X5 4.6 vs 4.8 is the cost difference worth it

[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

[mrkbbd]

I don't think it is that big of a deal btw the 4.6 and 4.8, only like 15hp, same suspension, the only difference is the adaptive headlights, the colors, and the rims appearance wise. It's really up to you.

[Sudesh]

The 4.8 has a 6 speed auto box, different front end, steering wheel, front and rear active suspension also. But as you say is the price in difference worth it??

[buschy]

yeah another post helped me with the differences, but in your opinions is it worth the price difference? thanks.

[AlpineMsix]

i have not driven the 4.6 nor have i raced one. But i was side by side by one, it was also imola red. And ill be honest, maybe the car was not maintained well or something, but it looked so outdated, the car seemed soo much older then mine. The looks overall, the 4.8 has the upper hand, its a newer car, aka newer everything as far as looks go, i mean even the leather condition, if you think about it fades over time.

As far as performance goes; i dunno how much of a diff there is; but the 4.8 does have all around air suspension and i love air suspension. I dont know if its a better choice or not for handling but it is a higher technology suspension that you can control and adjust with some mods.

The engine is also the newer bmw engine that now comes on the 750's so i would rely on this engine more.

I guess my point is; its all about the new stuff, if your going to keep the car for a while go with a 4.8 it will last longer since its newer, and everything else about it is newer. IF your not going to keep the X for that long, then keep the 4.6 and save money

[4.6is Ryder]

I think it boils down to the features you want. Things like bluetooth and wheels can always be added. If air suspension is important, then that answers your question. If not, look at the overall condition of the X and determine how long you plan to keep it. I've driven both and you really can't go wrong either way. Both vehicles have minor quirks, but hey....they're BMW's. As far as the 4.6is looking out dated, I would disagree with that. Again, facelifts are possible if you desire that look and AE's can also be added (they only look slightly different from the front, no where else). I've had people ask me if mine is a 4.8is.....so think about this....the people that really know the difference will truely know that you have choosen a winner either way. Those that don't could probably care less.....my 2 pennies.......Phil

[buschy]

great info guys, anyone else? I guess if anyone out there turned in their 4.6 for a 4.8 could give me a good indication if they think its worht the extra 15, anyone anyone thanks agian to everyone.

[4.6is Ryder]

Originally Posted by buschy

great info guys, anyone else? I guess if anyone out there turned in their 4.6 for a 4.8 could give me a good indication if they think its worht the extra 15, anyone anyone thanks agian to everyone.

That's a $1000.00 per horse !!! I'm not sure if anyone has upgraded from a 4.6is to a 4.8is. And if so, my guess would be it was because of some unforeseen circumstance...theft, accident, etc............Phil

[SeattleYates]

I've gotta agree with Phil on this. The 4.6is is an awesome and beautiful machine, and it is doubtful that you could tell much if any difference between it and the 4.8is by driving them both, and few people other than X5 officionados will even be able to tell the difference externally. You can add $5K of farkles to the 4.6is and still be $10K ahead, and if it has reasonably low miles, you should see less depreciation (in absolute $$) over the next few years.

[buschy]

seattle, I guess you decided not to go with the new 4.8 eh? got to say your underwater photos are the best. I have been trying to get scuba certified for years now, cant wait till I do. oh and trying to convince the wife is why its taking a while.