Out with the old...

[faloppi88]

Hi All,

36 months sure can come in a hurry...I will miss my 650 xdrive GC! Great looker, probably the best looking sedan I've ever 'owned'. Was fun to drive, other than the stock run-flats absolutely sucked, particularly in the Midwest with crap roads, but at least I had the wheel/tire insurance (can't count how many tires, plus 2 rims). Always felt special in this thing, which is something that a lot of cars can't do and is worth more money than makes sense to non car people.

Was torn on a new ride, looked at some Audis, some Benzes -- I lease my cars due to running it through my biz, and BMW still by far leases the best (monthly pmt relative to MSRP), so frequently Bimmers always have a leg up financially, but I also just love BMWs -- even though it's not the brand I remember, it's still damn good. I thought about the m550 (would have had to wait too long for new M5), but it reminded me of my 650 in too many ways, only not as nice looking (though admittedly the new platform has made some improvements). Never had an M car and the M3 is too small for me, plus wanted all-wheel, so alas, the decision for the 2018 x5 M.

It has all options except B&O and Night Vision (don't miss the B&O at all, had it on the 650 and while it is def better than HK, I'm either listening to sports radio or the engine 75% of the time, so I'm pleased I passed, though I was torn). For color selections, individual azurite black with individual smoke white interior, black alcantara headliner, carbon fiber trim, and black 21 wheels. Added after the fact, black front and side grills, tinted front windows, and 3d all weather mats inside. Won't do anything else as I don't like spending too much personalizing on leases. Love how it turned out, pictures don't do all the combos justice. Most importantly, been loving every second of driving it!

I know the front license plate sucks, but I have enough reasons to get pulled over, don't need any added ones. At least it's the bracket that doesn't ruin the front end and the off center look has grown on me the last few cars (to make myself feel better! ). Here's some photos of both rides, old and new, enjoy!

[zero4]

Great interior color. I am biased!! Make sure you apply leather protectant though.

[onfireX5]

Congrats. The more you drive it, the more you'll love it.

[faloppi88]

Originally Posted by zero4

Great interior color. I am biased!! Make sure you apply leather protectant though.

Thanks for the tip! Any recommendation on product?

[yewlock]

Congratulation.

[Bobby_Drake]

Curious to get your feedback. I am contemplating trading in my M6 GC for an X5M. Baby stroller barely fits in the M6's trunk.

[Chadmatic]

Beautiful! Inside and out, love that interior! Congratulations!

[LeeT73]

Congrats Brother!

Did you buy it new?

(I ask because I'm currently debating whether I should buy a 2013 X5M with 140,000kms on it)

[botis1028]

Awesome!! You'll love it.

[P1]

My wife's 6-series look identical to your old one. Beautiful X5M congrats. But it's just personal pet peeve of mine: absolutely hate those off-centered plates.

[faloppi88]

Originally Posted by Bobby_Drake

Curious to get your feedback. I am contemplating trading in my M6 GC for an X5M. Baby stroller barely fits in the M6's trunk.

I wasn't coming from an M GC, but compared to my 650 xdrive, everything is better. Despite 21s vs 20s on the GC, the X5 M rides much better! Way more compliant in Comfort on crap Chicago roads. Part of this I'm sure is non runflat vs the shit runflat Dunlops, but nonetheless, this car is more comfortable than my GC was. Yet through corners, it's every bit as good, despite the higher center of gravity.

The engine is probably very similar or exactly what you have, but compared to my 650, I'm in love. At first I liked the exhaust note, but didn't love it, but it's growing on me a lot. And I love this transmission! I know it's a ZF and not a DCT, but it is programmed light years ahead of my 650. I never drove manual often in the 650, but I rarely leave the M in Drive.

Compared to the 650, the space and cargo room is naturally night and day. Other than the exterior of the 650, not that the X5 M isn't good looking in its own way, I don't miss the GC AT ALL!!

[faloppi88]

Originally Posted by LeeT73

Congrats Brother!

Did you buy it new?

(I ask because I'm currently debating whether I should buy a 2013 X5M with 140,000kms on it)

I leased it because it makes more sense through my business verse a purchase. In general, between the maintenance program and aggressive lease programs, BMWs lease very well. Otherwise I'd probably look for a 2 to 3 year old Certified model with extended warranty. Out of warranty, I'd be too concerned what any breakdown could cost.

[Skyracer]

Congrats! I agree with you, the transmission programming is really good.

Any more interior shots?

[faloppi88]

Originally Posted by P1et

My wife's 6-series look identical to your old one. Beautiful X5M congrats. But it's just personal pet peeve of mine: absolutely hate those off-centered plates.

I hear ya and understand. One thing I will say that is nice, is I can twist it off in about 1-2 mins if I feel like tooling around on a summer day, and throw it back on if I'm going to dinner and having a cocktail (not driving drunk, but don't want to even risk getting pulled over for something dumb after a glass or two of wine), or parking at the airport, where they are constantly ticketing non moving violations.

[faloppi88]

Originally Posted by Skyracer

Congrats! I agree with you, the transmission programming is really good.

Any more interior shots?

No, but I will take a few more this weekend and post them!

[MpoweringLife]

Congrats!!! I also went from a 650GC to an X5M with almost identical set up as yours... I had to switch 6 tires on my 650 in 13 mos due to potholes in Chicago !!! The X handles them way better ...

[IND-Distribution]

Congratulation! Love the combo!

Any other plans for it?