[FSHNGRY]

1 YEAR OWNERSHIP REVIEW
MILEAGE: 12,890

**I HAD POSTED THIS TO MY JOURNAL, BUT BC IT WAS ON THE LAST PAGE, IT GOT NO FEEDBACK. SORRY MODERATORS FOR THE DOUBLE POST**

A full rotation around the sun in what is my best attempt yet at modding BMW’s
And just like that - in what feels like a blink of an eye, I’ve already had a full year of seat time in my F90 M5. What is there to say? Rather, Where do I even begin?

The last year has been nothing short of second glances when I park, obsessive compulsive cleaning, and over cleaning, obsessive moments taking in every last detail of my individual build, constantly thinking of ways of how I can further tweak every last detail.

The F90 M5 is a car that just isn’t a car. It’s a status symbol, a portable office, an object used to measure the drive and success of the individual behind the dark tints and loud bursts of exhaust symphony. I have fallen in love with a car, yes. It is a passionate, fiery, intense love, that costs a ridiculous amount of money… WAIT… is it my wife?! KIDDING This car just does so much, how do I even feel right to classify it as just “a car” ?

From the top - The design, still a damn looker, and so much more pleasant to admire than the current beaver nostril grilles offered in the newest line ups. Every single option that I looked at, and calculated, trying to weight out how “necessary” they are, turned out to be ZERO regret. In fact - I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again… aside from my home (purchased in Dec 2019) and my watches (all purchased well before my home) my M5 is my best money spent, and least regretful money spent. I just don’t see how any other automotive company could put together such a complete package of driver focused perfection. Sure, there are more luxurious, more tech focused, environmentally focused, blah blah blah. But nothing, and I mean NOTHING out there can hold a candle to the entire package that BMW M presents with the F90. Had I owned an F10, E60, E39 - I’m sure I would’ve been singing the praises of those machines just as loud.

I have loved every second so far as the owner of this car. And I have enjoyed the thumbs up, pictures, waves, questions about the car/color itself from everyone who has commented. This car is best described as the marriage between Baron Phillipe Rothschild, and Robert Mondavi, and their creation and marriage of their respected grapes to present “Opus One”. There I said it, to my fellow wine snobs, or price tag snobs, The F90 M5 lci is in fact, the Opus One of 4 door cars.

At this point in time in my ownership, I have penned what I thought is the best writing of my life (why wasn’t I ever given the topic of the F90 M5 in my college years? I’d be a NY Times best seller by now lol) I have poured out and thought of every day detail, and every comparison possible to bring to light those details that are missed by the average car owner. Instead of attempting to ramble on and on and on about the details of this machine, for the 5th time… I’ll just list pros and cons below that everyone can either agree with, or chime in on… but I’ll keep this one short…

INDIVIDUAL BUILDS:
I know that COVID and the semi conductor shortage has limited the amount of options available for some folks who have been waiting to order their cars, so I hope that this isn’t a sore subject, and by no means meant to “brag” at all - but I urge those who have the ability to, to go the “Individual” route when speccing their F90’s, or any future BMW M model your shopping. God willing life hasn’t thrown any drastic loops my way, I don’t see myself ever just walking in and buying a car in a showroom again when shopping for an M car. If I drive a BMW M - I plan on ordering them, and making sure they are all special interior and exterior colors from now on!
Fashion Grey is still a super unique color. To be completely honest, now that I just sat back, and replayed the last 1+ year of ownership, I have NOT seen another Fashion Grey BMW or Porsche *in person* Lord knows there is no shortage of Audi cars wearing Nardo grey, or Chalk white on Porsches. A ton of people comment on the color, no matter how old or young, car enthusiast or not.

CCB’S
Still the best last minute option, scratch that, MY FAVORITE option. Can’t believe I was able to get these added on my build a few days AFTER being assigned a production number. Thank God to @wintendo for calling me out initially, and to Steve Pelkey for making it happen. I owe you my third born. So damn awesome. Bites so damn hard, so damn big, just a conversation starter, and awe inspiring piece of this car. I urge everyone who is on the fence about this option, IT IS NOT MONEY WASTED. PERIOD. I keep thinking to myself that I haven’t been reading the posts properly, or I must be doing something “wrong” because I don’t EVER hear any squealing whatsoever. All of the issues and complaints experienced by others before seem to just not exist with my build. And I don’t know if should be worried or not lol. But honestly, zero problems. Zero dust, zero noises besides me shouting “WOOO” every time I bring this thing to a stop

Last week, my Wife and I decided to take a weekend trip - and we (she) decided we are taking her car (2020 Porsche Cayenne)

When pulling out of my street, as well as about 3-5 more instances in our journey to our vacation condo, I made mention of “ OY WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. I’M ABOUT TO STOMP THROUGH THE FLOOR” or so it felt like. One of those instances, I had actually felt myself get a bit uneasy and almost retraining myself on braking distance because I just did not trust the car to stop like I’ve grown to do with the M5. I’m sure the bright colored calipers are the reason, but after the color comments, the brake compliments are the second most commented on piece of the car.

MPE | DOWN PIPES | EVENTURI
I mean, can you consider it an M5 without this option? Really?? (No hate or disrespect to those who opted against it - but hey, your loss!) The saying “gets better with age” applies to the MPE. Without a doubt. I was like “WHAT THE F***” at the first few thousand miles, and the lack of toughness it bellowed.. How and why it seemingly just “turned on” all of a sudden is a miracle. I’ve witnessed people jump and laugh with excitement, I’ve witnessed a woman actually jump back because I scared the sh*t out of her, I’ve had many want to video my cold start, and I’ve also been told once “ your God d*mn muffler scared the sh*t out of me!”
The feeling of “go” the car gets when accelerating higher into the power bands is def more noticeable, thanks to the Eisenmann Lower DP’s. I am starting to get the itch for more power, not so much noise though, so I will be interested in having the primary DP’s installed. I will say, that with 4 windows rolled down, and depending on the proximity of the cars near me, or any other surfaces close by, I find that the car is VERY loud sometimes and catches me off guard.
The induction noises, and a few different noises to be exact coming from the front of the car are just euphoric. A “grunt” sound when at a crawl, a huge beast like animal with a chest that seems to expand when inhaling air 10x longer than a normal person could when you’re WOT… its just a thing of beauty. All around 10/10 piece. From “bling” factor all the way to sound and performance. Eventuri nailed it. I would HIGHLY suggest those of you who have this intake though, to purchase the cleaning solution from IND’s site, and properly take the heat shield/ cone off and clean the filter. You’ll be surprised at the dirt, dust, and tiny debris that comes off the cone. You’ll be equally surprised how much crisper the sound is post cleaning! (You’re welcome)

TECH

I was fortunate enough to order a car loaded with everything. Touch screen, wireless charging tray, B&W, DAPP (Drivers Assistance Plus), Executive….

The tech in this car still surprises me. I love how you can configure multiple home screens with “widgets” for various clusters of your settings. CarPlay, then i-drive screen, and 3 swipes bring me to all different content. Weather and traffic, news, Car data and sport displays. The hundreds of seating combinations, seat massage settings (yes this is amazing even for short drives) are all such an added bonus on such an enjoyable car. The only “glitches” I’ve ever had are from my iPhone carrier service, which you’ll read below.
The customizable “personalities” are such a damn cool feature that I got used to in my F82 M4 days. Literally 1 little red button turns this car into a fighter jet and I love that. Like the F82, I have noticed that in order to make a tight U-turn, or a sharp turn into a parking space, I have to turn “off” M1 and go into straight comfort settings to allow for the most steering wheel play, and ease of turning. Little details such as these that have been programmed into the settings are what make this car SO damn cool. A true “wolf in sheep’s clothing”

BOWERS & WILKINS

I’ll be as quick and short about this as possible…..

The shiny, silver, metal mesh surfaces over all of the speakers, door tweeters, etc are such an elegant touch, I honestly don’t even want to know what the door panel of an M5 looks like without them.

Want to know where the money is on the B&W system? Put all 4 windows down, and get on the highway. Be sure you’re cruising at at least 75 MPH (STILL WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN) and crank up the music. You’ll notice that at these speeds, with ALL of that wind noise, you are still hearing the clarity and sharpness you’re listening to as if the windows were rolled up. Now, try that without B&W and let me know how it works out. $3500 well spent.

ISSUES TO REPORT

“Issues” can be such a problematic word. Whenever I see threads of people asking about “issues” I hold my breath before opening because you’re going to get the .02 from everyone who has owned a car with something they couldn’t look passed.

Have I had any problems with my F90? Not a damn thing. Zero.
Follow the rule of: Respect the car, and the car will respect you.

I’ve used launch control 3 times. I never drive hard, redline, or beat up on the car until operating temps are reached. When a notification pops up for oil, maintenance, anything at all… I make the apt and take her in to get serviced. If a new car, gradually turn up the music over time. Don’t just crank up and see how quick you can blow speakers. It’s a simple concept too many folks abuse!

Now- to my .02…
-The infamous, location less “rattle” sound in every BMW somehow managed to creep in. Not annoying, but Go away!
-The doors of the F90 are heavier than I have realized. You’ll find that this door takes you to open, and prop with your foot or hand to ensure it wont swing back on you. I find this happens A LOT and its F***** annoying, especially when you have a bad day.
-Glitchy CarPlay/iTunes music. BUT I will blame that on my Verizon service which I regret having moved to. I wont go into detail about it because I’m 99% sure it’s a carrier issue and not a car issue.
-EXHAUST BANGS: come on man… the same “pop pop pop pop pop” every time is overkill. I’d love to customize this with a proper tune (one day)
-The amount of people who want to show how big their balls are by trying to ride your ass or fly passed you


FUTURE MODS

Carbahn or Dinan Tune*

(From what I’ve read, and heard, both are still in super early phases of being offered to customers. I’m sure some guys here are undergoing the updates, and I’m eager to hear about the experience, results, and overall reliability as I plan on keeping my F90 for some time)

Eisenmann Primary DP
*i’ve owned this part and had it in storage for about 6 months now. Waiting for proper tune to delete CEL upon install*

Wheels
(ONLY 1 PERSON WILL KNOW - RYAN!)

ENJOY!
FSHNGRY

[M5_508]

What a beautiful car and a great review! Curious how your car sounds with MPE and downpipes. Maybe in the near future some vids… love the color and spec!

[josec70]

After seeing this car in person, all I can say is wow!! The detailed write-ups are only surpassed by the meticulous attention to every detail on this car!

[Greer]

What a great thorough post. You are spot-on about the carbon-ceramic brakes, I will never own a BMW without them.

[Alberta]

Just wow!

[FSHNGRY]

Originally Posted by F85_508

What a beautiful car and a great review! Curious how your car sounds with MPE and downpipes. Maybe in the near future some vids… love the color and spec!

Thank you! It sounds glorious - a nice deep 'gargle' sound and means business when under acceleration. No regrets!


Wayyyyy ahead of you!
https://www.youtube.com/user/ckantzavelos/videos

[TFBravo]

Originally Posted by FSHNGRY

Thank you! It sounds glorious - a nice deep 'gargle' sound and means business when under acceleration. No regrets!


Wayyyyy ahead of you!
https://www.youtube.com/user/ckantzavelos/videos

Is there any issues with aftermarket secondary downpipes? Like CEL coming or warranty issues? Am I correct to assume only the primary downpipe have cats and sensors where you would need a tune to turn off CELS.

Did you order the MPE with the car from the factory or had it installed post delivery? Importantly with the valves closed, is it a bearable system for daily driving, no droning at low rpms, comfortable on long highway trips?

Would you recommend the MPE over any other aftermarket cat back or is the 7k worth it? I want to upgrade mine and there are a few options for 5k out there, titanium is lighter but doesn't sound necessarily sound better then a regular cheaper system.

Is MPE related to the Akropovich system? Is that who makes it? Then the 7k is a deal.

[FSHNGRY]

Originally Posted by TFBravo

Is there any issues with aftermarket secondary downpipes? Like CEL coming or warranty issues? Am I correct to assume only the primary downpipe have cats and sensors where you would need a tune to turn off CELS.

Did you order the MPE with the car from the factory or had it installed post delivery? Importantly with the valves closed, is it a bearable system for daily driving, no droning at low rpms, comfortable on long highway trips?

Would you recommend the MPE over any other aftermarket cat back or is the 7k worth it? I want to upgrade mine and there are a few options for 5k out there, titanium is lighter but doesn't sound necessarily sound better then a regular cheaper system.

Is MPE related to the Akropovich system? Is that who makes it? Then the 7k is a deal.

Originally Posted by TFBravo

Is there any issues with aftermarket secondary downpipes? Like CEL coming or warranty issues? Am I correct to assume only the primary downpipe have cats and sensors where you would need a tune to turn off CELS.

Did you order the MPE with the car from the factory or had it installed post delivery? Importantly with the valves closed, is it a bearable system for daily driving, no droning at low rpms, comfortable on long highway trips?

Would you recommend the MPE over any other aftermarket cat back or is the 7k worth it? I want to upgrade mine and there are a few options for 5k out there, titanium is lighter but doesn't sound necessarily sound better then a regular cheaper system.

Is MPE related to the Akropovich system? Is that who makes it? Then the 7k is a deal.

So far, with my MPE and Eisenmann secondary downpipes, I have absolutely no issues, or lights whatsoever. Had I also installed the Primary downpipes, I would then throw an error due to the O2 sensor and therefore cause you to have a "Check Engine Light" aka CEL. As mentioned across many other threads here, the warranty law pretty much sums up that they have to prove that the mod in question is in fact the reason to have caused xyz to fail or malfunction, and if they really do wish to through the book at you - they'll void your warranty. But to answer your question, if all you plan on doing is a lower DP and the MPE exhaust, you'll be just fine.

Yes one of the available options when I placed my order for this car was to have the MPE port installed, just days before delivery. In comfort mod, you would almost very seriously forget the car is capable of doing what it can do. You get exactly that, comfort. Dull settings as far as throttle response, suspension, etc. that most def includes the exhaust sound. Very tame, no drone, very bearable.

I can not speak on the quality and seat time of other exhaust companies. I do know that Akrapovic has a long history of using the best materials available, extensive R&D, and hours of fabrication prior to product release. You really could have never gone wrong with their systems dating back to the E92, and even to this day for the F90. Akra, I believe is the lightest system available (Please correct me if I'm wrong) and fully titanium, hence the price tag. I do also believe that Akrapovic has helped BMW M fabricate some parts of this current "MPE" offering, which is also a fully titanium system.

In short, lb : lb - I am a guy that likes his things to all flow together and match. Spending the extra $ to have my titanium exhaust installed just before I took delivery was a no-brainer. It sounds absolutely fantastic, and it looks just as damn good. Honestly, if I was doing it all over again, and the price tag was 10k for it, knowing what I know now, I would do it in a heartbeat!

Hope this helps

[Greer]

Has anyone on this board completed the Carbahn upgrades to their M5?

[FSHNGRY]

Originally Posted by Greer

Has anyone on this board completed the Carbahn upgrades to their M5?

Stage 1 controller ordered today.

The most "basic" form of power increase without having to install heat exchangers. Will report back next week

[rjhjr]

Have thoroughly enjoyed the Carbahn Stage 1 tune, along with Dinan Turbo inlets and filters. Difference in performance is remarkable. I ran 183 into a 20mph headwind in the Arkansas mile, with multiple runs over two days. It got faster with every run and got over 21mph on the ride home. Go for it.
Almost 17k miles and I love this car more everyday.

[FSHNGRY]

Originally Posted by rjhjr

Have thoroughly enjoyed the Carbahn Stage 1 tune, along with Dinan Turbo inlets and filters. Difference in performance is remarkable. I ran 183 into a 20mph headwind in the Arkansas mile, with multiple runs over two days. It got faster with every run and got over 21mph on the ride home. Go for it.
Almost 17k miles and I love this car more everyday.

This is something I was waiting to hear!

How difficult was install?

[rjhjr]

Sorry, meant to tell you impressed I am with your build. Remarkable job and simply a beautiful car. Also, agree totally with the ccbs, exec package, B&W and drivers plus. Turned off the lane correction as I it drove me crazy and I didn't want it bugging me at the track. Install has to be by a certified dealer with Carbahn's equipment. Call Chris at Carbahn for details. Price is down to around $2,000 including warranty. Should take less than a day. You will never know it's there until you want to, then "Oh yeah!".

[rjhjr]

Age occasionally means forgetfulness. As you have a 2021 as opposed to my 2019, you might also ask Chris about the possibility that BMW automatic software upgrades (2019s don't do this according to my dealer) interfering with the tune. It is a possibility, but it is my understanding that the auto updates can be turned off.

[omgmike]

Great write up! I am jealous of your B&W — it was unfortunately never an available option for me, but I was able to order all of the other options, including the CCBs which are absolutely amazing. I have the same problem now driving other cars — I feel like I'm going to have to pu my foot through the floorboard before any other car will come to a complete stop! I do have squealing with my CCBs off and on, but if I do some hard braking that seems to get rid of the squeal for a while. Guess it's just a build up of dust in the brake pad.

I wish I had ordered the MPE from the get go, but I was under the mistaken impression that the M Sport Exhaust that is part of the Comp package was the same thing. Ah well, such is life. Because of this error on my part, I will now be upgrading to the full Akra when the time comes. I cannot wait to hear the difference!

Thanks again for your write ups, they are a real treat to read!