[starfly]

I'm considering getting my first BMW in the form of an X5. Would really love to get something more like an M340 (I test drove it a few weeks back and can't stop thinking about it, lol), but with a family, it's not very practical. Also considering the X3 M40, maybe, but the trunk space is relatively cramped compared to what I'm coming from now (a 2014 Toyota RAV4) so that would feel like a downgrade from a practicality perspective (but that would also be the only downgrade, everything else would be a huge upgrade).

So what I'm really looking at from a practical and budget perspective is a xdrive40i, or 50e. The M60i is beyond my budget, thirsty, and I'd prefer the more reliable B58 platform.

The 50e is appealing because of the PHEV nature, and a lot of my daily drives would be well within the electric only range. But I'm concerned about how reliable the BMW PHEVs are compared to just the plain ol' inline 6. Seeing lots of anecdotal reports of people needing to bring it to the shop, which is something I'd rather avoid. But it's just anecdotal evidence and I of course don't have any hard data to determine how reliable it really is, or if there are just more people buying the 50e relative to the 40i, and thus you get more reports of people with issues.

So is the 50e really a more problematic platform than the 40i? Also, what is the real world mpg on the 50e for long distance driving in hybrid mode? I know there is an MPGe rating, but I don't find that a very intuitive rating. How smooth is the PHEV setup when transitioning between the electric and gas motors? (I test drove the new Mazda CX90 PHEV and wasn't that impressed with the transitions back and forth, it was rather unrefined, almost completely turning me off from PHEVs, but I haven't gotten a chance yet to test drive a 50e).

And for the 40i, what is the real world mpg at highway speeds?

Also, what are some must-have options to get, and which ones are more gimmicky or not necessary. I'll definitely get the M Sport and Premium packages, as I like the look of the M Sport setup a lot more, and the Premium package gives me things like a HUD which I'd love to have.

Thanks!

[aaaaaaaaaz]

We see some early production problem for 50e, however most seems to be correctable. It has an extra PHEV system to maintain, however bmw has doing PHEV for years. You get a federal mandate 8y/80k mile for the hybrid system and if you live in CARB states its 10y/150k miles warranty. You don’t get that for the mild hybrid system on 40i.

However in your case if you are mainly looking for an agile and fun car, x3 m40i is a much better choice - x5 is way too wide and heavy; it is a luxury cruiser.

[starfly]

Originally Posted by alanzyy

We see some early production problem for 50e, however most seems to be correctable. It has an extra PHEV system to maintain, however bmw has doing PHEV for years. You get a federal mandate 8y/80k mile for the hybrid system and if you live in CARB states its 10y/150k miles warranty. You don’t get that for the mild hybrid system on 40i.

However in your case if you are mainly looking for an agile and fun car, x3 m40i is a much better choice - x5 is way too wide and heavy; it is a luxury cruiser.

Thanks. Yes the X3 M40i would likely be more fun to drive. But I have the practical family considerations as well, and the extra space in the X5 would be useful. The straightline speed in even the base X5 40i would be plenty fast to at least satisfy that aspect, hitting 60mph in 5 seconds.

[jad03060]

The 50e is faster than the 40i if that helps. It also has dual axle air springs which helps the ride on the RFT (the 50e has no room in the back for a spare). Wafting along in hybrid, which is mostly electric mode until you punch it, is relaxing, and the ability to precondition it without having to start the ICE (all HVAC is electrical) is a bonus for most. It's nice to leave each morning with a full 'tank'. You won't miss going to the gas station regularly.

[eelnoraa]

Originally Posted by alanzyy

We see some early production problem for 50e, however most seems to be correctable. It has an extra PHEV system to maintain, however bmw has doing PHEV for years. You get a federal mandate 8y/80k mile for the hybrid system and if you live in CARB states its 10y/150k miles warranty. You don’t get that for the mild hybrid system on 40i.

However in your case if you are mainly looking for an agile and fun car, x3 m40i is a much better choice - x5 is way too wide and heavy; it is a luxury cruiser.

Not hybrid system, only the battery.

[Jeff661]

I had a 2021 X5 45e and now drive an iX. Had it at the shop recently and got an X5 S40 loaner. My advice is that the 50e is a WAY better car than a 40. The electric motor makes everything smoother and quieter and the air suspension is a lot more comfortable than springs. Drive them back to back. As far as issues, I had the 45e but I never had an unscheduled service.

[nZtiZia]

as mentioned, we’re seeing early production issues on the 50e which will be sorted out. for reference, i have a 2021 45e which is two years after its release, and it’s been a very reliable piece of machinery. it’s my first venture into the PHEV world and honestly the best vehicle i’ve ever owned. i don’t miss the gas station at all; my solar array gives me ‘free’ recharges.

the X5 is our road trip vehicle for our family of four, so we welcome the cargo space. an X3 can’t even accommodate our equipment on family bowling nights. i’m seeing 26-28mpg on road trips. the transition from electric to ICE (Hybrid or Adaptive drive modes) is almost imperceptible due to the tow start.

as for packages, the HUD is a very practical item for quicker visibility on speed, directions, etc., so much so my wife wanted it when we ordered her 530e. i was able to add almost all available options on my X5 due to a trade-in and the federal tax credit. I don’t rely on the Driver Assistant features, but they’re a great supplement with regards to driving safety

[cobramite]

Originally Posted by nZtiZia

as mentioned, we’re seeing early production issues on the 50e which will be sorted out. for reference, i have a 2021 45e which is two years after its release, and it’s been a very reliable piece of machinery. it’s my first venture into the PHEV world and honestly the best vehicle i’ve ever owned. i don’t miss the gas station at all; my solar array gives me ‘free’ recharges.

the X5 is our road trip vehicle for our family of four, so we welcome the cargo space. an X3 can’t even accommodate our equipment on family bowling nights.

as for packages, the HUD is a very practical item for quicker visibility on speed, directions, etc., so much so my wife wanted it when we ordered her 530e. i was able to add almost all available options on mine due to a trade-in and the federal tax credit. I don’t rely on the Driver Assistant features much, but they’re a great supplement with regards to driving safety

Yeah, the heads up display is a nice feature as I am finally coming to realize. I've had HUD on many vehicles as far back as a 2002 Z06 but never used it.
Kinda forced myself to have it up and running in a new X6 recently and have really come to appreciate it. Only took 20 years to cotton up to this tech.

[MassWholeBimmer]

Just picked up my new (leftover) 2023 X5 M50i. If I placed a custom order, I probably would have skipped the HUD option... Meh, who needs it.!!

I tell ya, after having it (Car I bought had the option), I'd never be without it.

..Got a good deal as well IMHO.

[Kevo80]

I had a 2021 M340i xDrive. I’ve also had a 2016 340i and a 2009 330i coupe xDrive. The 3 series is an absolute blast! Buuuuut with a family comes a different need/requirements. I traded my 2021 m340 for a 2022 X5 M50i and was very happy.

[jad03060]

FWIW, both of BMW's engines, the I6 and V8 are very smooth operating machines. Throwing in the EV motor on the 50e sets it apart, though, as much of your driving, at least around town, is easily accomplished strictly on the EV motor unless you punch it.

The 60i is pretty thirsty in those around town situations, and not great out on the highway...not bad, but not great.

[aaaaaaaaaz]

Originally Posted by eelnoraa

Not hybrid system, only the battery.

A lot of component in Hybrid system is warrantied for 15y/150k miles. I think it covers a lot of item minus the electric motor itself (minus 10/150 for battery)

See page 40 on BMW warranty booklet MY24. BMW's only lay out CA PZEV 7/70 part list for 3 states, not PZEV 15/150 part list.

Cross reference with other manufacture's warranty booklet such as MB - page 85 listed out (battery charging and control module, and electric motor control module, but not the motor itself)

https://www.mbusa.com/content/dam/mb...e_Warranty.pdf

[X3_Alaska]

Are you buying new or used?

[cobramite]

Originally Posted by jad03060

FWIW, both of BMW's engines, the I6 and V8 are very smooth operating machines. Throwing in the EV motor on the 50e sets it apart, though, as much of your driving, at least around town, is easily accomplished strictly on the EV motor unless you punch it.

The 60i is pretty thirsty in those around town situations, and not great out on the highway...not bad, but not great.

Not really, I'm showing 19.3 MPG in my 1st 1,000 miles and none of it highway which is excellent for a 5,300 lb. SUV that is shown to produce around 590 HP.

[jad03060]

The 40i or 50e should get nearly 50% better mileage, and if you're doing mostly stop and go with the 60i, it will tend to be a lot lower than what your combined mileage is showing.

FWIW what you are seeing on yours isn't bad for a vehicle that weight with a V8, but it is not great compared to the I6 options. Whatever floats your boat.

[Condorll]

Originally Posted by starfly

Thanks. Yes the X3 M40i would likely be more fun to drive. But I have the practical family considerations as well, and the extra space in the X5 would be useful. The straightline speed in even the base X5 40i would be plenty fast to at least satisfy that aspect, hitting 60mph in 5 seconds.

On the highway you can get close to 500 miles on a tank of gas in the X5 40i, personally I love my 2023 X5 40i, fab highway cruiser, fast, luxurious and lots of space. Get the Harmon Kardon sound system, worth the upgrade. We did try the X3, too small for us. I will buy another fossil fuel BMW in 2029 before the 2030 EV mandates start kicking in.

[jad03060]

FWIW, starting with a full battery, I've clocked over 500-miles before refilling the gas tank on my 45e...the 50e should go further with its larger battery and taller gearing. Now, typical running around town, it tends to be closer to 400-miles or so.

[LDT]

Originally Posted by jad03060

The 60i is pretty thirsty in those around town situations, and not great out on the highway...not bad, but not great.

The 60i is as refined a V8 as I’ve ever had. My expectations have been exceeded and it’s a beast when you want it to be. It’s not for everyone and it’s mpg won’t approach the 40i. My justification for getting it is that the V8 will become extinct in the not too distant future. I’m sure I woulda been happy with a similarly equipped 40i but Want vs need won out this time.

[cobramite]

Originally Posted by jad03060

The 40i or 50e should get nearly 50% better mileage, and if you're doing mostly stop and go with the 60i, it will tend to be a lot lower than what your combined mileage is showing.

FWIW what you are seeing on yours isn't bad for a vehicle that weight with a V8, but it is not great compared to the I6 options. Whatever floats your boat.

I'm not going to spend 100K on a vehicle and even care about gas mileage. Leave the penny pinching to the Prius crowd.

[eelnoraa]

Originally Posted by alanzyy

A lot of component in Hybrid system is warrantied for 15y/150k miles. I think it covers a lot of item minus the electric motor itself (minus 10/150 for battery)

See page 40 on BMW warranty booklet MY24. BMW's only lay out CA PZEV 7/70 part list for 3 states, not PZEV 15/150 part list.

Cross reference with other manufacture's warranty booklet such as MB - page 85 listed out (battery charging and control module, and electric motor control module, but not the motor itself)

https://www.mbusa.com/content/dam/mb...e_Warranty.pdf

That is Emission Warranty. It is not warranty for component fail. For example in the MB booklet, it list ignition coil and spark plug. If these component fail, you car cannot be driven, it is NOT emission warranty. You definite will need to pay to repair.

Emission warranty means if you car is driving normally, but fail CA SMOG, and if it diagnostic to that list of item, then they are under warranty. No manufacture will put entire drive chain under comprehensive warranty for 15yr/150k mile, absolute not MB, definitely not BMW, not even Toyota.

[jad03060]

I bought the PHEV because my use pattern would make the V8 pretty much a waste of money since it would get used so seldom. Since most of my driving is easily done on electrons, I'm also saving some CO2 emissions. Those two things do not make me feel deprived, and yes, I could have bought a V8!

Whatever turns you on. While I don't pinch pennies, I do consider what I do spend...a V8 didn't qualify as worth it to me.

[cobramite]

^^^^^^^Glad you enjoy your chosen BMW, I enjoy my V8 every time I drive it. What ever turns you on, must be the electrons.