X5 4.6 vs 4.8 is the cost difference worth it

[SeattleYates]

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

[fiber46is]

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]

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.

[Don Coffey]

I would go with the 4.8is, it is the newer car and should have better software aswell as any updates that I assume are ongoing through a models production life. I personally feel that the post face lift just looks far better, but then I may be a little bias.

Don

[hike737]

[*]Soft close rear window

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

[GABRIEL]

Originally Posted by buschy

ok one last question before I make the plunge. After my man checks out a car for me in another state, I have to make the decision 4.6 or the 4.8.
My question is in your opinion are the differences worht the cost difference. from my searching the average difference in cost is 15k. many different factors change the price a bit, but over all similarly loaded the difference looks to be about 15K, Money is an object, with that said I will and can pay more for it if its worth it I just dont know if it is. I never had an x before only my 3 series. any help is much apppreciated. thanks agian

I had the same predicament when a purchase my X5, I wanted the 4.6L because of the engine but also wanted the 6 speed transmission, I end up getting the 3.0L and purchasing almost all the options, at the end I paid about the same for 3.0L. No regrets I love my X5, I might get a nice CPO M3 to compensate the need for speed.

[asawadude]

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]

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]

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]

.

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