Going from F8x M4 to F85 X5M?

[tgb1974]

I am considering buying a 2017 or 2018 F85 X5M in place of my 2016 F83 M4. Just wondering anyone has made a similar change and what your thoughts/experiences are, in particular going from the I6 to V8. Thanks.

[M3SQRD]

That’s a huge change in vehicle type - going from F83 convertible to a giant F85! I can see F8x owners adding, not replacing with, a F85 for family and/or long trips and/or tow vehicle. F85 may have a V8 but it weighs considerably more than even a F83 - ~5260 lbf vs. ~4100 lbf or an ~1160 lbf delta!! It needs a V8 to move all of that weight around. Driving dynamics aren’t even comparable although BMW did an amazing job with the F85.

Is there a primary reason(s) why you’re considering the F85?

[tgb1974]

Originally Posted by M3SQRD

That’s a huge change in vehicle type - going from F83 convertible to a giant F85! I can see F8x owners adding, not replacing with, a F85 for family and/or long trips and/or tow vehicle. F85 may have a V8 but it weighs considerably more than even a F83 - ~5260 lbf vs. ~4100 lbf or an ~1160 lbf delta!! It needs a V8 to move all of that weight around. Driving dynamics aren’t even comparable although BMW did an amazing job with the F85.

Is there a primary reason(s) why you’re considering the F85?

I would like to retain the performance/prestige of the M4 but with the larger capacity/space of the X5.

[NSX2M4]

Originally Posted by tgb1974

I would like to retain the performance/prestige of the M4 but with the larger capacity/space of the X5.

Get an X3M

[spidy512]

I hear ya. I have gone through that thought process numerous times.

In my so very humble opinion, you will never get what you want out of an SUV when compared to the F8x. I would keep the F82 and get a vanilla X3/4/5 if untility is what you need.

Maybe its just me, but everytime I see an X3/4/5M, I can't help to judge the guy driving it like he threw in the towel and gave up on sports cars for his "family". And I say that with all the respect in the world for sacrificing for the "family". But I am sure glad I didn't as I just don't think I can stand only driving soley SUV's.

(I know, I know, they are blindingly fast and can get to the next stop light in nano seconds. But who cares when you look at the F8x....).

I am sure a slew of others will chime in who actually own one and I am sure they will tell you they are the bomb. I personally could not justify it.

Good luck in your decision!

josh

PS FWIW, the current X5 is an amazing SUV. I drive my parents regularly and for an SUV, it is super fun to drive.

[SYT_Shadow]

We have a couple F82 M4s (and E9X M3's), and recently added a F85 X5M as a tow vehicle. If you look up reviews of the era, the F85 basically mirrored the M3/4 in terms of objective performance.
With its active sways and monster tires, plus 570hp, the X5M is surprisingly fast in a twisty road. Perhaps the biggest difference with the M4 in terms of feel is the M4 begs you to drive fast - especially when your driving gets spirited - whereas the X5M is certainly capable of it, but doesn't egg you on. It's more of a peaceful experience, but I don't envy the person that tries to outrun an F85 with an M4, because the grip and thrust available are absolutely full-on M.

For a one-arrow quiver, the X5M is insanely competent. It is also much more luxurious inside and most are very highly optioned. B&O sound, soft close doors, alcantara ceiling, leather dash, leather door cards, leather seat backs, etc.

Before buying one, I also questioned the point of having so much power in an SUV, but it makes perfect sense now: if you need an SUV (because family, outdoor activities, towing, intense winter or just can't have multiple cars, etc), why not have the same philosophy applied when creating an M3/4 applied to an even more practical form factor? I'm talking jack-of-all-trades, always fun to drive, very balanced and neutral at the limit, can perform close enough to MUCH more expensive vehicles so the driver is what makes the difference, great value for money, etc.

We've also had an X5 35i and prefer the M version in every way. The V8 soundtrack reminds you every morning that you made the right choice, and in several 600 mile real-world trips we get 18.5mpg, 2mpg less than our X5 35i (!!). Both the range and mpg in long trips were most surprising, especially given how much more power and torque are available at highway speeds in 8th. The torquey V8 even puts the M4 GTS to shame when it comes to highway passing maneuvers without downshifting!

We also have a 2023 X3 M40 with the lsd. The X3 feels massively more nimble. The X5M feels a bit like you're piloting a battleship, it is really capable but you feel tons of mass and momentum. The X3 feels more fun, but doesn't have the luxury or the size, or the V8. We considered the X3M but it's considerably stiffer and the S58 has way more lag than the B58.

If you currently have an F83, it seems like the X5M is a pretty good substitute.
The V8 experience is so, sooo much more enjoyable than any 6 cylinder on the planet. The M4 GTSs are cool and sound pretty good for 6 cylinders, but the V8 is just not possible to replicate (mostly feel and sound, but also in torque and awesomeness).

[sly1types]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

For a one-arrow quiver, the X5M is insanely competent. It is also much more luxurious inside and most are very highly optioned. B&O sound, soft close doors, alcantara ceiling, leather dash, leather door cards, leather seat backs, etc.

This is big part of why i like it.

We have a 2016 X5M that we have had for 4 years. It's my wife's daily. Its also our "go to" car for running around. Its fun to drive and fast especially when its tuned, ours is stg1 93 BM3 tune. If you arn't a track guy it might be about the perfect car for a family guy. It has active roll bars and firm suspension when on sport+. I have taken it on some "BMW group" drives on country roads and it does very well super flat. It feels very planted especially when cruising at 100mph. It does suck on fuel mileage though. Its been reliable, only having to replace: water pump, batteries, and air bags. Has about 60k miles on it now.

I don't tow with it as I have a diesel truck that i use, but i think it could easily tow a track car.