ST vs. The Competition

BMW x5 M series starts at just a tad under $90k.

I am not talking about the X5 M 4.4 liter V8 with like 600 hp. I am talking about the X5 40I that is a 6 cylinder. It can be equipped with M sports package and rims that are up to 22 inches. It would cost just around 70K or a little above that. I think they boosted the HP up to like 375 and with a tune it could probably be competing with the ST.

I am not talking about the X5 M 4.4 liter V8 with like 600 hp. I am talking about the X5 40I that is a 6 cylinder. It can be equipped with M sports package and rims that are up to 22 inches. It would cost just around 70K or a little above that. I think they boosted the HP up to like 375 and with a tune it could probably be competing with the ST.

Wait what!!!

German vehicles do not have remote start due to regulations surrounding having a idling car without the driver being in the car, in Germany.

Our 2021 X5 and 2023 X3 both have remote start from the factory. Can use the key fob or app to start it or even schedule it to start a certain time/day ahead of time.

Thanks for the correction on that point. It seems to be vehicles that were produced after 2019 for BMW and if they were manufactured in the US, X5 & X3, have remote start in them. They don't have to oblige the German regulations.

Our ST has been nothing but smiles and good times. One of the better vehicles I have owned.

I'm new here, so forgive my stupidity -- but I've seen referenced a few times a $600 mod for 100hp+. Please please tell me more. That is a phenomenal bang for the buck!

Congrats on your purchase and welcome.

The cost is about $850 but this is what you are looking for depending on where you live. Not legal in some states.

https://www.tunedbyzfgracing.com/product-page/2020-21-ford-explorer-3-0l-zfg-racing-custom-tune

Thank you for this! I will start doing more research but assume it’s safe to assume you have to reflash to the factory tune for warranty service. Does Ford have a way to detect the PCM has been previously flashed, even with the stock tune in place?

Once you go with any tune, the dealer will be able to detect any reflashing. The only safe way to keep your warrant intact is going with the Ford tune that maintains your factory warranty. The Ford tune will not give you the HP gains of a custom tune like ZFG, but you will be able to notice the difference to stock. Pick what makes you feel and sleep better at night.

Yup, always a balance between (more) performance and warranty.

Can you better explain the bolded part? Is the "Ford tune" still something that ZFG does that changes shift points in the engine and/or transmission so it manages the HP & torque differently and provides a more responsive ride? Is the "Ford tune" something that is still a separate tune just very mellow, or is the original stock tune modified? And then you change some settings back when you take in for service? And how would Ford not be able to tell if you tweaked their stock tune?

Not trying to be dumb here. Just making sure I understand properly. Maybe a call to ZFG is in order.

By the way, on my computer now (vs phone) and noticed your mod list in your signature. I noticed you have the ZFG 93 tune + Whipple intercooler, NGK's, CAI and exhaust. What kind of a quarter mile are you pulling with those? Also did the rear sway bar and strut tower brace really enhance handling considerably?

Ford offers a tune that you would buy directly from Ford which is covered under a Ford warranty and more of a mellow tune. https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-9603-EX30

ZFG is a custom tuning company that is not associated with Ford. The tunes that they do can be from mild to very aggressive based on the fuel type and modifications you have done.

I am probably in the low 4's 0-60 and don't know my 1/4 mile times. I picked the 93 octane tune because of the engine mods and this is a daily driver and will never go to the track. The rear sway bar did make a difference in body roll but the strut tower brace was just aesthetics. Didn't notice any difference in body stiffness.

There is a ton of information on this forum.

The second reason why I went with ST is the finance offers (close to 0% APR while others were 5 to 7) and discounts that brings down overall price (I got it 5k below sticker over a month of negotiations).

Primary is that I love Ford (the way they drive and never had issues in the other Ford I still own) Explorer (exterior design, 6 seating configuration and fact that police use them) ST (love the factory performance, 3 litter engine, the black treatments, MPGs when you drive calm and all the features offered at the price point). It really ticked all the boxes, which mattered for me.

X5 was a close second but what I want was the M and it was too experience. Everyone knows they lie about the power numbers. So even if you get the lower trim to match with ST sticker and performance, you will end up with a much bigger monthly payment.

Durango was third. May be the test drive and dealership experience, didn't do it for me. Still love it, and would buy it only for the supercharger whine and exhaust sounds. But money was a constrain for the top engine trims. The fact that dinosaur was going be extinct soon, didn't gave much confidence.

If I have to buy again now, pilot trailsport and telluride X-pro will be in the shortlist for how they looks, cx90 and X90 for the phev powertrain, X5M and MDX type S for the overall package, Durango for the sound, Grand Highlander for the newness and finally go and buy a 2 door bronco (because I already have the ST )