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      01-12-2017, 07:32 AM   #1
1flossedm3
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12-13 X5 50i Shopping... thoughts?

I'm looking at this model X5 for daily driver duties. I've owned 15 335i, 13 320i and had no issues with either.

It seems the biggest problem with this truck is the oil consumption issue and battery issue. Is this correct? Anything I should look out for? The 12's and 13s aren't CPO'd in my price range as I want the M sport package as well. Found a nice 12' with 30,000 miles for $30K in space gray.

Thoughts? Or will I regret this purchase?
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      01-12-2017, 01:15 PM   #2
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I love my 2012 50i M Sport, same vehicle you're looking at. Reliability has been great for me, but on this forum the N63 V8 is heavily frowned upon.

Oil consumption...I have to add a quart every so often, not a big deal. No issues with battery, but it was replaced under the N63 campaign.

Overall BMW has called out a number of issues under the above mentioned campaign, however BMW is covering all of those regardless of miles. Some people got really bent out of shape at that, but I didn't see the big deal in it. Drop off at dealer, they replace a bunch of stuff, get vehicle back. BMW also extended the driveshaft warranty to 10 years/120K miles I believe due to some failures.

This vehicle is a lot of fun to drive and own. Still expensive to own, will be noticeably more-so that your 3 series (I've had a few of those, the X5 repairs are definitely higher). Still, prices have really dropped on them in the past year, it's a lot of vehicle for 30K IMO.
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      01-12-2017, 01:40 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jiggz View Post
I love my 2012 50i M Sport, same vehicle you're looking at. Reliability has been great for me, but on this forum the N63 V8 is heavily frowned upon.

Oil consumption...I have to add a quart every so often, not a big deal. No issues with battery, but it was replaced under the N63 campaign.

Overall BMW has called out a number of issues under the above mentioned campaign, however BMW is covering all of those regardless of miles. Some people got really bent out of shape at that, but I didn't see the big deal in it. Drop off at dealer, they replace a bunch of stuff, get vehicle back. BMW also extended the driveshaft warranty to 10 years/120K miles I believe due to some failures.

This vehicle is a lot of fun to drive and own. Still expensive to own, will be noticeably more-so that your 3 series (I've had a few of those, the X5 repairs are definitely higher). Still, prices have really dropped on them in the past year, it's a lot of vehicle for 30K IMO.
Thanks for the reply. The vehicle had the campaign done along with the following:

Customer Care Package done, including all 8 new injectors
- Drive shaft replaced
- Valve stems and valves replaced
- 4 new rotors and pads (2016)
- new auxiliary water pump and lines.
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      01-12-2017, 02:54 PM   #4
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In my own research into buying one of these I detirmined both through reading and talking to people (dealers/service) that the biggest issue with the 50i vs all other X5 varients is this specific engine and the turbos. A lot of info about this donk can be found in 750i information sources as well.

My understanding is that the design, placement and thermal considerations of the turbo's for this engine and its use in the range of vehicles it lives in, is akin to having a $$$$$ time bomb under the bonnet.

Advice I got across the board was, avoid.
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      01-12-2017, 06:00 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan_335 View Post
In my own research into buying one of these I detirmined both through reading and talking to people (dealers/service) that the biggest issue with the 50i vs all other X5 varients is this specific engine and the turbos. A lot of info about this donk can be found in 750i information sources as well.

My understanding is that the design, placement and thermal considerations of the turbo's for this engine and its use in the range of vehicles it lives in, is akin to having a $$$$$ time bomb under the bonnet.

Advice I got across the board was, avoid.
Yea their was a fellow on this board that put 36k dollars in just 6 or so years of owning it.

I think most on this forum will tell you if it's under warranty drive it and enjoy it, out of warranty you are rolling the dice.

I was at my local dealer one day and a guy brought in a 50i and asked to top it off, the guy left and the 50i left a puddle of oil, dealer told me the guy stops in every day or so for a top off because he can't afford to fix the engine which needed over 10 grand worth of fixes so he was driving it into the ground as it where, and they where getting ready to refuse the owner any more top offs as it was costing the dealer a fortune in oil.

Buy the 35i and get the tune, you'll get close to the performance I guess and won't have to worry as much if the engine will break on you.

But your money your choice
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      01-12-2017, 06:12 PM   #6
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ok so run is what youre saying
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      01-12-2017, 06:28 PM   #7
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I guess it depends on how much risk you want to take on. Every performance orientated car/engine is going to have risk vs reward (I mean just look at the $$$ needed to maintain 90% of the M cars).

In my personal case, I felt the risk vs reward for this particular vehicle wasn't worth it. I went for an m50d instead, which I am sure will be expensive to keep rolling, but with less average chance of catastrophic failure. I know you guys don't get the choice of one over there.
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      01-13-2017, 09:42 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1flossedm3 View Post
Thanks for the reply. The vehicle had the campaign done along with the following:

Customer Care Package done, including all 8 new injectors
- Drive shaft replaced
- Valve stems and valves replaced
- 4 new rotors and pads (2016)
- new auxiliary water pump and lines.
All the trouble areas seem to have been addressed. It appears that BMW just extended the warranty on the injectors too, for peace of mind. I'd give it a serious look, if the price is right and add a 3rd party warranty such as CNA (contact forum member PAX5 for more info). My friend just bought a 2013 X5 35i, and I tell you, the 2 extra cylinders in the 50i make a huggggge difference.
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      01-13-2017, 10:47 AM   #9
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Yea, but people putting $36000 dollars in a car over 6 years doesn't bode well with me.

I know fidelity can sometimes offer warranties but they usually stink...
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      01-13-2017, 11:49 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1flossedm3 View Post
Yea, but people putting $36000 dollars in a car over 6 years doesn't bode well with me.

I know fidelity can sometimes offer warranties but they usually stink...
I suppose this is the thread -c- referenced - I'd encourage you to read it and make up your mind.
http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1245559

2011 was the first year when the N63 was introduced for the X5s, and it sucked in reliability. Several issues were ironed out for 2012 and 2013 models. A large part of the repeat repairs have to do with the incompetence of the dealers doing the repairs improperly the first time.

I'm not going to deny that the 50i requires more TLC than a 35i or 35d, but with a good warranty plan and extended warranty provided by BMW on certain items gives me peace of mind. Ultimately, it's your money and your decision, I'm just offering my $0.02.
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      01-13-2017, 12:13 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwx5er View Post
I suppose this is the thread -c- referenced - I'd encourage you to read it and make up your mind.
http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1245559

2011 was the first year when the N63 was introduced for the X5s, and it sucked in reliability. Several issues were ironed out for 2012 and 2013 models. A large part of the repeat repairs have to do with the incompetence of the dealers doing the repairs improperly the first time.

I'm not going to deny that the 50i requires more TLC than a 35i or 35d, but with a good warranty plan and extended warranty provided by BMW on certain items gives me peace of mind. Ultimately, it's your money and your decision, I'm just offering my $0.02.
Appreciate the insight and help. Thanks you.

Need to figure out what I want to do, I have a summer car that is more sporty so this needs to be reliable especially with my daughter in the car.
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      01-13-2017, 12:28 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1flossedm3 View Post
Yea, but people putting $36000 dollars in a car over 6 years doesn't bode well with me.

I know fidelity can sometimes offer warranties but they usually stink...
That was 1 person. A complete anomaly. I've spent very little on mine out of pocket, almost 48K miles now.

Have you driven both the I6 and V8?
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      01-13-2017, 04:23 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jiggz View Post
That was 1 person. A complete anomaly. I've spent very little on mine out of pocket, almost 48K miles now.

Have you driven both the I6 and V8?
Only the I6
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      01-13-2017, 04:25 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1flossedm3 View Post
Only the I6
then I'd recommend against test-driving the 50i - otherwise, it would make your decision really tough .
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      01-13-2017, 05:03 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwx5er View Post
then I'd recommend against test-driving the 50i - otherwise, it would make your decision really tough .
LOL
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      01-13-2017, 07:13 PM   #16
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It really comes down to what you want out of it, if you just want a reliable driver and speed and such doesn't matter then I'd stick to the i6 now you want push you in the seat speed and such then take a look at the 50i it doesn't disappoint.

To some speed and torque is king so they will over look other things.

When I was in the market I took both out for a spin and while the v8 is fantastic my service advisor and even a friend who races BMW's told me I was crazy if I bought the v8, he said 9 times out of 10 it's the v8 in the shop for engine related issues and be prepared to keep my wallet open if I didn't have a warranty, that was enough for me to keep it to the i6, I already have a fast car and the X5 was for my wife to drive with our daughter so the v8 wasn't in the end that important, reliability was more important than speed at this point in my life. Even with book ends some being a money pit and others never giving a problem it was to much of a gamble to roll the dice without a warranty.

In the end it's your call, just be happy with your purchase nothing is worse than paying for a car that you regret getting if it's not what you want.
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      01-13-2017, 11:20 PM   #17
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When I was looking for an X5 after a brief stint in an E550, I of course wanted v8. I then talked to my trusty head of a local BMW shop to get their opinion, which was don't even think about the v8 unless you want to keep bringing it in. Now, that was two+ years ago, so perhaps the campaign has resolved a lot of those issues.

I ended up going with the I6 because I wanted something reliable. To it's credit, it's been incredibly reliable over the past two+ years. The only real issue I've had was the water pump went out a week ago, but it's CPO, so only $50.

I will say that I sometimes wish it had just a little more power, so I've been hemming and hawing over the Dinan tune for awhile. It doesn't help that when I drive my wife's X5d the torque is ridiculous.
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      01-14-2017, 01:06 PM   #18
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I'm also looking at 2013 F10 550i's .. seems that 4.4L TT V8 is much more reliable?
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      01-14-2017, 02:31 PM   #19
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Quote:
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I'm also looking at 2013 F10 550i's .. seems that 4.4L TT V8 is much more reliable?
If that model has the N63tu then yes.
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      01-14-2017, 03:20 PM   #20
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I bought my 2011 5.0 8 months ago and I love it. If you buy one make sure to bring to a dealer to get all the recalls done.

It's great to tow with and with Blizzaks is unstoppable in the snow. Hvac system works great which I appreciate. It's pretty cold here in ND and most 4-6 cylinders don't put out enough heat.

That said if you are looking for a solid financial decision I would not buy a BMW- service and parts are expensive. But I have some skills at turning a wrench and I don't want to drive something boring. Wife has a minivan so we got boring covered in this household.

Best of luck on whatever you choose.
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      01-15-2017, 02:28 AM   #21
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For $30K+- you can buy a 09-10 MBZ ML63. That's a very cool car and that motor is almost bulletproof. You'll pay on maintenance but that's about it!
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      01-16-2017, 06:46 PM   #22
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Even with the 50i you'll still have that nagging feeling you should have bought the M. Can't imagine how intense the regret is when driving the I6. When I have driven an I6 loaner it has been a big fat WOMP WOOOOOOOMP.
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