This again...M or 50i with chip?
 

I know this is a recurring question and only one that I can answer, but my lease is going to be due for a refresh in a few months and I'm having trouble deciding between going with the 50i or the M.

I'll admit I'm not a big fan of the M body kit...I think the 50i looks better with the black trim. The performance of the M is hard to argue with but I really feel like I'll have 95% of that with the 50i plus a chip. The paddle shifters are the only thing that I'd like to have that I can't get on the 50i. I'd like the carbon trim but that can be added.

On top of that, even a mostly fully loaded 50i sits a good $20K cheaper than the M and BMW has notoriously poor leases on their M models, so I'm betting the price difference will be even larger than the $20K suggests.

Am I missing something?

No. You pretty much answered your own question. If you were going to buy it outright, you'd be better off with the M. But if you are going to lease, the 50i will give you what you are looking for at a substancial savings. It's not like the 50i is a slouch in the horsepower department anyway !

i would go for the M, if u have the budget then u won't regret it. (engine + tranny + suspension = WIN)

What about M + chip? Now that's exciting propositions!!!!