E65 to E70 M50d
Discussion
Hi guys... don't post on here much but looking for some solid advice.
Currently own a late-E65 2008 730d Sport. Ticks all boxes in terms of comfort, build quality, power (remapped to around 280hp/420lbft... goes alright for a barge). One thing that I love is the quality of materials in the cabin, it's unlike any BMW I've ever really been in, even the newer ones. Double glazing, solid wood, real leather, a real heavy feeling to all the buttons and stalks. It's done 144k miles and nothing, absolutely nothing, creaks or rattles. You can tell it's a luxury car. Of course they do have their niggles, but nothing major. I'm a big 6'6 and the 7 series is the widest car I've owned to date.
I'm looking at E70 X5 M50d's.
Has anyone driven, or been a passenger in one of these, and what are they like for comfort and build quality? I've read about various stories of interior rattles and lack of refinement for a "premium" SUV. I'd also be interested in the performance side of things - has anyone had any remap experience with of these?
There are not many for sale in the UK, quite rare, so some feedback will definitely help, before venturing out 100s of miles to find one.
I'm a stickler for a "fast" diesel, having had a 330d and now the 730d, and been in 335d's, 640d's. etc. The power delivery is nice and I do a fair bit of mileage.
Currently own a late-E65 2008 730d Sport. Ticks all boxes in terms of comfort, build quality, power (remapped to around 280hp/420lbft... goes alright for a barge). One thing that I love is the quality of materials in the cabin, it's unlike any BMW I've ever really been in, even the newer ones. Double glazing, solid wood, real leather, a real heavy feeling to all the buttons and stalks. It's done 144k miles and nothing, absolutely nothing, creaks or rattles. You can tell it's a luxury car. Of course they do have their niggles, but nothing major. I'm a big 6'6 and the 7 series is the widest car I've owned to date.
I'm looking at E70 X5 M50d's.
Has anyone driven, or been a passenger in one of these, and what are they like for comfort and build quality? I've read about various stories of interior rattles and lack of refinement for a "premium" SUV. I'd also be interested in the performance side of things - has anyone had any remap experience with of these?
There are not many for sale in the UK, quite rare, so some feedback will definitely help, before venturing out 100s of miles to find one.
I'm a stickler for a "fast" diesel, having had a 330d and now the 730d, and been in 335d's, 640d's. etc. The power delivery is nice and I do a fair bit of mileage.
SlowV6 said:
Serious question - what are you hoping to get from the X5 50d that would be an improvement over your 730d?
I would guess that a 7 series is BMWs most refined car and anything else might we a downward step if you need a relaxing mile muncher.
In all honesty, a higher driving position would be better. Having been in an ML350 lately, I loved the easier access etc, being a big guy.I would guess that a 7 series is BMWs most refined car and anything else might we a downward step if you need a relaxing mile muncher.
I also lump around lots of products, and although the 7 is good, the X5 can fit a load more stuff.
I definitely see what you're saying though.
There is a Brave Pill article here on one of these in understated M4 blue.
My guess is that you would pay a hefty premium for the rare 50d over the more common 40d and therefore it might be very hard to find one with the spec you want e.g. you might want comfort seats, Harmon Kardon etc.
I get the higher driving position aspect. I recently drove a pre-LCI E70 30d and it is certainly a commanding view but it sure was a big beast, wide in particular. The one I was in was a 2010 M-Sport. It was OK inside, quality wise. I didn't come away thinking it was obviously better than our E91 330d to be honest, just "bigger" and on that one tattier.
What I did come away thinking was that an LCI with the N57, ZF8 and Pro-Nav 7-button iDrive was required. I think a 40d with the right spec would be lovely, but I still doubt it would be as refined as your E65. Not sure I see the point of the 50d personally.
Will watch thread with interest if you compare and contrast.
My guess is that you would pay a hefty premium for the rare 50d over the more common 40d and therefore it might be very hard to find one with the spec you want e.g. you might want comfort seats, Harmon Kardon etc.
I get the higher driving position aspect. I recently drove a pre-LCI E70 30d and it is certainly a commanding view but it sure was a big beast, wide in particular. The one I was in was a 2010 M-Sport. It was OK inside, quality wise. I didn't come away thinking it was obviously better than our E91 330d to be honest, just "bigger" and on that one tattier.
What I did come away thinking was that an LCI with the N57, ZF8 and Pro-Nav 7-button iDrive was required. I think a 40d with the right spec would be lovely, but I still doubt it would be as refined as your E65. Not sure I see the point of the 50d personally.
Will watch thread with interest if you compare and contrast.
SlowV6 said:
There is a Brave Pill article here on one of these in understated M4 blue.
My guess is that you would pay a hefty premium for the rare 50d over the more common 40d and therefore it might be very hard to find one with the spec you want e.g. you might want comfort seats, Harmon Kardon etc.
I get the higher driving position aspect. I recently drove a pre-LCI E70 30d and it is certainly a commanding view but it sure was a big beast, wide in particular. The one I was in was a 2010 M-Sport. It was OK inside, quality wise. I didn't come away thinking it was obviously better than our E91 330d to be honest, just "bigger" and on that one tattier.
What I did come away thinking was that an LCI with the N57, ZF8 and Pro-Nav 7-button iDrive was required. I think a 40d with the right spec would be lovely, but I still doubt it would be as refined as your E65. Not sure I see the point of the 50d personally.
Will watch thread with interest if you compare and contrast.
Thanks mate, I did read that article.My guess is that you would pay a hefty premium for the rare 50d over the more common 40d and therefore it might be very hard to find one with the spec you want e.g. you might want comfort seats, Harmon Kardon etc.
I get the higher driving position aspect. I recently drove a pre-LCI E70 30d and it is certainly a commanding view but it sure was a big beast, wide in particular. The one I was in was a 2010 M-Sport. It was OK inside, quality wise. I didn't come away thinking it was obviously better than our E91 330d to be honest, just "bigger" and on that one tattier.
What I did come away thinking was that an LCI with the N57, ZF8 and Pro-Nav 7-button iDrive was required. I think a 40d with the right spec would be lovely, but I still doubt it would be as refined as your E65. Not sure I see the point of the 50d personally.
Will watch thread with interest if you compare and contrast.
For sure, I would want comfort seats. I don't typically get on with standard BMW sport seats, the thin, upright bolsters at the side just get flattened really. The 7 series is also starting to see some wear on those.
40d is probably the more sensible choice, just something about the triple turbo that draws me in! Rare too, so resale values would probably not drop too much. The 8 speed auto would be a huge improvement over the 6HP in the E65 too, I do really hate that box.
The new shape M50d's are seriously imposing bits of kit - some look really great, I saw a blue one for sale (65k!!) which had all the carbon trims etc, really did look like the meanest looking BMW I've seen.
I've heard the rides on the E70 are pretty harsh too, but it's an M-sport thing, they're all rather firm.
Edited by rushmilz on Thursday 2nd September 15:58
rushmilz said:
Thanks mate, I did read that article.
For sure, I would want comfort seats. I don't typically get on with standard BMW sport seats, the thin, upright bolsters at the side just get flattened really. The 7 series is also starting to see some wear on those.
40d is probably the more sensible choice, just something about the triple turbo that draws me in! Rare too, so resale values would probably not drop too much. The 8 speed auto would be a huge improvement over the 6HP in the E65 too, I do really hate that box.
The new shape M50d's are seriously imposing bits of kit - some look really great, I saw a blue one for sale (65k!!) which had all the carbon trims etc, really did look like the meanest looking BMW I've seen.
I've heard the rides on the E70 are pretty harsh too, but it's an M-sport thing, they're all rather firm.
People are wary of the M50d because it's so complicated (it's the same with the V12d Q7) so they tend to hang around a bit longer as resale time.For sure, I would want comfort seats. I don't typically get on with standard BMW sport seats, the thin, upright bolsters at the side just get flattened really. The 7 series is also starting to see some wear on those.
40d is probably the more sensible choice, just something about the triple turbo that draws me in! Rare too, so resale values would probably not drop too much. The 8 speed auto would be a huge improvement over the 6HP in the E65 too, I do really hate that box.
The new shape M50d's are seriously imposing bits of kit - some look really great, I saw a blue one for sale (65k!!) which had all the carbon trims etc, really did look like the meanest looking BMW I've seen.
I've heard the rides on the E70 are pretty harsh too, but it's an M-sport thing, they're all rather firm.
Edited by rushmilz on Thursday 2nd September 15:58
Your 7 Series will have better quality materials as the X5 will be 5 series levels inside it's still nice but not as nice as the 7.
With 50d prices hovering around the 18k+ mark for a nice one & you wanting a nice well built fast diesel SUV, I'd be very tempted to look in the direction of the R50 Touareg:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/353640856033?hash=item5...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/363305881934?hash=item5...
Or the 4.2d V8 Q7 for similar money is probably the most sensible option of the 3:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108236...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104231...
The Cayenne with the same drivetrain will be similar to a 7 Series in terms of feeling luxurious but you'll pay more for the privilege:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108186...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107064...
This is a little more luxury, little less performance...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021082766...
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2021082766...
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