I had a 4.8 for 3 years, loved every single minute of it. Test drove the 35i on several occasions before getting into the 50i.

As pointed out, there is no right or wrong choice. Both are superb vehicles. The 35i gets up and goes, give it a run yourself. I felt it was equally quick to my 4.8. The NA v8 sounds good, but lets be honest it doesn't bark. I too feel the mpg is essentially negligible, lest you opt for a 35d.

If it were me, I would go 35i without thinking twice based on the LCI fenders and the 8 speed alone. Do not make the mistake of undervaluing the 8 speed. It's that important. My 07 was so jumpy, I used to tell passengers it was the achilles heel of an otherwise sensational daily drive.

Clearly this is all my personal opinion.

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2011 50i BS/Black Nevada
(gone) 2007 4.8i AW/Tobacco