X5 4.6 vs 4.8 is the cost difference worth it - Page 2

SeattleYates · #1 10-08-2006, 10:08 PM

Yep! Decided I just couldn't let the 4.6is go! Oh, and thanks for the compliment re my underwater photos.

fiber46is · #2 10-09-2006, 01:08 AM

This is very much personal issue, do you want the latest things and are you willing to pay for it, or not.
I had the same situation when looking for X also. I drove 4.8is also and I have to admit that engine is better having more torque in low rpm and I also like the 6 speed automatic. But that's about it, for me anyway, so I considered that paying $15-20k more for 4.8is is not worth it.

asawadude · #3 10-09-2006, 02:10 AM

I assume the price comparison is for CPO vehicles.

It would be pointless for an existing 4.6is owner to trade up to a 4.8is. However, for a first time E53 buyer, there are plenty of reasons to buy a 4.8is.

Facelift front end styling
Angel Eyes
Adaptive headlights
Adaptive braking
MP3 compatible CD Changer
Valvetronic, double Vanos engine
25 HP gain
0.6 sec gain 0-60
6-speed ZF automatic transmission (far more durable than old GM supplied 5-speed)
X-Drive all wheel drive system (much improved over previous 38/62 fixed torque AWD drive)
Soft close rear window
BMW Assist
Bluetooth
Sat Radio prep
More time remaining left on CPO warranty
Time remaining on Maintenance Free agreement

The $15K spread is between what two vehicles? An '02 4.6is vs. an '05 4.8is? The $15K seems worth it to me.

hike737 · #4 10-09-2006, 03:14 AM

[*]Soft close rear window

Pardon my ignorance - what is Soft close rear window??? Thanks

asawadude · #5 10-09-2006, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hike737

[*]Soft close rear window

Pardon my ignorance - what is Soft close rear window??? Thanks

It's a motorized feature. Instead of slamming the rear window (upper tailgate) closed, you gently close it and an electronic motor draws the window fully closed. It's the same feature as the soft-close doors and trunklid introduced with the 745i model.

hike737 · #6 10-09-2006, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asawadude

It's a motorized feature. Instead of slamming the rear window (upper tailgate) closed, you gently close it and an electronic motor draws the window fully closed. It's the same feature as the soft-close doors and trunklid introduced with the 745i model.

AAAAA, thanks, I was thinking in terms of rear passenger windows...

LeMansX5 · #7 10-09-2006, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asawadude

I assume the price comparison is for CPO vehicles.

It would be pointless for an existing 4.6is owner to trade up to a 4.8is. However, for a first time E53 buyer, there are plenty of reasons to buy a 4.8is.

Facelift front end styling
Angel Eyes
Adaptive headlights
Adaptive braking
MP3 compatible CD Changer
Valvetronic, double Vanos engine
25 HP gain
0.6 sec gain 0-60
6-speed ZF automatic transmission (far more durable than old GM supplied 5-speed)
X-Drive all wheel drive system (much improved over previous 38/62 fixed torque AWD drive)
Soft close rear window
BMW Assist
Bluetooth
Sat Radio prep
More time remaining left on CPO warranty
Time remaining on Maintenance Free agreement

The $15K spread is between what two vehicles? An '02 4.6is vs. an '05 4.8is? The $15K seems worth it to me.

+ style 168 wheels

for these reasons its worth it. Drive a 4.6is in snow and then a 4.8is and you will decide for yourself.

4.6is Ryder · #8 10-09-2006, 09:08 AM

.

It would be pointless for an existing 4.6is owner to trade up to a 4.8is.

It seems like this thread will take a biased approach. All the 4.6is drivers will say it's probably not worth it, while the 4.8is drivers will say go for it. It's really about what you want and how much of a dent you want to put in your wallet. The 15 HP difference just wouldn't be enough for me. Now some might argue that going with either one over a 4.4i is not worth it. Again it's about what you want..........Phil

SeattleYates · #9 10-09-2006, 11:25 AM

As someone brought up, there's a difference in asking if a current owner of a 4.6is would see enough difference to upgrade to a 4.8is (I certainly don't).

However, as a NEW purchaser considering both, the cost of owning one vs. the other isn't going to be THAT different (considering maintenance, warranty considerations and ultimate resale value), so why NOT get the newer 4.8is with its enhancements over the 4.6is (assuming it is in a color you really want)?!

I, therefore, exercise my right to change my earlier opinion (and no, I'm not a woman): if you don't own either one yet, I'd suggest looking for a nice, low-mileage 4.8is.

aeroresh · #10 10-10-2006, 02:07 PM

Just to throw an additional spanner in the works, the new X5 is only just around the corner. With this in mind the older X5s (ie 4.6) will be better value as the newer cars (4.8) will take the bigger depreciation hit once the new model comes out.

I was in a similar position about a year ago and drove both 4.8 and 4.6 before I bought. For me the 4.8 was not worth the extra as the two seemed to drive pretty much the same.

However if I was leasing Id have probably have chosen the 4.8 due to financial wizardry meaning the 2 cars can cost pretty much the same on a monthly payment basis with offset balloons, guarenteed future values, etc.