To "is" or not to "is"

DesertRat · #1 11-05-2009, 01:37 AM

Well after several months of searching the continent for a reasonably priced 2005 - 2006 X5 V8, we thing we have found the one....a 2005 X5 4.8is with 45k miles. But I have a few questions I'm hoping some of the members here on Xoutpost can shed some light on...

1) What exactly is the difference between 4.4i and the 4.8is motors?
(e.g. bore, stroke, computer, intake manifold, exhaust, etc...)
2) Ride quality: Is there a noticeable difference? I'm expecting the "is" to be firm compared to the "i"
3) Is the transmissions the same?
4) What about the suspension? (e.g. springs and shocks vs. air suspension)
5) Radiator, altenator, etc...

The reason for all the questions is if I have to replace items, is there going to be a problem because the "is" is well...and "is"?

Thanks in advance,

-DR

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LeMansX5 · #2 11-05-2009, 08:41 AM

Big difference....in ride quality, suspension, gas pedal settings, etc. 4.8is is very sporty as compared to 4.4i. Drive both and you will find out.

chilliwilli · #3 11-05-2009, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

Big difference....in ride quality, suspension, gas pedal settings, etc. 4.8is is very sporty as compared to 4.4i. Drive both and you will find out.

You will find the differences with a simple search on this forum or google...you will know for sure with a test drive.

sethro · #4 11-05-2009, 10:29 AM

4.8is is altogether a different beast, give both a test drive 4.4/4.8is and you should know which one you want to buy. Also make sure you get all the maintenance records

good luck

DesertRat · #5 11-05-2009, 11:21 AM

I've driven the 4.4i and to be honest...although it is worlds better than the 3.0 in acceleration etc., it is still a bit soft IMO. I'm not going to be burning it up on the road but it would be nice to have more umph.

I haven't driven 4.8 is but I've been reading some thread here on Xoutpost and although "different" and "beast" come to mind, can it really be that overbearing compared to a 4.4i? Is the "is" a reasonably riding vehicle to drive down the interstate and then torch some smuck in an Mercedes Benz?

One question I have is on the air suspension, can that be changed to springs if the time comes when the air bags start leaking and fail? Just curious.

Thanks,

-DR

X5rolls · #6 11-05-2009, 11:41 AM

The best way to know more about the 4.8is after reading what you can is to go out and drive one. Until then you won't know what it's really like IMO.

darkside4.8 · #7 11-05-2009, 03:24 PM

ive had a 4.4 (06) and now a 4.8is and the 4.8 makes the 4.4 seem slow. plus, youre driving a rare beast with a 4.8.
drive them back to back if you can. that's what i did and it sold me on the 4.8

DesertRat · #8 11-05-2009, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkside4.8

ive had a 4.4 (06) and now a 4.8is and the 4.8 makes the 4.4 seem slow. plus, youre driving a rare beast with a 4.8.
drive them back to back if you can. that's what i did and it sold me on the 4.8

Thanks for the confirmation. I'm leaning toward the 4.8is pretty hard...

zracer196 · #9 11-05-2009, 05:26 PM

2 Weeks with mine...LOVING it. Closest thing to my old M3 that still is a sport ute!

N S · #10 11-05-2009, 09:33 PM

All things equal go with the 4.8. When I was looking the equivalent (2006) 4.8is was listing for $10k more than the same year/mileage 4.4 (w/ sport package). Not to mention BMW was not offering 0.9% financing on the 4.8is. That made my decision very easy.

So really the question is, how much more is the 4.8 worth to you than the equivalently equiped 4.4. IMO, I can't see myself paying more than $3k for the 4.8 - (my value on the 4.8 compared to the 4.4.)

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