[Molez93]

I've owned 2 '12 E70 diesels, a '12 50i with a tune, and a '10 X5M. After test driving a used M, I knew the tuned 50i I had at the time would leave me yearning for the M.

I won't rehash what you'll find with the suggested search, but just about everything seems a tad better in the M over the 50i. Handles better, greater responsiveness, stronger pull, smother shifts. I suspect lots of people would not notice a difference, but I definitely feel like those things are better.

I rationalized those modest improvements over the 50i were not worth an additional $15-20k for otherwise comparable vehicles for a couple years. After that test drive, that extra cash was totally worth it.

I've made a ton of vehicle purchase mistakes over 30 years, but getting into the used E70 X5M wasn't one of them. (and yes, I know it's going to need a lot of spendy maintenance).

Good luck!