Help Deciding on purchasing X5M or X6

[SyL3nTFoRcE]

***UPDATE***** I Bought the X5M and I'm happy as hell!!

Hey guys, Im looking at an X5m and X6 today and most likely going to pick one out. the X5M is a 2011 and has 69k mile but the price is $38K not sure if thats a reasonable price, or an 2012 X6 with 51k miles for $30k

I know there is a big difference in power but how Reliable is the X5m motor? is it like the X5 50i motor if so i might stay away. Im ok wih gas and planning on buying warranty for the car from BMW or third party.

The reason why i put the X6 as an option is because it is red with cinnamon brown interior a bit cheaper and its a 35i, while the X5M is dark blue with black interior.

What are the maintance concerns for the X5m with this kind of mileage? I dont drive alot since my job is less than 2 miles from me and ill probably put 10-15k/yr on it.

Thanks for you help guys

[bandwagn]

In terms of reliability, I believe the 35i would be the winner; the S63 in the M seems to do better than the N63 in the 50i.

X6 or X5 may be a matter of preference between the fastback and utility

[SyL3nTFoRcE]

im mixed i like the fastback and the utility vehicles, I know the maintenance on both these cars is not cheap and the x5m is more expensive because of the M badge. I just was not sure what big things might happen on a X5m that i should be concerned about. I had a x5 35i and i loved it before it fell under the lemon law and had to return it

I think im just confused on which and im kind of worried about mileage on both but I have seen people with X5m over 100k and dont really have big complaints. I only had e46 m3's before with high mileage 144k and so on, but i dont know if its the same deal with the x5m engine since they are twin trubo V8's and newer

I guess i just need to drive a bit and see which i choose but some input on maintance and what to look for would help

[socale39]

The rear cargo area in the X6 is pointless so if you are looking for utility, X5 all the way.

[Suge206]

If you drive the M you'll buy the M

[socale39]

will this be your daily driver? What is your commute like? Can you budget a minimum of $2k a year for repairs? One thing I've learned is that while M cars are fun to drive you really need to ask yourself the question of whether you'll actually use the power or not and if the trade off of having additional expenses of not only the car but the maintenance can be offset.

[Naz24]

M all the way. but that price is wayyyyyyy too high. I just got a CPO 2012 X5M fully loaded with 54k miles for 34k. Included two sets of wheels and eisenmann exhaust.

That 11 youre looking at should be 30k tops

[SyL3nTFoRcE]

Originally Posted by socale39

will this be your daily driver? What is your commute like? Can you budget a minimum of $2k a year for repairs? One thing I've learned is that while M cars are fun to drive you really need to ask yourself the question of whether you'll actually use the power or not and if the trade off of having additional expenses of not only the car but the maintenance can be offset.

No not miy daily i have a pt cruiser for that , either way m commute to work is less than 2 miles, repairs im ok with, and going into this i questioned myself about dealing with another M, and i said yes i want to lol

Originally Posted by Naz24

M all the way. but that price is wayyyyyyy too high. I just got a CPO 2012 X5M fully loaded with 54k miles for 34k. Included two sets of wheels and eisenmann exhaust.

That 11 youre looking at should be 30k tops

I shouldve negotiated more but all x5m i found around my area are going for more 50k miles for $47k or more searching autotrader cars.com and driving and calling dealers, i wish i could've found a deal like yours. I took the deal but negotiated it and it came out to 38k but with taxes and warranty included and that warranty was $3.7k for 3yrs, im happy with it. It has its little cosmetic flaws like the front bumper needs to be repainted but not urgently, and the tints redone. Im just hoping it doesnt break in the first month of ownership like my previous X5 did and had to return it. I love this car so far i try not to push it to much since i baby my car (sometimes
)

I wont be modding it anytime soon though since i want to do some maintenance stuff first like oil change possible suspension work (I lied, maybe coilovers)

[KCLARK]

Have you even driven both BACK TO BACK, not drive one day, and the other a second day. Im talking do a back to back comparison, that will tell you enough to make your decision. I actually think this isn't comparable because the X6 will be slower and softer. Only things to make matter somewhat comparable is if the X6 has the M sport package, if not, then don't even bother. The X5M will make the X6 seem boring to drive and I mean NO LIFE! X5M will have more useable space, better suspension, and you'll be able so see out the back better! Take notice of the X6 blind spots when you drive it, scary!

[Too__Hu///Mble]

Originally Posted by SyL3nTFoRcE

Hey guys, Im looking at an X5m and X6 today and most likely going to pick one out. the X5M is a 2011 and has 69k mile but the price is $38K not sure if thats a reasonable price, or an 2012 X6 with 51k miles for $30k

I know there is a big difference in power but how Reliable is the X5m motor? is it like the X5 50i motor if so i might stay away. Im ok wih gas and planning on buying warranty for the car from BMW or third party.

The reason why i put the X6 as an option is because it is red with cinnamon brown interior a bit cheaper and its a 35i, while the X5M is dark blue with black interior.

What are the maintance concerns for the X5m with this kind of mileage? I dont drive alot since my job is less than 2 miles from me and ill probably put 10-15k/yr on it.

Thanks for you help guys

I'd say get the X6, as for the year. I feel you should look at the standard features and options to come to areas concerns for you.

Is this going to be a long term purchase?
How you are going to use the vehicle?
What is your car enthusiast "meter or passion?

[SyL3nTFoRcE]

Originally Posted by Too__Hu///Mble

I'd say get the X6, as for the year. I feel you should look at the standard features and options to come to areas concerns for you.

Is this going to be a long term purchase?
How you are going to use the vehicle?
What is your car enthusiast "meter or passion?

yea im averaging 3yrs now keeping m cars instead of 1 year
I do have people from time to time in the back be it friends, parents, grandparents, and yes i might allow my dogs in there with the right protection
My car enthusiast passion especially for BMW is over 9000

I did not like the fact that the x6 had two seats in the back and how the rear was so slanted. I have a tall family and friends and its not comfortable. the x5 i had before and how it reminded so much of it just more with the fact its an M is what got me hooked. I do plan on buying another M in the future so this one might go bye bye in 5 yrs or 6 depending on situation.

[SyL3nTFoRcE]

Originally Posted by KCLARK

Have you even driven both BACK TO BACK, not drive one day, and the other a second day. Im talking do a back to back comparison, that will tell you enough to make your decision. I actually think this isn't comparable because the X6 will be slower and softer. Only things to make matter somewhat comparable is if the X6 has the M sport package, if not, then don't even bother. The X5M will make the X6 seem boring to drive and I mean NO LIFE! X5M will have more useable space, better suspension, and you'll be able so see out the back better! Take notice of the X6 blind spots when you drive it, scary!

yea i drove them both back to back twice and yes the x6 felt smaller and had sport package with the wheels and seats. the only thing it did not have was heated seats, and the blind spots were horrific but the color combo is what made me even want to look at it (red/cinnamon interior color)

I bought the X5m already after thinking about and being at the dealer for 3hrs thinking of which one and signing the papers and getting it detailed.

[bandwagn]

Originally Posted by socale39

The rear cargo area in the X6 is pointless so if you are looking for utility, X5 all the way.

Originally Posted by socale39

The rear cargo area in the X6 is pointless so if you are looking for utility, X5 all the way.

The rear cargo area is no different than, say, a sedan - actually, X6 is comparable to a 5er sedan including seat area. So, you're not really losing out on much - you get an 'M' with a bit of added utility and all wheel drive.

Agree that the X5 does offer more cargo volume - but how often do you use the space above the belt line?

Admittedly, bringing 4 tires to get mounted was a bit of a challenge in the X6 (and shouldn't be) - I still love the stupid thing

[socale39]

Originally Posted by bandwagn

The rear cargo area is no different than, say, a sedan - actually, X6 is comparable to a 5er sedan including seat area. So, you're not really losing out on much - you get an 'M' with a bit of added utility and all wheel drive.

Agree that the X5 does offer more cargo volume - but how often do you use the space above the belt line?

Admittedly, bringing 4 tires to get mounted was a bit of a challenge in the X6 (and shouldn't be) - I still love the stupid thing

That's part of my point. Why buy such a large vehicle when you can essentially get the same space as a sedan? It seems the only reason you'd buy the X6 is for the looks.

[Cattivo]

Originally Posted by SyL3nTFoRcE

I know there is a big difference in power but how Reliable is the X5m motor? is it like the X5 50i motor if so i might stay away.

Don't believe all the non sense you read about the 50i(N63) engine being a ticking time bomb. I have an X5M and 50i, both have been very reliable for the past 2-3 years that I've owned them

[bandwagn]

Enjoy the M!

[socale39]

Originally Posted by Cattivo

Don't believe all the non sense you read about the 50i(N63) engine being a ticking time bomb. I have an X5M and 50i, both have been very reliable for the past 2-3 years that I've owned them

Length of ownership in my opinion is irrelevant to reliability. Actual mileage accumulated is. While I would like to believe BMW has V8 engines that are reliable, it's simply not true. Look at nearly all the V8 engines going back to the late 90s and you'll see the history of common issues whether it be rod bearings, coolant bypass, injectors, valve seals, etc. I would hardly call these problems minor and most begin to experience issues before the 100k mark. In comparison, other manufacturers have been able to produce V8 engines that have stood the test of time with very little maintenance. Having owned several BMWs with V8s, dont get me wrong the power is intoxicating but frankly not worth the potential hassles and maintenance. The only way I'd consider a V8 BMW again is if it was strictly going to be a low mileage weekend car.

In comparison, my m56 325i daily driver is still kicking after 174k and I have yet to have any major issues aside from the infamous torque converter failure which btw isn't engine related. Can you honestly say you feel confident the X5M or 50i will take you to that mileage without issue? Likely not unless you own a unicorn.

[socale39]

OP, congrats on the purchase and enjoy the hell out of that beast. The X5M is definitely a special machine combining function and form. I think the general rule on this forum is you share some pics with the community

[SyL3nTFoRcE]

Thanks for your help guys,

I got the X5m in the end. And yes the x6 is a beautiful suv just to small for me though, I think i wanted the power with the suv and the suv and the x5m was the perfect choice.

Now onto the recalls and maintenance and modding