BMW F15 X5 Diesel Models - 30d vs 40d vs M50d Discussion Thread

[KPM3_30]

Evening Gents,

Doing some preliminary research into the F15 X5 and looking at one of the diesel models to replace the F25. There's 3 variations I am interested in understanding better (30d, 40d and M50d), all with the same N57 motor and varying turbo set ups.

Of particular interest is the tri-turbo M50d but it seems not many people have first hand experience, especially on cars out of plan. I've been advised to stick to the 30d as a tried and tested model..

Keen to hear any experiences or thoughts regarding reliability and ownership costs between the models.

 

[cRed001]

The guys at Tunetech told me me about some horrific bills relating to the turbo replacement on the M50d. I'm not sure how common the issue is, most owners on online forums claim that the motor is quite reliable.

In terms of cost, reliability, efficiency and performance its tough to beat the 3.0d

 

[KPM3_30]

Had a few private messages and for ease of reference, will summarize below:

- The 30d is the pick of the bunch in terms of reliability (as expected). Had over 10 people advise me to go for this model.
- The 40d is in between both 30d and 50d (as expected), but the addition of the smaller turbo does make it prone to issues facing the 50d engine below. So in for a penny, in for a pound, may as well go 50d.
- The M50d is known to pop the small turbo and depending on circumstances, may take out the other 2 turbos and damage the engine (pistons/bearings from research done). Otherwise fairly reliable given the base N57 engine, however many parts are not shared with the 30d/40d, so expect M-Lite tax.
- M50d eats tyres and brakes.. With the bigger anchors, brakes become a R30k job at an indy.

Based on the feedback, M50d ownership out of plan requires expensive (preventative) maintenance and a penchant for risk. As I will be upgrading from the F25 to a new family car, I don't think the risk that comes with the 50d makes sense for the desired use case and more importantly, at this current point in my life.

 

[FILV]

So it seems like a 30D with a remap then would be the perfect all rounder. Stock 40D power, with the 30D's bullet proof reliability.

 

[KPM3_30]

So it seems like a 30D with a remap then would be the perfect all rounder. Stock 40D power, with the 30D's bullet proof reliability.

Yep.. Guess I'm in the market for a well specced X5 30D Msport. Ideally from the first owner, as I have had shit experiences at the dealers these past few weeks.

Despite the heart wanting the M50d, the head has to be prudent, given I have a family to think about.

 

[AceRally]

How's this colour?

2021 BMW X5 M Competition

Used BMW X5 M Competition for sale in Mpumalanga, car manufactured in 2021 (ID:8916325)

www.cars.co.za

 

[FILV]

How's this colour?

2021 BMW X5 M Competition

Used BMW X5 M Competition for sale in Mpumalanga, car manufactured in 2021 (ID:8916325)

www.cars.co.za

Looks like when you havent calibrated a cheap tv correclty, and the colour red isnt showing correctly lol

 

[Eust]

This thread came up whilst doing research on the M50D, what happened with this decision?
I'm looking at a mineral white G05 M50D currently, plan for 2.5 more years. Thinking of this as a compromised vehicle, do-it-all vehicle instead of the F90.

 

[70007]

This thread came up whilst doing research on the M50D, what happened with this decision?
I'm looking at a mineral white G05 M50D currently, plan for 2.5 more years. Thinking of this as a compromised vehicle, do-it-all vehicle instead of the F90.

Awesome cars. I had the F15 M50d for 3 years and was one of the best cars I ever owned. My next car will be a G05 M50d. Almost bought one 2 weeks ago in George but the trade-in on my M340i was laughable. George BMW has 2 2019 M50d’s with around 50k km’s with mplan left till later this year. Both priced at R1 099 000, which is a good price in my opinion.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[KPM3_30]

This thread came up whilst doing research on the M50D, what happened with this decision?
I'm looking at a mineral white G05 M50D currently, plan for 2.5 more years. Thinking of this as a compromised vehicle, do-it-all vehicle instead of the F90.

I decided against the M50d given my budget, I don't have the appetite for risk on one out of plan.

They are fantastic vehicles and I still wonder "what-if", had I gone ahead and purchased the one I was so close to pulling the trigger on (2017 F15 M50d).

The G05 is even better and with balance of plan, you should be able to extend for 2 more years. You can then take a top tier warranty before it expires, should you decide to own it outside of plan. I would not chance ownership outside of plan unless money is of no concern.

I'm in the market for a 30d currently, that's my 'compromise'..

 

[Eust]

Awesome cars. I had the F15 M50d for 3 years and was one of the best cars I ever owned. My next car will be a G05 M50d. Almost bought one 2 weeks ago in George but the trade-in on my M340i was laughable. George BMW has 2 2019 M50d’s with around 50k km’s with mplan left till later this year. Both priced at R1 099 000, which is a good price in my opinion.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah that's cheap.
There is an M50D at JSN for R1.24M that I'm looking at tomorrow. '19 with 34k KM or something.

Funny you mention the M340i, thinking between that the F90 and this M50D.
M340i saves me R400k+ and is decent enough as a daily? Your thoughts?

 

[Eust]

I decided against the M50d given my budget, I don't have the appetite for risk on one out of plan.

They are fantastic vehicles and I still wonder "what-if", had I gone ahead and purchased the one I was so close to pulling the trigger on (2017 F15 M50d).

The G05 is even better and with balance of plan, you should be able to extend for 2 more years. You can then take a top tier warranty before it expires, should you decide to own it outside of plan. I would not chance ownership outside of plan unless money is of no concern.

I'm in the market for a 30d currently, that's my 'compromise'..

Makes sense. Definitely wouldn't want to waste money on car repair bills out of plan.

Let me test drive it tomorrow and see what makes the cut. Been seeing a good few M50Ds' around lately, must be a sign 🤣

 

[KPM3_30]

Makes sense. Definitely wouldn't want to waste money on car repair bills out of plan.

Let me test drive it tomorrow and see what makes the cut. Been seeing a good few M50Ds' around lately, must be a sign 🤣

It's always been a toss up between newer/depreciation and older/maintenance for me, I've historically always gone the latter route cause it suited my pocket better.

I think you will be sold on the G05 M50d, it's a fantastic vehicle and has so much of presence. That said, F90 vs G05, are very different cars, even before you consider body styles and engine types.. Keen to hear your feedback. Murphy's law that you notice more of the cars you're interested in, when considering buying one!

Just a side note, once you get used to SAV life, daily'ing anything else just doesn't make sense and it also makes using the cars, more of an occasion (in my case).

 

[GravityLee]

once you get used to SAV life, daily'ing anything else just doesn't make sense and it also makes using the cars, more of an occasion (in my case).

Agree with this 100%.