4.6 vs 4.8... Worth $7k extra?

[mcoupe]

Drive both! I recently purchased a 4.6. and have put nearly 2000 miles in less than 2 weeks. I am averaging 18 mpg, love the wheels, and the Alpina sings! Imola red is hard to beat!

[diyanich]

Come to Canada and get this one
2004 BMW X5 4.8is SUV - City of Toronto Cars For Sale - Kijiji City of Toronto Canada.

[TerraPhantm]

Originally Posted by jst2878

i would go with a 4.8. just make it an 05 or better.

I've read this in a lot of places - any particular reason why I shouldn't consider 2004s?

As for looking at 2004+ 4.4s... I've thought about it, but I really dont want a 4.4. Just not exciting enough for me... And a 0-60 in ~7s is just too slow. I'm definitely going to test drive the cars... Though if the 4.6 I'm looking at doesnt work out, I'll pretty much have to get a 4.8 since it seems like BMW has made a few more of them

In any case, I'm leaning towards the 4.8 at this point. I suspect the resale will continue to remain high relative to to the 4.6, and the extra features are nice.

[petener999]

Originally Posted by TerraPhantm

I've read this in a lot of places - any particular reason why I shouldn't consider 2004s?

As for looking at 2004+ 4.4s... I've thought about it, but I really dont want a 4.4. Just not exciting enough for me... And a 0-60 in ~7s is just too slow. I'm definitely going to test drive the cars... Though if the 4.6 I'm looking at doesnt work out, I'll pretty much have to get a 4.8 since it seems like BMW has made a few more of them

In any case, I'm leaning towards the 4.8 at this point. I suspect the resale will continue to remain high relative to to the 4.6, and the extra features are nice.

Not really!05 BMW X5 4.8is Titanium Silver Metallic

[PropellerHead]

Originally Posted by TerraPhantm

As for looking at 2004+ 4.4s... I've thought about it, but I really dont want a 4.4. Just not exciting enough for me... And a 0-60 in ~7s is just too slow.

Just remember, even the 3.0 is no slouch within its class. I drove my 3.0 today to run an errand in which I did not want to use the 4.8. I waxed the floor with an aggressive Lexus something-or-other V8 SUV. It wasn't like we went past 40MPH, but that TQ down low will carry you in the city. Of course, the 4.8 with the missing center resonator makes me grin at every stop light.

As for the '04's, I just bought one last month. Bluetooth is kind of a PITA as it must be essentially removed, replaced with a new ULF and the SOS recoded. (I have yet to do this). My 3.0 was an early '04. Small sunroof and non adaptive headlights. Both things I could take or leave. I love just being able to whip the sunroof cover back on my own. All those motors working on the panoramic sound expensive. They seem to me to be things that will just break one day. My 4.8 has both including the air suspension. Even with the Eibach sways, the over-boosted servo tronic steering on the 4.8 and the air shocks make for a driving experience that is less connected in my opinion. I always loved the way the 3.0 handled with Eibachs. The 4.8 is great of course, but not as communicative as the 3.0. I suspect you would also find more feel with the 4.6.

Also, the 4.6 has one thing that the 4.8 does not: Estoril. My Gawd, that is the hottest blue since blue water metallic.

I have understood that BMW changed XDrive in 2003 for 2004 models of the X5 and new X3. Instead of the standard 4WD 38/62 split, the first-marketed 'X Drive' in 2004 allowed 100% of power to go to the wheel with traction. The experts here will need to confirm my failed memory. This was also the face lift for X5.

Now, having said *alllll* of that, I specifically sought out a 4.8is in the closest thing I could find to Estoril. It took FIVE YEARS, but last month I finally found my LeMans 2004 4.8is with 11,600 miles. (Not a typo)

I have already transferred the Eibach sways, done the X pipe mod, swapped the Sirius from one to the other, and polished it up one side and down the other. The thing is like that high school cheerleader with an oral fixation and a strong desire to please. It may be high maintenance, but I've caught it early. I think we just might be in love before she starts costing me real money. And by that time, it wont bother me a bit!

With apologies to my lovely high school sweetheart and mother of my child.

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by petener999

1: rear reclining seats. 4.6is does have.

2: 4.6 is pretty bad gas mileage wise and the 4.8 is pretty decent.Not really

agreed.

the actual difference in gas mileage between these two couldn't add up to more than a couple hundy a year. If that is of any concern, get a 3.0 or better yet skip the X5 altogether.

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by gregy

I forgot about the 4.6 rear seat but from my experience with the 4.6 and the 4.8 I get around 16/17 on the 4.8 and with the 4.6 I get perhaps 12/13. EPA shows 12/16 on a 4.6 and 14/20 on a 4.8. I felt that the difference was fairly decent gas milage wise for a X5. Guess to each his own.

I get 14 around town and 18 on the highway, and average in mixed driving is 15. If a 4.8 did 2 better (which I highly doubt it would) - that would amount to a $300 savings per year in fuel at $4 / gallon. Hardly a reason to pay $thousands more for one IMHO! If the other stuff matters, that's another story - just saying don't spend $7K more on a car that will save you a couple hundred a year in fuel costs. It's kinda like the hybrid math vs. a comparable gas powered economy car - it will almost never pay off.

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by PropellerHead

Also, the 4.6 has one thing that the 4.8 does not: Estoril. My Gawd, that is the hottest blue since blue water metallic.

well, there is that! It was the color that I wanted. I always had wanted an E36 M3 in that hue. I considered Imola, but that color is a bit outlandish for a SUV that I do use as a business car.

Nothing wrong with Lemans either - simply my favorite E39 M5 color and looks great on the X5 too. Especially if you can find one with the 2-tone white / black interior - that looks sweet inside a Lemans Blue X5.

but ya - something about that Estoril just pops in any light condition but especially in the sun. BTW - my kids don't like it - they say it's too flashy and bright. Nah!

[nom3rcy]

My mom has owned an 02 4.6is since 03, and I've had my 06 4.8is for a little over a year.

You really can't go wrong with either car. The pros for the 4.6is are that it has a bit crisper steering response and turn in due to the coil spring front end, and on the same note, you won't have to worry about air ride issues as the car ages. It also has the cool alcantara sport seats option. Other than that it is equal to or trumped by the 4.8is.

The 4.8is has more power through a wider range due to valvetronic and other advances. It also a much throatier grumble from the exhaust to go along with it. You turn the key and it just growls to life. Love it. It also has the close ratio 6-speed which is more responsive and usable than the old 5 speed - IMO a major plus for the 4.8.

Then there is x-Drive, which is absolutely amazing in the snow compared to the old system. I'm talking about able to drift through the snow at 50+ mph - absolutely amazing awd system. Another huge plus for those of us in the snow belt.

The panoramic roof is another big one (sorry for the pun) it creates an airiness in the cabin and almost all of my passengers have commented on how nice it was. Even non car people love it and it totally changes the feel of the interior. Beyond that there is the facelift with angel eyes and adaptive headlights, the nicer steering wheel with a heating option, the latest NAV and CD system, adjustable ride height, and the updated wheels.

Is it worth $5k-$10k difference? I think so. With all of the changes it really adds up to something spectacular. The 4.6 was and is a sweet ride, but the 4.8 is a totally different personality. Where the 4.6 is refined and reserved, the 4.8 shows charisma and intent. It is hard to put into words but you know it when you drive em.

[chilliwilli]

^^...agree with your comments, except that the 4.6iS is 'refined and reserved'. It's quite the opposite actually. In my experience with both, the most significant difference between the two, is the 4.8iS has a lower threshold before electronics reign in. The air ride as well...altogether make the 4.8iS much more refined than it's predecessor. In the end, i went back to the 4.6iS as i like my sports cars unrefined.

OP, to answer your question, no. $7k difference is difficult to justify. However, if you're keen on performance, you could leverage that $7k into 4.6iS mods that will equal the new TT V8...as you mentioned, def' get a feel for both. Just be sure to continue your due diligence on these machines.

Happy hunting