F8X M3/4 to X5M

[hawkerdriver]

I be going through the posts and noticed a few of you came from M3/M4's

Do you miss having a more nimble vehicle? Any items you miss you had or experiences that were better in the M3/4?

I've been seriously contemplating of ordering an X5M. I've had several M3's over the past few generations and currently an M4.

Looking at something a little bigger and more practical to go on longer road trips where I can throw the bikes in or on a bike carrier, but afraid I might miss that "toss able, nimble feeling".

I love loud cars and I hope the X5M won't disappoint

[JNoSol]

I came from an F80 DCT. I love everything about the F85, except for:
-Track weekends (X5M is track capable, but it would go through more tires due to weight)
-After market part options (M3s/M4s have so much more mod options, could be a good thing as you're less tempted to spend)
-Head turns (None BMW savvy folks have no idea what an X5M is, it looks like another X5 to a typical person - could be good or bad, I get more thumbs up on my 640GC than my X5M)

The X5M is a beast to drive. Believe it or not, it holds the same Nurburgring time as an E92 M3 (8m5s) so it's not a typical SUV with lots of power. It actual handles very well and can corner very tight. Compared to the F80, the luxury level is a huge step up.

If you don't track much, don't care about heavily modding, want more room then the X5M is a great bang for the money.

[mrjayo]

Originally Posted by JNoSol

I came from an F80 DCT. I love everything about the F85, except for:
-Track weekends (X5M is track capable, but it would go through more tires due to weight)
-After market part options (M3s/M4s have so much more mod options, could be a good thing as you're less tempted to spend)
-Head turns (None BMW savvy folks have no idea what an X5M is, it looks like another X5 to a typical person - could be good or bad, I get more thumbs up on my 640GC than my X5M)

The X5M is a beast to drive. Believe it or not, it holds the same Nurburgring time as an E92 M3 (8m5s) so it's not a typical SUV with lots of power. It actual handles very well and can corner very tight. Compared to the F80, the luxury level is a huge step up.

If you don't track much, don't care about heavily modding, want more room then the X5M is a great bang for the money.

I had an F80 M3 as well and move to the F85 X5M and I completely agree with what you have to say. On the F80 I would turn heads and get thumbs up all day but with the X5M nobody knows the difference. I haven't tracked my F85 yet but I'm sure it will handle very well. Their is a lot more aftermarket parts for the F80 then the F85 so I am a little disappointed about that. Sometimes I think about going back to my F80.

[AwesomeM3]

I still have my E92 M3 (third M3 I've owned), but enjoy driving the X5M more! It's a lot of fun to drive and I can't even tell it's a 5300 pound SUV.

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by mrjayo

I had an F80 M3 as well and move to the F85 X5M and I completely agree with what you have to say. On the F80 I would turn heads and get thumbs up all day but with the X5M nobody knows the difference. I haven't tracked my F85 yet but I'm sure it will handle very well. Their is a lot more aftermarket parts for the F80 then the F85 so I am a little disappointed about that. Sometimes I think about going back to my F80.

I'm thinking just getting an E46 or E92 M3 to fill my tracking need. Tow the car to the track with the X5M, it will turn heads then. Trading the X5M in now, I would lose $20k so why not buy a track M3 for $15-30k. I do like how practical the X5M is and it is a complete sleeper...

[koxal]

i am coming from f10 m5 and x5m is a lot more fun than m5 imo.

also x5m is louder than m5 and you can feel the power %100 on x5m.

[carri0n m3]

I had a m4 convertible now into the x5m

the transition has been seamless. The x5m, while large, feels like a much smaller vehicle and it's freakishly quick. The ride quality is great (less harsh) and it's extremely practical with the back row of seats and the large trunk. The build quality is really nice with the alcantara headliner and great materials inside. Also the handling is great, you can take on/off ramps at great speeds and very little body roll.

I came from a range rover sport autobiography before and the x5m is a sports car vs. a truck. I think the x5m is vastly superior to that car (electronics, ride quality, build quality). Although I still have place in my heart for how the range rover looks (which is amazing)

negatives:
1. agreed - very little headturns; not necessary a bad thing but way under the radar
2. exhaust is no where close to as loud; if you like loud cars, the x5m is pretty reserved
3. ?

Awesome car... really enjoying it so far

[mrjayo]

Originally Posted by JNoSol

I'm thinking just getting an E46 or E92 M3 to fill my tracking need. Tow the car to the track with the X5M, it will turn heads then. Trading the X5M in now, I would lose $20k so why not buy a track M3 for $15-30k. I do like how practical the X5M is and it is a complete sleeper...

That doesn't sound like a bad idea. The only problem I have is I don't want a ugly tow hitch attached to the f85 at all times.

[tastelid]

Originally Posted by mrjayo

That doesn't sound like a bad idea. The only problem I have is I don't want a ugly tow hitch attached to the f85 at all times.

arent they electronic and hide under the car when not in use?

[hawkerdriver]

Thanks guys!

Seems like the majority of you do not regret changing to the X5M.

I agree sometimes it's nice to drive a car that does get you some attention, however having a nice sleeper car/truck is pretty awesome and less dramatic.

Having a fun track toy next to the X5M would be very sweet, I've been contemplating an early E9X to satisfy the track weekends and desire to modify my car.

The interior of the X5M is downright luxurious compared to the M3/4

[hawkerdriver]

Originally Posted by tastelid

arent they electronic and hide under the car when not in use?

I'm not sure if that is an option for the USA, I know in Europe they have had invisible hitches like you mention for years.

[tastelid]

Originally Posted by hawkerdriver

I'm not sure if that is an option for the USA, I know in Europe they have had invisible hitches like you mention for years.

My dealer claimed it was a dealer-installed accessory, when I asked about it.

[2thdr]

Timely post. Thinking of getting out of a 2015 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS into either a Donington or Black Sapphire on Aragorn Brown X5M or a Range Rover SVR. Had a 2013 X5M and it was ridiculous...in a good way. Having tendonitis issues in my knee that are exacerbated every time I get out of the 911. Had originally planned to run it all year but thinking of swapping back into an all in 1 product, but been going back on forth on the two. Going to test drive both tomorrow to make a decision.

Irrespective of where you come from, though, I think the X5M can check a lot of boxes in a single package.

[Ex_Stig]

Originally Posted by koxal

i am coming from f10 m5 and x5m is a lot more fun than m5 imo.

also x5m is louder than m5 and you can feel the power %100 on x5m.

Louder than you M5? Do you have comp package?

I have an M5 CP and am also considering the X5M as my next car and have had the same concerns about what I would be giving up. Glad to see that people are just as happy, or happier, with the X5M.

[shellbmb]

Originally Posted by GNALUZU

Louder than you M5? Do you have comp package?

I have an M5 CP and am also considering the X5M as my next car and have had the same concerns about what I would be giving up. Glad to see that people are just as happy, or happier, with the X5M.

I too am considering the X5/X6M coming from a M5 with CP. Any chance they would add something like a comp pack to the X5/X6 platform?

[Alberta]

Originally Posted by tastelid

My dealer claimed it was a dealer-installed accessory, when I asked about it.

Not at all.
It's a factory accessory that can't be added latter...

[koxal]

Originally Posted by GNALUZU

Louder than you M5? Do you have comp package?

I have an M5 CP and am also considering the X5M as my next car and have had the same concerns about what I would be giving up. Glad to see that people are just as happy, or happier, with the X5M.

i didnt have comp package.
but compared it to my friends m5 with comp pack and x5m still louder..

and not only louder but much more fun too.

[le rafiot]

im trade
i love x6m

[hawkerdriver]

Originally Posted by 2thdr

Timely post. Thinking of getting out of a 2015 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS into either a Donington or Black Sapphire on Aragorn Brown X5M or a Range Rover SVR. Had a 2013 X5M and it was ridiculous...in a good way. Having tendonitis issues in my knee that are exacerbated every time I get out of the 911. Had originally planned to run it all year but thinking of swapping back into an all in 1 product, but been going back on forth on the two. Going to test drive both tomorrow to make a decision.

Irrespective of where you come from, though, I think the X5M can check a lot of boxes in a single package.

That's pretty much my idea, I had to relocate and no longer have my own private garage so I would like an all in one vehicle.

I know an SUV/truck will never mask it's weight compared to a 911/M3 but this is probably the closets all around performance vehicle.

Anyone have pictures of Silverstone / Mugello Red?

[Ash777]

Originally Posted by carri0n m3

I had a m4 convertible now into the x5m

the transition has been seamless. The x5m, while large, feels like a much smaller vehicle and it's freakishly quick. The ride quality is great (less harsh) and it's extremely practical with the back row of seats and the large trunk. The build quality is really nice with the alcantara headliner and great materials inside. Also the handling is great, you can take on/off ramps at great speeds and very little body roll.

I came from a range rover sport autobiography before and the x5m is a sports car vs. a truck. I think the x5m is vastly superior to that car (electronics, ride quality, build quality). Although I still have place in my heart for how the range rover looks (which is amazing)

negatives:
1. agreed - very little headturns; not necessary a bad thing but way under the radar
2. exhaust is no where close to as loud; if you like loud cars, the x5m is pretty reserved
3. ?

Awesome car... really enjoying it so far

About the exhaust, many people say the exhaust isn't very loud inside. But outside from a spectator's stand point it is very very loud I'd say. That will be a way to get heads turning.

[carri0n m3]

I guess it's somewhat loud vs. a normal car but vs. the m4 it is relatively quiet

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by Ash777

About the exhaust, many people say the exhaust isn't very loud inside. But outside from a spectator's stand point it is very very loud I'd say. That will be a way to get heads turning.

+1. The X5M exhaust is very loud from the outside after it's broken in (3k miles and Sport/Sport+). The cracks between WOT upshifts are insane.