3.0 vs 4.6

[ggj13557]

Looking to upgrade from my 2002 X5 3.0 to a 2003 X5 4.6is. I've heard that the 3.0 is BMW's workhorse and to stay away from the 4.6. This is news to me...any truth to it?

[Qsilver7]

I don't know...each engine/transmission/etc has its good & bad...it's ultimately up to the buyer as to which pill to take:

[pnoyako85]

4.8isbetter motor they say.....4.6is is still good in my opinion..

[Nick P]

4.6 is statistically more powerful than 4.8. The main problem on 4.6 is the transmission. I prefered the 4.6 bacause it's easier and cheaper to tune and maitain. The chain tensioners and timing chain itself on M62s could be a problem indeed, escpecailly after I discovered, the head gasket replacement on M54 costs like 3000-4000$ in US.

Generally, the older big HP non-domestic cars are exepnsive to maitain, the pretty low sales prices are often just a vicious misunderstanding.

I can speak about the M5 E39, where the retail price is that you have to have for unexpected engine failure. The story with high HP X5 is almost the same - the money you paid for the car is like 1/2 of it actual costs.

[ggj13557]

I think I'm going to stick with the 3.0 that I currently own. I get over 19 MPG city and it pulls my boat like a champ. Thanks for all the input and especially the article provided by Qsilver!