Where are all the F15 X5 50i?
Discussion
Looking to swap from the X5 40d e70 to a newer X5, more specifically the F15 X5 50i
There's a couple of reasons why, ULEZ being one of them and the e70 is getting on a bit.
However, a quick scout though PH and other sites, there are sod all 50i for sale.
Is it due to the time of year or were they never a big seller?
It seems that that there are many more X5M (F15) for sale than the 50i, although i would have thought that the X5M is too much of a target and probably far too expensive for insurance.
But the 50i is ticking all the right boxes, it seems to be about 80% there and I'm happy with that.
I did think about the 50d, but being a diesel I'm sure that there will be some further financial punishment in the near future, and a diesel lump like that probably won't appreciate any short trips.
So where are all the X5 xdrive50i models?
Also is there anything to look out for, on this particular model?
There's a couple of reasons why, ULEZ being one of them and the e70 is getting on a bit.
However, a quick scout though PH and other sites, there are sod all 50i for sale.
Is it due to the time of year or were they never a big seller?
It seems that that there are many more X5M (F15) for sale than the 50i, although i would have thought that the X5M is too much of a target and probably far too expensive for insurance.
But the 50i is ticking all the right boxes, it seems to be about 80% there and I'm happy with that.
I did think about the 50d, but being a diesel I'm sure that there will be some further financial punishment in the near future, and a diesel lump like that probably won't appreciate any short trips.
So where are all the X5 xdrive50i models?
Also is there anything to look out for, on this particular model?
Erm maybe because it is an N63 V8 which was never going to be popular in the UK market. It is sort of like the 550i, 650i and 750i, for many they were not much quicker overall than the lesser straight 6 engines.
Additionally, if you are already at the 50i, then the M model probably was not much of a financial jump.
In addition, if based on the US market the N63 in original guise was a shocking engine where there was a recall in regards to excessive oil use and many lunched engines. The recall involved a number of major engine parts to try and resolve it.
Later in the N63 life the tu version was released which on the hole is a much better engine, but the point still stands at this level most probably just bought the full on M version with the S63.
I think some of that reasoning is why bmw initially decided for the UK market things like the M550i prelci would not come here unlike the post lci version which is.
The other issue generally speaking is there does seem a lack of knowledge about the N63 due the rarity in the UK market despite the S63 being a relative of it really (although quite different when it really comes to it).
Additionally, if you are already at the 50i, then the M model probably was not much of a financial jump.
In addition, if based on the US market the N63 in original guise was a shocking engine where there was a recall in regards to excessive oil use and many lunched engines. The recall involved a number of major engine parts to try and resolve it.
Later in the N63 life the tu version was released which on the hole is a much better engine, but the point still stands at this level most probably just bought the full on M version with the S63.
I think some of that reasoning is why bmw initially decided for the UK market things like the M550i prelci would not come here unlike the post lci version which is.
The other issue generally speaking is there does seem a lack of knowledge about the N63 due the rarity in the UK market despite the S63 being a relative of it really (although quite different when it really comes to it).
bunchofkeys said:
Thank you for the input.
So it would seem that the X5M would be the better purchase, especially the larger selection.
It would also seem that most of the X5M come fully kitted out, and with 5 seats, rather than 7, which i was trying to avoid.
Is there a PH buyers guide?
X5m never came with 7 seats, which is a right pain in the arseSo it would seem that the X5M would be the better purchase, especially the larger selection.
It would also seem that most of the X5M come fully kitted out, and with 5 seats, rather than 7, which i was trying to avoid.
Is there a PH buyers guide?
Found it.
https://www.pistonheads.com/news/general-pistonhea...
Turns out it's a F85, based upon the F15. You learn something new every day.
https://www.pistonheads.com/news/general-pistonhea...
Turns out it's a F85, based upon the F15. You learn something new every day.
I have a 2014 50i that I bought in Jan 2020 to replace, funnily enough, our trusty E53 X5 4.8iS...
The N63B44TU is almost a brand new engine compared to the old N63B44 - it isn't affected by any of the issues that plagued the E70.
Now then, where do I start?
Firstly, the idea that the 50i is only marginaly quicker than the 6-cylinder 40d or even 50d is b
ks. Like utter tripe with boiled b
ks on top. 0-60 is dispatched in 4.6 and having played with all sorts of cars off the traffic lights, I can only say that BMW's claims are perhaps a touch conservative. So is the reported 450bhp figure. £450 and a JB4 I could be knocking on 575bhp. There is no need for that...
Secondly, fuel consumption - it is par for the course. In town - SE London school run from Bromley to Dulwich, my wife sees 15mpg, on the run on weekends at 75/80mph we see 26-28mpg, towing the race car - 20mpg.
Thirdly, the running costs are a fraction of the ///M Costs - I have the optional 390mm front discs - £350 for a pair of ATE's OEM discs from ECP. Suspension components are cooking BMW, thus don't attract the typical ///M costs - I also run an E46 M3 and used to have E61 M5 prior, as well as older ///M cars.
Fourthly, //M cars contrary to popular belief don't come loaded - they would be better than your average 30d, but for sure there are variations between cars. I am yet to see another F15 with as many options as mine - all £32k of them! Essential options in my opinion - panoramic roof, comfort seats, extended leather - dash, door cards, HUD, at least HK stereo - B&O even better, surround view. Essential chassis options - dynamic drive, drivers' assist and steering.
Fifh - I would not run one of these wihout a full on BMW Insured Warranty. I work with cars as a hobby, and I am good enough to build classic Porsche or BMW engines from a pile of parts, but the F15 scares the hell out of me simply due to the sheer number of interconnected modules and systems.
Last, but not least - transfer boxes do play up. A change of fluid at around 50k is an absolute must and solves most issues. If it doesn't - BMW Warranty will just replace the unit. The engine is sensitive to spark plugs - ignore the BMW bulls
t advice and change them at every 20k max, Also, the BMW specified oil change interval of 24k is borderline criminal on a hot-Vee engine. If followed, especially on a city car with stop start switched on, the turbos are toast by about 80k. I change mine evey 7.5k miles - 9ltrs of Shell 5w30 and a genuine BMW filter from Lloyds Newcastle come to £67. The engine configuration means that everything that sits on top of it, eventually gets fried. I purchased ours with 47k from its original lady owner, now sitting on 57k, and had to sort out two plastic hose connectors. BMW wanted £250 for the hoses, my BMW Warranty excess was £250, so two copper barbed connectors and genuine BMW spring hose clamps for £10 solved the issue in about 15mins.
Overall, given that it's fully loaded, it does the Jekyll and Hyde thing so well, and in the grand scheme of things cost less than used Golf, I think I have found our family bus for the next 10yrs.
P.S. I took the old X5 4.8iS around the Ring in 8:45 BTG on lap 3. Next year, when I get an afternoon off after qualifying at Spa, I am aiming for a low 8 with the F15...
The N63B44TU is almost a brand new engine compared to the old N63B44 - it isn't affected by any of the issues that plagued the E70.
Now then, where do I start?
Firstly, the idea that the 50i is only marginaly quicker than the 6-cylinder 40d or even 50d is b
ks. Like utter tripe with boiled b
ks on top. 0-60 is dispatched in 4.6 and having played with all sorts of cars off the traffic lights, I can only say that BMW's claims are perhaps a touch conservative. So is the reported 450bhp figure. £450 and a JB4 I could be knocking on 575bhp. There is no need for that...Secondly, fuel consumption - it is par for the course. In town - SE London school run from Bromley to Dulwich, my wife sees 15mpg, on the run on weekends at 75/80mph we see 26-28mpg, towing the race car - 20mpg.
Thirdly, the running costs are a fraction of the ///M Costs - I have the optional 390mm front discs - £350 for a pair of ATE's OEM discs from ECP. Suspension components are cooking BMW, thus don't attract the typical ///M costs - I also run an E46 M3 and used to have E61 M5 prior, as well as older ///M cars.
Fourthly, //M cars contrary to popular belief don't come loaded - they would be better than your average 30d, but for sure there are variations between cars. I am yet to see another F15 with as many options as mine - all £32k of them! Essential options in my opinion - panoramic roof, comfort seats, extended leather - dash, door cards, HUD, at least HK stereo - B&O even better, surround view. Essential chassis options - dynamic drive, drivers' assist and steering.
Fifh - I would not run one of these wihout a full on BMW Insured Warranty. I work with cars as a hobby, and I am good enough to build classic Porsche or BMW engines from a pile of parts, but the F15 scares the hell out of me simply due to the sheer number of interconnected modules and systems.
Last, but not least - transfer boxes do play up. A change of fluid at around 50k is an absolute must and solves most issues. If it doesn't - BMW Warranty will just replace the unit. The engine is sensitive to spark plugs - ignore the BMW bulls
t advice and change them at every 20k max, Also, the BMW specified oil change interval of 24k is borderline criminal on a hot-Vee engine. If followed, especially on a city car with stop start switched on, the turbos are toast by about 80k. I change mine evey 7.5k miles - 9ltrs of Shell 5w30 and a genuine BMW filter from Lloyds Newcastle come to £67. The engine configuration means that everything that sits on top of it, eventually gets fried. I purchased ours with 47k from its original lady owner, now sitting on 57k, and had to sort out two plastic hose connectors. BMW wanted £250 for the hoses, my BMW Warranty excess was £250, so two copper barbed connectors and genuine BMW spring hose clamps for £10 solved the issue in about 15mins. Overall, given that it's fully loaded, it does the Jekyll and Hyde thing so well, and in the grand scheme of things cost less than used Golf, I think I have found our family bus for the next 10yrs.
P.S. I took the old X5 4.8iS around the Ring in 8:45 BTG on lap 3. Next year, when I get an afternoon off after qualifying at Spa, I am aiming for a low 8 with the F15...

Just a quick update, but i went with the X5M in the end.
Found a mint example with pretty much everything i could want on it, except the B&O sound system.
Although any X5M with that option, were thin on the ground.
There were only 5 examples of the 50i, before going ahead with the X5M.
Thanks to your input everyone.
Found a mint example with pretty much everything i could want on it, except the B&O sound system.
Although any X5M with that option, were thin on the ground.
There were only 5 examples of the 50i, before going ahead with the X5M.
Thanks to your input everyone.
bunchofkeys said:
Just a quick update, but i went with the X5M in the end.
Found a mint example with pretty much everything i could want on it, except the B&O sound system.
Although any X5M with that option, were thin on the ground.
There were only 5 examples of the 50i, before going ahead with the X5M.
Thanks to your input everyone.
Well done! The X5M is in a different category to an 50i, enjoy!Found a mint example with pretty much everything i could want on it, except the B&O sound system.
Although any X5M with that option, were thin on the ground.
There were only 5 examples of the 50i, before going ahead with the X5M.
Thanks to your input everyone.
I couldn't get driveaway insurance, so ended up having to put £1200 on my card for fully comp. To be honest i was somewhat expecting that.
However, will behaving a chat with Adria Flux today, to see if they can get the price down as i have a policy with them for the old car.
£400 a year?!
However, will behaving a chat with Adria Flux today, to see if they can get the price down as i have a policy with them for the old car.
£400 a year?!
bunchofkeys said:
I couldn't get driveaway insurance, so ended up having to put £1200 on my card for fully comp. To be honest i was somewhat expecting that.
However, will behaving a chat with Adria Flux today, to see if they can get the price down as i have a policy with them for the old car.
£400 a year?!
I've just double-checked that in case I got it wrong.However, will behaving a chat with Adria Flux today, to see if they can get the price down as i have a policy with them for the old car.
£400 a year?!
Yes, £432 from 'Darwin' (I know!) via Moneysupermarket then £25 TCB.
Direct Line wanted double that which is weird as Darwin is a sister compnay of Direct Line.
The money saved will probably be going on petrol!
Uncle Meat said:
bunchofkeys said:
I couldn't get driveaway insurance, so ended up having to put £1200 on my card for fully comp. To be honest i was somewhat expecting that.
However, will behaving a chat with Adria Flux today, to see if they can get the price down as i have a policy with them for the old car.
£400 a year?!
I've just double-checked that in case I got it wrong.However, will behaving a chat with Adria Flux today, to see if they can get the price down as i have a policy with them for the old car.
£400 a year?!
Yes, £432 from 'Darwin' (I know!) via Moneysupermarket then £25 TCB.
Direct Line wanted double that which is weird as Darwin is a sister company of Direct Line.
The money saved will probably be going on petrol!
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