Originally Posted by IGotId (Post 830041)

thanks...I'm not sure I'd get the Dinan software as I assume that would have a significant effect on gas mileage...(1 of the reasons I'd go for the 50i over the M) ;) yeah, i'd probably just get a couple of iPads! the roof rails are a must...what do you mean by auto-h?

Originally Posted by masayahin (Post 829993)

X5M
- Beastly fast (M Power)
- More $$$ than any other X5

X5 5.0 M-option
- Beastly fast (not faster than X5M but seems faster than my E46M3, I do like to drive it more than the E46M3, I guess its an age thing)
- Less $$$ than X5M
- 3rd row option available (might hold the resale value???)
- flash it with Dinan and your closer to X5M power

QUOTE]

I always find it humorous when people assume or communciate that all the X5M is, is a faster 50. This is not the case at all and not what makes the M different and in my opinion far better than the 50 or 4.8 or any other ordinary X5. After having both it is easy to understand and even easier to understand when you get some seat time in both. It is brakes, suspension, steering, torque differential on the rear drive plus so much more. It takes one time to hear the burp in M mode on an upshift and you will get it.
But without having considerable seat time or owning one, please don't do the OP disservice and not qualify your comments as opinion with no real foundation or experience.
To the OP..Get the M , get a used M there are plenty out there with under 10K miles that are thousands off new. You will never regret it, trust me. If you go buy a 50 you will always wonder and always second guess yourself. If you buy the M I highly doubt you will ever say, "boy I wish i got the 50".....

Originally Posted by Psalm40 (Post 830126)

I suppose I'll chime in since I am in a similar dillema... My limiting factor is storage space. I don't have the luxury of having an SUV and a "fun car" at this time. So, I need to wrap them both into the same package. Is the X5M a sports car, nope. But it may satisfy that niche while offering the utility of the SUV. I'd love to park a 911 TT in my garage, but that would put one of our other cars in storage or in the street (which is not doable in my area).
My point is that the "get a 50 and an older M3" is not always an option.

Originally Posted by masayahin (Post 830136)

your concern is different from the OP and there is always an option like below

Option A - Buy a lift that can fit your current garage/space and lift your 911 and park the X5 underneath like shown in the link
D7 Four Post Car Lift, stacking cars one on top of the other

Option A is an ultimate garage set-up. Closed heated garage with lift = win

Option B - Sell other cars that would be used less after getting an E70

Option C - Extreme act is to buy a new house (they're cheap nowadays plus you can stimulate the economy) and move from the area if parking outside is not doable or not safe

Set priorities and practicality then the rest will fall into place

Just trying to help here and were on same team.

Originally Posted by TRAINER (Post 834744)

Well there ya go.. Once you go M, you never go back! :thumbup:
Enjoy your new toy!