Comparing 4.4i to 4.8is as daily driver & weekend track car tower. Please help...

[ninekrpm]

Hi folks...have lingered here a few times, but now in the marked to pickup a 4.x X5 ASAP. Will be replacing my daily driver for an X5 so that I can have the ability to tow my track car on weekends or as needed to a local shops.

I am a BMW guy, but have never owned an X5. However, I am confident that a V8 X5 can tow well - based on all the threads on this board

I have found an 06 CPO locally with 44K miles on it. It has everything less the sport package as an option.

I also have an option to buy an 06 4.8is. I have two that I could consider (both CPO, one with 41K miles and the second one with 53K miles, which is posted on this board).

I do want to be practical about what I am getting into in terms of maintenance, gas, towing (especially with the 4.8is' suspensiona and wheel setup) and whatever else I may not be know of in the X5 world.

Please try to provide some pros/cons between my two considerations.

[X5rolls]

Good luck on your quest - it's probably good to drive both a 4.4 and a 4.8is back to back at some point before you purchase. Both are great IMO, as is the 3.0 but you need the V8 obviously for towing.

[jsears]

Originally Posted by ninekrpm

Hi folks...have lingered here a few times, but now in the marked to pickup a 4.x X5 ASAP. Will be replacing my daily driver for an X5 so that I can have the ability to tow my track car on weekends or as needed to a local shops.

I am a BMW guy, but have never owned an X5. However, I am confident that a V8 X5 can tow well - based on all the threads on this board

I have found an 06 CPO locally with 44K miles on it. It has everything less the sport package as an option.

I also have an option to buy an 06 4.8is. I have two that I could consider (both CPO, one with 41K miles and the second one with 53K miles, which is posted on this board).

I do want to be practical about what I am getting into in terms of maintenance, gas, towing (especially with the 4.8is' suspensiona and wheel setup) and whatever else I may not be know of in the X5 world.

Please try to provide some pros/cons between my two considerations.

I like that one that has 53K and a Dinan S1 package on it!!!! Granted I am biased.

[anerbe]

Non-sport 4.4 will have less agressive tires in a square setup - suspension will be a bit more forgiving as well. If you are looking for comfort and cheaper tire changes, the 4.4 could be good. If you want the sportiness of the 4.8, nothing beats it.

As others said, try both. Both feel great, but will be different in dynamics. Good luck, and welcome!

[N S]

Is the 4.4 still under the 50k mi factory warranty? 43k mi doesn't leave you much room for any warranty items, but it does give you a little room before the CPO warranty kicks in.

Is the price the same between the 4.4 and the 4.8? Given both are CPO and within the same general mileage I'd go with the 4.8 if the price is the same.

[Dannyell]

Drive both. You'll enjoy the 4.8is a lot more, but it will help you decide better if the extra $$$ is worth

[fmk]

are you from m3forum? think i recognize the name..
anyway, never been an suv guy. picked up a 4.8is a few months back and havnt looked back. the e46m3 sits in the garage now, as does the e30 318is. course i spend a ton of money on gas now, but that is besides the point. get the 4.8is, you wont be dissapointed. it is fun to throw into some turns with dsc off, car-like handling.

[ninekrpm]

Originally Posted by fmk

are you from m3forum? think i recognize the name..
anyway, never been an suv guy. picked up a 4.8is a few months back and havnt looked back. the e46m3 sits in the garage now, as does the e30 318is. course i spend a ton of money on gas now, but that is besides the point. get the 4.8is, you wont be dissapointed. it is fun to throw into some turns with dsc off, car-like handling.

yes, the same ninekrpm dude as on M3F.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by ninekrpm

yes, the same ninekrpm dude as on M3F.

I've alerted the proper authorities.

My 4.4i has the sport package and I like that a lot (seats in particular). I think you need to drive them back to back and see which feels right.

However, those roads around you are filled with ruts and potholes so those 20" wheels on the 4.8iS might not be so round anymore.

I have the 'winter' setup on my X5 right now (18" wheels, 255 all season M+S tires) and it still handles just fine. The 19" wheels with the new Michelins are safely tucked away in the garage.

I just put my hitch on this weekend so I haven't towed with it (that and no trailer right now...). However, it is effortless to drive around town or the open road. I imagine towing will be a snap, especially since you don't have anything near the hills that I have to go over. Might not need the 4.8iS (but of course we want the extra power!).

What trailer are you going with?

[ninekrpm]

Originally Posted by admranger

I've alerted the proper authorities.

My 4.4i has the sport package and I like that a lot (seats in particular). I think you need to drive them back to back and see which feels right.

However, those roads around you are filled with ruts and potholes so those 20" wheels on the 4.8iS might not be so round anymore.

I have the 'winter' setup on my X5 right now (18" wheels, 255 all season M+S tires) and it still handles just fine. The 19" wheels with the new Michelins are safely tucked away in the garage.

I just put my hitch on this weekend so I haven't towed with it (that and no trailer right now...). However, it is effortless to drive around town or the open road. I imagine towing will be a snap, especially since you don't have anything near the hills that I have to go over. Might not need the 4.8iS (but of course we want the extra power!).

What trailer are you going with?

Good to see a familiar face on the board...

I am leaning towards the 4.8is and have a good dialogue going with the seller. I figure, if I am going to get one, might as well try to get the one that I will enjoy as a daily as well. I would likely get a second set of wheels for winter or maybe even do what you are doing to preserve the 20's.

I have driven non-sport 4.4's and sport 4.4's, but have not driven a 4.8is. Hopefully soon...

I have read a lot of towing related threads on this board and feel good about the X5's capacity and capability to tow a trailer.

I am finalizing on a used Featherlite alum trailer. It is an 18' long trailer setup.