Anyone have experience of both X6 50i and X6 M?

[ayoung]

I have a three year old 50i and it is time for a change. I am thinking about the X6 M but I am concerned I won't see much difference between the two models to justify the higher price.

On paper clearly the X6 M should be better and most people would want an "M" car. But does anyone have experience of both models? I have read the 50i is louder than the X6 M - is that really true? Coming from a 50i, is the X6 M really worth it?

Thanks in advance.

[doug_999]

This might be the post you are talking about. As I've said before, the sound of the 50i is probably the #1 reason to get it over the 35i. From this post, it sounds like a decent reason to get it over the M as well

http://www.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=745737

PS - I went with the 50i over the M for the following reasons
a) Color choices
b) Active Stering
c) residual/cost (it leased out significantly higher because of a much lower residual).

Still the X6M does turn heads

[ep99]

Hi, for me, when I first thinking about getting a X6 and comparing 35i and 50i.
I realized that I wanted more power...otherwise a 35i would do for a daily commute.
Then when I tally up the options that I wanted with the 50i...it was gettting close to the price of the M version.
But then again I am bias to the M brand since I owned a M3 before.
And also have the pleasure of driving the X6M in a race track at Mont Tremblant circuit (BMW driver training).

I think if you jump from the 50i to the M model...the experience is like when I jump from a 330xi to a M3.

My 2 cents

[ayoung]

Thanks both for your kind replies.

I am nervous about the apparently lower exhaust note on the M over the 50i. But I think I will probably go for the X6M if the price is right (seeing the dealer later today).

To be fair to BMW, I really like the 50i to the point I don't want anything other than another X6. Just wish the second generation X6 was next year as it would make the decision a lot easier.