BMW i4, 40 Vs M50

[happybiker]

I know it's been discussed before, the 40 is a bit lighter and handles more like a traditional BMW, the 50 is a porker but goes like a rocket in a drag race.... I drove a 40 years ago very briefly and quite liked it, drove a 50 yesterday expecting to not like it so much, but I actually laughed every time I buried my foot. It was comfy, fast and the tech is amazing.

Obviously the acceleration is insane, but does it get old once you've spent some time with it? My commute is 6 miles each way on b roads, I have a charger at work, but not at home. I don't think this will be a problem, so range not really a factor.

It would be nice to have Comfort access and Tech pack, not too bothered by the rest. HK and HUD a must. I'm not actually sure what the 50 comes with over the 40? They seem well specced.

Is it better to go for a 40 with great spec like this:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605272...

Or a newer M50 for a bit more. It has no added extras but it has the newer iDrive 8.5, HK, HUD, memory seats etc. which I guess is standard on the m50?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605192...

Or an older m50 but with some extras?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605052...

[Ricky997GT]

Get the 50

[happybiker]

Ok, so higher spec with the older iDrive or newer one with no extra options?

[Juanco20]

I like these but the unknown depreciation terrifies me (same with all electric cars). The money you feel like you're saving over a 3 litre petrol for example could pale into insignificance when it comes to trade in time

[a7x88]

This is an interesting one. I have an i4 M60 but had an e40 as a loaner for a few days.

I found the e40 was a nicer / more balanced drive. Felt more traditional BMW and the rear axle was much more lively. It was great when driving a little more spiritedly

However - I found it worse at the two other ends of the spectrum. The M60 whilst not a traditional feeling rwd BMW is epic fun when you disable some of the aids and can push it a little harder. The acceleration is obviously right up there, but it will rotate and move around on throttle. It’s very definitely 4WD though.

The M60 I also found nicer day to day - the stronger regen (due to the front motor) made it more relaxing escecially round town with one pedal drive and traction in wet slippery conditions is miles better.

I’m pleased I went for the M60

[SWoll]

Juanco20 said:

I like these but the unknown depreciation terrifies me (same with all electric cars). The money you feel like you're saving over a 3 litre petrol for example could pale into insignificance when it comes to trade in time

They've been around for 5 years now so I'd suggest depreciation is well documented?

[happybiker]

Well I put a deposit down on the grey M50. Let's hope it's done most of it's depreciation...

Edited by happybiker on Monday 22 June 14:30

[timberman]

I've had my M50 for a few years now, the way it accelerates never gets old,

going through a set of tyres every 8 months does though.

Edited by timberman on Monday 22 June 17:19

[happybiker]

When I viewed the car I had stupidly didn't check the history on the iDrive. Today I called BMW and there's a recent recall outstanding for the Coolant Changeover Valve and they've never seen it for a service.

The service report from the dealer does show it's had a service at 1 and 2 years, brake fluid and micro filters. I know it's an Ev so realistically this isn't an issue, but if it was showing an amber or red on the first service due on the iDrive this bugs me and might be a problem when I come to sell it in a few years. Am I being silly? The car is in very good condition cosmetically!

[nickfrog]

Juanco20 said:

I like these but the unknown depreciation terrifies me (same with all electric cars). The money you feel like you're saving over a 3 litre petrol for example could pale into insignificance when it comes to trade in time

Yes so buy used, bargain. The early depreciation is heavier because of fiscal reasons but not only that's because the RRPs are fantasy (even more so than ICE) but also because of the fiscal benefits.
But the depreciation normalises after 1/2 years.

In fact for certain models it actually normalises with nominal age / mileage.

[timberman]

happybiker said:

When I viewed the car I had stupidly didn't check the history on the iDrive. Today I called BMW and there's a recent recall outstanding for the Coolant Changeover Valve and they've never seen it for a service.

The service report from the dealer does show it's had a service at 1 and 2 years, brake fluid and micro filters. I know it's an Ev so realistically this isn't an issue, but if it was showing an amber or red on the first service due on the iDrive this bugs me and might be a problem when I come to sell it in a few years. Am I being silly? The car is in very good condition cosmetically!

How old is it,

my service schedule is every 2 years, so the 2nd service won't be till next year at 4 years old
can't say I've heard anything about any recalls either.

[Juanco20]

nickfrog said:

Yes so buy used, bargain. The early depreciation is heavier because of fiscal reasons but not only that's because the RRPs are fantasy (even more so than ICE) but also because of the fiscal benefits.
But the depreciation normalises after 1/2 years.

In fact for certain models it actually normalises with nominal age / mileage.

The prices are all over the place. Some 2022 cars are on auto trader at the same price as 2024 with similar mileage

I think it's a huge risk that you're left with something nobody wants as improved batteries etc are developed

[happybiker]

It's a February 2024 car, it's had annual services which is more services than BMW ask for. The I Drive thing still niggles but I know mechanically it's fine.

Depreciation wise it's taken it's biggest hit, still has 6 months manufacturer warranty and batteries are 8 years with BMW.

[nickfrog]

Juanco20 said:

I think it's a huge risk that you're left with something nobody wants as improved batteries etc are developed

That's a fair point and a factor. I wouldn't call the risk huge though.
A £20k used EV ran for 10 years is only ever going to cost you £2k a year in depreciation even if it's worth nothing after 10 years, which is unlikely.

[timberman]

happybiker said:

It's a February 2024 car, it's had annual services which is more services than BMW ask for. The I Drive thing still niggles but I know mechanically it's fine.

Depreciation wise it's taken it's biggest hit, still has 6 months manufacturer warranty and batteries are 8 years with BMW.

I wouldn't worry too much then,

apart from a couple of niggles with android auto acting up, and some drive train issue which didn't seem to affect the car (I took it in anyway)
in nearly 45K miles mine hasn't missed a beat,

I've been far more stressed about the damage to my 20" wheels caused by the crap state of the roads around here than anything else

speaking of the warranty, mine's just coming up to 3 years old now and I've extended the comprehensive warranty and roadside recovery for another year, I probably didn't need to, but it only cost me somewhere around £400 and I prefer the peace of mind it gives just in case anything big does go wrong.

[charltjr]

I found the grin factor of the acceleration of the M50 did wear off and I would rather have had a lighter, better balanced car.

That said, the M50 does look a lot better.

[happybiker]

Thanks, I think I'm going to go ahead then...

I'm glad it's got the 19" wheels, I've always preferred smaller wheels.