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

[Naz24]

Originally Posted by c4racer

comfort seats were an option. Something like $1200 option I believe. Mine has them and I really like them a lot better than the sport seats. Comfort seats come with NAPA leather, not sure if all 4.6is have NAPA as standard. It's a lot nicer - softer, more supple and holds up better.

IMHO it's hard to beat the 4.6is for value compared to a 4.8is. Exactly why I got one, although in my case I was looking at +$10K for a decent 4.8is (2 years ago) and really couldn't afford it since I was paying cash. I couldn't be happier with my 4.6is. I'm sure the 4.8is is better in some ways and it's newer too. But the 6 speed trans seems to be more problematic generally vs. the 5speed, and the 4.8is air suspension is another expensive item that often seems to fail. Looking at magazine tests, 0-60 is close to 0.4sec faster with the 4.8, which is fairly significant difference and since only +10hp that means the bigger motor has a fatter tq curve. But seriously the 4.6is is no slouch and hits 6.1s in the 0-60 run which is pretty stout for a SUV.

It's also nice to have a fresh cooling system - I just did mine and spent about $600 and that was just for parts. 120K miles on mine - looks like new!

I agree with everything you just said

[CT_X5_Joe]

Oddly enough I was in this exact same search all of 6 months ago. In the end, I decided to go with a lower mileage 4.4i. I couldn't justify spending close to $30k for an SUV with over 60k miles. The lower mileage 4.8s were getting an ultra premium ($35k+) which at that point you might as well buy an E70 3.5i and add the Dinan software for a + 80hp/120lbs gain.

[J.Belknap]

An older mileage 4.6iS could be just as expensive
As a younger 4.8iS, considering required maintenance on the older one.

Either way, I'm sure you'll enjoy. Good luck in your hunt!

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by J.Belknap

An older mileage 4.6iS could be just as expensive
As a younger 4.8iS, considering required maintenance on the older one.

Either way, I'm sure you'll enjoy. Good luck in your hunt!

depends what you are starting with and what has already been done. I think both vehicles with over 60K miles are prone to some failures and PM.

I bought mine at 94K and many of the common failures like valley pan, alternator, part of the cooling system, valve covers had been done already - under CPO warrantee by BMW too. I have driven 25K miles in 2 years and have spent no more than $1500 on maint / repairs - replaced cooling system and then normal maint items like brakes, spark plugs, etc. Only real failure was a CV boot - I replaced the axle so that cost all of $100. And headlight burned out so replaced both for $140.

Next up is a refresh on the front suspension - bushings, end links, ball joints, and could use new shocks. Might spend $1K on all that, probably not even that.

Still a far cry from the $10K more that a 4.8is would have cost me. I paid $18K for mine 2 years ago btw.

[J.Belknap]

Just a thought to consider is all.

[gregy]

I would go the 4.8 route for the cost difference without hesitation. With a 4.8 you will be at least a 04 and up which is facelifted with the new engine and a host of other improvements. You will get a more powerful engine that is more fuel efficient, newer audio components (aux in, sat ability, bluetooth (2005) and cd text), rear reclining seats, panoramic sunroof. If none of this matters than 4.6 is a good choice but from my experience with both cars the 4.6 is pretty bad gas milage wise and the 4.8 is pretty decent.

[petener999]

Originally Posted by gregy

I would go the 4.8 route for the cost difference without hesitation. With a 4.8 you will be at least a 04 and up which is facelifted with the new engine and a host of other improvements. You will get a more powerful engine that is more fuel efficient, newer audio components (aux in, sat ability, bluetooth (2005) and cd text), rear reclining seats, panoramic sunroof. If none of this matters than 4.6 is a good choice but from my experience with both cars the 4.6 is pretty bad gas milage wise and the 4.8 is pretty decent.

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

[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.

[Jordo]

I think all X5's have rear reclining seats.

[J.Belknap]

Yeah, having a second overdrive gear would be nice.