03-05-2020, 08:32 AM | #1 |
Major
1064
Rep 1,420
Posts |
Opinion of the 40i vs. 50i/M50i
I know engine choices are a very personal thing but I wanted to share my thoughts on these two engine choices. We own a 2019 50i and I've driven several 40i's, most recently yesterday when I took our X7 into the shop for a state inspection and they gave me a 40i as a loaner. The inline six is smooth and quiet and can propel the X7 very nicely. And I originally wanted the inline six but the dealership made us an offer we couldn't refuse on the 50i so here we are. But after a year with the V8, driving the inline six just doesn't feel right to me. I feel I have to mash the pedal and spin up the turbos to get it moving from a stop. Our V8 takes off like a powerhouse spaceship. You get use to that and when it's not there you miss it. Out on the highway is where its most obvious. Passing slow moving traffic in the V8 is glorious. The downside is the poor fuel economy. That is where you pay the piper. But we own our cars and can afford the gas so after several test drives I'm confident our next X7 will be the M50i.
What's your take? And remember, there's no need to criticizes another persons opinion. If you can afford a X7 you have just as much right as the next owner to state your views. |
03-05-2020, 09:41 AM | #2 |
Brigadier General
3684
Rep 3,479
Posts |
Having test driven each of the three X7 variants, multiple times, my take is that the 40i has plenty of power, and will satisfy everyone except the most power hungry. More than sufficient for a SUV of this size.
The 50i is nice, but as I personally must have the Sport package, that rules out the 50i. The M50i is just monster power. So much fun. I'm tempted to go with the M50i because (1) top line model, (2) excessive fun power, and (3) get a few smaller things that aren't available in the 40i, like laser lights. However, I do NOT like the cerium grey finish for multiple reasons, mostly (1) aesthetics and (2) it shows fingerprints and wear VERY excessively. Thankfully, I'll be getting the shadowline package, regardless of which model, which would replace all the cerium trim, and choose non-cerium wheels. However, recently I'm reconsidering the 40i, as I'll be purchasing this X7 for a long-term 10+ year ownership, and the BMW I-6 engines have so much more of a better long-term record than the V-8's. That alone may make the 40i the better choice for owners like me, looking for an extended ownership. |
Appreciate
1
LittleJoe1064.00 |
03-05-2020, 09:47 AM | #3 | |
Major
674
Rep 1,022
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
03-05-2020, 10:55 AM | #4 |
Lieutenant Colonel
642
Rep 1,596
Posts |
I'm using the X7 to haul kids to/from various school/sports activities and on weekend family trips. I found the I6 plenty powerful enough for those tasks. (Plus wife would yell at me constantly if I had the V8 power available to me).
One benefit of the I6 is better fuel economy so it means fewer trips to the gas station. Also doing my part to try to help keep the pollution to a minimal so my kids would have a decent planet to live on. (I know it's very minimal in the grand scheme of things, but every little bit adds up). Having had BMW I6's before that would run forever with basic maintenance, I feel over the years I plan to own the X7, the I6 is going to be less troublesome then the V8. (Plan to keep the X7 13 to 18 years). When the kids grow up and move out, then I will dump the X7 for something more fun. Maybe they will have electric cars that can go 500+ miles on a charge and take 10 minutes to charge (and go 0-60 in 2 seconds) by then. |
Appreciate
1
LittleJoe1064.00 |
03-05-2020, 11:35 AM | #5 |
Major
451
Rep 1,115
Posts |
I was actually surprised how silky smooth the M50i rides and accelerates. I Initially thought 'oh, I guess if I touch the pedal, it will jerk and jump'.
No, not at all. I will never criticize anybody for getting the 40i because there are just as many valid arguments for it than for the V8. In fact, if I would have bought this vehicle instead of leasing, I'd be driving the 40i now. What makes me giggle is the rumbling sound once I start the engine and I sometimes have to smile when the vehicle shakes a little when I press the start engine button....
__________________
Gone: 2020 X7 M50i, Mineral White, Ivory White Full Merino, Piano Black Trim, Cold Weather, Dynamic Handling, Driving Assistance, Luxury Seating, Executive, 22" Y-Spoke Orbit Grey Wheels Style 758i, Space Saver Spare, Trailer Hitch, Leather Dash, Ambient Air, Bowers & Wilkins, Rear Entertainment, Night Vision, Extended Shadowline, Alcantara Headliner in Upholstery Color.
|
03-05-2020, 12:01 PM | #6 | |
Enlisted Member
47
Rep 44
Posts
Drives: '20 X7 M50i '12 M6 Cab '11 X5M
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Toronto, Ontario
|
Quote:
__________________
_______________________________________
2020 X7 M50i - Ametrine & Ivory (full) 2012 M6 Cab - San Marino Blue & white interior 2011 X5M - Alpine White & Black |
|
03-05-2020, 01:06 PM | #7 |
Lieutenant Colonel
642
Rep 1,596
Posts |
Isn't it nice to have so many choices and none of them are a bad choice?
|
Appreciate
4
|
03-05-2020, 01:52 PM | #8 |
Major
674
Rep 1,022
Posts |
Amen. At one point during the decision making process I remember thinking, "This is pretty cool, I can get the 40i and still have the exact interior experience with all the options I'm considering with the M50i."
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-05-2020, 02:43 PM | #9 |
Captain
173
Rep 901
Posts |
Coming off an X6M, I only looked at X7 M50. I agree it’s good to have a choice and also it’s good to be able to pick a smaller engine for fuel economy. It is impressive that this car can really move so well with the V8 and the sound makes it special.
__________________
Sold: 2020 X7 M50 White Mineral with Ivory & Blue, 2017 X6M Long Beach Blue with Mugello Red, 2014 X6M Monte Carlo Blue with Mugello Red, 2011 X6 5.0 Black on Black, 2008 E350 4Matic Silver, 2006 Infiniti M45 Diamond Graphite
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-05-2020, 03:07 PM | #10 | |
Lieutenant Colonel
1320
Rep 1,645
Posts |
Quote:
My X7 40i is a 6-passenger soccer mom family cruiser and at that it excels. All passengers have plenty of leg and shoulder room. Cabin is quiet as a mouse. Leather is comfy and cozy. All passengers have individual high speed USB-C ports. All that steel and all those airbags make it extremely safe. From a performance standpoint the 6 cylinder is still a rocket, I've had no issues at all merging quickly into traffic from a dead stop, and passing someone on the highway and that needed surge from 55 to 85 is right there when needed. It is by no means a heavy and slow car. It drives spiritedly, not much different than the X5 that preceded it, just hit the Sport Individual button and it's what you're paying for albeit with a touch more body roll. When one gets older and earns some real money and the carseat kids turn into teens, it's time to ditch the minivan and step up to a SUV that is almost its equal in utility and its superior in all other areas. The X7 is that vehicle. It's the antidote for the Honda Odyssey. |
|
03-05-2020, 03:13 PM | #11 | ||||
Lieutenant
139
Rep 428
Posts |
Quote:
Quote:
I could not have said it better!!! Our Prior family ride was the Odyssey before the x7 40i. I still have it for doing dirty work like taking kids to sports and picking up bulky stuff. Are bigger engines nice to have? Of course! Is it worth it? For me no, but that's a personal decision. If I went v8, I'd go M50i otherwise I'd wish I spent less and got the 40i or spent more to get big power if I had the 50i. |
||||
Appreciate
1
LittleJoe1064.00 |
03-05-2020, 03:13 PM | #12 | |
Ultimate Driver
863
Rep 916
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
2
Jefflikescars91.00 LittleJoe1064.00 |
03-05-2020, 03:18 PM | #13 | |
Lieutenant Colonel
642
Rep 1,596
Posts |
Quote:
I had to give up the E46 when we had kids just to fit all the kid stuff. Now that my oldest is hitting teenage years, I need to haul him and all his friends to various sports/school activities, so need the full size SUV. Don't need the the V8 since the I6 is plenty powerful for the type of driving I'll be doing. Once the kids move out, I'll get back into a fun car. (Sacrifices a parent makes for their kids) |
|
Appreciate
1
LittleJoe1064.00 |
03-05-2020, 04:11 PM | #14 |
Enlisted Member
21
Rep 37
Posts |
Power hungry fool here and the M50i does not disappoint. In Sport and Sport Plus it has the same fun factor as my 2018 ZL1....both pull very hard. My wife has no idea what she is driving every day lol, but she does like the exhaust!
|
Appreciate
1
LittleJoe1064.00 |
03-05-2020, 05:23 PM | #15 |
Major
674
Rep 1,022
Posts |
Ha! My wife only had the chance to drive the 40i a few times, but never the M50i. She has no idea what's coming next week, but I know she'll have fun!
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-05-2020, 07:48 PM | #16 | |
Captain
689
Rep 859
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
2023 iX M60
2023 i4 M50 2024 Wrangler 392 |
|
Appreciate
2
Wanderer73673.50 Wild Blue3683.50 |
03-06-2020, 05:43 AM | #17 |
Brigadier General
3684
Rep 3,479
Posts |
And that's a key point. Remember, that even many Ferraris and Lambourghinis that we considered in the 1970 and 1980's to be "supercars" only had 200-370 hp. Our view of power "needs" nowadays is quite skewed.
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-06-2020, 01:35 PM | #18 |
Major
1064
Rep 1,420
Posts |
I'm enjoying reading all the views on engine size. I've been preaching to my good friend for the past year that our next X7 will be the 40i for many of the reasons you 40i owners have stated above. He's a nut when it comes to V8's, loud exhaust notes, M's, AMG's, etc. I always smile at him say you're crazy and why would you want a louder exhaust? But as I commented in my first post, I'm now hooked on the effortless power of our V8 and have to have a M50i for our next go round. That said, I'm sure I would quickly get use to the inline six and be a happy camper but there is likely a Tanzanite Blue M50i in my future.
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-06-2020, 01:43 PM | #19 |
Captain
175
Rep 603
Posts |
This was my thinking as well: Long term. I had a 4.4L in an M5 and it was just drinking oil.
However, recently I'm reconsidering the 40i, as I'll be purchasing this X7 for a long-term 10+ year ownership, and the BMW I-6 engines have so much more of a better long-term record than the V-8's. That alone may make the 40i the better choice for owners like me, looking for an extended ownership. |
Appreciate
1
LittleJoe1064.00 |
03-06-2020, 04:01 PM | #20 |
Private First Class
91
Rep 102
Posts |
I'm reminded of the time my friend let me drive his modified GT500 with 750+ horsepower. The whole time I was driving I kept thinking, "This is irresponsible" and "this is legitimately crazy" and "Why? Just why would you ever need this much power?"
The next day I woke up in the morning, and the first thought that went through my head was, "I gotta call him so I can drive his car again." Anyone who owns a 40i should feel fortunate. It's an amazing car. Oh and I love my M50i |
03-07-2020, 06:59 AM | #21 |
gdurham
33
Rep 48
Posts |
I opted for the 40i, as I have driven a BMW inline 6 for over 20 years with never a problem, so I stayed as I was always satisfied. I do agree that at highway speeds it definitely lacks the torque of the V8's. I do like the MPG of the 40i. This is basically my winter car while my summer DD car is a 991.2 Turbo S. So when I need my power and speed fix, I have that covered.
|
Appreciate
1
LittleJoe1064.00 |
03-07-2020, 07:58 AM | #22 | |
J Richards
68
Rep 52
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
Other Current Cars 2021 Lamborghini Urus, 2020 McLaren 720S Performance Spider, 2020 RAM 2500 Diesel Limited, 2017 Ferrari 488 Spider,
2016 Jaguar F-Type R-Dynamic |
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|