Please talk me out of it - BMW G05 M50i related

[70007]

As some of you may now I'm busy looking at a replacement for my M340i.

I was looking around for a M40i LCI or alternatively a G05 X5 M50d, but the 50d's are mostly out of my budget once I factor in the min. options I want as well as some mplan left.

I saw a '22 LCI M40i in CT that ticks most of the options boxes (except the 360deg camera which is kind-of nice to have), but it has a lot of other extras making it worth the look. They messed up the pricing a bit which resulted in a R40k discount on the advertised price and they give me a good trade-in on my car (compared to other low-ball offers received at other dealers)....

BUT, while waiting for them evaluating my car for the trade-in offer I browsed the floor and my eye caught a '21 X5 M50i. Now ever since I sold my F15 X5 M50d I longed getting back into another X5, but the G05 X5's are just a bit out of reach budget wise (well the models I'm interested in at least). So now, please talk me out of this X5 and why it would not make sense to buy it over the M40i X3. Things I can think of off hand:

- fuel consumption would probably be next level (probably not THAT big an issue since I have a company petrol card, but still, it would just feel wrong to have ridiculous consumption figures compared to what I'm used to?)
- stretching the budget here quite a bit (about R250k more than the X3)
- X5 Mplan expires 04/01/2026, but the car's kilos are low so the next 2 Mplan extensions will be time which is not THAT expensive.
- Having 22" wheels meaning replacement costs for the tyres will be eye watering; I'm guessing north of R40k for a set of RFT's
- This car is HUGE compared to the X3, but this is one of the reasons I like X5's, they have presence!

I took the X5 for a spin and won't go into detail regarding performance etc., but one thing that stood out for me is that it's pure class / luxury compared to the X3. The car's ride is exceptional, even with the 22" wheels, it's really really smooth and floats over everything, even poor sections of road, it is really next level compared to the X3. The extras on the X5 are also worth considering, this car is very well specced with a lot of extras that I never had on any of my previous cars.

So yes, the X5 is very tempting, now please talk me out of it, it does not make financial sense!! 😅

 

[Sibonelo]

LOL the M40i doesn't make financial sense either.. you already there, just jump!. I haven't driven the X5 but drove the X3 and I thought those were pretty awesome cars.. as a family car and the " I'm going to buy bread" on a Sunday morning car...

 

[TurboLlew]

This should have an updated N63 motor which is less concerning than things you will read about.

BMW N63 vs N63TU vs N63TU2 vs N63TU3 - Which Is Best?

BMW N63, N63TU, N63TU2, and N63TU3 comparison. Learn about the N63 technical updates. BMW N63 performance and reliability. N63 comparison.

bmwtuning.co

Fuel consumption difference will be significant, but neither petrol engine is going to be 'light'
X5s initially had a host of build quality issues. Not sure but you might want to look into them. They improved over time.
Everything will (yes) be more expensive. It is a bigger and better car in every way from a luxury point of view. If you brace yourself for these costs (eg tyres) then you'll be fine. BMW often does deals on tyres as well.
Just looking at the rim size gives you no idea of whether a car will be uncomfortable or not. The tyre profile has a lot more to do with it. Even RFT vs non RFT depends on the sidewall height as well beyond a certain point.

FWIW If it was me, I would go with the X3. I first see SUVs for their basic functionality and for me there is very little between the X3 and X5 when it comes to this in term so usable space, despite it (yes) being imposing physically. If you want an actual luxury or sporty SUV there are a few other options that may be better suited. Looking at what extras you get, R250K is IMHO a big stretch for a vehicle that will arguably (thanks to blanket hatred of the N63 and complex V8 BMWs in the used market) not be as desirable as the 'internet darling' B58 in the M40i come sale/trade time.

With any car these days, there are many features that you don't end up using or which may even annoy you down the line.

 

[VinceM]

X5 wins hands down!

X5 pre-Lci very close to LCI vs X3 which has a totally new model out. X3 is now a generation old.

That V8 in the X5 is such a lovely engine. Exhaust note, Power delivery. I think it’s also the same motor used in Range Rovers.

Presence of X5 and General comfort above X3. If I were in your shoes, I would take the X5.

X5>X3
V8>S6
Exhaust Tone> X5


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[70007]

X5 wins hands down!

X5 pre-Lci very close to LCI vs X3 which has a totally new model out. X3 is now a generation old.

That V8 in the X5 is such a lovely engine. Exhaust note, Power delivery. I think it’s also the same motor used in Range Rovers.

Presence of X5 and General comfort above X3. If I were in your shoes, I would take the X5.

X5>X3
V8>S6
Exhaust Tone> X5


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You are saying all the wrong things! Read my subject line carefully! 😅 😅

 

[VinceM]

You are saying all the wrong things! Read my subject line carefully!

X3 is less complex, less heavy, less this, less that…

Get that X5 and get done with it !


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[Kishore]

As some of you may now I'm busy looking at a replacement for my M340i.

I was looking around for a M40i LCI or alternatively a G05 X5 M50d, but the 50d's are mostly out of my budget once I factor in the min. options I want as well as some mplan left.

I saw a '22 LCI M40i in CT that ticks most of the options boxes (except the 360deg camera which is kind-of nice to have), but it has a lot of other extras making it worth the look. They messed up the pricing a bit which resulted in a R40k discount on the advertised price and they give me a good trade-in on my car (compared to other low-ball offers received at other dealers)....

BUT, while waiting for them evaluating my car for the trade-in offer I browsed the floor and my eye caught a '21 X5 M50i. Now ever since I sold my F15 X5 M50d I longed getting back into another X5, but the G05 X5's are just a bit out of reach budget wise (well the models I'm interested in at least). So now, please talk me out of this X5 and why it would not make sense to buy it over the M40i X3. Things I can think of off hand:

- fuel consumption would probably be next level (probably not THAT big an issue since I have a company petrol card, but still, it would just feel wrong to have ridiculous consumption figures compared to what I'm used to?)
- stretching the budget here quite a bit (about R250k more than the X3)
- X5 Mplan expires 04/01/2026, but the car's kilos are low so the next 2 Mplan extensions will be time which is not THAT expensive.
- Having 22" wheels meaning replacement costs for the tyres will be eye watering; I'm guessing north of R40k for a set of RFT's
- This car is HUGE compared to the X3, but this is one of the reasons I like X5's, they have presence!

I took the X5 for a spin and won't go into detail regarding performance etc., but one thing that stood out for me is that it's pure class / luxury compared to the X3. The car's ride is exceptional, even with the 22" wheels, it's really really smooth and floats over everything, even poor sections of road, it is really next level compared to the X3. The extras on the X5 are also worth considering, this car is very well specced with a lot of extras that I never had on any of my previous cars.

So yes, the X5 is very tempting, now please talk me out of it, it does not make financial sense!! 😅

I'm playing Devil's Advocate , why not the X5, as you say it's got presence and dependent on extras the level of comfort is on another level. I have the Merino leather in Individual spec with the comfort seat options and the comfort level is like no other that i have experienced. Cabin space is also great and even with kids at the back you still have enough space to not feel squeezed in during open road trips. The 22 would be normal Tyres if the one you seen has a full spare albeit it a biscuit meaning the replacement would be cheaper than RFT. Also reach out to your banker or bank directly to get a finance app in and this way you will get better rates than going via the dealer's finance person. Even if BMW Finance come back with the best rate, you can still go back to your bank to get a counteroffer but only if you deal with the bank directly well at least that's what I did with mine. I have the 3.0d with Sport exhaust and I love it but can only image what the m50i feels and sound like. To further test your decision to walk away, check my intro post as well to see what little extras can do as well : https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/threads/latest-addition-to-the-family-bmw-x5-g05.100116/

 

[AshG108]

I'm playing Devil's Advocate , why not the X5, as you say it's got presence and dependent on extras the level of comfort is on another level. I have the Merino leather in Individual spec with the comfort seat options and the comfort level is like no other that i have experienced. Cabin space is also great and even with kids at the back you still have enough space to not feel squeezed in during open road trips. The 22 would be normal Tyres if the one you seen has a full spare albeit it a biscuit meaning the replacement would be cheaper than RFT. Also reach out to your banker or bank directly to get a finance app in and this way you will get better rates than going via the dealer's finance person. Even if BMW Finance come back with the best rate, you can still go back to your bank to get a counteroffer but only if you deal with the bank directly well at least that's what I did with mine. I have the 3.0d with Sport exhaust and I love it but can only image what the m50i feels and sound like. To further test your decision to walk away, check my intro post as well to see what little extras can do as well : https://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/threads/latest-addition-to-the-family-bmw-x5-g05.100116/

How does the Sport exhuast sound on the X5 30d? I didn't those as extra for X3 models.
Got a clip perhaps?
Does it sound like it has a downpipe perhaps?

 

[modocrat]

Cruising along the highway and you see a G05.. "Ah I could have been driving that"

You wont say that if you saw a G01 while sat in your G05

 

[jayaynikkal]

How does the Sport exhuast sound on the X5 30d? I didn't those as extra for X3 models.
Got a clip perhaps?
Does it sound like it has a downpipe perhaps?

A friend has a pre-LCI G05 30d equipped with the sports exhaust. It doesn’t sound like it has a downpipe, but it has a throatier, sportier note, almost resembling a petrol engine.

 

[AshG108]

A friend has a pre-LCI G05 30d equipped with the sports exhaust. It doesn’t sound like it has a downpipe, but it has a throatier, sportier note, almost resembling a petrol engine.

Oh ok shot thanks bru

 

[Spanky]

Aside from the car-specific considersations - evaluate what the delta in cost could be redirected at, and how much value or peace of mind that could bring: i.e. Home loan settlement, home renovations, TFSA boost, stock portfolio boost, retirement porfolio boost etc..

If there's no significant win elsewhere, then perhaps that's your sign to 'splurge' on an affordable dream.

 

[Naruto]

Go for the X5, you know you want to 😁

 

[PsyCLown]

Go for the X5, you know you want to 😁

He's waiting for you to jump into a Porsche


@70007 You've been given some good advice here.
You're in a situation which I often find myself contemplating, how much are you really willing to spend on a vehicle. Just because you can "afford" the repayments, insurance, maintenance, fuel costs etc. doesn't mean its the smartest choice as the extra funds could go elsewhere instead of just depreciating and disappearing after a couple of months / years. At the same time, YOLO. lol

I guess at the end of the day, will the extra costs justify the additional happiness which going for the X5 will bring? As Spanky mentioned, if putting the additional funds elsewhere won't make a noteable difference then perhaps splurging a bit isn't such a bad idea.
Also how long would you plan on keeping the X5 for, in essence how long you will get the enjoy the additional funds spent.

 

[70007]

He's waiting for you to jump into a Porsche


@70007 You've been given some good advice here.
You're in a situation which I often find myself contemplating, how much are you really willing to spend on a vehicle. Just because you can "afford" the repayments, insurance, maintenance, fuel costs etc. doesn't mean its the smartest choice as the extra funds could go elsewhere instead of just depreciating and disappearing after a couple of months / years. At the same time, YOLO. lol

I guess at the end of the day, will the extra costs justify the additional happiness which going for the X5 will bring? As Spanky mentioned, if putting the additional funds elsewhere won't make a noteable difference then perhaps splurging a bit isn't such a bad idea.
Also how long would you plan on keeping the X5 for, in essence how long you will get the enjoy the additional funds spent.

This sums it up perfectly, at the end it all is affordable to me, but I cannot justify the financial sacrifice. It would mean putting in about R150k and still end up paying around R3 - 4k/month more than the X3. BMW actually made my mind up for me this morning; they couldn't match my trade-in offer on my current car and were also not willing to budge on the X5's selling price. So ja, pulled the trigger on the X3 which will cost the same as my current installment on my M340i.

An X5 will then have to wait for my next purchase a few years down the line!

Thanks for all the comments, all very valid!

 

[Mytfine]

Whats to consider ? 🤣 its a turbo V8 and you can afford it, don't think twice !

 

[jld010]

4.4l V8 for a X5..wouldnt consider a smaller engine..the torque factor is also massive.

Now to talk you out of it...why not get the X6 M50?😂

 

[70007]

You guys are useless at the task at hand!!


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[Teezoh]

So @70007, when will I see this X5 on the road? 😁

 

[70007]

So @70007, when will I see this X5 on the road? 😁

😅 ...no, sanity prevailed, I went for the X3....it would have been too big a jump financially for my liking, could not justify the additional expense! ...Next time though 😈!