4.6 or 4.8?

[Pierce330]

Hi Everyone,

I am not new to BMWs, but I am new to the possibility of purchasing an X5, E53 to be exact. I know that this has probably been discussed numerous times...lol
However, in terms of reliability, what would be the better purchase: 4.6 or 4.8? There are a few options for sale right now in the GTA or Greater Toronto Area for our friends in the South...Worst case, I will likely jump into a 4.4...There are a host of great indie shops near my place that specialize in BMWs, so I am not so worried...

Thanks in advance...looking forward to your advice

BTW: I am a newbie here...have been following the happenings of this forum for a while before I decided to sign up...

[TwinTurboGTR]

This is a great thred. Will answer all of your questions and supports both views http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-comments.html

[TerminatorX5]

I have both, 4.6 and 4.8... 4.6 has a bit less number of features, like a regular sunroof vs pano in 4.8, only rear air suspension vs all 4 in 4.8... the 4.6 is quicker to take off the redlight, but it is not as loud - the 4.8 rumbles much louder than the 4.6... 4.8 feels heavier even though they are probably within a few pounds from each other...

i'll be honest, i like the 4.8 better, even though i miss the "nimbleness" of the 4.6... and the later production dates should have less and less of the old bugs...

[epdarks]

While I am biased towards the 4.6, it's safe to say the 4.8 is superior in a lot of ways. More power, better transmission mostly.

One reason I ended up going for the 4.6 was the price point. 4.8s can be spendy.

There aren't a lot of 4.6s around so that makes them cool too.

To some extent, the 4.6 is easier and cheaper to maintain compared to the 4.8.

Many prefer the face lifted look of the 4.8 as well.

Good luck, both incredible trucks.

[X5Ghost]

4.8 and never look back! You won't be disappointed!

[Pierce330]

Thanks for the input guys...I have traditionally been a 3 series man, however, I am also toying with the idea of purchasing a 550i...so many decisions, so many decisions...lol

[RickM5X3]

Originally Posted by Pierce330

Thanks for the input guys...I have traditionally been a 3 series man, however, I am also toying with the idea of purchasing a 550i...so many decisions, so many decisions...lol

I totally can relate to being all over the map with the decision. I do think that if you do a 50 state search and buy the lowest mileage, clean, documented 4.8is that you can find, you will be very happy. It was (is) a special car and you will never regret buying a BMW that WILL go down in history as one of the great ones.

Mine:

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...kes-sense.html

[TerminatorX5]

pre-Bangle era... lol... i think a pinnacle of BMW at the time was E39, and the top of the line - E39 M5... they still can't get a better design - a well executed E39 (lowered, nice aero, clean paint...) still turns heads, 15 years after its introduction...

perfect "sleeper", could fool anyone at a traffic light - the "ricer" or the Corvette... untill they are all dumbfounded, watching the taillights disappearing on the horizon...

[rfdude]

Pierce330, I hope it was you who bought that black 2008 550i with the M package with 140km's on it in Oakville for less than $20.000! I called but literally he just sold it. It would have been my A6 replacement if I got it....

Like the 4.6 I picked up in the summer for the wife. Goes like crazy but seems like every weekend there's something to do on it. If you are getting one and ever need to get the tranny done use Toronto Automatic Transmission, they do all the work for the BMW and Audi dealers in the GTA and are reasonably priced all things considered.

Good luck!

[Pierce330]

I'm actually considering purchasing the 550i at Performance BMW in St. Catherines...