thoughts on it so far. My M50i was bought CPO, 20k miles or so, loaded with about the only thing it didn't have being tow, alcantara, and Merino. It's a M Pro/DHP truck. I'm going to break down my experience with the car in a few sections, coming from a history of domestic sports cars, muscle cars, and sport SUVs.

Engine: Objectively, it's amazing. It's crazy fast, has effortless power around town, is refined and smooth, and there is no "waiting" for power, it's just always powerful. It has all the positive attributes of an EV powertrain but for people with Testosterone. Subjectively, it's a little jacking to me. The exhaust is so quiet even in sport mode, it may as well be an EV. It wakes up some when you romp on it, but it's still way too quiet. There's no grumble to let you know you have a monster under foot. The engine has no drama, it's smooth, quiet, and kind of missing character. I think BMW was going for more luxury than anything, but I would like more anger from it.

Suspension/Chassis: Fantastic. It's literally F'ing amazing. The chassis is so stiff, and the M Pro/DHP setup rides so nice, corners so flat, and it has grip for weeks, not days. While not as possible as other sports cars I've had, it does things it should not be able to do, and then settled down into an insanely comfortable cruiser.

Brakes: Mixed feelings here. They work great, pedal feel is pretty good, they're easy to modulate, and they will stop crazy fast. That said, they didn't like mad, and they don't last very long. A little noisy when cold too. I would not buy the OEM pads again.

Wheels and tires: Mine has the 22s and despite their size, they are stiff wheels. No bends or anything like that from potholes. The design on the other hand is annoying to clean. Tire wise, it's like BMW specifically picked tire sizes with few established options. I have the Continentals currently (which might be discontinued?) and at 28k miles it's nearing the end of its second set of tires. This is one of the weakest points for the vehicle, the only reasonably priced tire for them that isn't a no-name brand is a Nitto. None of the classically good tires like the Conti DWS06 are in this size. There's a handful of overpriced Michelin that are even more overpriced than normal Michelin. I think I will likely go with the Nittos when it's time for new tires, but I dunno.

Displays: I like iDrive and my pre LCI has buttons for all the things I use frequently. The favorites buttons are genius, and I appreciate the popups when you get near a button. The screens are great quality. I put tempered glass protectors on them, and prefer them now with a glossy look. My only rela.complain is I would like more instrumentation in the gauge cluster. With a digital user I should be able to display oil, coolant, and transmission temperature, oil pressure, boost psi, and other critical parameters on the cluster with a configurable display. I can get some of that information on the "sport display" on the mains screen, but not all, that screen isn't nearly as customizable as it should be, and that info should be in the cluster. All that said, I do like that the displays are oriented towards the driver.

Other stuff: B&W audio is amazing. Glass controls really class the car up inside. The black switches and buttons look way nicer than the silver ones. Love the pano roof and the LED lights in the roof. Love all the ambient lighting. Love that everything you touch is just nice feeling. Vernasca leather is kinda meh, it doesn't feel as high quality as the leathers I've had in other cars. That said, it's durable and has shown no wear. The only place I actually feel it is the armrest, and so I may just buy myself a Merino armrest. The center bin with the wireless charger (which works great) is janky, but I keep it open like all the time. Cupholders are barely adequate. The laser headlights are brilliant and work great, though I wish the speed minimum to turn on the auto high beams was lower (possibly this can be coded? I dunno). The rear seats are an often complained about thing, for good reason. My biggest gripe is for whatever reason the doors drain to a spot on the side sill that makes a constantly dirty spot on them, even with a ceramic coating. Build quality is amazing, world class really, which is unsurprising since it's built in South Carolina.

Ownership: My car had the ultimate Care extended out to 4 years. That paid for brake pads, an oil change, and wipers. All of these are things I could have inexpensively done myself at home, but since they were free for me, obviously I'd use it. My car has been to the shop 4 times for warranty issues - all fairly minor but annoying. My driver heated armrest was non-oo when I bought the car, I had 2 trips for a chassis control issue that turned out to the be the auxiliary battery, and I had a leaking turn signal lamp in the mirror. I expected better here, but at least the issues were fairly minor. At this point I'm sort of ambivalent to it's long term reliability, I haven't had any issues that were like, major well documented issues like I've had on our expedition. But we also have over twice as many miles on that. Fuel economy Is pretty good, I get consistently 17-18 city. I don't really drive it much highway, but seems like it does low 20s. One thing I appreciate is the fuel economy readings aren't "in your face". I don't really care about it, so I don't keep it up at all. I keep the g force gauge up, lol.

Conclusions: Overall it's been a great car. It's much more "grown up" and serious than the cars that have preceeded it. It is capable to an amazing extent, but stoic and frankly, it is not "playful". My Trailblazer SS for instance is also a big power V8 with AWD. If you boot it around a turn it roars and you can kick the back end out a little and it drives more playfully. The X5 of you do that it will rotate under throttle, but not in the same way, it does it in a more subdued way, like it knows how much rotation is needed to cleanly slice the corner. Compared to he body on frame (and lowered) Trailblazer, it handles rough pavement and bumps way better for ride quality. It's significantly faster than the trailblazer, but it's more of a sleeper too. Overall, I don't have a lot of complaints, it's a very good car with a handful of minor issues. I love the car, but I wouldn't say I'm "in love" with the car. It's personality is a little too serious and cold for me, that may just be a BMW thing, it's clearly aimed at a demographic that is different and older than me.

Final thoughts: I bought this car a year ago because it was almost as fast as the Durango Hellcat I really wanted, but was a lot cheaper and more luxurious. A year later, the Hellcat feels like the one that got away. I drove one a few weeks ago and came away feeling like the Durango didn't do anything better than the BMW except softer seats with better leather. The displays in it were outdated, the rear camera in it was a pixelated mess, and it's instrumentation was hard to read. But it had the rumble and muscle feel I wanted. In the year that I've had it, Durango Hellcat prices have dropped massively, as they sit on lots unsold, so it's become even more enticing. I'll miss the comforts of the BMW for sure, but the raw animal character of the hellcat is very appealing to me.

[PunsGalore]

Nice write up

[SteVTEC]

Great review!

OT but what are the long term issues with the Expedition, and what year of that do you have? I passed on picking up a '24 recently in favor of a CPO X7. Don't want to derail the thread, though.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by SteVTEC

Great review!

OT but what are the long term issues with the Expedition, and what year of that do you have? I passed on picking up a '24 recently in favor of a CPO X7. Don't want to derail the thread, though.

2019. We had 2 big issues, the engine and transmission lol. The original design had an issue with the cam phasers design that would lead to a rattle when you started it cold. Supposedly there was no long term damage potential from it, but it was annoying so they replaced it under warranty for the newer design, and no rattle since. The transmission had to be rebuilt at like 59k miles because the CDF was an older design that would wear and cause harsh shifts. The transmission is a shared design with GM, but the original Ford variant had this issue. They rebuilt it with the newer parts and it's been overall good since. I will openly admit their transmission tuning is not as good as the tuning in the BMW. The BMW always knows what gear it wants to go to, and shifts smoothly. The Ford will sometimes make a harsh shift when it finds itself confused.

I also had a heater hole leaking a little coolant. They used a plastic y in the hose that was too thin, and it would leak. I fixed that myself for $150 worth of hoses after a $2500 quote from the dealer.it was quite literally a "reach in, unplug (they're quick disconnects), route ne wone, plug in, fill with coolant" job. Maybe 2 hours counting me taking time to go buy coolant. Despite these issues, still love that truck. Super comfortable, tons of space, pretty good on gas (we get 21mpg consistently on the highway on regular unleaded), and it can do anything (but float - just like Maui). I keep telling my wife we should get a fridge for it, they sell one that installs in the center console, and it's under $400.

[matowi]

Nice write up. As for tires, no love for the star-marked Pirelli rubber? I’ve had PZeros for summer and other Pirelli winters on many of my cars, including all the BMWs (Sottozero on F10 and the G11, Scorpion Winter on G05) and never once did I think “oh man what crappy tires”. It’s been generally a good choice to stick with the OEM recommender varieties

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by matowi

Nice write up. As for tires, no love for the star-marked Pirelli rubber? I’ve had PZeros for summer and other Pirelli winters on many of my cars, including all the BMWs (Sottozero on F10 and the G11, Scorpion Winter on G05) and never once did I think “oh man what crappy tires”. It’s been generally a good choice to stick with the OEM recommender varieties

I have no experience with them. We have pirellis on the expedition and my TBSS and I've been satisfied with them, but they're ungodly expensive for the BMW. Like $2400 for the set, lol.

[LDT]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

I have no experience with them. We have pirellis on the expedition and my TBSS and I've been satisfied with them, but they're ungodly expensive for the BMW. Like $2400 for the set, lol.

Yes indeed. I just bought a set of 22" Pirelli UHP All-seasons. Not many choices and I did not want to put Nittos on my BMW. I must say the ride quality is significantly better compared to the OEM Pirelli summer performance tires.

[MartieNYBK]

What do you think about 21 inch Geolandar all season tires for the X5? Run flats. It is the only option all season tires for the 21 inch staggered wheel set up.

Thanks for your detailed evaluation BlkGS.

[iX nOOky]

Sounds like you should have gotten a Ford Explorer ST and modded it just a little bit and you'd have more than enough power.

[bigshop]

Nice write up. Check out the wheels and tires section, lots of us have put on the DWS06, just need to sizeup the sidewall a bit.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by iX nOOky

Sounds like you should have gotten a Ford Explorer ST and modded it just a little bit and you'd have more than enough power.

I considered it actually. The 25s weren't out yet and the original interior was just not cutting it for me at that price point I figured I would get a lot more bang for the buck out of my coo x5 than a brand new explorer, which I still believe.

That said, the modding aspect of the explorer was a other key thing. I wanted to not mod my next car, lol. I did quite a few mods to my TBSS, and while those mods absolutely make it better, I didn't want to be working on my daily again. The BMW kinda just sat right up front. It had the right stance, the right performance, the smeight stereo, lights, etc.- the exhaust is really the only real mod I'd like to do.

That and right when COVID was starting I had a deal for a fully.loaded explorer ST at 48k and they sold it 2 days before I was going to pick it up. So it's hard for me to justify 60k for one now.

[SteVTEC]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

Final thoughts: I bought this car a year ago because it was almost as fast as the Durango Hellcat I really wanted, but was a lot cheaper and more luxurious. A year later, the Hellcat feels like the one that got away. I drove one a few weeks ago and came away feeling like the Durango didn't do anything better than the BMW except softer seats with better leather. The displays in it were outdated, the rear camera in it was a pixelated mess, and it's instrumentation was hard to read. But it had the rumble and muscle feel I wanted. In the year that I've had it, Durango Hellcat prices have dropped massively, as they sit on lots unsold, so it's become even more enticing. I'll miss the comforts of the BMW for sure, but the raw animal character of the hellcat is very appealing to me.

So it sounds like you're looking to trade? Are there really dealerships down your way with NEW Hellcats sitting around unsold for discount?? Sounds crazy. Just for s&g's I looked up a few area dealerships here in the DC burbs, and all I found was one Durango 392 for $9k off MSRP and still $82k. Unlike the Bimmers where I'm happy all day with an Inline-6, if I was going that way I would absolutely be getting at least a Scat/392 and nothing less, but probably not full-tilt Hellcat.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by SteVTEC

So it sounds like you're looking to trade? Are there really dealerships down your way with NEW Hellcats sitting around unsold for discount?? Sounds crazy. Just for s&g's I looked up a few area dealerships here in the DC burbs, and all I found was one Durango 392 for $9k off MSRP and still $82k. Unlike the Bimmers where I'm happy all day with an Inline-6, if I was going that way I would absolutely be getting at least a Scat/392 and nothing less, but probably not full-tilt Hellcat.

Lol WHAT. They want how much for a 392!?

We have Durango Premiums all over the place for like 90k (MSRP of $110k). One I'm looking at is 88k (before Ford conquest cash). There's even a 2023 on a lot nearby. This is all by only looking for the exact spec I want - SRT premium, black package, black paint. If I were to open it up colors or trims, it'd be even easier. I've seen a few of the lower trim hellcats listed in the upper 70s.

[sharkymcpeterson]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

It's about a year since I got my M50i, so here's my thoughts on it so far. My M50i was bought CPO, 20k miles or so, loaded with about the only thing it didn't have being tow, alcantara, and Merino. It's a M Pro/DHP truck. I'm going to break down my experience with the car in a few sections, coming from a history of domestic sports cars, muscle cars, and sport SUVs.

Engine: Objectively, it's amazing. It's crazy fast, has effortless power around town, is refined and smooth, and there is no "waiting" for power, it's just always powerful. It has all the positive attributes of an EV powertrain but for people with Testosterone. Subjectively, it's a little jacking to me. The exhaust is so quiet even in sport mode, it may as well be an EV. It wakes up some when you romp on it, but it's still way too quiet. There's no grumble to let you know you have a monster under foot. The engine has no drama, it's smooth, quiet, and kind of missing character. I think BMW was going for more luxury than anything, but I would like more anger from it.

Suspension/Chassis: Fantastic. It's literally F'ing amazing. The chassis is so stiff, and the M Pro/DHP setup rides so nice, corners so flat, and it has grip for weeks, not days. While not as possible as other sports cars I've had, it does things it should not be able to do, and then settled down into an insanely comfortable cruiser.

Brakes: Mixed feelings here. They work great, pedal feel is pretty good, they're easy to modulate, and they will stop crazy fast. That said, they didn't like mad, and they don't last very long. A little [...]

Just saying, with racechip gts black I’m getting the same times I believe a Durango hellcat puts down. I’ve never driven a hellcat so it’s hard to know for sure but my understanding is the hellcat gets 0-60 in 3.6 and does a quarter mile in 12 flat….
I haven’t been able to reproduce those numbers consistently but I have hit them.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by sharkymcpeterson

Just saying, with racechip gts black I’m getting the same times I believe a Durango hellcat puts down. I’ve never driven a hellcat so it’s hard to know for sure but my understanding is the hellcat gets 0-60 in 3.6 and does a quarter mile in 12 flat….
I haven’t been able to reproduce those numbers consistently but I have hit them.

The actual numbers difference is a lot smaller than one would expect. I've seen people with hellcats only pulling high 3s. That's in range for a stock M50i. The big difference is the feel, the M50i is almost EV like in its power delivery and smoothness. The hellcat is very much not. It's a muscle car through and through. Touch the gas and it snarls. Step on it and it makes loud noises to make you smile. It has a lot more charm if you're into muscle cars and being fast and loud. The BMW you can drive around town and not ever hear the engine, you're never gonna miss the engine sounds in the hellcat, lol.

That all said, people are making 1000+ up out of hellcats with E85, injectors, and pulley swaps. Those motors are so robust it's crazy, and seem to have no weak points when stock other than maybe blower snout bearings. While the N63TU3 has been very reliable overall, it's kinda hard to think that it will be more reliable as a DOHC hot V direct injected motor than a forged OHV motor with a blower on it would be, lol.

[PunsGalore]

Might be a non sequitur, but I despise of Pirelli Tires.. I prefer Michelin.

[sharkymcpeterson]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

The actual numbers difference is a lot smaller than one would expect. I've seen people with hellcats only pulling high 3s. That's in range for a stock M50i. The big difference is the feel, the M50i is almost EV like in its power delivery and smoothness. The hellcat is very much not. It's a muscle car through and through. Touch the gas and it snarls. Step on it and it makes loud noises to make you smile. It has a lot more charm if you're into muscle cars and being fast and loud. The BMW you can drive around town and not ever hear the engine, you're never gonna miss the engine sounds in the hellcat, lol.

That all said, people are making 1000+ up out of hellcats with E85, injectors, and pulley swaps. Those motors are so robust it's crazy, and seem to have no weak points when stock other than maybe blower snout bearings. While the N63TU3 has been very reliable overall, it's kinda hard to think that it will be more reliable as a DOHC hot V direct injected motor than a forged OHV motor with a blower on it would be, lol.

Yeah that makes sense. The hellcat is an awesome machine, there is no doubt.

[ncdoc]

What a great writeup!! I thoroughly enjoyed.

Seems an X5M would be right up your alley (except maybe cost?). May not be quite as fast, but overall, such a monster.

[BlkGS]

It's an animal. The big difference is the engine, and how much more present it is. You start it, it roars, and it goes to a low growl. You cruise around, it growls,. You accelerate, you feel it in the powertrain, and it feels coarse and angry like it's forcing the gas particles to do its will. Even at a stop light, it gives you a rumble and sometimes a little shake to remind you there's a monster under the hood. And if you give it a bit of gas it roars to life. And that's with just a stock exhaust.

That's the other difference too - there's more parts available and they're at lower margins. There's no les than 4 different exhaust systems available that are full fatbacks made out of stainless, almost all.under $2k for the systems. Carbon fiber intake tubes are like $500 for the kit. You also can get a series of great tires for right around $800 for the full set, and the tire options are WAY more varied. To be fair, they also have 20" wheels with square setups, so the tire advantage is huge there. You can get a lot to be at 840 crank HP for like $2500 as well. Pretty nuts the value they represent in making big power cheap vs the BMWs, but the BMW as an all around package represents a much better value of you care about features, refinement, and luxury.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by ncdoc

What a great writeup!! I thoroughly enjoyed.

Seems an X5M would be right up your alley (except maybe cost?). May not be quite as fast, but overall, such a monster.

I honestly came away underwhelmed by the X5M. It felt like a modded M50i, a little faster, a bit rougher riding, but cut from the same cloth. A very nice piece of cloth, soft, cozy and comfortable. The hellcat Durango feels like it's made from the pelt of an angry animal that might had rabies.

I came in thinking I'd end up in an X3M or X5M, but it was the M50i that impressed me the most. That said, maybe I should drive one again. Having li ed with the M50i at this point for a year, I might feel differently.

[ncdoc]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

I honestly came away underwhelmed by the X5M. It felt like a modded M50i, a little faster, a bit rougher riding, but cut from the same cloth. A very nice piece of cloth, soft, cozy and comfortable. The hellcat Durango feels like it's made from the pelt of an angry animal that might had rabies.

I came in thinking I'd end up in an X3M or X5M, but it was the M50i that impressed me the most. That said, maybe I should drive one again. Having li ed with the M50i at this point for a year, I might feel differently.

Appreciate your response. After owning so many hig end sports cars I find the X5MC as a daily driver is incredible. Not having tried the X3. Think I was ready for a bit morepampering, but the acceleration, handling, and ride is intoxicating. Fairly nice roads here in NC may be part of it. Thanks for your thoughts.

I think Durango and maybe even the Trackhawk are beasts, and could respect either chice! I think the X5MC is just a bit more refined.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by ncdoc

Appreciate your response. After owning so many hig end sports cars I find the X5MC as a daily driver is incredible. Not having tried the X3. Think I was ready for a bit morepampering, but the acceleration, handling, and ride is intoxicating. Fairly nice roads here in NC may be part of it. Thanks for your thoughts.

I think Durango and maybe even the Trackhawk are beasts, and could respect either chice! I think the X5MC is just a bit more refined.

Honestly, in NC I'd probably feel a little differently too. When Iived in the foothills of NC, every road was like a world class race track. The chassis improvements on the M would have mattered a lot more then. But living now in Florida, all our roads are straight, flat, and smooth. So the chassis tweaks didn't really pay dividends for my roads.

But yeah, X5 is WAY more refined than the hellcat and Trackhawk. Like another level of refinement. It's the difference between a filet mignon and a cookout burger tray with hush puppies and a shake.

See, now you got me missing NC lol.